Baby Brett wins by thumbing nose at 52 teammates
Posted on August 18th, 2009 – 11:43 AMBy Mark Craig
What a mixture of emotions Brett Favre’s signing creates today.
It should be a positive feeling. After all, he’s better than anything the Vikings already have on the current roster. He knows the offense well enough to teach it.
But …
A glance at the calendar says it’s Aug. 18. In Mike McCarthy’s well-phrased green-and-gold (or is it yellow?) world, that’s long after “the train has left the station.”
It’s AFTER training camp has broken. It’s AFTER the first preseason game has been played. It’s AFTER the other 52 players were told to move on by their head coach and owner.
This should have happened in June or at least BEFORE training camp. The timing now leaves a sour taste for everybody, including some of Favre’s new teammates.
Obviously, this could end up being a positive and productive move. But one has to at least acknowledge the gamble considering the timing and the team’s 180-degree shift from just a few weeks ago.
The timing definitely could have a negative effect on this team. Despite what Brett may think, there are 52 other players who will play for the Vikings this season.
All of them went through the offseason. They went through Mankato. They were jerked around all offseason by Favre, the team and the media frenzy that follows Favre’s every move.
The players were told Favre signing was a possibility. Then they were told it’s a probability. Then they were told by their head coach and owner about three weeks ago that it was O-V-E-R. Done. Won’t happen. The team has moved on. We’re still a championship-caliber team. Have fun on the tractor, Brett. Blah, blah, blah.
As usual, what an NFL team said wasn’t what an NFL team actually meant.
After all the heavy lifting had ended in Mankato and the first preseason game was put in the can, here comes Brett to sign and save the day.
If that’s not a stick in the eye to the co-workers, then what is? If that’s not the spoiled baby getting his way over everybody else, then what is?
Waiting until after training camp to join a new team is Favre at his most selfish best, or worst. He’d rather throw footballs to teenagers in Mississippi than be a teammate in Mankato.
Favre knows the offense, but the Vikings needed him here on time. He could have lowered himself for a couple of weeks to help the team instead of thinking of himself. He could have taught the rest of the guys what he knows about the offense. He could have used the extra time to teach them what he’s thinking and what to look for in certain situations.
Yeah, there’s still three more preseason games to go through that. But now it becomes a rush job.
And if it doesn’t go perfectly, dontcha think the guys in that locker room have a right to get a little ticked that Favre got to come to Winter Park whenever he darn well felt like it? Dontcha think there will be some guys in that locker room who will think “Let’s ditch the old prima donna and go with the guy who was sweating with us back in March”?
In the end, Favre got his way. He’s in control. Brad Childress is the co-pilot now. Will the Vikings end up landing in Miami for the Super Bowl? Or will they crash next to Eric Mangini’s Jets coaching career?
Mangini never controlled Favre, and Childress is off to the same start. It was great in New York when Brett’s arm was OK. But when the arm went south, Coach Brett refused to bench QB Brett and the Jets crashed short of the playoffs.
The Vikings shouldn’t feel any obligation to the Favre legacy. If Favre hurts his arm again or plays like most 40-year-olds play, he should be benched or released, not kept in the lineup to preserve the Favre mystique.
You’d like to think the Vikings are in charge of the situation. You’d like to think that if Favre doesn’t work out, they’ll have the guts to take him out. But after seeing Favre get his way by skipping training camp, we all know who’s in charge now.
160 Responses to "Baby Brett wins by thumbing nose at 52 teammates"
They’re big boys and professionals. The guy is awesome and makes them better. If they win none of this will matter. If they lose then they have an excuse that you writers can pound into the ground. Be happy Mark, you just got columns for the next four months.
Gee…if only I could have ducked “2-a-days” 40 years ago!
The Jets learned there is no Favre in “TEAM”. Obviously the Vikes have to learn for themselves at the expense of the TEAM.
When this first started I told everyone that he’d never sign until training camp was over as that was his plan all along as the Vikings had no other options.
This should be very entertaining.
Welcome to the real world. This isn’t some baked-up fantasy land where everything goes according to plan. Not everyone is subject to every rule. They never have been — never will be. You’re a journalist and you know that as well as anyone. Stop whining about process and proceedures. It’s this unusual stuff that delivers to you a job writing every day. Trying being creative with it — acting like a curmudgeon comes off as, well — fake, because it is.
Anyone who didn’t see this coming is blind. Brett hates training camp and off-season camps…always has. He retires every year to avoid them.
That said, he can’t hurt us. Nobody sees Tavaris or Sage as a real starter in this league, not even their own mothers. Worst case, Brett sucks and gets benched.
From what I understand the Vikings players were somewhat aware of that he would be signed, not if, but when, so I doubt they feel slighted. Like the poster above stated these guys are professionals. The mistake was made by the Vikings staff for continually addressing the issue with contradicting statements. Or perhaps Childress was kept in the dark.
WINNNG CURES ALL, and hes our best chance… YOU ALL KNOW THAT … ENUF SAID.
whatever man. You must have pulled the short straw on who had to write the dissenting column. No one cares if professional football players get their feelings hurt. Go right for People if you’re worried about heartbreak.
