Ted Thompson and the Favre Situation

[The Shadow]

If there is any substance to any of this, it would appear that Favre may have gone to the well once too often with the prima donna stuff, and had his bluff called by a strong GM.

Is that strong GB ready for a huge blast by the media AND fans if there is any substance to this?

Well, I think the GM you'd want would be the guy who doesn't let fan/media reaction get in the way of what's best for the team.

True. Unless it really is all about ego.

My impression has been that from the day Thompson was hired, he has been focused on getting the Packers to championship status. He also does not seem to be into the ego trip, since he keeps as low-key as you can get.
Now this might not be a popular decision (understatement!) with many Packer fans, but not allowing outside pressure (fans and media) to deter you from your goal is an admirable trait.
Might be right, might be wrong, but having the courage of your convictions is necessary for an exceptional GM.

[Bretsky]

If there is any substance to any of this, it would appear that Favre may have gone to the well once too often with the prima donna stuff, and had his bluff called by a strong GM.

You are very biased in your TT support and anti Favre sentiment with all of the prima donna comments. I don't agree with that. It is Favre's right to return and TT's right to do whatever he pleases.

I do agree that TT is a strong GM if he does, or already has, let Brett Favre know that the Packers do not want him.

[Deputy Nutz]

If there is any substance to any of this, it would appear that Favre may have gone to the well once too often with the prima donna stuff, and had his bluff called by a strong GM.

You are very biased in your TT support and anti Favre sentiment with all of the prima donna comments. I don't agree with that. It is Favre's right to return and TT's right to do whatever he pleases.

I do agree that TT is a strong GM if he does, or already has, let Brett Favre know that the Packers do not want him.

Thompson has the best gig in football. He is totally in charge of football operations without any interference from an owner. At this moment an owner would step in with Favre and go over his GM's head. I guarantee it. I don't think Murphy has the stones, and he really isn't in a position to do anything. In my opinion I wish he would, but I realize that he doesn't really have the power unless he threatens to fire Thompson and take him in front of the board of trustees.

I think Favre for the most part has been a good soldier. It must not have been easy going 4-12 in Thompson's first year, and coming back under a new coach in McCarthy. He knew time was closing in on him, and he wanted pieces put in plays to win. He made a few comments about Randy Moss. So I don't know how big of a prima donna Favre was being, but again Favre is a professional athlete, and a very very good one, and he probably expects to be catered to and babied. It is the way they are wired.

[swede]

If there is any substance to any of this, it would appear that Favre may have gone to the well once too often with the prima donna stuff, and had his bluff called by a strong GM.

You are very biased in your TT support and anti Favre sentiment with all of the prima donna comments. I don't agree with that. It is Favre's right to return and TT's right to do whatever he pleases.

I do agree that TT is a strong GM if he does, or already has, let Brett Favre know that the Packers do not want him.

Hello!???

Hasn't Brett been talking retirement for five years, finally making a decision to quit after having several chances to beat the Giants in the NFC championship game and then blowing it?

Didn't Brett hold a press conference and retire or did I just dream that?

In many, many things Brett was the best: strong-armed, tenacious, tough, durable, funny, and fun-loving.

He may be the worst-ever NFL superstar in terms of handling his own retirement. But every Packer fan forgave him every year even as the act started to wear thin. He was just thinking out loud as Brett always has.

However, if you are a Packer fan you should be a little annoyed with Brett now.

If you are not annoyed with Brett I question your commitment to the continued success of the Green Bay Packers. He has allowed controversy and distraction for his former teammates and coaches.

Most of the blame goes to the media, but after 17 years he could have stayed quiet for the good of the team. And if he really is harboring second thoughts about retirement and really does want to come back and play football he should play somewhere else. It didn't hurt Montana's legacy, it didn't hurt Reggie White's legacy, and it won't harm Brett's place in NFL history.

I never, ever, ever criticized Brett as a player, and I only mildy chastised him for the retirement crap every year. But once again, I am surprised at those who would assign responsibility for this controversy, and its negative effects on the team, to anyone other than Brett.

