Wednesday night marked the end of an era in Green Bay. Brett Favre, who has had the “itch” to play again for quite some time now, will be exchanging his forest green jersey for a darker shade of green. ESPN and Foxsports.com reported that Favre has been traded to the New York Jets for a conditional draft pick depending on the Jets performance in 2008. He will become the first quarterback since Johnny Unitas and Jim Hart to play for another team after playing on one for 16 or more seasons.
For over the past month, a Favre-Packers divorce seemed inevitable. However, shortly after he was reinstated by Commissioner Roger Goodell, the Packers cleared a spot for the 17-year veteran on their roster last Sunday. Reports from ESPN even said that Brett Favre would compete against Aaron Rodgers for the starting QB job, but following a lengthy meeting with Head Coach Mike McCarthy, both agreed it would be best if he parted ways with the Packers. Favre said his trust with the Packers was now broken and couldn’t be repaired.
“They want to know if I’m [committed], but I want to know if they’re 100 percent committed. The problem is that there’s been a lot of damage done and I can’t forget it. Stuff has been said, stories planted, that just aren’t true. Can I get over all that? I doubt it.”
Last night, there was speculation that both the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New York Jets were the only teams the Packers were willing to talk to about a potential trade. Unlike last time these two came calling for Favre, Favre actually called them back. Originally, it was reported that the QB-happy Buccaneers were the front-runners in the Favre sweepstakes, apparently offering a 3rd-round draft choice and Brian Griese or another player. However, according to ESPN’s Sal Palantonio, the Jets were much more aggressive in trade talks.
With Favre now in the Big Apple, the Jets quarterback competition is officially over. They are expected to make Kellen Clemens learn under the NFL’s all-time leader in touchdown passes as a second-string quarterback while Chad Pennington will be either traded or cut in the next couple of days.
This could be a good move for Favre. Sure, the country boy is in a big city (well, technically the Jets play in New Jersey, which is close to the country), but he can still play well. The Jets have built a team to contend for the playoffs within the next 2-3 years. Now, they have stability at quarterback. Even if 2007 Brett Favre doesn’t show up, it’s still a risk that the Jets were smart to make. Sure, the AFC East is a tough division to compete in because of the New England Patriots, but you have to admit, it will be fun to see the unorthodox Brett Favre playing against the orthodox Patriots twice a year.
As for the Packers, hopefully this move doesn’t comeback to haunt them. Could this turn out to be the 21st Century’s version of the Curse of the Bambino. Probably not, but this could put some strain on poor Aaron Rodgers. All this kid wanted to do is play. He wasn’t the guy who pushed Favre out. I pray for the kid when he throws his first pick. Fans will start saying, “Brett never did that!” Well, he actually did. About 288 times. If anyone should take the blame for pushing Favre out the door, it should be GM Ted Thompson, CEO Mark Murphy, and Head Coach Mike McCarthy.
Now the saga is over…hopefully.
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