The Brett Favre Sweepstakes

NOTE:  I used the Customized Jerseys from the NFL Shop for the following pictures, and they will not let me put “FAVRE” on the back of the Jerseys. So, I had to settle for “FVRE” instead, SMH! I apologize in advance.

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

 

For the sake of arguement, Let’s say that Comissioner Goodell reinstate Brett Favre. Let’s also say that the Packers decided to trade him.  If that is the case, we have nine teams that may make a play for the NFL’s all time passing TD leader.

Baltimore

Sure the Ravens picked Joe Flacco to step in to become the starter but it seems as if Coach John Harbaugh  is willing to make it anybody’s job to win. Right now, on their depth chart, I see two unprovens and a man that can’t throw rice at a wedding let alone a football. Why not stir the pot by getting Favre? In Baltimore, Favre can actually succeed.  With Brett under center, the Ravens could very well evolve from run first offense to the West Coast Offense.  Think about it! Willis McGahee is a decent receiving back and Todd Heap is a phenomenal tight end.  Playing with Brett can make Yamon Figures, Mark Clayton and Derrick Mason better. It is worth the gamble for Ozzie Newsome and Steve Bisciotti to make a play but what or who will Baltimore give up?

Chicago

For the life of me, I don’t understand why the Bears insist on giving Rex Grossman chance after chance to get it right. He is one more bad season away from the inevetiable. The Bears might as well give Brett a try. At least the offense will have a modicum of stability. Favre is resourceful. He can make any situation work.

 

Carolina

The only thing wrong with Jake Delhomme is he’s often injured, and the Panthers backups cannot get it done. If Favre winds up in Charlotte, he will have  Pro Bowl targets in Steve Smith and Muhsin Muhammad to throw to. Favre can also help make young recievers like DJ Hackett and Dwayne Jarrett better. Also joining Favre in the backfield is DeAngelo Williams. Now, Williams proved himself to be a solid back in the shadow of DeShaun Foster. Last season, Willams registered 717 yards and 4 touchdowns. With Foster gone, Williams can flourish. There is potential for Brett to be successful in the Queen City.

Miami

LOL The Dolphins need all the help they can get. That team is a hot mess! While having Brett will improve things just a tad in Miami, I really dont think that the Dolphins are a good fit because they are such a mess on both sides of the ball.

Tampa

Now, you all know that Jon Gruden (AKA Chucky, AKA The Quarterback Groupie) will try and convince the front office to get at Brett. Being in Tampa can be very familiar for #4 because he knows Chucky. Gruden was an offensive assistant and wide receivers coach for the Packers from 1992 to 1994. Putting Favre in Buccanneer Red and Pewter is not reall an idea fit but it is a better fit than Miami.

San Francisco

The Niner Empire is spoiled, and they have been so for 26 years. If your team had the luxury of having not one but two hall of fame quarterbacks and the greatest wide receiver of all time on your team, you will spoild too.  The 49ers are not getting it done with Alex Smith, and Shaun Hill isnt really convinsing as a starter. If Faver dons the Scarlet and Gold, he will be working wiht a formidable trio in Isaac Bruce, Ashley Lelie, and Arnaz Battle.  Farve is also covered in the backfield with the tandem of Frank Gore and DeShaun Foster. Favre would thrive in the city by the Bay, the Niner Empire will still be spoild, and everyone is happy.

Minnesota

Now, Brett may not have any stand out options in the passing game here, but he’ll have Adrian Peterson. Favre is known for his resorsefulness. In additon to resorcefullness, #4 is also known for drama. What is more dramatic than Brett rolling into Lambeau wearing a purple and gold and white jersey with a pair of Viking horns on his helmet? What is more dramatic than Brett engineering a 87 yard winning drive against his old team. Talk about payback! LOL.

Atlanta

Seventeen years after trading Brett for a first round draft pick in 92 (19th overall, Tony Smith), the Falcons can redeem themselves.  Granted, Atlanta did select Matt Ryan but Favre is a proven winner.  This is a city still trying to move on from the Michael Vick saga; might as well get Favre and put some butts in Georgia Dome seats. On the field, Favre will have another talented running back in Michael Turner to help carry the team.  Joe Horn is dependable as well.

