Favre makes a statement this AM on ESPN

[esoxx]

I can't believe Favre isn't excited about the Packers adding one player on offense so far in FA. And that one player had eight catches last season. Still no guards and lost our starting center. C'mon Brett, quit your bellyaching and sign up for an ass whippin' again this year. What a crybaby.

[woodbuck27]

Sorry all you who will judge Favre on wanting to win, but I'm one of those crazy Packer Fans that wants the same thing, and I especially don't want to see worse than I did last Season.

If Favre wants to win then he should get off his tractor, fly up to GB, work out with the younger players, and lead by example. Favre is showing poor leadership right now, and ultimately, his comments are doing very little to motivate and energize players currently on the roster.

What Favre is saying right now has more to do with whining than winning.

Favre isn't whining Mr T , he's telling all , that he doesn't see the team going in the direction that excites him. 4-12 last Season didn't excite him and are we better or worse on "O" to this point in the Off Season ?

He believes he can play and he wants to play but not if he's going to be used. Some want him to take one for the Packer Organization but didn't he do that last Season? You read the articles from Packer beat writers and who see's 2006 as a better Season ? Noone !

Brett Favre isn't the type to play a yawner Season or go through the motions. He's not a public fella either and a farewell tour would only embarasss him.

This is a man who simply is now seriously considering retirement. PLEASE realize that and give him all the slack he needs to make that decision properly . He's said over and over it's not an easy decision. Surely you must realize this too, Mr.T. ?

Your a reasonable and intelligent man.

[esoxx]

What woodbuck said.

[woodbuck27]

Packers: Favre still has the itch, with reservations

Written by PackerChatters Staff
Friday, 31 March 2006

Biloxi, Mississippi - Will Brett Favre play a 16th season in the NFL? Only the gunslinger, not even his wife, knows under what conditions that will happen.

But he did deny an ESPN report on Thursday that he has to let the Green Bay Packers know by Saturday.

"That is not true," he said. "If I don't tell them by Saturday, what will they do, cut me?

"We have talked the last month and there are some things that I have to sort out. If they don't come together, I guess I won't play. I don't know if my decision will be made by Saturday."

Favre, in town with Steve McNair to award grants to local high school and nonprofit football organizations in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, admits he has the itch to play again. It's similar to the itch he had before returning for his 15th season, a dismal 4-12 year that left the Packers searching for a new head coach.

"Last season was a different circumstance with Deanna (winning a battle with breast cancer)," Favre said. "I do have the itch, just a different one.

"It's not about the money and I would walk away from a lot of it. It's about winning football games. I want to come back and win."

Between chatting about turkey hunting and football, Favre said the decision to return lies in the hands of the Packers, who have to get better players and make a commitment to winning.

If not, his next stop will be the Pro Football Hall of Fame after a career that includes several Pro Bowl appearances, three MVP awards and a Super Bowl championship ring.

"I still believe I can play," he said. "But I can't be content being 4-12 again. My concern is how good of a team we can have.

"Last season, expectations were high and it was a bad situation. If we can't compete at a high level, I can walk away and my legacy will speak for itself."

Green Bay Packers, you're on the clock and it's ticking.

You can see the desire to play again in Favre's eyes. I've known him for many years and he has the same look as he did when the Packers were yearly contenders. The love is there as well.

The only difference is the look he now wears is a guarded one and after a 4-12 season you can't blame him.

When a quarterback walks into the huddle and can't recognize some of the faces, it's hard to have trust in players making the right blocks, receivers running the proper routes and backs hitting the correct hole.

That same trust - the one he's had for years - now lies in the hands of the Packers because the former Southern Miss standout isn't asking for a second ring, just a chance to compete at a high level for it.

"All teams have injuries, so you deal with them," he said. "There are days that I get up and I'm ready to play again. Then, there are days when I would like to retire. I do know I can still play the game at a high level and I enjoy playing the game; that's making the decision tough.

"But you're only as good as the team around you. If I walk away, I walk away happy and I've accomplished a lot."

The bottom line is Favre is real close to hanging things up and spending more time with Deanna and their daughters, Brittany and Breleigh.

