My Favre Proposal: One Final Snap and a Knee

The Minnesota Vikings should line up for their first offensive play of Sunday’s game in Detroit with number four behind center. They should get in a tight “victory” formation, so there are no questions as to their motive. Then, John Sullivan should snap the ball to Brett Favre. And the ole’ gunslinger should take a knee. This is my proposal. In so many ways it’s not right, but, in many ways, I think it is the only right thing to do.

Please realize that the last paragraph was difficult for me to write. Like so many, I’ve become thoroughly disgusted with Favre over the past few seasons. His waffling…his self-centered nature…his flair for the dramatic…his tired old act…his sexting. The reasons to be “done” with Favre are plentiful. Still, I find myself strangely coming around to a different opinion when it comes to how Favre should ultimately go out.

For many, the image of Favre plastered to the turf at a blustery TCF Bank Stadium (home of the Minnesota Golden Gophers) is apropos. The man who played too long, laying motionless on a field that garners no memory of the signal-caller and may likely never host another professional game again. These detractors probably feel it was his just reward. Streak ended. Hype ended. Career ended. Let’s move on.

And don’t get me wrong…I understand those people. But I’m stepping back at this point. A 20-year Hall of Fame career is about to come to a close (if it somehow turns out his career is not over, I promise to never say a word about this man again). One of the most exciting quarterbacks to play the game…one who compiled arguably the most impressive streak in professional sports…who owns several career passing records…and a Super Bowl ring. Plus, he just has SUCH A GOOD TIME OUT THERE! HE’S LIKE A KID JUST HAVING FUN PLAYING THE GAME! IT’S LIKE HE’S IN THE BACKYARD IN THOSE WRANGLER COMMERCIALS!

Sorry, that stuff just slips out from time to time. So, back to our proposition. There is no good that can come of actually playing Favre (assuming he somehow passes his concussion test). There are not many things that could be more reckless, and just flat-out dumb. Some could even claim that putting him out there for a snap is risky. Still, I tend to believe players can talk and things can be “arranged” to make sure one two-yard loss goes smoothly. You want to argue that’s anti-competition. Be my guest.

It won’t be perfect. There will be no home crowd. There will be no touchdown tosses or leaps into lineman’s arms. No gunslingin.’ Just a snap, a knee and a trot back to the sideline. There are plenty that will say Favre is “owed” nothing by the fans, partcularly not this Sunday. As much as I can sympathize with that perspective, I think it’s fair to say Favre has earned a final snap. One. Final. Snap.