 

Seattle

I know that the Seahawks do not have QB problems but it will be special to reunite Mike Holmgreen with Favre for the coach’s final NFL season. These two had years of succes in Green Bay. It’ll be exciting if the duo can duplicate past success.

 

So, there you have it folks! If Green Bay want to trade Brett Favre,  Where should he go?  Should he stay retired? Fans, it’s on you.

When the Roar Of the Crowd Fade!

  

  

Seventy-eight!

This is the precentage of players that are either divorced, permanately injurjed, or bankrupt after their football career.

One-third!

This is the fraction of retiring players who are college graduates.

Few and far between!

This is the number of active players who are college graduates.

For many NFL players, football is their identity and their sense of pupose. For the majority, the game is all they know. However, there comes a time when it is time to hang up the cleats for good. After the the applause, after the last press confrence, and after the cheering stops, the player is forced to deal with the “real world” Looking at the numbers, most of these guys are not making a successful transisition after the game.

For the college players, I think that it is wise to take your classes and your major seriously. The average NFL career last any where from 3-5 years. If you make it to 10+  years, you are blessed and extremely fortunate! For the future, I think it is wise for the player to make contacts with folks in their field of interest. In the offseason, it is a good idea for the player to have an appreticeship or even an intership. For example, Miami Dolphins RB Samkon Gado wants to be a doctor after football. During his time in Green Bay, Gado was working in a hospital under doctors.  Gado, receieved a bachelor’s degree in health promotions and studied pre med courses at Liberty University. During the offseason, Gado took the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). 

Giants CB, R.W. McQuarters own a construction company in Tulsa, Ok where he also works along with his employees.

There are quite a few ex players who made a smooth transistion after the game. Tiki Barber and Keyshawn Johnson are turning out to be solid analysts.  Keyshawn holds a degree from USC in communications and provided an array of soundbites thoughout the years as a player. Going into the booth was a natural fit for this guy.

Barber holds a degree from the University of Virginia in Management Information Systems, but caught the media fever as a player. His elequence caught the eye Fox and later NBC. Now he is on the network’s ‘Football Night In America’.

After an illustrious career with the Seattle Seahawks, hall of famer Steve Largent found his way into politics. In 1994, Largent became a member of the House of Representatives from Oklahoma’s first district. He would hold that position until 2002.  After an unsuccessful run for Oklahoma govenor, Largent is now the President and CEO of the CTIA-The Wireless Association.

Hall Of Fame Quarterback Steve Young made sure he would not have to struggle after the NFL. During the prime of his career, Young earned his Juris Doctor from BYU’s J. Reuben Clark Law School. In addition to that, he is now in the private equity field. If that wasn’t enough, he is broadcasting for ESPN and still getting his yearly annuinity from the USFL.

Players can do it. They can be successful and carve a productive identity after football. The blueprint is there.

RED ZONE’S SEASON FORECAST: NFC SOUTH

1. Saints

Once again, New Orleans will march to the division crown and into the playoffs. While the defense may have some issues, the offense will carry the load. Don’t be shocked to see Reggie Bush floruish as a all purpose back in the vein of Marshall Faulk. Drew Brees will continue to show the rest of the league that the Chargers made a mistake in letting him go.

 2007 projected record 13-3

2.Panthers

This year is a win or go home year for head coach John Fox. Carolina blew countless games in the fourth quarter last season, and that is unacceptable in the NFL. On paper, this  team should not have any problems competing in the division and conference.

In order for Fox to have a winning season and a job next season, the defense must help the offense close out these games.

2007 projected record 10-6

3. Bucs

Message to Jon Gruden: Stop chasing Rich Gannon and use what you have.  Your QB obsession isn’t going to win many games. Look for Chucky to be in the unemployment line with Crennell.

2007 projected record 4-12

4. Falcons

With an ounce of luck , Atlanta can rise above drama but I doubt it. It is time to destroy and rebuild.

2007 projected record  3-13