I’ve always prided myself on calling it as I see it. Yes, your emotions can get caught up in your opinion but that’s what makes us all fans and passionate about the sports and the sports figures that we hold so near and dear to our hearts. That’s why this particular stance, for some of you, will come as a surprise.

I have always, always respected Brett Favre for what he’s done on the field. He’s been one of the greatest competitors I’ve ever watched in my life…not in my career but in my life. I’ve witnessed the hustle of Pete Rose, the never say die attitude of Michael Jordan the greatness and effortless way Joe Montana led his teams to victory, I’m in awe of the greatness and class of Hank Aaron and Bart Starr and I’ve watch Brett Favre, for years, make something out of nothing and will a team to victory.

Then came Monday night’s crack-back block on the Texan’s, Eugene Wilson….

Since that moment in time transpired, I’ve received angry emails and phone calls calling for Favre’s head, screaming how dirty Favre is and how he should be banned from the league. I’ve read blogs and postings describing Favre as a thug who deserves immediate retaliation,  I’ve read news articles that call Favre the most antagonizing figure…and now the dirtiest figure in the NFL.

Whooooaaaaahhhhh people!

Brett Favre is a lot of things but he’s not dirty. Brett is the kind of guy who wants to beat you. He’s the guy who wants you to get up, slap his helmet and say, “I’m gonna get you next time”, Brett’s the kind of guy who wants you to hit him just as hard and in the same manner he hits you, then bounces back up, gets in your face and wants to drive the ball right down the field and stick it in your face with a score, a touchdown, a win. He’s NOT the guy who wants and opponent lying on the field in pain because of a cheap shot.

Go back to the heated rivalry between Favre and, then Tampa Bay Buccaneer, Warren Sapp. Favre and he used to jaw at each other the whole game. Sapp would snag Favre, Favre would push and shove back and then they’d appreciate each other’s skills after the game. There was never, NEVER any cheap shoting or debilitating intent on either players part. 

Favre isn’t a quarterback who’s in practice every week learning the finer arts of blocking. In fact, most coaches will tell you that they don’t want their QB throwing their shoulder in to anyone for fear that they’ll lead with their natural throwing shoulder and end up injured. Instead, they tell quarterbacks to just throw their body in the way if they do have to lead with a block down field. This is exactly what Favre did, he threw his body at Wilson. Unfortunately, Favre threw his body towards Wilson’s knees and that’s what’s so heinous about this situation. Was Favre diving towards Wilson with malicious intent? NO! He was simply throwing his body out there to free up his running back.

Here’s the definition of a crack-back block for those of you who aren’t really sure what it is we’re talking about; A block by an offensive player who is usually spread out away from the main body of the formation and runs back in toward the ball at the snap, blocking an opponent back toward the original position of the ball. Blocking below the waist or in the back in this situation is illegal.



Favre will be fined, I don’t think that there’s much doubt about that. The fine will depend on his explanation to Commissioner Goodell as to his intentions, his thought process and the genuineness of his remorse. As far as a suspension or running him out of the league…..come on, get real.

Favre’s a lot of things…but he’s not dirty. For those of you who have been irritated by Favre’s recent history and behavior, you’re looking for something to pin on him that simply isn’t there. Get past this.