Whether it comes this year or not, the career will end in 2007 at the latest.

Five years later, he's a first-ballot Hall of Famer.

"I don't know if I will play this year or not," he said. "Even Deanna is ready for my decision. If I do play this year, it will be my last.

"There's no doubt about that."

After 15 years as one of the best to ever play the game, Brett has earned the right to prolong his decision to play or not to play. We're talking about a man who redefined the quarterback position in terms of reckless abandon. If he does play, ceremonies will take place at stadiums across the NFL as he makes his farewell tour.

If he doesn't play, wild game in the Magnolia State will not be the same.

My guess?

It's his decision.

Source: Al Jones - The SunHerald

[Anti-Polar Bear]

Favre is still a good player and to force a good player into an early retirement is likely to hurt the team in the aftermath. The Dolphins forced Marino to call it quit a bit too soon, and look what is happening to them: they have been lacking a consistent, pro bowl caliber qb ever since. The Lions forced Sanders into retirement early and they have never made playoffs since.

For players like Favre, Marino and Sanders, at the latter stage of their careers, money doesnt matter. Its all about winning. Mike Sherman, if he were still GM, wouldve taken a healthy Packer team to the SB last year. Sherman wouldve upgraded the defense via free agency and the draft as well as kept the offense together.

Ted Thompson is a terrible GM. He is forcing Favre into an early retirement.

[woodbuck27]

Tank ! Hello .

Check out the Avatar thread.

There is a more appropriate choice in there pour vous.

Think - Polar Bear / Turtle.


Regarding forcing Favre into retirement .Ultimitately the decision lies with Brett. I sense his retirement is best postponed with more delay. He just wants TT to somewhat more, compromise and embrace his world.

TT has all the power to turn this for 'the best' or as you suggest, force Favre out . Favre doesn't spell out exactly what he wants ie a T.O. or a Steve Hutcinson but just something more. Get . . .something done! I don't want to see him placed in a position as he was last Season .That was brutal.If it doesn't improve he should walk.

but then. . .

You will always get the fans that will turn it another way and say that Brett just quit because he "wanted to win".

Why is he waiting? Just to piss people off? NO! He's doing that to apply some pressure on a GM that has to do more. It's an interesting watch.

Brett Fvare wanting to win? Surely we know him. Mmmm, not a novel idea!

[Anti-Polar Bear]

Hey Woodbuck, with Harlan rarely posting there, you are starting to sound like him at that other site (jsonline), witty and humorous altogether (although, imo, that site is getting dull).

Thompson made the big mistake of dismantling the Pack last season and thats mainly why Favre hasnt decided yet. If I were Favre, I would do exactly the same thing. Thompsons at fault, not Favre.

[woodbuck27]

Hey Woodbuck, with Harlan rarely posting there, you are starting to sound like him at that other site (jsonline), witty and humorous altogether (although, imo, that site is getting dull).

Thompson made the big mistake of dismantling the Pack last season and thats mainly why Favre hasnt decided yet. If I were Favre, I would do exactly the same thing. Thompsons at fault, not Favre.

Tank go to the avatar thread and take a look at the variation of the polar bear - the really slow moving one and maybe you'll like it.

I'm really concerned about Favre now maan. I hope he plays this really smart . Tough spot.

Never thought I see him anywhere there. It really bugs me.

Your right Tank, the writing was on the wall as soon as TT arrived. It's tough to sweat through as a Fan that respects Brett Favre as I do.

[Mr. T]

Favre isn't whining Mr T , he's telling all , that he doesn't see the team going in the direction that excites him.

I'll repeat what I said - it's completely innappropriate for him to approach the media and criticize the Packer's Front Office. If you went to the media and complained about the people you work with, do you think you would have a job tomorrow?

And about the team needing to improve - if he cares so much, why doesn't he work with some of the players in the off season? He can't throw balls to Gardner, Driver, and Boerigter?

4-12 last Season didn't excite him and are we better or worse on "O" to this point in the Off Season ?

