Good Bye Brett Favre.....

January 1996, I remember sitting in the living room of my parent home, watching the Green Bay Packers become Super Bowl Champs. I have my sweatshirt still from that year, stating the Super Bowl win. Oh, and the hat with the Orleans art, stating the champions. And I remember the following year watching the same team, lose in their next Super Bowl appearance. Ive been to two Packer games, once against the Chicago Bears, and the last game, about 7 yrs ago, against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. And at one time, I had a button that stated, "God must be a Packer Fan"

To be honest I've never really knew football. My life didn't revolve around it and I never really understood what all the excitement was about. That started to changed when Brett Favre became the rage.

The game itself wasn't any different but I sure developed a thrill for watching Brett throw the football. Whether it was Freeman, Sharper, Driver catching the ball, it was a complete pass that got the ball further down the field. It was the look on Brett's face that played out. It was the excitement of us all.

When Brett retired I understood. I have to say I was heart broke. I felt let down. Football is a demanding sport and at some point each and every player must walk away from the game. I was sorry that time had come for Brett but I would also remember him for the champion he was and never would I question his decision to call it quits.

All this "talk" in Green Bay about moving on... "the train is leaving the station.. are you going to be on it". What I do understand is that Brett decided he wanted to play and after everything he's given both the team and the fans, we turned our back on him. I understand his feelings of betrayal. I understand his bitterness in all of this. What I don't understand is how we could spit in his face after all the years of excitement and glory he has brought to the Packers. If I remember correctly, the Packers weren't much to talk about in the decade prior to Favre. If anything Favre gave the fans something to cheer about and that is what its all about. I realize that each man on the team is what makes a team successful. There are many other great players and I don't mean to minimize their role but Brett is the big issue right now.

I just wonder when they retire the number 4, how the fans within the stadium will present themselves. I feel that Brett needs the respect that he earns, especially after needing to wear someone elses colors. Im sure alot of hard words were said, and words that can not be forgotten.

Truth be told I'll go where Brett goes. Why? Because as I said before I enjoy watching him throw the football. I just hope where ever he goes he gets a team that will enable him to shine. I hope he has a talented offensive line. I'll watch Favre throw for as long as he plays the game.

Will I watch the Packers? I'll still watch the Packers but for different reasons now. They are after all in my blood. I'll even give Rodgers the chance to earn my support. However I won't just give it to him like so many fans have blindly done. I don't think Packer football will be nearly as exciting this year.

Goodbye Brett! I've enjoyed watching you all these years. You were the one player that gave me football fever. The excitement you brought to the game made me excited about the game and I'll never forget the 16 years you played for us. You'll always be the best quarterback that ever played the game. Not only because of the records you hold but because your enthusiasm was so contagious it spread through your teammates and right to the fans. May your best game be the worst game you ever have.

So long Brett, I wish you the best! Thanks for bringing so much excitement to your Wisconsin fans - and fans around the world. You will always be #1 in my book!