In the world of sports, I have found myself a new athlete to call my favorite. Move over Roger Federer. Take a back seat Allen Iverson. You guys have been replaced. I thank you for all the joys you have provided for me throughout these years, but my new favorite athlete has me rejoicing in a way none of you could.
Now Roger, Allen, don’t get me wrong, this has nothing to do with what you didn’t do. Mr. Federer you have been my main man for quite a while now. For years now I have trumpeted your amazing achievements and argued with anyone who would listen that the only reason you weren’t recognized for what you are (the most dominant athlete over the past three years) is because of American bias and ignorance. Allen Iverson my man from Georgetown University I have defended you to the hilt every time an ignorant, closed minded, judgmental group or individual has jumped on your case for you being you. Those days are now over. As of March 5, 2008 my new favorite athlete (Number one with a bullet baby!!) is Randy Moss!!
Why Randy Moss you say? Well it has nothing to do with what he did or has done on the field. I could care less about him putting together one of the finest seasons an NFL receiver has ever had!! I don’t care that he conducted himself like a professional and was free from any of the baggage that he carried throughout his days in Minnesota and Oakland. It doesn’t even move me that he showed a world of doubters that he was far from finished!! Why is Randy Moss my favorite athlete? Because if the multiple media sources are correct, Randy Moss was the person who finally put the last nail in the coffin of Brett Favre’s football career. THANK YOU RANDY, THANK YOU SO MUCH!! I will always be grateful for what you’ve done!! My only wish would have been that you could have done this sooner. Like about two or three years ago!!
Let me say I have nothing against Brett Favre the man or the football player in general. In my opinion, Favre is the greatest quarterback of his generation and one of the best who ever played the position. He was instrumental in the resurgence of one of the most storied and famous franchises in professional sports. His toughness was legendary and while he set almost every conceivable record for a quarterback, his streak of playing in over 230 games is almost comparable to Cy Young’s 511 wins, Joe DiMaggio’s 56 game hitting streak, and Wilt averaging over 20 rebounds for his career.
He was a guy who overcame addiction, the death of family members, his wife battle cancer and all the while formed charities that have helped countless people of all ages, races and people from different places. On top of that (and most importantly) he won the universal respect and admiration of his peers. So why am I so happy for his retirement?
The love affair that was the media and Brett Favre for the past few years had become quite annoying. The cheerleading, “we’re not worthy” reverence paid to a guy who was playing at an average to below average level was very irritating. It was because of that admiration for Favre that made him immune to strong, creditable, fair criticism when it was called for. From the yearly nonsense of putting an organization on hold while he decided if he wanted to return for another year. To the year long nonsensical chatter of announcers turning an NFL football game into a three and a half hour ear bleeding, head hurting diatribe of what a great human being Brett Favre is.
In instances where other players would be verbally bashed for inefficient play or exhibiting selfish behavior, the same treatment would not be given to Favre. Whether it was throwing 29 of the ugliest, ill-conceived, interceptions in 2005 and having pundits give us the, “He’s doesn’t have anybody around him” excuse, to not being taken to task when he said he wasn’t interested in being a mentor to then rookie quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Even voicing his displeasure to the media about teammate Javon Walker holding out of training camp for a fair contract, after he had signed one of the most lucrative contracts in NFL history. All of these instances took place when he was going through a statistical slump in his career.
I firmly believe last season was more aberration than anything else…And while yes he did have one, if not his best overall season statically, he still came up small in the biggest games of the season. Against the Dallas Cowboys on that Thursday night with both teams coming into the game tied for the NFC lead and home field advantage on the line, Favre was horrendous. He was saved from further embarrassment when he was injured and could not return. Most importantly against the New York Giants (at home) in the NFC championship game, he was clearly outplayed by Eli Manning before throwing an interception that cost them a chance to play in the Super Bowl. In fact, throwing an interception in overtime of a playoff game and costing his team the game is nothing new for Favre. Remember the 2003 playoff game against the Philadelphia Eagles?
In the end, while I recognize the totality of his brilliant, hall of fame career and respect what he has done for the league and others, his retirement brings a new refreshing outlook for me this upcoming NFL season. Randy Moss, you the man!!!
Filed under: Brett Farve, NFL | Tagged: Brett Farve, Football, GREEN BAY PACKERS, NFL, Sports