He believes he can play and he wants to play but not if he's going to be used. Some want him to take one for the Packer Organization but didn't he do that last Season? You read the articles from Packer beat writers and who see's 2006 as a better Season ? Noone !

How exactly would we be using him? How is Brett being used? He's already said that he is NOT tutoring AR.

And explain to me how he took one for the team last year. We had a bad season, and he got paid $10 million++ to throw 29 picks.

Brett Favre isn't the type to play a yawner Season or go through the motions. He's not a public fella either and a farewell tour would only embarasss him.

This is a man who simply is now seriously considering retirement. PLEASE realize that and give him all the slack he needs to make that decision properly . He's said over and over it's not an easy decision. Surely you must realize this too, Mr.T. ?

Your a reasonable and intelligent man.

Brett's current attitude towards retirement is damaging to the Packer Organization. Favre is not more important than the Packers.

Four months is ample time IMO. To me, it sounds like his mind is already made up. If the Packers sign player's X, Y and Z, he'll come back. If they don't, he'll probably retire.

[Rastak]

Man, check this out....from the USA Today:







Posted 3/31/2006 3:24 PM

Favre says he wants to play, but wants to win more
BAY ST. LOUIS, Miss. (AP) — Green Bay Packer Brett Favre tells a newspaper he wants to play again but he'll return only if the Packers can assemble a winning team.
And if he does return this year, Favre told the Sun Herald newspaper there is "no doubt" it will be his last season.

The venerable quarterback said he wants the Packers to get better players and make a commitment to winning.

"Last season, expectations were high and it was a bad situation," Favre said of the team's 4-12 season, his only losing one as quarterback. "If we can't compete at a high level, I can walk away and my legacy will speak for itself."

Rumors have been circulating that Favre would have to make his decision to return by Saturday, but Favre said they're untrue.

"If I don't tell them by Saturday, what will they do, cut me?" Favre said.

Favre, in town to award grants to groups following Hurricane Katrina, said he has been talking to the team for the past month and there are things that both parties have to sort out.

"If they don't come together, I guess I won't play," Favre said. "I don't know if my decision will be made by Saturday."

Favre said some days he wants to play and other days he wants to retire. Knowing he can still compete at a high level is making the decision tough, he said.

Even his wife is ready for his decision, Favre said.

[Rastak]

Man, check this out....from the USA Today:



Edit: The key here is that this is his last year if he comes back at all.



Posted 3/31/2006 3:24 PM

Favre says he wants to play, but wants to win more
BAY ST. LOUIS, Miss. (AP) — Green Bay Packer Brett Favre tells a newspaper he wants to play again but he'll return only if the Packers can assemble a winning team.
And if he does return this year, Favre told the Sun Herald newspaper there is "no doubt" it will be his last season.

The venerable quarterback said he wants the Packers to get better players and make a commitment to winning.

"Last season, expectations were high and it was a bad situation," Favre said of the team's 4-12 season, his only losing one as quarterback. "If we can't compete at a high level, I can walk away and my legacy will speak for itself."

Rumors have been circulating that Favre would have to make his decision to return by Saturday, but Favre said they're untrue.

"If I don't tell them by Saturday, what will they do, cut me?" Favre said.

Favre, in town to award grants to groups following Hurricane Katrina, said he has been talking to the team for the past month and there are things that both parties have to sort out.

"If they don't come together, I guess I won't play," Favre said. "I don't know if my decision will be made by Saturday."

Favre said some days he wants to play and other days he wants to retire. Knowing he can still compete at a high level is making the decision tough, he said.

Even his wife is ready for his decision, Favre said.

[imscott72]

The thing I don't like about Favre's delay is that I really think the unknown is costing us free agents. It's no secret without Brett were a below average team next year. Since FA's don't know whats going to happen, they're choosing to sign elsewhere.

[woodbuck27]

Favre isn't whining Mr T , he's telling all , that he doesn't see the team going in the direction that excites him.

Mr.T:

I'll repeat what I said - it's completely innappropriate for him to approach the media and criticize the Packer's Front Office. If you went to the media and complained about the people you work with, do you think you would have a job tomorrow?

woodbuck27:

I'm not Brett Favre. I would be alot more criticle loose job or not. Favre has exhibited awesome control as I view it all.

