MINNEAPOLIS -- Some atmosphere here at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, where the number of people wearing purple Brett Favre jerseys is shockingly high considering the economy, how much those things cost and the fact that it's only been three days since the Vikings signed him. Seriously, these are people who decided to splurge and plunk down $250 this week.But anyway, they did it up right, with the indoor fireworks and the crazy Norseman on the motorcycle and the team running in out of the giant inflatable Viking ship with the loud music blasting. No individual player introductions, so Favre didn't get any kind of curtain call, but he did get on the field for two uneventful series that saw him complete one pass and take one big hit. And he did milk the crowd when the Vikings got the ball for the first time.
Minnesota took possession near midfield after a Chiefs fumble, and 10 Vikings offensive players ran out to huddle. One, wearing No. 4, stayed behind to go over things with his new coaches. And then, as the great Brett Favre, former Packer and former Viking nemesis, jogged out to the huddle, the crowd gave him his ovation.
They seemed disappointed when the first play was a handoff to Adrian Peterson (even though the best way Favre or any other quarterback can help the Vikings is by handing off to Adrian Peterson). The second play was an ugly incomplete pass that actually drew some boos. (Seriously? I thought this was the mild midwest. Where are we? Philadelphia?) On third down with five to go, Favre threw over the middle to Percy Harvin for a completion that left the Vikes one yard short of a first down, and on fourth-and-one Peterson was tackled for a loss, and the Chiefs got the ball back.Fave was back on the field for Minnesota's second series, and once again he dutifully handed the ball off to Peterson on first down. Then it started to get dicey. Under blitz pressure on second down, he threw well wide of receiver Jaymar Johnson. After a false start penalty made it third-and-nine, the Chiefs came on the blitz again, and linebacker Corey Mays buried Favre deep in his own territory, as the new Minnesota QB floated an incompletion downfield. The Vikings punted, and Tarvaris Jackson came out for the next series to a lusty chorus of boos. Favre's first night as a Viking was over. It was short, sweet and nothing that's going to help jersey sales.
But they don't seem to need any help.
Brett Favre Photos
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Brett Favre warms up for a NFL preseason football game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Friday, Aug. 21, 2009 in Minneapolis.(AP Photo/Andy King)
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Minnesota Vikings fans wait for the arrival of new Minnesota Viking Quarterback Brett Favre before warm ups for a NFL preseason football game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Friday, Aug. 21, 2009 in Minneapolis.(AP Photo/Andy King)
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Minnesota Vikings quarterback Brett Favre warms up for a NFL preseason football game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Friday, Aug. 21, 2009 in Minneapolis.(AP Photo/Andy King)
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Minnesota Vikings quarterback Brett Favre (4) follows quarterback teammate Tarvarls Jackson (7) onto the field for pre-game warm-ups prior to the Vikings NFL preseason football game against the Kansas City Chiefs Friday, Aug. 21, 2009 in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Tom Olmscheid)
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Minnesota Vikings quarterback Brett Favre warms up prior to a preseason NFL game against the Kansas City Chiefs at the Metrodome in Minneapolis, Minnesota on Friday, August 21, 2009. (David Eulitt/Kansas City Star/MCT)
MCT
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - AUGUST 21: Quarterback Brett Favre #4 of the Minnesota Vikings passes the football against the Kansas City Chiefs at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome on August 21, 2009 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Scott Boehm/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Brett Favre
Getty Images
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - AUGUST 21: Quarterback Brett Favre #4 of the Minnesota Vikings passes the football against the Kansas City Chiefs at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome on August 21, 2009 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Scott Boehm/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Brett Favre
Getty Images
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Brett Favre warms up for a NFL preseason football game against the Kansas City Chiefs Aug. 21, 2009 in Minneapolis.(AP Photo/Andy King)
AP
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - AUGUST 21: Quarterback Brett Favre #4 of the Minnesota Vikings passes the football against the Kansas City Chiefs at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome on August 21, 2009 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Scott Boehm/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Brett Favre
Getty Images
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - AUGUST 21: Quarterback Brett Favre #4 of the Minnesota Vikings passes the football against the Kansas City Chiefs at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome on August 21, 2009 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Scott Boehm/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Brett Favre
Getty Images
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
8-21-2009 @ 9:09PM
ccmy69ways said...
wow, Brett Favre, a true icon... His QB moves are recognizable, no matter where he goes or what team he plays for.
