The Favre Legacy Grows…

Brett's not the only one that can mount a comeback!

This is undoubtedly the REAL reason the grizzled veteran decided to hang up the old gun-slinger belt, Brett has to take control of the family business now that his sister is taking an extended vacation.

Straight from the Washington Post: “The sister of Vikings quarterback Brett Favre was released from jail Thursday after a brief appearance in a Mississippi courtroom, a day after she was arrested during a methamphetamine bust.

Brandi Favre, 34, wearing orange prison scrubs and a GAP sweat shirt with her hands cuffed in front of her, was in the courtroom less than 10 minutes. Hancock County Justice Court Judge Tom Carver Sr. agreed to arraign Favre before her co-defendants because of the attention she drew.

Favre had been jailed on $40,000 bond on charges of manufacturing methamphetamine and generating hazardous waste.

Defense attorneys Richard V. Dymond and Chad Favre said she returned home after posting bond Thursday afternoon. Chad Favre said he is a distant cousin and close friend of Brandi Favre.

If convicted, Brandi Favre faces up to $1 million in fines and up to 30 years in prison on each count.

I unretire, again, for the family

She was among five people arrested Wednesday during a drug raid at a condo in Diamondhead, Miss. About nine grams of methamphetamine – worth about $1,000 – were recovered, said Hancock County Sheriff’s Maj. Matt Karl.

Karl said deputies found a meth lab in the bathroom and had to evacuate seven nearby condos while a hazardous materials team cleared out all the drug-making chemicals. And it wasn’t the first time deputies had encountered Brandi Favre, Karl said.

“She’s always in trouble,” Karl said.

Dymond said he was not sure what Favre’s relationship with her co-defendants was, or her relationship with Carl Wynn III, 53, whose apartment they were in when arrested. The other four, who also face drug-related charges, also had their bonds set at $40,000.

“We really haven’t had time to sit down and sort it all out yet,” Dymond said.

Favre appeared calm during her court appearance, standing directly in front of the judge’s desk, flanked by her attorneys.

“She’s OK,” Dymond said. “She seems to be taking it all right.”

Favre’s next court appearance was set for Feb. 8.

She has been in trouble with the law before. In 1999, Favre, her sister-in-law and another woman were booked with felony shoplifting. In 1996, she was charged with unlawful use of a weapon in connection with a drive-by shooting at a motel in Slidell, La. At the time she was a student at Southern Mississippi, where Brett Favre played.

She completed a program in Louisiana that allowed her criminal charges to be erased.”

Brett Lorenzo Favre is Mr. 324 and Mr. 162!

 

Brett Lorenzo Favre is Mr. 324!

 

Even with Dong Gate looming in his rear-view mirror, he just never fails to produce in amazing fashion. Not content to be tied with Warren Moon for career fumbles, Favre saw fit to gain yet another record this game, now with a grand total of 162 career fumbles to his name. Just when you thought the game was over, forever the team player, Favre lead his former team (the New York Jets) to yet another victory with an amazing interception TD. That brings his total career interceptions to a staggering 324!

NOTE: The Brett Favre career fumbles record watch page as been added!

NFL Hall of Famer George Blanda Dies at Age 83

George Blanda

Straight from Fox News: “ALAMEDA, Calif. — George Blanda, who played longer than anyone in pro football history and racked up the most points in a career that spanned four decades, mostly with the Chicago Bears and Oakland Raiders, died Monday. He was 83.

“We are deeply saddened by the passing of the great George Blanda,” the Raiders said Monday in confirming his death. “George was a brave Raider and a close personal friend of Raiders owner Al Davis.” The Pro Football Hall of Fame said on its website that Blanda died Monday after a brief illness.

Blanda retired a month shy of his 49th birthday before the 1976 season. He spent 10 seasons with the Bears, part of one with the Baltimore Colts, seven with the Houston Oilers and his final nine with the Raiders.

He held the pro scoring record when he retired, with 2,002 points. He kicked 335 field goals and 943 extra points, running for nine touchdowns and throwing for 236 more.

He also threw for 26,920 yards in his career and held the pro football record with 277 interceptions until Brett Favre passed him in 2007. His points record stood until it was topped by several players in recent years.

“It certainly doesn’t bother me,” Blanda said about losing the scoring record. “The one record I was happy to get rid of was the one for the most interceptions, when Brett Favre got that one.”

It was a five-game stretch for Oakland in 1970 that is the lasting imprint of his career. As a 43-year-old, Blanda led the Raiders to four wins and one tie with late touchdown passes or field goals.

Later that season, he became the oldest quarterback to play in a championship game, throwing two touchdown passes and kicking a field goal in Oakland’s 27-17 loss to Baltimore in the AFC title game. His performance that season earned him The Associated Press Male Athlete of the Year.

Blanda joined the Oilers of the new American Football League in 1960 and played 16 seasons before hanging it up for good following the 1975 campaign. He led the Oilers to the first two AFL titles, beating the Chargers for the championship following the 1960 and ’61 seasons.

He nearly won a third straight title when he led the Oilers back from a 17-0 halftime deficit to the Dallas Texans in the 1962 title game before losing in double overtime.

George Blanda

“George Blanda will always be remembered as a legend of our game,” NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said in a statement, “including his amazing career longevity of 26 seasons in four different decades. George’s multi-talented flair for the dramatic highlighted the excitement of pro football during an important period of growth for our sport.”

Blanda began his memorable run in 1970 by throwing three touchdown passes in place of an injured Daryle Lamonica in a 31-14 win over Pittsburgh on Oct. 25. The following week he kicked a 48-yard field goal in the final seconds to give the Raiders a 17-17 tie against Kansas City.

Blanda was just getting started. He threw a tying touchdown pass with 1:34 remaining and then kicked the game-winning 52-yard field goal in the final seconds the following week in a 23-20 win over Cleveland.

He followed that with a 20-yard TD pass to Fred Biletnikoff in place of Lamonica in a 24-19 victory over Denver the next week, then kicked a 16-yard field goal in the closing seconds to beat San Diego 20-17 on Nov. 22.

“The game that I remember the most was playing against Cleveland in 1970,” he once said. “We were down 20-13 and I came in and we got a touchdown and then we got a field goal in the last three seconds.”

Blanda entered the NFL out of Kentucky as a 12th-round pick (119th overall) of the Chicago Bears in 1949. He spent most of the next decade with the Bears, leaving to play one game for the Colts in 1950. After winning the Bears starting job in 1953, Blanda promptly lost it the following season because of injury. His playing time at quarterback quickly diminished and he retired in 1959 at age 31 when Chicago planned to make him a full-time kicker. It was a short-lived break because he then joined the AFL’s Oilers the next season.

Blanda was one of the new league’s many prolific passers, throwing for 19,149 yards and 165 touchdowns in seven seasons for the Oilers. He was the AFL Player of the Year in 1961, holds AFL single-game passing record of 464 yards on Oct. 29, 1961, against Buffalo, and was chosen the league’s all-time kicker.

“We did all the strategy right on the field,” he once said. “Today, the coaches call all the plays, so all the quarterbacks have to do is perform. They are more or less programmed.”