[MJZiggy]

I'm holding off being annoyed with Brett temporarily until I find out a few things:

1. Did he mean what he said when he texted the SH? Did he really text Mort to tell him that he was staying retired (If he did, this whole mess is on Mort, who simply doesn't want his big story going away yet)?

2. IF the answers to #1 are no and no, then did he really talk with M3 2 weeks ago about returning? If so and it wasn't just a courtesy call, then he shouldn't have said it was just a rumor.

[Scott Campbell]

DP

[swede]

I'm holding off being annoyed with Brett temporarily until I find out a few things:

1. Did he mean what he said when he texted the SH? Did he really text Mort to tell him that he was staying retired (If he did, this whole mess is on Mort, who simply doesn't want his big story going away yet)?

2. IF the answers to #1 are no and no, then did he really talk with M3 2 weeks ago about returning? If so and it wasn't just a courtesy call, then he shouldn't have said it was just a rumor.

I think that is a very reasonable position, Zig.

I'd like to think that by this stage in his career Brett is able to talk to the media without startin' stuff even inadvertently.

This may come down to what you think when you read or hear someone relate to you that Brett retired because he felt like the team didn't want him.

Some people think, "Aha! TT DID want Brett gone!"

And some people think, "Fer cryin' out loud, Brett, you're one of the best to ever play the game. Play or don't play. We'll support you either way."

I'm more in the second camp. It only makes sense that the team was ready to tell Brett to do what wanted because the team was now ready to move in either direction--with or without him. If that position hurt his feelings then Brett Favre's sense of professional pride tipped all the way over into prima dona territory, and I have never ever thought of him that way.

[Bretsky]

I'm holding off being annoyed with Brett temporarily until I find out a few things:

1. Did he mean what he said when he texted the SH? Did he really text Mort to tell him that he was staying retired (If he did, this whole mess is on Mort, who simply doesn't want his big story going away yet)?

2. IF the answers to #1 are no and no, then did he really talk with M3 2 weeks ago about returning? If so and it wasn't just a courtesy call, then he shouldn't have said it was just a rumor.

I think that is a very reasonable position, Zig.

I'd like to think that by this stage in his career Brett is able to talk to the media without startin' stuff even inadvertently.

This may come down to what you think when you read or hear someone relate to you that Brett retired because he felt like the team didn't want him.

Some people think, "Aha! TT DID want Brett gone!"

And some people think, "Fer cryin' out loud, Brett, you're one of the best to ever play the game. Play or don't play. We'll support you either way."

I'm more in the second camp. It only makes sense that the team was ready to tell Brett to do what wanted because the team was now ready to move in either direction--with or without him. If that position hurt his feelings then Brett Favre's sense of professional pride tipped all the way over into prima dona territory, and I have never ever thought of him that way.

I'm not really annoyed at Brett or TT

To be honest this is all intriguing because normally offseasons for Packer talk is dead.

I have a multitude of beliefs which add to me not being irked. I think the Packer brass pushed Favre to make a call too early and I think TT may have been cold enough to make Favre feel unwanted. Personally I think if there was any doubt Favre should have just said "I'm coming back" as he could have always stated "burout in July, August, or Sept" and retired later...but he didn't. So my feelings are mixed.

I don't rip Favre for wanting to come back...as it appears he does...and I'm not going to be pissed at TT for not wanting Favre back and figuring he'll move on.

[swede]

I'm holding off being annoyed with Brett temporarily until I find out a few things:

1. Did he mean what he said when he texted the SH? Did he really text Mort to tell him that he was staying retired (If he did, this whole mess is on Mort, who simply doesn't want his big story going away yet)?

2. IF the answers to #1 are no and no, then did he really talk with M3 2 weeks ago about returning? If so and it wasn't just a courtesy call, then he shouldn't have said it was just a rumor.

I think that is a very reasonable position, Zig...

I'm not really annoyed at Brett or TT


I don't rip Favre for wanting to come back...as it appears he does...and I'm not going to be pissed at TT for not wanting Favre back and figuring he'll move on.

I'm partly annoyed because I came to this news a bit late and I told everyone it sounded like nothing. If it isn't nothing Brett makes me look bad. If Brett Favre quarterbacks this team next year my mother-in-law, who knows zero about football other than her love of Brett Favre, will rip me again and again about who knew best.

