A Bridge too Favre?

NFL: Minnesota Vikings

The NFL kicks off today and most teams have a sense of optimism going into the 2009 season. New England will be hoping the return of Quarterback Tom Brady can help them return to the play-offs while the New York Jets and the hapless Detroit Lions will want their rookie QBs Mark Sanchez and Matthew Stafford to make an impact. The Minnesota Vikings however will be hoping a rather older Quarterback will propell them into the post-season. Brett Favre has come out of retirement for a second time for one last chance at Superbowl glory. It's a win-win situation for Favre, but what effect will it have on the Vikings?

Minnesota were one of the favourites for the NFC Championship before Favre signed with a super offence of which the key weapon is undoubtedly Running Back Adrian Peterson. The Vikings however were unconvinced by their Quarterback options, especially Tavaris Jackson who remains with the team. Minnesota had wanted Favre last season, but were thwarted in their attempts by the Green Bay Packers who held on to Favre's registration and were unwilling to trade him to a division rival. After one, ultimately fruitless, year with the New York Jets, Favre who was suffering from a bicep injury called time on his illustrious career. The Jets moved on by drafting Mark Sanchez in the 2009 draft and released Favre who was now able to join any NFL team. After yet another protracted saga Favre joined the Minnesota Vikings.

When Favre returned prematurely from retirement in July 2008, many observers and fans felt that a return to the NFL would tarnish his legacy with the Green Bay Packers after it became clear that that organisation did not want him and had moved on with Aaron Rodgers leading the Packers' offence. Favre was eventually traded to the Jets and after a decent start, his injury problems meant that he went out with a whimper, leading the league in interceptions and failing to lead the Jets to the play-offs. During the first half of that season Favre proved why he was one of the best Quarterbacks of all time and still remains a decent player. Many feel that the Vikings are taking a risk with Favre, but why? Ultimately the Vikings are a better team with Favre and he enhances a team that looks an NFC Championship contender. As for Favre and his legacy, he has a real chance to add to his sole Superbowl victory having thrown an interception with his last play for Green Bay in the NFC Championship game two seasons ago.

As a Packers fan, I'm delighted to see Favre back in the NFL. The man is a legend of the game, one of the greatest Quarterbacks of all time and was the face of the Packers franchise for a decade and a half. He'll be a force to reckon with in the NFC North, which has three genuine contenders this year, especially with Chicago acquiring Jay Cutler in the off-season. Having said that, right now I wouldn't trade Aaron Rodgers for any other QB in the league and feel that Packer's management made the right decision in the summer of 2008 by sticking with him and allowing him to progress as a player. Last season was tough, but there were glimpses of why Rodgers can become one of the league's elite QBs this season. Favre is back though, and with him, Minnesota can go all the way.