Oilers owner Bud Adams said Blanda’s flair was a reason the AFL attracted so much attention.

“He was the perfect fit for the start of the AFL, joining our league from the NFL and displaying the ability to lead a high flying offense,” Adams said in a statement. “His play garnered our league a lot of attention and fans. We had a celebration last year in Houston for the 1960 and 1961 AFL championship seasons and the team hall of fame members and it was great to have George join us and remember fondly those early years.”

In 1967, the Oilers thought Blanda was at the end of his career, but the Raiders picked him up as a backup quarterback and kicker and he lasted nine more seasons.

“A seemingly ageless wonder, George inspired legions of fans over a 26-year career, with his clutch performances as a quarterback and place kicker. He will be truly missed,” said Steve Perry, executive director of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.”

The Old Favre is back and doesn’t disappoint

Favre's Retirement

Eight series played, two interceptions and one lost fumble; the Old Favre is indeed back and in prime form. Just the thought of all those interceptions piling up in the regular season no doubt has the Favre fans tingling with anticipation!

Straight from ESPN: “Opening night is less than two weeks away and Brett Favre and the Minnesota Vikings are still trying to figure out exactly what they have in a banged-up receiving corps and a rotating offensive line.

Favre’s two newest targets made pretty good impressions just days after arriving in Minnesota.

So did Seattle rookie safety Earl Thomas.

Favre threw for 187 yards and two interceptions, one that Thomas returned 86 yards for a touchdown in Minnesota’s 24-13 victory over the Seattle Seahawks on Saturday night.

Favre completed 16 of 26 passes and took a couple of big hits while playing two series into the third quarter. His interception to Thomas went in and out of the hands of Bernard Berrian.

“We’ve got to find out in a short period of time who can make some plays in the passing game,” Favre said.

Thomas delivered Seattle’s lone touchdown of the game and also leveled Percy Harvin on a slant over the middle. It was a big night for the heavy-hitting safety from Texas, taken by the Seahawks with the 14th overall pick over Taylor Mays, who was a standout for coach Pete Carroll at USC.

“He made a huge play tonight,” Carroll said. “I can’t wait to see it again.”

As soon as the ball fell into Thomas’s arm, “I was just thinking gas,” he said. “Just put my head back. It was like Pop Warner when you throw your head back and run.”

The Vikings signed veteran Javon Walker on Tuesday and acquired Greg Camarillo from Miami in a trade on Wednesday to bolster a receiving corps that has lost Pro Bowler Sidney Rice for eight weeks because of hip surgery.

Camarillo had four catches for 47 yards and Walker made a great catch over Walter Thurmond for a 25-yard TD from Sage Rosenfels in the fourth quarter.

“I don’t even know how many people know my name, but it doesn’t hurt to grab a couple balls and get a couple first downs,” Camarillo said. “That’s how you get trust from your teammates. Hopefully they’ll start believing in me.”

Favre, who was coaxed back for a 20th NFL season on Aug. 18, played eight series on Saturday night. He led the Vikings to one field goal and a touchdown, a 24-yard run by Adrian Peterson that was set up by a 73-yard kickoff return by Darius Reynaud.

Peterson finished with 37 yards on 11 carries.

Favre also lost a fumble when Chris Clemons blew past left tackle Bryant McKinnie for a sack that had the 40-year-old quarterback shaking his throwing hand in pain early in the first. But he remained in the game and helped the Vikings amass 242 yards of offense, but only 10 points, while he was playing.

Coach Brad Childress called the offense, which also started Anthony Herrera at center for John Sullivan (calf), “still in flux,” which has to be a concern with the opener in New Orleans looming on Sept. 9.

“There are a lot of moving parts and parts that are just being added,” Childress said.

Seattle’s offense sputtered along as well.

Matt Hasselbeck completed nine of 17 passes for 126 yards, 42 coming on a completion to Mike Williams in the third quarter. More importantly, he left after two series in the third quarter without a scratch on him.

That was no small feat for Seattle’s patchwork offensive line against a defensive line that led the NFL in sacks last year. Sixth overall draft choice Russell Okung is out indefinitely with a high ankle sprain, forcing the Seahawks to move backup left guard Mike Wrotto out to left tackle.

Two years ago, Jared Allen put a crunching hit on Hasselbeck in the preseason that knocked him out of the game with a back injury, one that lingered most of the season and kept him out for nine games in the regular season that year. He missed two games with a rib injury last season, but the Seahawks did a pretty good job of protecting him on Saturday night.

Hasselbeck was sacked twice and hit two other times, but came away unscathed.

“Three of their four guys are Pro Bowlers and it easily could have been four out of four,” Hasselbeck said of Allen, Pat and Kevin Williams and Ray Edwards. “It was a huge challenge and I think we did a good job.”

The Vikings also had to be encouraged by Harvin’s return. The reigning offensive rookie of the year has only practiced six times this preseason because of recurring migraine headaches, including a bout that caused trainers to call an ambulance to practice just over a week ago.

“I did a test last night and they found some things that we think was the main cause of it,” Harvin said. “We’re feeling really confident. I know we said that a couple times, but I think this time we found what the main cause was. I’m not saying I’ll never get a headache again, but hopefully we can slow it down a little bit.”

Harvin had two catches for 30 yards. He also took two big hits to the head, one from Lofa Tatupu that knocked his helmet off and the one from Thomas that broke up a pass in the third quarter.

“We drafted him because he’s a playmaker,” Carroll said. “He was the best playmaker in the country. He played much better tonight than he did last week so I was really happy for him.”"

The Brett Favre Retirement Timeline

Aw Jeez, Not This Favre Shit Again!

Straight from the ‘Aw Jeez, Not This Brett Favre Shit Again Dept.’ via Will Brinson on CBS Sports: “Brett Favre has retired, y’all. It’s a sad day. At least until when he deretires again.

But, for those that haven’t been following the NFL every year since 2006, how’s a little refresher on Favre’s history sound? To the wayback machine!

January, 2006: It begins. Favre drops the word “undecided” on an ESPN Sunday Conversation , stating that if he “had to pick right now,” he’s “not coming back.” (Public Mood: Sad, sympathetic. )

April, 2006: Just your everyday harmless decision NOT to retire, as Favre announces he’ll be playing with the Packers once again. Everyone in Green Bay takes shots of beercheese to celebrate. Except for Aaron Rodgers, who shakes his fist angrily to the sky. The Onion , obviously wise before the rest of the world, mocks Favre for his indecision . Warning: NSFW  language.
(Public Mood: Joyous, gunslingy-y.)

May 6, 2006: Favre holds a press conference in which he renounces his comments that he would retire after 2006 and states that he may keep playing past that year. (Public mood: Confused)

December 2006: Favre nearly cries on television after getting a standing ovation from the freaking Bears FANS during the final game of the 2006 season, because everyone understands he’s actually retiring this time. (Public Mood: Sentimental )

February 2007: I’m so excited. I just can’t hide it. And so is Brett, as the 37-year-old unretires. Again. (Public Mood: Warily recognizing a pattern forming.)