I'd hate that.

[Bretsky]

I'm holding off being annoyed with Brett temporarily until I find out a few things:

1. Did he mean what he said when he texted the SH? Did he really text Mort to tell him that he was staying retired (If he did, this whole mess is on Mort, who simply doesn't want his big story going away yet)?

2. IF the answers to #1 are no and no, then did he really talk with M3 2 weeks ago about returning? If so and it wasn't just a courtesy call, then he shouldn't have said it was just a rumor.

I think that is a very reasonable position, Zig...

I'm not really annoyed at Brett or TT


I don't rip Favre for wanting to come back...as it appears he does...and I'm not going to be pissed at TT for not wanting Favre back and figuring he'll move on.

I'm partly annoyed because I came to this news a bit late and I told everyone it sounded like nothing. If it isn't nothing Brett makes me look bad. If Brett Favre quarterbacks this team next year my mother-in-law, who knows zero about football other than her love of Brett Favre, will rip me again and again about who knew best.

I'd hate that.

Ouch; it would suck to be on receiving end of the I told you so's from the In Law

When Favre was young I saw huge potential and when he was struggling they were screaming to bench him and I fought them tooth and nail against their idea that Brunnell or Detmer should start. So I hold the I told you so card......as least now

[MJZiggy]

Good thing you never told them how you felt about what the Turtle was gonna do to the team last year...

[Bretsky]

Good thing you never told them how you felt about what the Turtle was gonna do to the team last year...

I think they try to avoid pro football talk with me now

[MJZiggy]

Smart people...

[bobblehead]

I'm holding off being annoyed with Brett temporarily until I find out a few things:

1. Did he mean what he said when he texted the SH? Did he really text Mort to tell him that he was staying retired (If he did, this whole mess is on Mort, who simply doesn't want his big story going away yet)?

2. IF the answers to #1 are no and no, then did he really talk with M3 2 weeks ago about returning? If so and it wasn't just a courtesy call, then he shouldn't have said it was just a rumor.

I think that is a very reasonable position, Zig...

I'm not really annoyed at Brett or TT


I don't rip Favre for wanting to come back...as it appears he does...and I'm not going to be pissed at TT for not wanting Favre back and figuring he'll move on.

I'm partly annoyed because I came to this news a bit late and I told everyone it sounded like nothing. If it isn't nothing Brett makes me look bad. If Brett Favre quarterbacks this team next year my mother-in-law, who knows zero about football other than her love of Brett Favre, will rip me again and again about who knew best.

I'd hate that.

I think I know her. Did she also constantly brag about how much she knew about basketball cuz she was a huge jordan/bulls fan?

[Tarlam!]

Re: Giants

I would have liked to see a better prepared team from MM in the Giants game.

I would have liked for our WR's to have gotten a sliver of separation against a less than stellar secondary.

I would have liked for our O-line to actually make a freakin run block.

I would have liked for our D to have played with some kind of EMOTION.

I would have liked for our defensive coordinator to adjust when he see's the same thing happen a BILLION freakin times.

I would have liked for Harris to keep his mouth shut while PB was schooling him.

I would have liked a stronger commitment to the run.


Why is it so hard for you to comprehend it's a TEAM game? It really is not that difficult a concept.

Blaming Favre for that loss is MORONIC and shows a complete lack of understanding for the game of pro football, yet you take your little cheap shots at him every chance you get.

EVERYONE from the coaches to the players SUCKED in that game! If blaming everyone is to complicated a task for you, then blame the main guy responsible- AL HARRIS.

Of course in your brain, may-be you firmly believe it was Favre providing coverage (or lack there of) on PB???????????????????

Pretty good post here from Packnut. I can't say I disagree with any of it, except that you feel I blame soley Favre for the last loss. It would be equally absurd to suggest Favre was completely alone against Seattle.

What I will continue to believe, despite my moronic ways and complete lack of understanding of the game is the the veteran LEADER of the team looked cold and tired GOING INTO THE FIRST SNAP. And it got worse, not better as the game progressed.

You consider that a cheap shot? OK, well, I would just call it my opinion. Considering I singled Favre out for the highest praise in the Seattle game, I think I am trying to position my opinion as unbiased.