Christensen: Favre's Not-So-Fabulous Finish

By Todd Christensen
January 5, 2011

There have been many cases of athletes whose legacy was tainted by hanging on a bit too long.

Willie Mays misjudging a fly ball in the '73 World Series.

Muhammad Ali getting clobbered by Trevor Berbick.

Ray Leonard getting knocked out by Hector "Macho" Camacho.

Johnny Unitas, walking the San Diego Charger sidelines in his anachronistic black high tops, 40 years of age and a shell of his former self.

And maybe the most egregious would be Michael Jordan, who had the chance to go out a winner with his sixth NBA title and sixth Finals MVP - with that iconic jump shot at the end of the series to seal another championship - only to come back two seasons later for two forgettable seasons with the Washington Wizards.

Brett Favre's situation is different. Or is it?

Following the '09 season, in which his Minnesota Vikings had missed the Super Bowl by a field goal, he returned to the Twin Cities following the usual histrionics and drama that has been his trademark for over five years now. But with that behind him, it appeared that the Vikings had a real shot at making the Super Bowl and, because Favre had pieced together his best statistical season of his career in 2009, there was considerable reason for optimism.

Alas, it was not to be.

Father Time caught up with the Kiln, Miss. native. Along with injuries, a fired coach, the end of his nonpareil playing streak at 297 straight games, a legal case involving a former New York Jet employee (who he ostensibly texted lewd pictures too and was subsequently fined $50,000 by Roger Goodell, the NFL Commissioner) and spending the last two games of the season on the inactive list, it’s safe to say that this ignominious exit was more a whimper than a bang.

This begs the question as to whether we remember such things at the end, or do we look at a body of work?

In the present tense, it’s easy to say that Favre imbrued his image with his lascivious actions and inept play.

But time has a way of affording perspective.

While it’s difficult to imagine that #4 doesn’t have some regrets, the fact that he has seemingly every significant career passing record in the league while playing with such elan and youthful exuberance would indicate that history will indeed be kind to him. Brett Favre made an indelible print upon the game of professional football with his toughness, longevity, arm-strength and courage.

It’s hoped here that this will be his legacy.

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