January 2008: Packers lose to the Giants in the NFC  Championship Game, but MY GOD, what a way to go out for a true legend, huh? A 13-3 record, MVP chatter, everyone forgetting that he basically did the same thing as Michael Jordan on the Wizards … just legendary stuff in terms of timing if he retires now. (Public Mood: Inspired)

March 2008: Favre weeps while giving an awesome retirement speech , stating that he has “no regrets” because he “played the game one way” — “the only way [he] knew how.” (Public Mood: Emotional, Relieved)

July 2008: Favre gets an “itch” to play again. RUH. ROH. Suddenly, Favre was “never fully committed” to retiring and the Packers and No. 4 are involved in a very public and awkward melee that results in Favre telling Fox News that the Packers “pressured” him and that they should let him “play elsewhere.” Aaron Rodgers remains convinced he’ll never take a starting snap. (Public Mood: Outrage, disdain, choosing sides.)

August 2008: Bretty’s granted reinstatement by the NFL! He then harasses Green Bay in training camp until they trade him to the Jets. (Public Mood: Shocked, unhappy with everyone.)

September 2008: Favre throws six touchdowns (a career high!) as the Jets throttle the Cardinals and appear to be rolling towards the playoffs. (Public Mood: Jets fans are joyous. Everyone else is disgusted.)

December 2008: Favre melts down during the stretch run, as the Jets go 1-3 and miss the playoffs. (Public Mood: Jets fans are disgusted. Everyone else is joyous.)

February 2009: Favre retires. FOR THE ELEVENTY BILLIONTH TIME. He jokes, “I have no reason to wonder why you would be so skeptical.” (Public Mood: Skeptical.)

April 2009: The Jets, ready to go in a “different direction,” release Favre. Dear. God. NOOOOOOOO. (Public Mood:  Terrified.)

May 2009: Favre has surgery. Because, obviously, that’s what people who are retired and want to ride on tractors do, right? (Public Mood: Prepared for the worst.)

June 2009: Inexplicably, Favre considers playing for the Packers arch-rival, the Vikings. This is considered something along the lines of finding out that George Washington is actually French. (Public Mood: Shocked, Awed, Unprepared for the worst.)

July 2009: Favre decides NOT to join Vikings, thus ending the retiring the possibility that he would retire from retirement. Or something. (Public Mood: Relieved, thankful. )

August 2009: Favre UNRETIRES, joins the Vikings. (Public Mood: Annoyed, Betrayed. )

October 2009: Favre gets booed at Lambeau Field and then proceeds to beat the Green Bay Packers. (Public Mood: Annoyingly impressed.)

January 2010: Ole’ No. 4 wins a playoff game at age 40 and sings “Pants on the Ground” in the locker room . Then he proceeds to throw an interception to end the Vikings shot at a Super Bowl. (Public Mood: Secretly elated.)

April 2010 : Favre has ankle surgery, meaning he’s likely to play football. We think. Maybe? (Public Mood: Dismissive, annoyed, prepared.)

August 2010 : Brett Favre finally reportedly retires for the sixth time, except he HASN’T ACTUALLY TOLD ANYONE THAT. (Public Mood: So very, very, inexplicably trusting. )

Favre Needs Ankle Surgery To Play In 2010

Aw Jeez, Not This Favre Shit Again!

Straight from the “Aw Jeez, Not This Favre Shit Again Department,” via ESPN: “Brett Favre has been informed he requires surgery on his left ankle to play the upcoming season for the Minnesota Vikings, and the quarterback is deliberating whether to have the procedure or simply to end his 19-year NFL career by retiring.

Favre, who would turn 41 during the 2010 season, told ESPN the ankle injury that he suffered three months ago in the NFC Championship Game against the New Orleans Saints continues to be swollen and painful.

That prompted tests to determine why healing had not occurred, and Favre sent the results of those scans to orthopedic surgeon Dr. James Andrews, who told the quarterback his opinion that surgery is unavoidable.

“We have spoken,” Favre said in an e-mail. “To play again, I would need the surgery, as I suspected. This decision would be easy if not for my teammates and the fans and the entire Vikings staff. One year truly felt like 10 — much like Green Bay for many years. That’s what I was missing in my heart I suppose, a sense of belonging.”

Favre said he must determine whether his affection for the Vikings and his belief they are capable of winning the Super Bowl overrides his disdain for surgery.

Favre would not reveal the exact diagnosis or the prognosis on how long it would take to recover from the surgery.

While it previously seemed Favre was almost certain to return to the Vikings, his comments Friday reveal a player who appears to be seriously conflicted.

Favre further addressed his ankle issues on his website, officialbrettfavre.com, after ESPN reported he would need surgery to play.

Welcome to Favre's Wafflehouse, open yet again for your enjoyment!

“While my ankle has been bothering me, the injury is not debilitating,” the statement said. “For example, I’m able to work around my property without any problems. Sure — certain exercises cause some ankle pain, but it’s nothing that I haven’t experienced [or played with] before. In fact, many people don’t realize that I injured my ankle before the NFC Championship Game. I’ve had surgery on this ankle twice before, and I’ve played with the pain before. The hits I took throughout the 2009 season, including the Saints game, just added to the ankle pain and likely caused some bone spurs.

“I don’t believe major surgery on the ankle would be required for me to return in 2010,” Favre said in the statement. “I’ve consulted with Dr. Andrews on the phone, and a relatively minor procedure could be done to improve the dexterity of the ankle, and to relieve the pain. I’ve put up with pain worse than this in my career, and I didn’t want anyone to assume that the possibility of surgery was the sole factor that would determine whether I return or not. Some people reacting to the ESPN story have made this assumption. I don’t blame them for doing so, given that the term ‘surgery’ often covers a variety of procedures, some more complex than others.”

“The ankle pain is a factor, but one of many factors that I’ll need to consider in making my decision. Other factors include the input of my family, and the wonderful experience that I had last year with the Vikings.”

Minnesota coach Brad Childress, speaking Friday at the Vikings’ rookie minicamp, said he has talked several times with Favre about the ankle and considers it a minor injury.

Asked whether he thinks Favre will play in 2010, Childress said: “I’m the same. I still don’t know. That’s my story and I’m sticking to it, from the way back when.”

Favre was in a similar position last offseason, when Andrews repaired a partially torn biceps tendon in his throwing shoulder.

Favre eventually decided to play, missing all of training camp before signing a two-year contract with the Vikings worth $25 million.

Favre had the best statistical season of his career and advanced the Vikings to the NFC Championship Game in the Superdome, where he was brutalized by the Saints’ defense. His final pass of the season, with the Vikings in scoring position and seemingly poised to win the game, was intercepted.

Favre’s pass, intended for Sidney Rice, was picked off, and the Vikings were defeated in overtime without Favre touching the football.

Favre appeared emotionally devastated after the loss and said it was highly unlikely he would play again. Now his future remains very much in doubt once more.”

The Brett Favre Career Playoff Interception Record Watch Page has been updated!

"Winning? I'm only interested in some records!"

“Brett Lorenzo Favre is now the record holder for most career playoff interceptions thrown! This is the very definition of the culmination of a lifelong dream.