Morons! You ever stop to think he didn’t show up because he knows the circus will come with him? He allowed the Vikings and Staff the chance of evaluating position players & to due their jobs without “his” destraction of being their. Does “he” call the media to report how he is doing every day? “NO” it’s the media’s fault. He’s just a guy who gives the “Vikings” a better chance at a good season. This article is terrible! Get over (your-selves)! You certainly won’t be complaining if the season goes well; will you?!!!!
Vikes Organization is just kissin’ the PrimaDona. Great way to build TEAM spirit, all for one - and all for one, and his name is Brett Favre.
Mr. Craig, get over it. Encouraging the 52 others to respond like petulant children to the timing of Favre’s signing is itself childish. The team has added a talented resource in an effort to help them win, and any attitude which detracts from that effort is unprofessional.
The primary questions now are Favre’s health, and how long it may take him to get on the same page as his receivers.
It will actually be fun to watch Brett crush Viking fan hopes, probably in the playoffs if he makes it that far. And Greg, Brett will not be benched, Childress’ career is dependent on this guy. Brett is more important to the game than anyone, just ask him.
Go eat some more pie, you pussy.
Training camp is for suckers.
Geez, Craig, what sourness you spew! This veteran team is concerned about winning and winning now. Considering all the lobbying the players themselves did to get Favre here, don’t you think to a man (save TJack & Sage) that they are elated?! It’s not about dorms, Craig, it’s about winning!
ANYONE who thinks Brett isnt the best QB choice or makes the Vikings a better team isnt being honest. Come on…who gives craps if he missed a couple weeks of camp. 80 or 85% of Brett is better than 90% of the QBs today.
Re: Dudetown
You write, “The guy is awesome and makes them better.” Though I cannot argue that Favre probably makes the team better, he is no longer “awesome.” Anybody that watched the last Lambeau playoff game, two seasons ago, saw an old man who wanted to quit.
He is just calling it like he sees it. I agree that we pretty much knew he wasn’t showing up for camp, but that doesn’t mean the situation wasn’t mishandled. This improves us at QB, but this is going to alienate more than a few players. Why not just state at the beginning that Brett needed a few more weeks to recover and then he would be joining the team at Winter Park. Then you are up front about the situation and you don’t need to lie to your fans and players. Dumb move.
You are all fools if you think that your teams “mangel-ment” is doing this to “WIN” games. They want YOUR money and your butts in the SEATS. It’s all about the buck. BH
All of you who are against Brett are just jealous cause u know you will never be the man or have the power he does so get over it and stop acting like cry babies.
Is this why they had such a short camp…to get Brett here earlier??? Who is in control of this team??
Ah Crap, I just picked Sage as the QB on my fantasy team yesterday!
My personal view is …any success The Vikings have with Him at QB will be HOLLOW. The Packer fans will “rub our noses in it” for years.
Management should have gone with the “Minnesota Vikings” (a great team, WITHOUT FAVRE)….NOT the “FAVRE VIKINGS”
(…but them, what the hell do I know?)
craig is p*ssed off that he didn’t come close to getting the scoop on this.
I couldn’t have said it better myself, Craig.
Well, it’s time that Childress tell this guy “no dice.” This is the Minnesota Vikings team. Not the Brett Farve team. There is no I in TEAM. This prima donna should not be hired. Regardless. We need to go with the players we have. The shenanegans will not stop with this man until we stop it once and for all!! Childress needs to be the coack and tell this guy to go back to the “back 40.” Permanently.
Who cares what Packer fans think. I am ready to step up my game planning and take my team to a new level. A Favre higher level.
Winning is all anyone cares about anymore. Character, honesty don’t matter anymore. I for one will stuff all my Vikings memorabilia in a box and take it to a goodwill store. This is going to do nothing but bring turmoil to the team and they’ll be lucky to go 8-8. Do the Wilfs really think that Brett Favre is going to bring them a Superbowl and a new stadium along with it? Get real….but then again character and honesty don’t matter anymore….just winning does!
I am a huge Packer fan. Always have been always will be. Farve was great for us. He was PART of our team. He is only out for himself and for revenge and I hope is a total flop!! Go Pack.
So…..
The only way the Vikings can obtain a championship level team is to have the Packers quarterback. Wow. I would be embarrassed to be a Vikings fan. Since the 52 players are grown men and professionals, does that mean they can skip training camp next year?
Greg…if Sid retired and you were maybe promised a few more front page articles and then Sid decided to come back for one more year, do you not think the Strib would allow it? You write as if you were cut from your high school team and/or played Junior Varsity as a Senior. I’m sure the 52 other professionals on the roster will handle the situation just fine and welcome Brett with open arms.
Coach Brett can’t possibly call as bad of a game as Coach Childress. If nothing else good comes from this, at least we can watch Farve audible out of the handoff to the fullback on 3rd and 7, and wing one deep! A pick at least has entertainment value compared to the soggy milktoast we have had to endure the last several years. I can’t wait to see what AP does with a QB who is at least somewhat respected by other teams! No ten in the box against Farve, unless he totally implodes!
I think this was planned, they wanted to get work done at Mankato and not have a media circus.
Well, it’s happened, like it or not. Favre will no doubt tear apart the Vikings locker room just like he did the Jets locker room last season. Win or lose, this HAS to be the last season we are subjected to Childress and his idiotic methods.
