Hard to blame the Pack

By Staff
Kim West
Franklin County Times
Brett Favre keeps football interesting, even in retirement.
Favre, who spent 16 years as quarterback of the Green Bay Packers before retiring last March, asked the organization last Friday to grant his release via a letter sent by his agent, Bus Cook.
To the shock of no one, Green Bay didn't release him because then Favre could choose to sign with any team in the NFL, including NFC North division rivals Chicago or Minnesota. Unless Green Bay trades him, Favre now has the option of reporting to Packers training camp as a backup quarterback or sitting out this season.
Judging from the reaction by fans, many of them would embrace Favre as the Packers starting quarterback this season. But the Green Bay management and coaches have committed to fourth-year quarterback Aaron Rodgers, the team's No. 1 draft pick from California.
A friend of mine wondered why Green Bay has chosen Rodgers over Favre, a three-time NFL MVP who nearly led the Pack to the Super Bowl last season. I don't think there's anyone who thinks that Rodgers is a better quarterback than Favre, who was arguably among the NFL's top six quarterbacks last year, along with Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, Tony Romo, Cleveland's Derek Anderson and Jacksonville's David Garrard.
But Favre has spent the past few years flirting with retirement and keeping the Packers in limbo during a crucial part of the offseason, a time when a team needs to settle on a draft and free agency plan. Apparently, Favre had second thoughts a few weeks after his emotional farewell press conference, contacted Green Bay about coming back and then backed out.
Most NFL players have to worry about playing time or being traded or cut, but Favre received special treatment by the Packers in part because of all that he has done for the organization. There have been reports that Favre didn't feel wanted back in Green Bay, but he was given the opportunity to stay on as the starting quarterback, and now it's too late.
Favre is one of my all-time favorite players, and my favorite quarterback behind 49'ers great Steve Young. But Green Bay, a fan-owned franchise that has included Vince Lombardi, Bart Starr, Jim Taylor and Reggie White, isn't only about Brett Favre.
I'm sure Packers general manager Ted Thompson and coach Mike McCarthy will take a lot of heat from Cheesehead Nation, but Favre walked away from a team that is expected to contend for the Super Bowl again this year. I think he has earned the right to leave on his terms, but it's hard to blame the Packers for wanting to start over on their terms.
Kim West is sports editor for The Franklin County Times. She can be reached at kwest@fct.wpengine.com or (256) 332-1881, ext. 30.