Hmm. Apparently Phil Simms was against Brett Favre's retirement before he was for it. Two years ago, during Favre Retirement Scenario No. 4, Simms had this to say during a radio appearance: "Play as long as you can. When you think it's over, play another or two years . . . because life after football, it's forever."
And that's exactly what Favre did, until he officially retired earlier this spring. Now, a few months later, something's afoot. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel caught up with Simms to get his thoughts now that speculation has Favre still wanting to play. Again:
"Just my opinion, I hope he stays retired," Simms said, referring to Favre. "He'll get over it, the fact that he is not playing. For the Green Bay Packers, I think they have moved on. If they had to give you an answer since he said he was retired, I believe their answer would be, go ahead let him stay retired. We're moving on and let's see what's in the future for them and for the new quarterback.
"When you have played in the NFL for as long as Brett Favre has, there is always going to be an issue about coming back. I can only relate it to most players I have talked to once they have retired. It takes about three years to get it out of your system. You forget about all the hard work, the bad times. And as you get away from the game, all you do is think about the good times. You forget how tough it is. Sometimes guys come back and they go 'I wish I hadn't come back.' "Makes sense to me. And I know it seems like Packers general manager Ted Thompson might be under some pressure to allow Favre to return to Green Bay -- he'd look silly if Favre returns to play elsewhere, has success, and Aaron Rodgers struggles -- but, frankly, that's a chance he's got to take.
Yes, Favre has been the franchise for 17 years, but at some point, it's time to move on. And for the Packers, that point was when Favre announced his retirement (the last time).
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
7-12-2008 @ 1:40PM
Nfl Bets said...
this is unsubstantiated, just a small mention by peter king, but supposedly thompson and the packer front office pressured favre into a quick decision.
i understand that they want to get their franchise in order, but favre had just taken them farther than anybody thought was realistic last year and was their only realistic chance of getting even that far again. what were they thinking? and doesn't he deserve a little respect and consideration considering what he's done for that franchise that, despite its storied history, was relatively moribound when he got there?
if he wants to come back, i say he should come back, and the packers need to figure out the best way to allow for it while looking after their own interests.
personally, i'd just take him back, because there are no signs pointing to aaron rodgers being the next brett favre, steve young, or anything of the sort.
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7-08-2008 @ 1:47PM
NFLinsider said...
Packers won't take him back. The Vikings 'should' sign Favre and start him! Favre can work with Jackson and the others until they are actually ready to be starters! This could be the 'hidden' little secret to help boost the Vikes to the superbowl. Hate him or like him, Favre is 'still' a great quarterback and is still in great shape to play another 2 plus years! If the Vikes had any brains, they'd sign Favre 'ASAP' if they have the shot to do so! (Who would you want as QB in a high pressured packed important game? Jackson or Favre??? 'need I say more???')
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7-08-2008 @ 9:47PM
joseph matusick said...
BRETT FAVRE IS STILL THE BEST.TED TOMPSON WILL MESS UP.Rogers can't step in the IRON MAN'S jockstrap.ted t.you are the mistake,you should be ran rite out of Wisconsin,you tightwad.you'll be sorry TT.
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7-12-2008 @ 8:27PM
Colin Hamilton said...
Its not about who should start for the packers or who deserves it, its about whos gonna win them a super bowl. Thats Brett Favre. The Packers, especially Ted Tompson, should welcome him back with open arms. If they bench Favre then they will make the biggest mistake of the franchise. The packers didn't commit to Aaron Rodgers like they've been saying. If they had they wouldnt have drafted two quarterbacks
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7-13-2008 @ 12:34AM
George B Vieto said...
Let's see if Brett returns and lays an egg the talking heads of the sports networks are going to say "I told you so". But Brett Favre is going to be famous for his gunslinger mentality to the bitter end.
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