[01-25-10] When Favre’s 973rd annual unretirement and signing with the Minnesota Vikings was announced, the hopes, dreams and prayers of football fans around the world were sent skyward. A desperate plea was voiced in unison as all clutched to the belief that the career playoff interception record was finally again within reach. The road was long and arduous; the hands of the defending secondaries unsure and unreceptive to the gifts repeatedly bestowed upon them by the steadfast single-minded tenacity of the prolific Brett Lorenzo Favre. Then, it happened… In an inspired effort of unwavering determination, not merely one, but two interceptions were added to the impressive tally, resulting in a grand total of 30 career playoff interceptions thrown! Having your team dismissed from the playoffs yet again is surely a small price to pay for such an impressive record! Thank you Favre! Thank you for never letting us down!”

Go to the page and pay homage to the Favre!

Young Favre on draft day

The Official Favre Card!

Michael Vick to star in docu-series

Michael Vick is a dog lover

Straight from the Los Angeles Times: “He’s out of prison, back in the NFL, and now Michael Vick is going to star in his own television series.

The quarterback, who took his first regular-season pro snap just two weeks ago after serving 18 months in prison, is partnering with BET for a new eight-part docu-series scheduled to air early next year. The program, tentatively titled “The Michael Vick Project,” spotlights his controversial comeback with the Philadelphia Eagles while also examining his tumultuous past — including his troubled childhood and his 2007 arrest for running a dogfighting ring.

“I just want people to really get to know me as an individual,” Vick said last week in an interview from his home in Philadelphia. “What I want to do is change the perception of me. I am a human being. I’ve made some mistakes in the past, and I wish it had never happened. But it’s not about how you fall, but about how you pick yourself up.”

The onetime NFL star’s decision to expose his private life to a television audience follows a flurry of recent news and sports media interviews, which began with “60 Minutes” in mid-August. The Vick series is a gamble for a quarterback who is eager to rehabilitate his tarnished image but also doesn’t want to incur the further wrath of animal rights protesters, many of whom argued against his reinstatement to the NFL.

That may be difficult. Officials with People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals expressed skepticism about the project.

“People who abuse animals don’t deserve to be rewarded,” said PETA spokesman Dan Shannon. “They shouldn’t be given multimillion-dollar contracts . . . or given the privilege of being a role model.

“We don’t believe Michael Vick understands the seriousness of his crime. I think he’s sorry he got caught, but only time will tell if he’s truly remorseful.”

The project is being produced by DuBose Entertainment; Vick’s production company, MV7 Productions; and Category 5 Entertainment. No one associated with the production would comment on Vick’s compensation for the series. In August, a federal judge approved Vick’s six-year plan to repay creditors an estimated $20 million and emerge from bankruptcy.

Producers of the Vick series emphasized the program should be considered a docu-series — not a typical reality show like VH-1′s “The T.O. Show,” which revels in the excesses of its flamboyant star, wide receiver Terrell Owens. The tone of Vick’s show, say producers, will be serious and somber as it focuses on his personal struggles since his release, including the strains on his relationships with his fiancée, Kijafa Frink, and his children. It will also revisit the federal prison in Leavenworth, Kan., where Vick spent 1 1/2 years behind bars and the Virginia property where he ran and financed a dogfighting ring.

“This show can be a blueprint for so many kids,” he said. “I want to show them that things are going to happen, that they’re not going to get through life without dealing with some kind of adversity. I want to show that if they have a fall from grace, this is how they can turn it around. We want this to be a story of hope.”

James DuBose, executive producer for the project, said the series would be much more illuminating than Vick’s recent media interviews.

“We’ve heard the results, but we have not seen the process of how Michael got to where he was,” said DuBose, who has produced several reality-based series for BET.

“This is the raw storytelling of what happened, why and how.”

The project has the support of the Eagles, the NFL and former Indianapolis Colts coach Tony Dungy, who has acted as Vick’s mentor since his imprisonment, say the producers. Also on board, they say, is the Humane Society, which has enlisted Vick in its battle to end the widespread abuse of dogs in the inner city.

BET’s new entertainment chief, Loretha Jones, says the Vick project fits squarely into the network’s new branding strategy of family values, cultural uplift and community pride. When she learned several months ago that Vick was being released, Jones was immediately interested in developing a series around him.

“I did not reach out for this show in order to court controversy,” said Jones. “That’s not where we’re taking the network. . . . It’s important for us to capture this important moment to see what someone does when they have the opportunity to rebuild themselves. It might serve as a road map for young men facing the same challenge.”

The series will not downplay Vick’s notorious past, Jones emphasized.

“No way are we excusing or minimizing the atrocity that Michael was involved in,” she said. “Michael makes no attempt to do that. It is inexcusable. However, there are numerous public figures who have engaged in egregious behavior and have been given a second chance.”

Vick is aware that the series may do little to alter the negative perception some hold against him.

“All I can ask is that people are receptive and come to this with an open mind,” said Vick. “I can’t change the past, I can only change the present. I know there are people who can’t forget what I did, but I hope they can someday forgive me.”"

Goodell’s decision: Vick reinstated for Week 3

Straight from NFL.com Blogs: “NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell informed Eagles QB Michael Vick on Thursday that he will be reinstated for the third game of the regular season, Jason La Canfora reports.

Goodell met with Vick earlier today, and Eagles coach Andy Reid also attended. Goodell said he also spoke at length with former NFL coach Tony Dungy, who has served as a mentor to Vick in recent months.

“Ultimately, it was my decision,” Goodell told a group of national media members Thursday.

Asked why he decided on the third week of the regular season versus the regular-season opener, Goodell responded: “I do not want him to be put in a position where he’s overwhelmed.”

Goodell also said Vick understood the ruling.

“He’s very realistic about the challenges ahead,” Goodell said.

Vick will see his last live game action for several weeks tonight in the Eagles’ preseason finale against the Jets at 7 p.m. ET (live on NFL Network).

Earlier Thursday, Goodell told SIRIUS Radio that part of his discussion with Vick revolved around media reports that he consumed an alcoholic beverage. Goodell then clarified the situation, saying Vick had a drink with his dinner, and said it wasn’t a violation of the probation. But he later noted to media members that the episode — and the attention it drew — serve as a reminder of just how closely Vick must abide by all statutes and to what degree he is being watched.

“I wanted to use it as a reinforcement that he is under a tremendous microscope here,” Goodell told SIRIUS Radio’s Chris Russo. ”People are going to jump to conclusions, people are going to frame it in a way that he may not be able control. He has to be very careful of that.”

Goodell, who said he isn’t concerned about Vick from a “football standpoint,” reiterated he is trying to do whatever he can to help Vick as a person. He referred to Vick’s progress as a “step by step” process and said he hopes the QB will apply the life lessons he learns to the rest of his life.

“I believe he is recognizing these are life-management skills,” Goodell said.”

Why Twitter Scares The NFL

Twitter Sucks Ass

Straight from Forbes: “With 45 million monthly unique visitors, the microblogging site Twitter has emerged as an ideal platform for broadcasting personal opinions on nearly every subject matter. The National Football League, the powerful sports league with more than $4 billion in annual television revenues alone, thinks all that frivolous tweeting could seriously damage its business.