“He could have taught the rest of the guys what he knows about the offense. He could have used the extra time to teach them what he’s thinking and what to look for in certain situations.” Did you really just write that? Are you some Johnny come lately to the Brett Favre self-centered circus show? Ask Aaron Rogers how helpful Favre was…
Its all about selling tickets, baby! Try buying tickets online as we speak and the ticket requests are unbelieveable.
Have fun purple. You can have this Bratt Favre. Now to pick off some of his passes during the next green and gold/purple game. Way cool. Have fun!
I couldn’t have said it better - great blog. The only thing I wonder is if Sage R. asked Childress about the possibility of Favre coming on board later and what he was told - I’ve never seen that addressed.
Bottom line: Brett Favre is the Vikings only chance to win this year. Despite the fact that Drew Rosenthal is an unknown quantity to some degree, all can agree that he certainly does not seem promising. Tavaris Jackson has certainly had, and lost, his chance.
A point no one has broached yet is that the Vikings organization is the source of dishonesty in this saga. Brett maintained from the very beginning that he did not want to go to training camp. He left himself open to criticism in that he didn’t care what his teammates thought or what the Vikings wanted, but at least he was forthright. He felt that he was too old and worn down for the full battery of offseason training. When the Vikings issued Favre an ultimatum, he was steadfast.
Given the facts of this sage, there is but a single, inescapable conclusion: the Vikings orchestrated this charade to maintain some facade of order and procedure during training camp (a “no one is above the law” appearance).
Whether Favre conspired with the organization is irrelevant. He never lied. He felt worn down and incapable of completing an NFL season in its entirety with training camp.
A bigger problem for the Vikings is that the Packers look great this year.
Tlev: Drew Rosenthal? sorry, but Sage Rosenfels is the man in Vikings camp that they traded for and spent $3 million on to be their starter, not drew rosenthal who is one of the wealthiest agents in pro sports.
Um…It’s big business - not Pop Warner. I’m close to Farve’s age - and I don’t need to be screwing around with training camp and get dinged by some 4th string corner. Rosenfels looks great and will start next year. Tjoke - see ya around…
Ah the Frozen Chosen. You elect a wrestler as your Governor, a comedian as your Senator, and a washed up QB that will effectively co-coach your ViQueens. Can’t wait until November 1st baby. If you loosers (see your Super Bowl Record) don’t win that one, you’ll never hear the end of it.
Eat your lefse and shut it.
If the Prima Donna was soo great, he would have won more than 1 Super Bowl. Now you Viking fans will be as disappointed as Packer fans.
everyone just needs to remember one thing here: mark craig covered the green bay fudge packers for several years before coming to the minneapolis star tribune. he is a known packer fan, so his word means absolutely nothing here. he is just hurt today. piss off mark craig and please go back to your fat, cheese smelling friends in gay bay, wisconsin. go vikes!
I’ve lived in Minnesota now for 30 years but grew up in Wisconsin. Favre WAS great as a part of the Packers!! Favre is now exhibiting all of the signs of what’s wrong with people today - SELFISH - EGOTISTICAL - ARROGANT. In his mind he is the only thing that matters. Teamwork be damned. For the sake of the future, let’s hope that our youth who look up to sports figures as hero’s don’t imitate him!
You’re planning all your hope on a 40 year old QB that should have retired 2 years ago. Wait til some 20 year old 300 pound lineman knocks him back to Mississippi. Favre coming to the Vikings 10 years ago would have been great but now he’s a has been. Come on Viking fans get your heads out from the clouds, Sage or Tarvaris is the answer. At least they’ve been busting their butts at training camp unlike Favre. Good luck, you’ll guys need it
Favre declining and worst, most out of control years, coincided with Bevell as his ‘coach’. read into that what you want, but Favre will call the shots, godd bad or ugly.
here is the deal girls, last season what happened the oponents teams def stacked the box, and left the wr’s one on one or in a soft zone, what did it do, limited the running, put pressure on jackson, jackson made horrible throws and our season was lucky to be the nfc north champs, whats the 2 positions we needed to address this offseason a qb who can change the opponents def and another wr to stretch the field, well now that we have both it will be just like the first season we had randy moss aka a run and gun offence, with smith in the backfield and moss as a wr when they stacked the box they left moss one on one when they played coverage we ran for 5 yards with smith, get real, our tight ends and wr will eat up yards all season ap will have his best season yet and we will all be happy as we trot deep into the playoffs, he is the qb we need he makes the routine plays to keep the chains moving and the def will be guessing all season long, end of story favre will change how the opponents def plays us and by the time they figure it out, the game will be over and we have all the tools now to finally say we are a 100% official serious threat to the rest of the league and we expect a superbowl apperance anything less shall be a true dissapointment!
To me, it’s a win-win situation.
1) Favre plays well, the Vikings win a lot of games and have a great season.
2) Favre is washed up and costs Childress his job.
This is a can’t lose move for Viking fans.
Is it really this hard to spell words?
Favre is washed up. Once his face is split open and he gets sacked a few times he’ll remember why he retired. He had no courage and is doing this for selfish reasons- You think he cares about the fans or the team. Think again.
I don’t think any player cares all that much about the fans. Most players care for the team that pays them.
They all want to win tho. And washed-up Brett Favre has given those other 52 guys a better chance to do just that.
