Written by Sarah Kyle
Packers fans across the nation groaned with betrayal when their former star Brett Favre returned to football. Their problem? He returned to play not for them, but rather for their rival, the Minnesota Vikings.
Since the announcement, there has been a lot of controversy surrounding his decision. Some say it was a love of the game that inspired his decision. Others say that it was pure betrayal. Personally, I side with the people that say it was a love of the game.
Have you ever loved doing something so much that it didn’t matter where you were doing it, or who your boss was? All that mattered to Favre was that he was playing the game.
The question I’d like to pose is whether or not his decision to play meant anything in the long run. After all, when he was considering choosing to play for the Vikings last summer, one of his main concerns was recovering from an injury. However, he decided to ignore those concerns and play anyway.
Now where is he? Injured in a playoff game that was potentially his last shot at the SuperBowl, again trying to make the decision on whether or not he should continue his career or go ahead and retire.
Let me start off by saying that I have tremendous respect for someone who loves something so much that they risk criticism and injury to “live the dream.” Favre’s passion for the game is clearly evident. However, I also believe that there is a time to let go and give the game over to younger players.
Favre was a football legend. Not even disgruntled and “betrayed” Packer’s fans can argue with that. It’s absolutely amazing that he was able to live out his dreams unti agre 40. Few people get that chance, especially in the NFL, and the few that do should learn to pass the torch on and help the upcoming players to reach new standards of athletic achievement.
It is always bittersweet to see an athletic hero go into retirement. Hockey faced uncertainty and change with the retirement of Joe Sakic and other hockey greats. Now, I believe that it is Favre’s turn to accept this new stage in his life.
Do I think that he should completely step away from the game? No, of course not. Rather, I think that he should, as all great masters of a skill, pass on his years of experience to coach and train the next legends of the game. I hope he gives them the chance to stop living under his shadow and start being lifted up by his support.
You see, you can love the game and have a passion for it without being in the spotlight. I think it takes a deeper love of the game to have the humility to step out of the spotlight and help others step into it.
What will he choose? Who knows. But I hope that whatever he chooses is in the best interest of the game. If he does that, what greater meaning could there be?
