The Black and Blue Division just lost a Hero

Ben and I spoke the other day in muted tones. His pain was all too evident (even over IM) when ESPN started the continuous coverage of Brett Lorenzo Favre after the announcement of his retirement. Ben said, “I’m baffled. Why this year? The team is as good as ever.” I tried to sympathize with him by sharing my experience of losing MJ to his second retirement. I even tried quipping that at least Brett wouldn’t play two lackluster seasons with the Redskins for no discernable reason. While I couldn’t see his expressions, I could sense that these sentiments were falling on the deaf ears of a shocked and saddened man. I asked him if he was going to write a “thank you” post recalling epic moments that shaped his football watching life, but he replied, “We’ll see, it’s just not real right now. He can still change his mind, you know, like midseason when the pack is 4-4. It’s better for me emotionally not to have to confront this until September.”


And you know what? I respect that. I listened to his press conference today and I was touched at how humble and emotional he was about the game of football, the Packers and his life in general. I always knew this about the man, but you never realize it as much as when it’s leaving your life. As a Bears fan, I hated the fact that I was conditioned to hate him. Truth be told, I never really hated him. I just grew frustrated that, since I was eleven years old, my team had to play him twice a year. Never have I seen a player command such a deserving respect from everyone who watched him, on and off the field. I can’t do this moment justice, but I just wanted to put in my two cents. It’s a sad day for the game of football.

For this reason, as well as many others, I understand why Ben doesn’t want to directly address this issue. After all, Spring Training is underway. March Madness is a scant two weeks away. UEFA Cup contestants will be whittled down to eight teams by next week. The NBA West playoffs will be required viewing for every true basketball fan with a pulse. Why complicate such a joyous sports atmosphere with such delicate emotions that arrive when your childhood hero decides to hang up the pads? Benny, don’t pen a word about it until you are ready. It’s completely understandable. All I want to say from one friend to another, that if this sticks, then I don’t envy your Sunday’s from here on out. You’ll be watching a completely different game than the one you’ve been experiencing since 1992. One consolation (if you can call it that) is that you do have three selections in the first two rounds of the NFL Draft next month. The Legend of Favre grows and lives in the stories and DVD’s you hold dear. The sun will shine again and the snow will fall again at Lambeau. Hey, come to think of it.. wasn’t John David Booty also a discounted product of the Gulf Coast region too? Did somebody leave a window open? God... is that you?

Sorry, not funny. I take it back.