All of these players want to win first and if they can contribute that makes it all the more sweet. This is the 32nd team out of 32 in the NFL in revenue sharing. Farve helps them on the field and in the store. I think the players were aware of this situation much sooner than the media or even some fans think. I am sure they had a plan all along. If not it doesn’t matter because for once a team in the Twin Cities is actually rolling out the cash to make itself a winner. If the Twins did half this much free agent dealing coupled with the farm system they have they may have won another championship in the last couple of years. The vikings need Brett Farve and now that they have him as long as he can play like the Farve of last year’s first ten weeks they will be the team to beat in the North and maybe the NFC.
Favre is a scheming, conniving nincompoop. He played the Vikes like they were 6 year olds. Let me preface this remarking by stating that I am not a Viking fan nor have I ever been a Packer fan. I am a true sports addict. I have appreciated Favre in the past for his on the field brilliance at time and for his stupidity on the field as well.
Favre is nothing more than a Drama Queen who can’t seem to get enough of the football stage. The Vike’s management has played pity-pat with Favre throughout the entire process and at the same time was disingenuous with its own players.
This Favre charade is nauseating and repulsive. Yes, an athlete has a right to change his/her mind regarding this life long ambitions but management has a right to step in and say, that enough is enough when a person’s actions cause ramifications that will reverberate in Minnesota for years to come. I feel sorry for the Vikings fans who will have to put up with this over-the-hill Drama Queen.
I have felt all along that once the pre-season started, Favre, up to his old tricks again, would come riding into town on his high horse to try to save the day for the Vikes.
Go back to Mississippi Favre. Ardent sports fans are sick of you.
Time for a new writer. Whether you like Favre coming here or not, Mark Craig is horrible.
Regardless of how they arrange the deck chairs, the Titanic still sunk.
You Packer fans are pathetic and your words display nothing but fear. Have fun coming in 3rd place again.
This is all Wilf, guys. I doubt this is Childress. There’s a stadium issue that needs to get worked out, not to mention, the money factor…as well as the fans that would revolt and help the Vikes’ pack their things when, not if, the Sage/T-Jack experiment imploded. If this was planned the entire time, it was very, very poorly conceived. Especially if the players weren’t in on it.
I think we may be getting a glimpse at why the Packers were willing to let their star go. When the star drives the team it is a one man show.
For 48 years the Vikings have teased and tortured me with glimpses of both the good and bad. The almosts and the wish they weren’ts. From Norm to Bud to Les to Burnsy to Dennis to Tice to Chilly. I have always bled purple and gold, always looked forward to next year when they’ll turn it around and bring us home the championship. But now I find myself at a crossroads, I can turn left or right and find a new team to cheer for or I can continue down the road and cheer for one of the players that I have hated for years. Despite the fact that he is one of the alltime greats, he’s a Packer, he can’t become one of us it doesn’t work. Even if they go undefeated I cannot in good faith support him or the imbeciles that let him run the asylum. I can’t stand Bret the whiny,arrogant,jerk primadonna and I will not support the Vikings until he is no longer wearing purple.
There is no question that Brett makes the team better at QB. It still would have been nice to see Princess Farve working hard building some team chemistry. I agree with Mark, no one should be surprised but this could have been handled better. I don’t remember Montana, Marino, or Aikman pulling this shit.
All you Packer fan writing about how selfish Brett Farve is need to cool off. Stop your irrational babbling and realize that your anger is really at your own team for sending him to exile to the AFC. If you are so good and you didn’t need him and he is washed up then you should be excited that he is with the vikings. Getting angry and spewing illogical and ridiculous slander towards Farve just shows your own hidden anger towards your own team. May your cup of anger boil over as you get beat twice by the vikings this year all while we vikings fans laugh at you in our turn as you laughed at us when you had Brett.
And yet, every year we scream for the Twins to trade for big name players MORE THAN HALFWAY THROUGH THE REGULAR SEASON to come in and save our season. Notice how all the baseball players are able to embrace their new teammates and get on with the business of winning? These guys are pros, they’ll get along just fine, not sit in the corner and cry because Farve came in two weeks late.
We now actually have a legit shot at the Super Bowl, whereas yesterday we did not. Let’s be excited, Vikes fans! Even if this fails miserably, it will be no worse than the result with Sage/TJack, but it just might finish oh-so-much better.
Disgracing Minnesota the moment he stepped off the plane….Let the hatred begin….
People…signing Favre will not make defenses play back and respect the pass. The Vikings still do not have a proven receiver to stretch defenses let alone get open one-on-one. Harvin was a good college player, but has yet to play in a game. The O-line is suspect from the Center to the Right tackle. Favre cannot move like he used to so they need to keep him upright. I agree he gives them a better chance to win than any of the 3 QB’s they have now but I will not be reserving any hotel rooms in Miami, yet.
Mark, I don’t often agree with you, but you nailed this one. If this doesn’t pay BIG dividends (for whatever reason), Childress is history for how he handled this.
Come on Charles this story was just as much the media’s fault if not more so. If you watch the media they beat stories to death as they did this one. If it makes you sick don’t pay attention.
No one person besides those involved knew exactly what was going on and why he postponed signing. Maybe it WAS because he doesn’t need camp. He’s got three weeks to establish timing….for an almost 20 year vet….it should be more than enough time. At the end of the day, Favre brings a level of excitement unknown to the Vikings community. All in all a good thing….for everyone except Sagevaris Jacksonfels!
