NFL green bay Packers

It's easy to scoff when you hear about a former professional athlete who's struggling financially. Aren't these guys all millionaires? If they haven't saved enough for retirement, isn't that their own fault? But the current recession hasn't spared pro athletes, and increasing numbers of them are finding themselves in dire financial straits.

Retired NFL quarterback Trent Green is the first-ever guest columnist of MMQB, filling in while Peter King is on vacation. Green provided an interesting read on subjects relating to the league's personal conduct policy, concussions and the expanded season. And of course it wouldn't be a MMQB without a healthy dose of Favre thrown in for good measure.

What jumps out of Green's article is his prediction that 10 quarterbacks will have over 4,000 yards passing this season. He says six are a lock to do it (Drew Brees, Peyton Manning, Tom Brady, Kurt Warner, Phillip Rivers and Aaron Rodgers), and seven have the potential to do it (Jay Cutler, Matt Cassel, Carson Palmer, Matt Schaub, Donovan McNabb, Tony Romo, Matt Hasselbeck).

Let's put this prediction in context:

Yes, it's Brett Favre again. You know you can't live without him.

As more rumors circulate, and the vision of Brett Favre wearing purple gets closer and closer to becoming a reality, it stands to reason that current members of the Green Bay Packers will be asked for their thoughts on the matter. It's not likely that you'll hear many words of dissent towards Favre. That's just not the way most athletes speak nowadays. Instead, you can expect to see many guys take the high road, ala Aaron Rodgers, and others showing some love for their former teammate.

Update (June 24): Jennings' extension is officially done, according to a press release issued this afternoon by the Packers. No terms were released, other than that the deal is a "long-term" one.

The Green Bay Packers have developed a bit of a reputation. While general manager Ted Thompson has made clear through his actions (or lack thereof) that he doesn't like overpaying for free agents, he does like to reward his homegrown players with contract extensions.

While Nick Collins waits for his, wide receiver Greg Jennings is reportedly set to cash in.

One of the primary reasons that Packers general manager Ted Thompson has saved up a significant amount of cap space is what's coming up this season.

Yes, Thompson detests free agency, but he was also smart enough to see the need for cap room in the summer of 2010. A number of Packer starters will be free agents unless they get contract extensions before then. One of those, safety Nick Collins, is not at all shy about his desire for a new deal.

It must be an interesting life for Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers. After three years of dutifully serving as a backup quarterback, Rodgers awkwardly got his first chance to start last year when Brett Favre retired and tried to return only after the Packers had completed their offseason program.

Rodgers shocked many observers by staying healthy enough to start all 16 games, and he put up some pretty solid numbers despite his team's 6-10 season. With the onus on Rodgers and his team to continue getting better, they now have to deal with the possibility of Favre returning to play for division rival Minnesota. Fans continue to take sides, and Rodgers continues to take the high road on the matter.

If you're wondering how hard the battle lines are going to be drawn in the coming CBA negotiations between the NFL and its players, union, look no further than this spin-heavy news item. The Green Bay Packers released financial information that shows a $20.1 million profit for the fiscal year that ended March 31, and Packers CEO Mark Murphy used the occasion to cry poverty.

Players union head DeMaurice Smith has called on NFL owners to release audited financial statements to support their claim that they're struggling financially. The owners have so far refused, but the Packers, as a publicly owned franchise, are the one franchise that has no choice in the matter. Their financial information shows an increase in total revenue from $241 million to $247.9 million.

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Brett Favre is a despicable, ego-driven, legacy-destroying, traitorous 100-year-old diva who personally trashed the New York Jets season and is one step away from boxing Jose Canseco.

Whatever gets him the most attention.

That's what I've been hearing as the latest Favre retirement saga hits critical mass. And boy, are the masses critical.

I get why people are tired of the waffling. I even get why a lot of Green Bay fans wish Favre would retire to a Turkish prison with a cellmate who likes men in Wrangler jeans.

What I don't get is why so many people recoil at the thought of Favre taking another snap.

We're well on our way to the inevitable. As much as Green Bay Packer fans may not want to think about it, Brett Favre, their 16-year icon, appears destined to play for the division rival Minnesota Vikings. How do the fans feel? Well, there are some who appear to be sticking with the team no matter what, while others are talking about following Favre wherever he goes -- even if that's to Minnesota. Who's right? Both of them have their points, which Bruce Ciskie will lay out as he essentially debates himself.

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We're well on our way to the inevitable. As much as Green Bay Packer fans may not want to think about it, Brett Favre, their 16-year icon, appears destined to play for the division rival Minnesota Vikings. How do the fans feel? Well, there are some who appear to be sticking with the team no matter what, while others are talking about following Favre wherever he goes -- even if that's to Minnesota. Who's right? Both of them have their points, which Bruce Ciskie will lay out as he essentially debates himself.

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