Did he criticize the Packer Front Office? I felt his dialogue was carefully chosen and he even referred to TT and Mike McCarthy as friends. He talked about Team direction that can mean many things. Have we ever heard him say go out and get this or that player?

The man merely wants what is sensable to me. To have pieces in place to win not lose. He has to think of his health as well, with 300 lb. Defensive Lineman bearing down on him at twice the rate he was used to in 2003.


Mr T:

And about the team needing to improve - if he cares so much, why doesn't he work with some of the players in the off season? He can't throw balls to Gardner, Driver, and Boerigter?

woodbuck27: mini-camps come after the draft , Eh ! TC is in August.

4-12 last Season didn't excite him and are we better or worse on "O" to this point in the Off Season ?

He believes he can play and he wants to play but not if he's going to be used. Some want him to take one for the Packer Organization but didn't he do that last Season? You read the articles from Packer beat writers and who see's 2006 as a better Season ? Noone !

Mr.T:

How exactly would we be using him? How is Brett being used? He's already said that he is NOT tutoring AR.

And explain to me how he took one for the team last year. We had a bad season, and he got paid $10 million++ to throw 29 picks.

woodbuck27:

He was in the NFL and accomplished a heck of alot to earn that salary Mr.T. There you go now pointing the finger at his 29 picks. Yea he's a bum! Come On . I agree that his decision making isn't always the best but 29 picks last year with what he had around him and him being him!

Yes he took one for the Team . How many games did you see him miss? How often did you see him give up? He came into camp in awesome shape because he knew he was missing two guards.He put it out there,started every game. I never heard him once blast anyone publicly, and it was obvious he was devastated.

Brett Favre was placed in a very bad spot and it could be alot worse this Season. He's not a masochist Mr.T. He won't be back unless something gives.

If you are one of those that wants him gone? Your wish is very handy to being just there.

Brett Favre isn't the type to play a yawner Season or go through the motions. He's not a public fella either and a farewell tour would only embarasss him.

This is a man who simply is now seriously considering retirement. PLEASE realize that and give him all the slack he needs to make that decision properly . He's said over and over it's not an easy decision. Surely you must realize this too, Mr.T. ?

Your a reasonable and intelligent man.

Mr.T.:

Brett's current attitude towards retirement is damaging to the Packer
Organization. Favre is not more important than the Packers.


woodbuck27: How is anyone's thoughts of retirement damaging to any Organization? A healthy Organization prepares for retirement of it's employees. You have Aaron Rodgers to QB the Packers.He says he will be there just for that if needed.

No, Favre isn't more important that the Organization. He tells us that if the Packers are headed in a direction the precludes winning then he will retire.Is his honesty a reflection of a man that wants to damage the Packers? How do you or I know how many things he has to factor into that decision to retire when he's private and not even his wife ,his agent, his brother or mother knows that answer?


Mr.T :

Four months is ample time IMO. To me, it sounds like his mind is already made up. If the Packers sign player's X, Y and Z, he'll come back. If they don't, he'll probably retire.

woodbuck27:

Oh, I don't think such a tough decision as that (retirement) needs a time limit ,and especially when your Brett Favre and retirement will in all liklihood cost-cost-cost. he has told us he still believes in his abilities, and wants to play.The problem he is honest in also saying he wants to win or it will be very hard for him to endure, as he did last Season.He deserves to win and we deserve to see him win.

Again Mr. T , I have never read where Brett Favre made any specific demands to acquire this or that player or else. He has said he is watching the teams off season moves to see if the chances of winning are really there. Do you expect that he should come back this Season and risk injury ,embarassment or humiliation ? I don't .

[billy_oliver880]

I just wish he would make up his mind. I don't think its beneficial for him to keep waiting. The front office can not be held hostage waiting for him to get on board. They have to continue forward. Lets hope for a damn good draft.

[GoPackGo]

Re: .::.

I won't beleive the quotes unless i see him say it on video.

I heard the audio,yup he said it