Watch Brett and the Vikings beat the packers at Lambeau (Good Luck getting tickets). Unfortunately I’ll have to work the next day because ESPN will decide the schedule…what a world!
Will he get his NO.4 jersey?
Watch Brett and the Vikings beat the packers at Lambeau (Good Luck getting tickets). Unfortunately we’ll have to listen to that fatty announce the game on Monday Night because ESPN picks the schedule. What a world…Madden- “What you just saw there was a quarterback throwing the ball to a recierver in the end zone…and that means it’s a touchdown.” NO SSL
Good article, I agree with you.
The man has not missed a game EVER, he plays with all he has. He will jump on a granade to save his buddies. Wake up detractors…Favre will not commit until HE is ready, becuase he will NEVER half ass it!
Craig writes this column under the assumption that, for the last several months, the players have known no more than he has. That is a silly assumption.
Craig - Boo Hoo. Now you have to watch Favre play QB all year instead of Rosenfels or Jackson. How terrible.
Even though I live in Green Bay, I am happy that Brett Farve is playing with the Vikings. He’s a great guy, who made the Green Bay Packers a well known team. Since Thompson didn’t want him to play for the Packers, and also not to play for the Vikings a year ago, I’m glad to hear that he finally will be able to play for the Vikings this year… Thanks Vikings, for the exciting games we will be watching this year…….
Who cares how it happened or when it happened. We need to collectively wake up if we are ever going to bring a championship to this town. Brett is a gamble sure, but gamblers sometimes win. Build a stadium too– for the Vikes (why for the golden goofballs and not the vikes?)
I think the other 52 players are ecstatic. No biggy if he missed training camp, he’s been going to training camp for years. Would you want to go to Mankato? In fact, it’s probably best that he’s been resting the last couple of weeks. After Friday’s game it’s obvious Tjack is not an NFL QB. I was pulling for him but no way. Sage is a good backup and will probably see some playing time this year. If Farve stays healthy vikes win the super bowl. E.J. needs to stay healthy too.
A typical reaction from Mark Craig, who is a huge Packer fan.
LMAO at all the hype surrounding Favre and the Queens. If you fair weather fans in Minnesota think for one second that Favre is going to take the Queens to the Superbowl think again. Favre for one doesnt care about the Viqueens and making it to a Superbowl he ONLY cares about himself. He is BETTER then any player the Queens have EVER had and will let you know it! Childress is NOT running the show Brett Favre is! Be prepared for 25+ INT’s and a 8-8 record without making the playoffs! The ONLY Superbowl the Queens will see is when they play the Packers as that is their Superbowl…been that way for 40+ years and nothing has changed!
For those of you who think that because they have acquired Favre they are now using packers players are behind the times. Sharper was a packer, bevell played for the badgers and worked with Favre in Green Bay. Childress worked for the Badgers as well. I remember an article by Reusse about how many coaches and players for the vikings had wisconsin ties and if maybe there wasn’t a conspiracy. If you can’t cheer for the vikings because of Favre then you are either being hypocritical or you have shut your eyes to what has been happening over the last couple of years.
You’ve heard coaches say that a good solid player is one who “does everything that’s asked of him”. Well, that’s nothing more than ‘meets requirements’. If Favre can convince the rest of the team to play like there’s no tomorrow, they will be unstoppable. He has the clout and respect to do just that…as long as he leaves the prima dona in Mississippi.
knockin’ down millions; these guys are. If the guys in the locker room resent Farve, get over it. The guy is heads above who we have now, even if he is an ol’ dude. This does create lots of hype around the team. That can only mean good things. Usually the Vikings create hype off the field. It is nice they will be creating it on the field now.
We are talking about grown men here right? Not a Junior High Team? If any of those playersd have a problem with bringing in a better player because their feelings are hurt, GROW UP!! I can’t believe how much thought is being put into the possibility of grown men crying about the team bringing in a palyer that will beat them out of a starting job. I wish the Twins would do the same thing to their starting pitching and I don’t care when it happens. It’s about winning, grow up and Mark please remember they are men not junior high boys!!
Can we all just boycott Vikings? I will be cheering for a new team that is considerate of the fans.
Pachers win the super bowl? You’re a crackhead not a cheesehead.
The Vikings and Favre played the sports media and now those in the sports media are whining. Go Favre! Go Vikings!
Viking fans need to hope that either Bevell or Childress can keep Brett’s emotions in check on the field. Sherman couldn’t do it, but McCarthy got in done in 1997. If you can’t get him to play under control, then look for 5-interception games, esp. against the Packers. Just like the opposing team, Packer fans always felt a sense of danger when Favre was on the field.
Awesome, Mark Craig creating a story where there is none. He should be workign for the FAN.
Queens still dont have a decent WR…Berrian wouldnt even start on the Packers team and he’s the number one! If you think Harvin is the answer history proves otherwise as year after year rookie WR’s DO NOT do well…check the facts/stats. You morons are talking Superbowl cmon stop drinking the Purple Kool Aid…the ONLY way the Viqueens make it to the Superbowl is if they buy tickets from Mike Tice!!!!
Hope the Vikings fans enjoy watching the tail wag the dog. That was the tail arriving in Ziggy’s jet and the “head” dog acting as his his personal valet. Should be a fun season.