Reply
8-21-2009 @ 9:12PM
coleagent007 said...
Favre will not last the entire season, one big hit and not just his season but career will end. This is how Brett will end up leaving the game, once and for all.
Reply
8-21-2009 @ 10:05PM
Dawg said...
Are you kidding me.....The iron man with 269 straight starts and you make an idiotic statement like that. Know the game and the history before you spout off like an ass jockey
8-21-2009 @ 9:27PM
James said...
Glad to see Favre back in the NFL. He's good for the game, a class guy. No one ever starts adding up numbers in the pre-season, except for sports writers who know little about the game.
Hope he stays healthy and has a grea season.
Reply
8-21-2009 @ 9:33PM
tyrekyoung said...
"Glad to Bret Back in the NFL" he never left lol. Bret is definately an ambassador for the NFL and everything that is right, however, I would like to see him in another capacity than under center where he can get seriously hurt
8-21-2009 @ 9:35PM
djones528 said...
I am cooking out at the first Jets home game. We are going to use Brett Favres Jets jersey to get the fire started :)~
Reply
8-21-2009 @ 9:50PM
Joyce said...
Three cheers for our boy Brett. I hope he proves all you naysayers wrong & makes all his faithful supporters proud.
I will chuckle when the Vikings trounce Green Bay too. 4 Brett all season long.
Reply
8-21-2009 @ 10:19PM
barc8921 said...
I think Brett shows some considerable selfish behavior but if the Vikes want to pay him for minimum preparation time--that's their prerogative. If he can actually get in good shape--they should make a run for the playoffs--just remember the last few years he fades in the last 3-4 games--don't worry about hurting his ego and put the backup to keep winning.
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8-21-2009 @ 10:55PM
jon said...
If Favre were 30 instead of pushing 40 years of age I could see some hope that he could do some good. This all about selling and making money. I hope im wrong but I think this is going to be a very dissapointing season for the Vikings.
Reply
8-21-2009 @ 11:00PM
joetherocker541 said...
Brett Favre will take the Vikings far,maby to the SB.and for you 007 that's no class clown saying Brett's career will end. you need a good shot,level you forever boy.ya screwball.and you jet fan.jump in the fire ya goof.Favre is the Best.like it are not,it'; to bad.go Vikings go Brett Favre 4 Ever baby.
Reply
8-21-2009 @ 11:26PM
STONER4LIFE said...
Favre is a washed up hack and he'll be the biggest waste of time and money that my Vikings have ever invested.
Reply
8-21-2009 @ 11:33PM
Rick Framme said...
The Secret Is . . . Adrian Peterson can CATCH the ball as well as RUN the ball. Brett Favre throwing to A.D.???
(All Day: Peterson's nickname)
Announcers have said both players are the kind you have to watch everytime they snap the ball, because you may witness a record setting performance.
Get your Popcorn ready, this will be good.
Reply
8-22-2009 @ 12:46AM
knicksfan773 said...
Brett Favre reminds me of my favorite band Aerosmith. As much as I love them they need to stop. They are too old to continue and should've stopped a couple of years ago, both of them. If Favre's season is anything like Aerosmith's latest tour, it's going to be a long season for Viking fans.
8-22-2009 @ 12:53AM
xstephenx94 said...
ah it doesnt get old... the benedict arnold of football
Reply
8-22-2009 @ 10:17AM
toddsworld05 said...
What? HUH? AC/DC is old, and now i can die a Happy man because i just saw them in detroit this weekend and they rocked!!Never much cared for aerosmith, As for favre!!! i hope he takes the vikings to the superbowl and sticks it to Ted Thompson and the green bay packer fans that are whining!!! GO NUMBER 4!! AND OH YEAH GO LIONS!
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