In preparation for the upcoming season, the NFL has instituted a set of new guidelines attempting to restrict how fans can use social media applications like Facebook and Twitter to talk about professional football. Under the rules, the NFL says fans are encouraged to circulate messages about teams and players, but cannot post play-by-play accounts of actual games.

The NFL also aims to prohibit fans attending games in person from posting large quantities of videos shot from the stands onto sites capable of hosting videos, such as YouTube, Facebook or MySpace. The NFL sells exclusive rights to television networks and radio stations to broadcast the games, says NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy, and posting text or video recaps of each play could undermine the league and its broadcasting partners’ efforts to make money airing the games.

If the NFL identifies fans violating the new rules, league officials say they’ll contact them and tell them to stop posting text or video. If fans refuse, the league will consider filing a lawsuit, McCarthy said.

The strong-armed tactics demonstrate how worried sports leagues are about the impact of social media on their business. But they also open the NFL up to a potentially ugly legal battle if the league cracks down on fans.

The NFL “has no property right over fans’ tweets,” says Wendy Seltzer, a fellow at Harvard’s Berkman Center for Internet and Society. Fans have the same right guaranteed by the First Amendment to publish accounts of football games, even in play-by-play form, that any news organization would, she argues.

Seltzer says the NFL could theoretically claim that fans were violating the league’s trademarks by using the names of teams and players, but that wouldn’t likely hold up in court.

Similar legal issues arose in the late 1990s when the National Basketball Association sued to block Motorola from operating a service that sent continuously updated sports scores and game information to pagers. In that case, the NBA tried to argue that the stats service both violated the league’s copyrights and misappropriated their commercial property. Both claims were denied by courts.

Regarding video, Seltzer says that the NFL and its teams could insert a clause in the text on the back of tickets stating that fans are prohibited from using recording equipment in stadiums. Some teams already include such language.

Yet enforcing such rules would be tricky. Teams would have to physically remove fans from the stands. And if fans ignore the rules and record video, Seltzer argues that the league would have no property right over resulting footage and would have to prove to a judge that posting the video on Facebook or YouTube actually reduced the value of their TV broadcasts.

There is some historical precedent for pro sports organizations trying to block media access to game footage and information to protect important sources of revenue. Bill Wirtz, former owner of the National Hockey League’s Chicago Blackhawks, famously blocked local broadcasts of games in hopes of stimulating ticket sales. After Wirtz died in 2007, the team abandoned the practice, realizing the marketing power of television to expand its fan base.

Along with installing rules to regulate fans’ tweets and Facebook updates, the NFL also announced new rules for players and coaches. They can use social media applications until 90 minutes before each the start of a game and have to wait until traditional media interviews are finished before they resume posting personal messages. Of course, the league has more legal leverage to enforce rules over team members. This summer, the San Diego Chargers reportedly fined cornerback Antonio Cromartie $2,500 for using Twitter to complain about the food served at the team’s training camp.

NFL spokesman McCarthy says the league has yet to identify a case of a fan attempting to post a play-by-play account on the Web but that it needed established rules in case such a situation occurs. If its threats fail to deter excessive tweeting, the NFL better come up with a strong legal and PR case before they drag one of their own fans into court.”

Civil rights groups rally around Vick

Straight from ESPN: “The Philadelphia chapter of the NAACP, the Black Clergy of Philadelphia and other local civil rights groups are planning a massive demonstration to support Michael Vick at Lincoln Financial Field on Thursday, when Vick is expected to make his debut with the Eagles.

“We believe Michael Vick has served his time, paid his debt to society and deserves a second chance and the animal rights groups want to hold him hostage for the rest of his life,” J. Whyatt Mondesire, president of the Philadelphia chapter of the NAACP, said Wednesday. “We think that’s patently unfair. It denies Michael Vick’s basic civil rights, denies him his ability to make a living.”

Mondesire said about a half-dozen groups from around the Philadelphia area were planning to meet at the front of Lincoln Financial Field and begin a march around the stadium prior to the Eagles’ preseason game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

The Eagles have not heard of any planned demonstration or protest from animal rights groups, which met with team management for two hours on Monday at the team’s practice facility. Although no local animal rights group have yet to partner with the Eagles or Vick in a local anti-dogfighting campaign, the meeting appeared to end on a positive note and head off any planned massive protest, participants said.

Nevertheless, the Eagles’ security operation is planning for individual animal rights protests, and now must plan for the pro-Vick march.”

Tarkenton again expresses disgust with Favre

Fran Tarkenton

Straight from ESPN: “Fran Tarkenton, who previously has expressed his loathing over Brett Favre’s inability to make a decision, spoke out again Wednesday, a day after Favre decided to sign with the Minnesota Vikings.

“I really have no interest in what Brett Favre does. He kind of lost me a few years ago by retiring and un-retiring and here and there,” Tarkenton said on “The Opening Drive” on Sirius NFL Radio.

“I asked a few friends here, maybe 10 or 12 people we were out with last night. I said, ‘What do you think about Brett Favre going back to the Vikings?’ You know who cared? Nobody. It’s good news for you guys. It’s good news for television and so forth but the last time I heard … football was a team sport, isn’t it? It’s not just about the quarterback.”

Favre, who first retired in March 2008, came out of retirement and forced the Green Bay Packers — with whom he had starred for 16 years — to trade him to the New York Jets in August when the Packers declined to accept his un-retirement.

He played one season for the Jets, then retired again in February.

But rumors started bubbling again in May that Favre wasn’t fully committed to retiring. Vikings coach Brad Childress communicated regularly with Favre. And Tarkenton — a Hall of Famer who spent five seasons with the New York Giants, but is remembered for his 13 seasons with the Vikings — made clear he was disgusted by the team’s flirtation with Favre.

“I think he has been a great flamboyant quarterback, but he has made more stupid plays than any great quarterback that I’ve ever seen. Look at his final game in a Packers uniform. He blew that game [NFC championship] against the Giants,” Tarkenton said in late May on KFAN-1130 in the Twin Cities.

At first, Favre said he would remain retired. Then he wasn’t sure. He said he would let the Vikings know by July 30. Then he decided he’d stay retired. Then on Tuesday, he flew to Minnesota and signed a two-year deal worth $25 million.

“I really think the whole Brett Favre saga of retiring, un-retiring, three weeks ago [saying] ‘I can’t play,’ the Vikings said, ‘We’re moving on,’ it’s a circus,” Tarkenton said Wednesday “The Opening Drive.” “It’s an absolute circus, and it takes away from all the other things that are going on with the Vikings, with the NFL. We’re getting ready for a football season and this is a circus and I just have no interest in it.

“Wouldn’t you be upset if you’re a Packer fan? I think you’re going to have Packer fans burning the No. 4 Favre Green Bay jersey. I think the Packer fans have every right to be outraged.”

Packers fans might be upset, but Vikings fans have embraced their new quarterback, as evidenced by the Vikings’ ticket sales.

The team has sold more than 3,000 season tickets in 24 hours, and about 10,000 single-game tickets during that time. Seats for the Oct. 5 game against Green Bay are available only through a season ticket. There are roughly 7,000 season tickets remaining.