Packer fans…. Please don’t worry I’m pass my PRIME TIME… Watch how i drag the Vikings down!
It’s amazing just how well management knows their fans. As many posters are confirming, all that matters is winning, doesn’t matter what is done to achieve it. How far away can out and out cheating be, as long as it produces the wins. it’s not whether you cheat, it’s whether you’re caught.
so what happens next season if the other 52 “professionals” decide they don’t like training camp either.
It’s getting pitiful what sports is turning into!
Hey KG, Madden retired
So Bavre will in fact be playing 8 games in the “Jessica Simpson Memorial Pansy Dome”. I hope he brings his mittens and a hat and his mommy better pin the mittens to his jacket so he doesn’t lose them. It gets so cold inside the dome you know *rolls eyes*.
He could have gracefully accepted the end after the NFC Championship loss and gone out, in my opinion, a winner. And now he again prolongs the inevitable.
He’s like the boy who cries wolf…
“I am retired, I am unretired, I am re-retired and now I’m un-re-retired.
See how the word TIRED is in there. That’s what I am.
Good luck Bavre, you have an awfully big target on your back now (I’m thinking some Barnett and Kampman sacks will help make you think to re-re-re-retire). I hope I can like you again and fondly remember how you HELPED (*cough* Reggie White) make the Green Bay Packers relevant again.
And I will continue to support the Packers long after you re-re-re-retire just like I did before you were in diapers.
Well, IT’S ABOUT TIME!
They just traded T-Jack to the Raiders……!
Wish I could take credit for this, but I can not: Does this mean that the Vikings are participating in the cash for clunkers program?
wow! Favre would have been better off shooting someone, then raping a woman, then leading a dog fight, the way you people talk about him. You give thugs a second chance but apparently having an ego, and who of you with that talent would not, is the ultimate crime.
Well, I had no idea that my arrival would cause such a stir. I hope the fans will see me as just another player trying to help the team win a championship. It’s great to playing for Coach Childress and Coach Bevell. Now let’s win a championship!
Thanks for ruining my life, Brett.
I just rolled over in my grave.
Now the Vikes need to get Randy Moss and we’ll be all set.
I couldn’t agree more. Well put Mr. Craig.
If Bret becomes a player AND a QB coach,
it could bring the Vikes together for a great year and for years to come.
Sorry, Vince it’s only temporary.
No problem.
SAWEET….I get to wear Tommy Kramer’s old number!!!!!….oh, hi Brett
I’ll drink to that. Remember me back in the shotglass formation?
Why do the Vikings need a Receiver - they have Robert Ferguson, don’t they? And Bubba Franks is on the Market - Isn’t he? Brett will be all set with those two. Besides - for $12M he should be able to turn and hand the ball to AP. Watch that hip Brett - break that and you’ll have more to worry about than football …..
………you viqueen fairweather “fa
ns” are pathetic!! You’re constantly criticizing and ridiculing Packer players……….UNTIL THEY’RE AVAILABLE FOR YOU MESSED-UP PURPLE PUKES!!! Then all-of-a-sudden they’re the greatest thing since sliced bread. I could give a rat’s a$$ what Favre does anymore. He has all but COMPLETELY ruined his reputation in Green Bay…..LET THE GAMES BEGIN……..DICK CHEEZE HAS SPOKEN!!
Remember when Dave Pureifory knocked all my teeth out when he was playing for the Lions?
Vikes recievers are O.K. I think Farve will make them better. Vikes defense can withstand a few interceptions that Farve will throw. It’s going to be those little dump-offs to Harvin and A.P. that’s going to kill other teams.
Is it Brett that jerked people around more or the media that cant take a wait and see on anything? Its the MEDIA in this case that drives the crazy media tornado more than anything. Favre doesnt own a media outlet. He doesnt come to you to stir up everything. YOU go to him incessantly pestering for more words to comment on, more thoughts, etc. Now that they got you to back off long enough, everyones ready to start where they wanted all along. GET OVER IT MEDIA!!
To all the Pucker fans on this board today, your presence says it all about what this means for the Vikings. And the most deluded line of the day goes to “Tlev”, quote: “the Packers look great this year.” Yep, they’ll look great watching the playoffs on TV again this year.
I messed up…I want to come back to the Vikings and get my Superbowl ring.
SuperBowl HomeBoyz!!!!
I always liked playing in the snow. Come to think of it, I just liked snow.
Matt,
I think your ring is in the bottom of my my whiskey bottle!
John Randle must be rolling in his grave today. Oh Sorry - He’s not Dead? Just seems so long ago that he was sacking Favre …..
If Brett has the worst season in his career he will still bring more to the table than the status quo. Besides, even if the Vikes go 0-16 it will be worth 12 million and make my season just to see Brett show up at Lambeau wearing purple!
Which way did Brett go? The wrong way?
Hey Mr. Interception,
Rock and Roll Baby! Rock and Roll!
http://www.metrolyrics.com/best-days-of-your-life-lyrics-kellie-pickler.html
Says it all.
It’s a shame.
Funny how you guys seem to think this writer is saying “its mean to hurt peoples feelings.”
He’s not. He’s saying if things don’t go like their supposed right away, there is potential for turmoil. And he’s right. If Favre throws three picks in a Vikings loss in Week 1, you don’t think there are going to be Vikings players that say “hmmmmm, i wonder if that would have happened if brett actually showed up for practice?”
