Champion Sumo Wrestlers are forced to retire in Japan once they start to decline. Japanese fans wish to remember their champions at the top of their game. American stars often stay at the bar for one too many drinks. Ask Pac Man Jones.
Bret Favre had a shot at the Super Bowl last year, coming up short against the Giants in the playoffs due to a pair of Favre interceptions late in the game. Favre lost a chance to play in another Super Bowl because he was trying to win the game by himself at an advanced age. Favre should have watched film from the last two seasons of John Elway. Elway, who was every bit Favre’s equal subordinated himself to a Terrell Davis dominated offense. Elway’s Bronco’s ran often, dumped to the Tight End, Shannon Sharpe, just as much, and for the most part played a slow offense that kept opposing defenses tired and the Bronco’s D fresh. Elway lost three Super Bowls as a “gunslinger” and won two as a control quarterback who let the game come to him. Elway knew when to let it fly and when to toss it away. The Bronco great also knew when to walk away.
Brett Favre does not let the game come to him, and consequently, has always thrown too many interceptions. Take away his best three years when he played in back to back Super Bowls and the cheese king starts to look a little moldy. The one Super Bowl win was over a Patriots team with poor defensive backs (Ty Law excluded) a grand canyon sized hole in the offensive line named Max Lane and a coach who was lining up his next job in New York. Drew Bledsoe did not have time to throw. All that being said, the Patriots might have made a game of it had they contained Desmond Howard. Favre’s other Super Bowl appearance was a loss to Jon Elway’s Broncos.
Favre’s loss to the Giants last year was a loss for the Patriots. Green Bay would have been a much less problematic match up for the Patriots. Anyway, it is time to walk away. Last season was his swan song. It was Green Bay’s last best shot. Brett Favre will be a case study in diminishing returns going forward. This is why Green Bay does not want him. This is why they wanted to pay him to stay retired like one of Japan’s declining sumo champions.
Favre’s cameo in “There’s Something about Mary” symbolizes his career. He retires and then comes back. He retires and then comes back. He abandons Mary and Warren and then comes back. Dude, concentrate! Stay with the Packers until you are sure you want to retire. Play catch with Warren and try not to throw any ill-advised interceptions. And do not touch Warren’s head phones.