Last season, the Vikings had to race to beat the blackout deadline for several games.

Merchandise also is moving. Team chief marketing officer Steve LaCroix said several hundred pre-orders for Favre jerseys were placed online Tuesday. The purple No. 4s were scheduled to begin showing up in stores Wednesday.

Tony Dungy, the former Indianapolis Colts coach who retired — and has stayed retired — in January, was on “The Waddle and Silvy” show on ESPN 1000 in Chicago, and said Favre has a limited window in which to win over his new teammates.

“I would be very worried about that if I were the Minnesota Vikings and their head coach,” Dungy said on “The Waddle and Silvy” show. “He’s going to have to let them know he’s as committed as they are. And get that across to them. If that happens, it could to be a big boost. If it doesn’t happen, if players feel you weren’t in this from the beginning … is he really in this with us? If there were feelings for quarterbacks who were already there … it’s going to be interesting to see how this plays out.”"

Oh, and the Brett Favre Career Interception Record Watch page as been updated. I couldn’t pass up this fabulous quote from Mr. Tarkenton, or withhold my excitement with the knowledge that Mr. 310 will be slinging interceptions once again in the very near future!

Source: Favre to sign with Vikings

The Infamous Favre Fail Mary

Straight from the Aw Jeez, Not This Favre Shit Again Department via ESPN (thanks for the heads-up Warren): “A source close to Brett Favre said the quarterback, pending a physical, will sign a contract with the Minnesota Vikings for between $10 million to $12 million, according to ESPN senior NFL analyst Chris Mortensen.

Favre, 39, arrived in Minnesota on Tuesday to meet with the Vikings, getting off a team plane at a small St. Paul airport and getting into an SUV after shaking hands with the ground crew.

Coach Brad Childress confirmed the planned meeting in an e-mail to The Associated Press. Asked if the plan was to sign Favre, Childress replied: “In a perfect world.”

Bus Cook, Favre’s agent, said it was “a done deal,” according to USA Today.

“He thinks he still has something left in the tank and I think it will work well,” Cook told USA Today.

Favre is expected to take a physical later Tuesday.

Favre, a longtime star in Green Bay, came out of retirement last season to play for the New York Jets. He retired again, only to then entertain the idea of joining the Vikings. Three weeks ago, Childress said the quarterback would stay retired.

The pronouncement now appears to be premature.

Two television stations first reported that Favre was seen boarding a plane Tuesday morning that was headed to Minneapolis.

Sources told Hattiesburg television station WDAM, which initially broke the story, that Favre had said: “We may know something by dinner.”

A high-level source first told Minneapolis TV station WCCO that Favre was expected to sign a deal with the Vikings on Tuesday.

ESPN’s Ed Werder reported that according to a source, Favre told close friends and family members before boarding the plane Tuesday: “I’m going to play football.”

The decision to do so comes even though Favre has informed the team that Dr. James Andrews detected a slight tear in his right rotator cuff in May while performing arthroscopic surgery on the quarterback’s passing shoulder in May, according to a source.

It was concern about that injury, and the pain in both of his ankles and left knee, that discouraged Favre from signing with the Vikings before training camp.

Favre, who holds almost all of the NFL’s career passing records, has never been much of a fan of offseason practices, though. Last summer, he ended his retirement with the Packers and forced a trade to the Jets, where he faded down the stretch amid problems with his throwing arm.

But Favre remained in regular communication with the Vikings’ coaching staff the past three weeks, and a source said that owner Zygi Wilf had to do very little convincing when the two met this week near Favre’s home in Hattiesburg.

“He had a lot of aches and pains and they basically needed a commitment from him before he felt he was ready to play,” a source told Werder. “He wants to be able to do the best he can do and doesn’t want to disappoint them.”

The Vikings are aware of the small tear in Favre’s rotator cuff.

“The tear is still there and there’s always a possibility something could happen with it later on,” a source told Werder. “He wanted to give it the best chance he could before he made a commitment. But the last three weeks, it hasn’t gotten any worse and he’s been working hard. Hell, who knows? It could flare up again if they make him throw 50 or 60 balls a day.

“Three weeks ago, he wasn’t ready to go play and didn’t feel physically he could do what they needed him to do. But three more weeks of working out and now he’s feeling that he’s able to throw the football and he’s going to give it a try.”

The Vikings finished training camp last week and beat Indianapolis 13-3 in their preseason opener Friday. They got a strong performance from quarterback Sage Rosenfels, who has been competing with Tarvaris Jackson for the starting job since Favre jilted the team July 28.

The Vikings are expected to challenge for the NFC North title this season, with whomever is behind center.

Rosenfels and Jackson have had some rough moments during practice. Jackson hurt his knee, missed a few workouts and then returned, but he was out of sync last week against the Colts.

Rosenfels did well, but preseason games are tough to evaluate and Indianapolis held out all four starting defensive backs.

On Monday, Jackson, responding to the day’s scuttlebutt that Favre was predicted to play in Minnesota this season, said he was not paying attention to any of the talk.

“I pretty much have said [Favre] probably will follow me even when I retire. I’ll probably have to hear about it. I’m just trying to take care of my business, and I can’t worry about that stuff,” Jackson said, according to the Minneapolis Star Tribune. “If I let that stuff get to me, ain’t no telling where I’d be right now. I just let it roll off my shoulder and just keep going. Just keep trying to get better.”"

Favre's a Viking afterall...

Aw Jeez, Not This Favre Shit Again!

Michael Vick Lands Job With Philadelphia Eagles

Vick Loves Dogs

Straight from Fox News: “Michael Vick is back in the NFL, landing a job with the Philadelphia Eagles.

“He signed with the Eagles,” agent Joel Segal told The Associated Press in a telephone interview Thursday. He said it was a two-year deal.

Vick, once the NFL’s highest-paid player, has not played since 2006. The former Atlanta Falcons quarterback was convicted in August 2007 of conspiracy and running a dogfighting operation, and served 18 of a 23-month sentence in federal prison. He also was suspended indefinitely by the NFL.

Commissioner Roger Goodell conditionally lifted Vick’s suspension on July 27, allowing him to sign with a team, practice and play in the last two preseason games. Once the season begins, Vick can participate in all team activities except games, and Goodell said he would consider Vick for full reinstatement by Week 6 (Oct. 18-19) at the latest.

The Eagles went to the playoffs last season under quarterback Donovan McNabb, and are still looking for their elusive first Super Bowl win.

The team, though, is a surprise landing point for Vick. It was among 26 clubs that said there was no interest in Vick, but that may have changed when backup Kevin Kolb strained a knee ligament earlier this week. Kolb’s injury isn’t serious and he’s expected to return next week. The Eagles also have veteran A.J. Feeley.

When news of Vick’s signing circulated in the press box during the first half of the Eagles’ preseason opener against New England, even the team’s public relations staff seemed surprised.”

Michael Vick Reinstated by the NFL

Straight from Fox News: “Michael Vick was reinstated by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell on Monday and could play in regular-season games as early as October.

Vick can immediately participate in preseason practices, workouts and meetings and can play in the final two preseason games — if he can find a team that will sign him. A number of teams have already said they would not.

