“It’s not about playing for the Vikings”.

Remember who said that? That’s right; it’s the quarterback who’s donning a purple uniform and coming back into the house that he used to call home. It’s the quarterback that is salivating at the thought of beating the Packers twice this year. It’s the quarterback that we rode the emotional rollercoaster with going back to 2003…that’s right 2003! Every year, “I don’t know”. “I don’t know”.

One day Brett Favre will return to Lambeau to receive his accolades, which he deserves, but not Sunday. Sunday, he’s entering Lambeau Field with spite and revenge on his mind. You know it and I know it.

Let me tell you a story, bear with me. On September 30^th, 2007, Favre broke the all time record for passing touchdowns. When he came to the side line he was greeted by Aaron Rodgers who was cheering right along with everyone else. With a big smile, Favre threw his arm out and told Rodgers, “Come on, put it in the vise. Come on…..”. The vise is what they call Favre’s hand.  In other words, Favre cheerily, gleefully wanted Rodgers to give him five. Rodgers slapped Favre’s hand and they hugged. This year, the Wednesday before the Monday night, October 5^th match-up, Favre was asked why he has never spoken to Rodgers since his ugly departure from the Packers organization. Favre answered, “For what”, he went on to say, “No one’s called me.” In fact, Rodgers has tried to get a hold of Favre on a couple of separate occasions. Favre has never returned the texts or calls. I continue; after the Monday night game this past October 5^th, Favre was smiling like the cat that ate the canary after extracting a pound of flesh from his former team. He was greeted at the middle of the field by Donald Driver. The two embraced, shared a moment and moved on. This brief interlude was surrounded by hundreds of photographers and reporters. Behind the circle of paparazzi waited Aaron Rodgers. Not wanting to get in the way or force his way into the spotlight, Rodgers stood alone, waiting for his opportunity to see his, in his mind apparently, old friend. When Driver left the circle and Favre was alone, or as alone as you could be in a group of hundreds yelling your name, Rodgers slipped into the ring of flashing lights and greeted his old friend. Favre looked at Rodgers as if he was a vagrant asking for money. The Vikings QB barely stuck “the vise” out long enough for Rodgers to get a grip and then pulled away, turned his back to escape the moment. You could tell that Rodgers was hurt by the action but never said a word about it nor showed any ill will regarding the cold greeting that he received from Favre. That night finally and completely revealed to me the class, or lack thereof, that Brett Favre has. Favre wants you around if you’re fawning all over him but if you’re just there to say hello, he doesn’t have time for you. He can’t extend a hand to say hello or give reciprocating accolades. 

As great as Favre was on the field, that’s all that he should be remembered for. Brett hardly ever did anything unless it was for Brett. For certain friends he was somewhat kind but you’re fooling yourself if you think that there wasn’t the “What’s in it for me” thought behind everything Favre did. He’s a lot savvier than you give the good ole’ country boy credit for.

So this Sunday, when the purple #4 enters Lambeau Field, I’m hoping that Packers fans remember the waffling, the retirement, the un-retirement, the visits that were made to Brett’s house to ask him to come back and play only to have Favre say that he didn’t feel wanted enough, the Greta Van Susteren interview in which Favre said that it wasn’t about playing for the Vikings, the Peter King interview where Favre said it WAS about revenge only to deny it later, the “For what” comment, all of it….when Favre walks on to Lambeau Field wearing a Vikings jersey, he’s the rival. He’s no longer Brett Favre; Packers savior. He’s Brett Favre; the revenge filled quarterback who’s looking to stick it to the Packers. You should treat him accordingly.

When Favre returns one day to see his number retired in the ring of honor, and I use the word honor loosely in this case, then you should give him the accolades that he does deserve. He was a tremendous player for the Packers organization and he, along with Reggie White, led the Lombardi Trophy back to Title Town. For that he should be applauded. NOT for wearing a Vikings jersey!