….”so now that I’m a PURPLE PUKE, I could care less if we win, just so I get my $12 mil…….SUCKERS!!!!!!!!!!!”
Favre showed it’s all about him in Green Bay. When the Packers won the Super Bowl in 1997, all of the players except Favre came back to Green Bay to meet the fans in Lambeau. Favre has never attended the Fan Fest at Lambeau. Favre was the first out of town after the season and the last in town at the beginning of the season. He had his own van to get him to and from practice while the other players rode bikes and signed autographs for the kids. Favre is a one man team. He won’t set out blame. He won’t criticize. He won’t miss meetings or not show up for workouts. But he also won’t teach or give advice. Brett or AP? Who now is the center of this team and what will this change in power mean for the 2009 Vikings?
It only makes sense that were Favre to join the Vikings, it would NEED to be AFTER training camp. How in the world could the team have had ANY kind of FOCUS with what would have been the Brett Favre media circus? This is ALL GOOD, and is nothing but - positive - for EVERYONE who plays for, or is a fan of, the Vikings! It’s Going To Be A Very Entertaining Season!! GO VIKES!!!
All you whinning people crying about two a days and Mankato. Pffft!!!The dude is 39 years old playing a sport that he loves. Call him what you want, but he knows what his body can take at his age. It’s not Mankato and two a days that are going to keep him healthy. So, all you punks that think that two a days are hard and training camps is so miserable, join the f’en Marine Corps for boat camp. You will think two a days are a joke. You don’t see 39 year olds in boat camp, there leaders of their platoons, companies, and battalions. we finally have a leader at the QB position. Take ‘em to the promise land General.
…..”Favre is such a traitor, I’m gonna come back from the grave to whoop his A$$!!!!”
I’m so sick of hearing this piece of craps name and now we’ve got at least another whole season about of hearing about FAVERINA. Stroke Brett Stroke Brett I won’t not one penny.
You bunch of crybabies. You cry because he didn’t come and now you cry because he is here. This is a world class quarterback - one of the best ever. Would you really rather have TJ or SR?
By the way, Packers who have played with Farve say he was the best team player they’ve ever seen. So get with it. We now have a great quarterback.
Rejoice and stop finding fault.
Favre’s shoulder is now healed. Now he can join the team at full strength. Meanwhile. Tarvaris played badly against the Colts, but he is still recovering from the strained MCL he got earlier.
These guys are pros who give whatever they have. We have to remember they get injured, and then they’re not the same until they heal up.
Don’t you think the story from the national media yesterday was a little more than just a coincidence? The fact is that veteran players were telling the reporter that Favre is coming, and sure enough, he did. This is a business and they all realize that he give them a better chance to win than anybody else. They aren’t in 1st grade and if they’re feelings are too hurt to go on, then they might as well leave…
I have been a Vike fan from the day the team placed its collective foot on the turf at the old baseball st adium in Bloomington. I sat through rain, snow and bitter cold to watch them play. Most times they played well,and occasionally not so well. They won more than they lost, but they were always worth watching. I am a Viking fan, but also a football fan. I enjoy the game for what it is, and recognize that none of it is perfect, not the players, the coaches or the owners. The organization is selling entertainment, and entertaining it is. If you are merely a fan who will only support the team when they win, then you are not a real fan. Whether you like Favre or not, does not matter. The owners and the coaches will decide who plays and who doesn’t. Relax, sit back and enjoy some football. It’s a great game, but remember it is a game. I have not lived in Minnesota for 25 years, but I am still a Vikes fan and get to watch most of their games on TV. If you stop trying to manage the Vike organization and coach the team, you will really find a lot more enjoyment just watching the great game of football
Fan in Okie Land
Great column, Mark. The prima donnas sometimes win.
The devil came up from Mississippi. He was looking for a team to screw.
He was in a bind ’cause he wanted to skip pre-season and he was willing to make a deal.
When he came upon a naive coach who thought his third year QB was hot.
And the devil hopped on a Vikes plane and said coach let me tell you what!
I bet you didn’t know it, but I’m still hot old QB too.
And if you’d care to take a dare, I’ll make a bet with you.
Now your QB’s suck so, give the devil his due:
I’ll bet a trophy of gold against your soul, ’cause I think I can help you.
The coach said, My names Chili and it might be a sin,
But I’ll take your bet, I hope I don’t regret, ’cause I’ll be fired in the end.
Feh. The Strib pretty much mocked Jay Glazer after calling he called this correctly yesterday. And then Rosey gets tossed an exclusive. Perhaps you should begin reporting and quit pontificating, Mark: you got scooped twice in two days, and methinks your whining has a lot to do with getting scooped.
Favre is one of the biggest whiney babies on the face of the earth! He won’t help the Vikings. We just paid him 12 million dollars for no assistance! If he makes it through the whole season, I’ll be amazed! Obviously Childress wasn’t watching what was going on with the Jets last year. Brett ended the season on a worthless note, and took his ball and went, pouting, home when he wasn’t still worshipped for gracing the Jets with his presence. Only Childress was dumb enough to go sniffing after him! When will the Vikings figure out what I’ve been saying for TWO years now??? FIRE CHILDRESS!!!!