“Needless to say, your margin for error is extremely limited,” Goodell said in a letter to Vick. “I urge you to take full advantage of the resources available to support you and to dedicate yourself to rebuilding your life and your career. If you do this, the NFL will support you.”

Goodell suspended Vick indefinitely in August 2007 after the former Atlanta Falcons quarterback admitted bankrolling the “Bad Newz Kennels” dogfighting operation. Goodell said then that Vick must show remorse and signs that he has changed before he would consider reinstating him.

“We worked with animal rights activist groups and medial professionals,” Goodell said at a news conference Monday evening. “Those tests didn’t indicate there were any reasons he couldn’t make that transition forward.”

Once the season begins, Vick may participate in all team activities except games, and Goodell said he would consider Vick for full reinstatement by Week 6 (Oct. 18-19).

“He will have to earn it,” Goodell told reporters about the chance for full reinstatement. “It’s up to him now. “

Goodell said Vick will have some “big decisions off the field to make and how he will conduct himself.”

“Hopefully he will conduct himself in a more positive way,” Goodell said. “Playing in the NFL is a privilege. It is not a right to be an NFL player.”

that said, Goodell added, “Obviously, when you are dealing with 2,000 young men, you are going to have mistakes.”

Vick expressed his gratitude for his second chance.

“I would like to express my sincere gratitude and appreciation to commissioner Goodell for allowing me to be readmitted to the National Football League,” Vick said through agent Joel Segal. “I fully understand that playing football in the NFL is a privilege, not a right, and I am truly thankful for the opportunity I have been given.

“As you can imagine, the last two years have given me time to re-evaluate my life, mature as an individual and fully understand the terrible mistakes I have made in the past and what type of life I must lead moving forward.

“Again, I want to thank the commissioner for the chance to return to the game I love and the opportunity to become an example of positive change.”

The announcement came after a busy first week of freedom for Vick, who met with union leaders and Goodell on consecutive days last week. His 23-month federal sentence ended when an electronic monitor was removed from his ankle early on July 20 at his home in Hampton, Va.

He met with DeMaurice Smith, executive director of the NFL Players Association, last Tuesday and, on Wednesday, he sat down with Goodell at a security firm in Allendale, N.J.

But Vick’s issues are far from over and he needs a team to call his own. So far, the owners of the New York Giants, Jets and Dallas Cowboys have said they had no interest in the 29-year-old quarterback. Neither do the Falcons, who officially released Vick in June.

Vick needs to find a team so he can get himself out of financial ruin. He filed for bankruptcy protection last July, listing assets of about $16 million and debts of more than $20 million, and has a hearing about his plan to repay his creditors on Friday in Norfolk, Va. That plan is built around his ability to make NFL-type money again.

He’s unlikely to command anything close to the 10-year, $130 million contract he once had with the Falcons, or to get endorsement deals after the grisly details of his involvement in the dogfighting ring.

Vick finally pleaded guilty after his three co-defendants had already done so. They told of how Vick participated in the killing of dogs that didn’t perform well in test fights by shooting, hanging, drowning or slamming them to the ground.

Vick’s appearances at federal court in Richmond, Va., all came with large groups of protestors outside. Many were with PETA and held signs depicting photographs of Pit Bulls ravaged in dogfights and decrying the brutality in the gruesome details that emerged in the case.

A smaller group came to show support for Vick wearing jerseys with his No. 7.

Vick has already taken some steps to begin rebuilding his image and showing remorse.

He met with the president of the Humane Society of the United States while serving the first 18 months of his federal sentence in the prison at Leavenworth, Kan. He plans to work with HSUS in a program designed to steer inner city youth away from dogfighting. He was not permitted to work with the program while in custody.

“It’s been a long process,” Segal said. “He’s thrilled for the opportunity to resume his playing career. He understands he has a lot to prove.”"

Aw Jeez, Not This Favre Shit Again! Is Favre a Viking?

Aw Jeez, Not This Favre Shit Again!

[June 18th, 2009] Update: The shit just keeps on flowing from the Aw Jeez, Not This Favre Shit Again Department via Fox Sports: “About 10 minutes into Joe Buck’s interview with Brett Favre, the quarterback began to speculate on his prospects with the Minnesota Vikings.

He loves the offense, as it’s the same one he ran for 16 seasons in Green Bay.

He’d have a running back, Adrian Peterson, who looks like a future Hall of Famer.

And the defense doesn’t suck, either. That went without saying.

We. Hold up. We? Who’s we?

In that moment, Favre gave himself up. For all his down-home, “aw-shucks” charm, the once-beloved quarterback came across as something of a schemer. Now that he’s talked, it’s even more difficult to believe this arrangement with Minnesota hasn’t been in the works for a while. Favre didn’t come off as fickle, so much as sneaky. What’s more, you can understand why the Packers filed tampering charges against the Vikings almost a year ago.

The theme of HBO’s inaugural “Joe Buck Live” was sports and celebrity. It’s an interesting topic, though not a new one. And while ballplayers tend to be treated more graciously and adoringly than other American celebs, I’ll concede that their lives have been complicated in this intrusive, mean-spirited and occasionally hilarious age of blogging and cell-phone photography.

But I refuse to be offended by the reporter doing his stand-up in front of Favre’s house in Mississippi. God bless him. He’s earning a semi-honest living. Nor am I concerned that this guy’s editors are having him Twitter when Favre gets on the plane. So what?

Brett Favre isn’t an innocent bystander. He brought this on himself. As regards his whereabouts and intentions, he’s been running one misdirection play after another. With this interview now in evidence, it seems that most of what he’s been denying and no-commenting is true.

Yes, he wants to play for the Vikings.

That’s why he had arthroscopic shoulder surgery almost three weeks ago. And that’s why the Vikings team trainer flew out to meet with him on Sunday.

And yes, head coach Brad Childress wanted him to attend organized team activities last week. “He wanted me to be there to be part of the team,” said Favre.

This sound like a guy who hasn’t made up his mind?

Bottom line, after a season of scheming, Favre has finally found a way to get to the Vikings — the last place the Packers (who had ample justification) wanted him to be.

Now Favre complains of reporters and talk show hosts who seek to “create controversy.”

Nonsense. This controversy is a creature of his own creation. Worse still, for a year and a half now, he’s jerked a lot of people around. First, it was the Packers — whose front office bent over backwards for him — and their fans. Then it was the Jets and theirs.

No, my heart doesn’t bleed for Woody Johnson and the geniuses who run the Jets’ business affairs. Just as Favre used them, they used him — to sell personal seat licenses. But what of those fans who bought those PSLs based on Favre? He quit on them after a season, told them he was retiring when in fact he was not. They have a right to feel betrayed. Now consider the fans in Green Bay. They feel that same betrayal — times 16.

“I wonder if you worry about tarnishing your legacy in the league by coming back, going away, coming back?” asked Buck.

“I think the 16 years I spent in Green Bay speak for themselves,” said Favre.

And I think that answer was an unwitting lesson in the real price of celebrity. The man who’s been too famous for too long, risks losing touch. He starts believing he can jerk everybody around — then declare himself shocked at the repercussions.