This town has now signed two studs in the offseason.
NICK PUNTO and now BRETT FAVRE
this town rules
What a joke organization. All this drama could have been avoided had you grabbed Pennington (much cheaper AND better at this point) last season. Do you think well run organizations such as the Patriots, Colts, or Steelers would ever find themselves in such a situation?? Regardless of how this turns out, the Vikes have only reinforced what a mickey mouse outfit they are.
I had played DII FB and we had a QB like Favre. Best talent, knew the offense. His senior year, he came late for camp, overslept, slept in meetings, got special treatment from the coaches. He’d already been through 3 summer camps. He knew the offense better than the coaches. All he did was win and put up big numbers. He made us all better. Yes, the other QBs worked hard, good guys, bought pizza, etc but they just couldn’t come close. And that was at the lowly DII level. I suspect all former athletes had a teammate like Brett, either on HS, college, pro level. Probably even co-workers. The bottom line is can he win. The only people questioning leadership and Brett are the reporters. I don’t see many people who played the game in some form complaining.
brett in a body cast is better than t-jack or rosemary sage thyme at full strength
I feel more disappointed about Vikings management and coaches not having the guts to tell us fans that they actually wanted Favre to be the quarterback and then actually say that the issue was closed. Do they have no respect for the people that support this team? I think Childress has lost any credibility that he may have still had with this three-ring circus ringmastered by #4.
If I were on a team–any team– and got the chance to play a season with a Hall-of-Famer I’d be thrilled.
“Remember, traitors only leave by choice. After 16 years of never missing a game, you ran me out of town. After 16 years of community service, you offered me money to stay away. Then you traded me to the Jets. When I thought it was all over for good, Minnesota was the only one who picked up the phone and called – not you. Good luck Green Bay – you’ll need it!”
If anyone in the history of the NFL deserves to miss training camp - it’s Brett Favre. Never missed a start.
you guys are idiots if you think Tavaris or Sage were taking you anywhere..stop complaining and enjoy the spotlight.
Let’s cheer for the Chiefs this year. After all, they have the QB we should have signed. Go Mat Cassel and the Chiefs!!
Your right NFL/WWE tickets baby..theres nothing obviously we fans can do about it.one good thing for sure…we will get more televised vikings games out here in colorado
will brett retire after this season? when will he anounce it? will the media be there to tell us? whatever will we do if he does retire? lions and vikings and bears oh my!
I certainly am not a Favre fan or Packers for that matter, but I am and always will be a Viking Fan, so Love it or Leave it I say, I will be cheering for The Vikes This year and the years to follow no matter who plays. I never thought I would be cheering for Favre, but He is now a Viking and I will be Rooting for him and all the Vikes. Show your Horns people and get over it.
I don’t know where to begin! This is crap! Just because he played well with the Packers (who he played mind games with for years before they woke up!) doens’t mean the Vikings are a shoe in for the play offs and superbowl. He’s 1 man…1 man that plays games off the field with everyone around him….I’m retiring, oh, no I guess I still want to play. How many of us can do that with our jobs?! It takes a whole team working together to get anywhere with football and the Vikings organization…once again….has chosen to try to take the easy road instead of working hard for the one thing that they’ve failed to accomplish….to win a superbowl! If they would stop signing old, washed up quarterbacks to take them to the dance and teach someone the ropes from the ground up, maybe we’d actually see the dance and out perform everyone else. I’ve seen the dance Brett has played with the Packer organization…being in WI, that’s all anyone ever talked about….and now it’s moved next door. I’d almost rather be a Packer fan for this 1 year than to support a team that plays games with a drama QB….I did say almost. Good luck to us this year! We’re going to need it.
Vikings OL Anthony Herrera gives his opinion on Favre
http://www.naplesnews.com/news/2009/aug/18/nfl-barron-collier-grad-herrera-happy-have-favre-b/
As much as we would like to make the pre-season out to be mad-scientist like behaviour going on for the formation of the team the NFL is thinking about adding more league games to the schedule and shortening camp, which it should.
I don’t believe a veteran like Favre needs that much time to get it going and it certainly seems like the article is much to do about nothing.
It appears that about 50 of the 52 guys are very glad Favre is wearing purple.
Best $12 mil in advertising that Ziggy has spent yet. Hopefully Brett will have a good year but even if he doesn’t the seats will be full and the camera crews will be in town. No worrying about blacked out games this year.
Go Vikes!
I love that Mark Craig didn’t exactly give Favre a ringing endorsement. What a shock!
I would like to relay what I believe is some very promising news. My sister, who lives in Atlanta, was listening to a sports talk radio show on Sunday evening concerning the NFL.
A former sportswriter, turned announcer in the Atlanta area (Newnan I believe), named Tony Jones said “if the Vikings had Brett Favre, they would win the Super Bowl.”
Jones has picked the last four Super Bowl champs during the preseason and chose the Cardinals and the Steelers last August to play. How did that work out?
Jones said the only problem with Minnesota was the state gave Obama its electoral votes.
He said the Vikings have no issues. I love his track record. Minnesota-we’re about to win our Super Bowl.
I agree. Training camp is over so it’s time for him to play in some games. I’d be PISSED if I am Rosenfels or Jackson.
They had to sign him. Mr. Craig, I think you are a closet packer fan and you just hate the idea of your hero playing here.