According to Favre, the vast majority of people “don’t give a s—” where he goes.

I don’t think that’s true. People cared about this guy, what he did and what he stood for. That’s the real shame here. Brett Favre, the ballsiest of all quarterbacks, has managed to turn himself into just another celebrity.”

---

[June 9th, 2009] Update: Another update from the Aw Jeez, Not This Favre Shit Again Department via ESPN: “Brett Favre’s determination to play quarterback this season for the Minnesota Vikings prompted him to undergo arthroscopic surgery to repair his injured passing shoulder recently, according to two sources. However, Favre remains unable to make a commitment because subsequent throwing sessions indicate the shoulder is not yet 100 percent.

While Favre has now clearly demonstrated his interest in coming out of retirement for a 19th season in the NFL, it seems equally obvious that he will not do so unless convinced he has recovered fully from the torn biceps tendon that undermined him last year with the New York Jets.

Favre began considering options to repair the shoulder last month when he sought advice from acclaimed orthopedic surgeon Dr. James Andrews. Favre and Andrews discussed surgical and non-surgical options. When cortisone injections and exercise therapies that included weight lifting failed to release the damaged tendon naturally, Favre consented to the arthroscopic surgery.

Favre has thrown on a limited basis since the surgery, which occurred last month, but has not felt close to “100 percent” and would not come back unless he makes significant progress, sources said.

Favre’s agent, Bus Cook, would not confirm or deny the surgery, saying “That’s a confidential client privilege.”

---

[May 18th, 2009] Update: More from the Aw Jeez, Not This Favre Shit Again Department via ESPN: “Brett Favre will meet with renowned orthopedist Dr. James Andrews on Tuesday in Alabama to discuss surgery on his throwing shoulder expected to be performed later this week, the St. Paul Pioneer Press has reported.

Rehabilitation from the surgery, which will release a partially torn biceps tendon in Favre’s right arm, would be six to eight weeks, the report said.

Favre, 39, consulted with Andrews last week, a source told ESPN. According to the Pioneer Press, Favre then missed another scheduled appointment with Andrews.

The biceps tendon release is a routine procedure which, if successful in alleviating Favre’s shoulder pain, would allow him to be ready to fully participate in football activities by training camp.

It would afford Favre the simplest and most efficient measure of evaluating how much the bicep was responsible for the pain he experienced last season.

According to the Pioneer Press report, there are other suspected sources of pain in Favre’s shoulder. Although it wasn’t clear what those were, rotator cuff involvement often accompanies bicep tendon injuries in throwers.

The report further indicates Favre’s intent to consider signing with the Minnesota Vikings despite announcing his retirement with the New York Jets after last season.

The Jets subsequently released Favre from his contract, making him a free agent and giving him the option of signing with any team.”

---

[May 6th, 2009] Straight from the Aw Jeez, Not This Favre Shit Again Department via the Star Tribune: “Vikings coach Brad Childress is expected to depart for Mississippi later today and meet with quarterback Brett Favre tonight and Thursday, according to a person with knowledge of the situation. Childress remained at Winter Park early this afternoon but the source said he is expected to have dinner with Favre this evening and begin discussions about Favre joining the Vikings.

The in-depth portion of the meeting is expected to take place Thursday. Among the Vikings’ chief concerns is the status of Favre’s injured right biceps. At this point, the meeting is expected to take place in Mississippi, where Favre lives.

Favre, the longtime Green Bay Packers star, was granted his release from the Jets’ reserve/retired list last week and thus is free to sign with any team he wants. Favre announced his retirement for a second consecutive offseason in February after a season with the Jets. Favre retired in March 2008 from the Packers but changed his mind.

The Packers did not want him back and at that point he set his sights on playing for the Vikings. The Packers made sure that didn’t happen by trading Favre to New York.”

Is Favre a Viking?

Brett Favre Retirement Finally Official

Madden and Favre, inseparable in football and now in retirement as well

Citing the fact that he will no longer have Favre around to fellate on television, John Madden calls it quits. It would appear as though this solidifies Favre’s retirement.

Straight from NBC Sports: “John Madden is retiring from football announcing, where his enthusiastic, down-to-earth style made him one of sports’ most popular broadcasters for three decades.

The Hall of Fame coach spent the last three seasons on NBC’s “Sunday Night Football.” His final telecast was the Super Bowl in February.

“You know at some point you have to do this — I got to that point,” Madden said on his Bay Area radio show Thursday. “The thing that made it hard is not because I’m second guessing, ‘is it the right decision?’ But I enjoyed it so damn much.

“I enjoyed the game and the players and the coaches and the film and the travel and everything.”

Cris Collinsworth will replace Madden, moving over from the network’s studio show, NBC Sports chief Dick Ebersol said. Collinsworth filled in when Madden took a game off last October.

Ebersol called Madden “absolutely the best sports broadcaster who ever lived.”

Madden said his health is fine, but at the age of 73, he wanted to spend more time with his family. His 50th wedding anniversary is this fall, and his five grandchildren are old enough to notice when he’s gone.

“If you hated part of it or if something was wrong, it’d be easy,” Madden said.

Madden’s blue-collar style and love for in-the-trenches football endeared him to fans. His “Madden NFL Football” is the top-selling sports video game of all time.

Madden is reluctant to fly and often traveled to games in a specially equipped bus.

Longtime broadcast partner Al Michaels said Madden will have a unique place in pro football history.”

At the end of his retirement announcement, Madden dedicated this video to Favre:

Madden and Favre, together forever

NFL Perspective

Washington Redskins great “Slingin’ Sammy” Baugh dead at 94

Slingin' Sammy

Straight from ESPN: “LUBBOCK, Texas — Slingin’ Sammy Baugh, the ultimate three-way threat who revolutionized the use of the forward pass as a Hall of Fame quarterback for the Washington Redskins, died Wednesday night. He was 94.

…

Sammy Baugh was the last surviving member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s inaugural class.

After starring at TCU, “Slingin’ Sammy” played with the Redskins from 1937 to 1952, leading them to the NFL title in his rookie season and again in 1942.

Baugh was the best all-around player in an era when such versatility was essential. In 1943, he led the league in passing, punting and defensive interceptions. In one game, he threw four touchdown passes and intercepted four as well. He threw six touchdowns passes in a game twice. His 51.4-yard punting average in 1940 is still the NFL record.

“There’s nobody any better than Sam Baugh was in pro football,” Don Maynard, a fellow West Texas Hall of Famer who played for Baugh, said in a 2002 interview. “When I see somebody picking the greatest player around, to me, if they didn’t go both ways, they don’t really deserve to be nominated. I always ask, ‘Well, how’d he do on defense? How was his punting?’”

When Baugh entered the NFL, the forward pass was so rare that it was unveiled mostly in desperate situations. But Baugh turn the pass into a regular feature of the offensive game plan.

As a rookie in 1937, he completed a record 81 passes (about seven a game) and led the league with 1,127 yards. By contrast, only six quarterbacks averaged three completions a game that year. He went on to lead the league in passing six times.

Baugh still holds Redskins records for career touchdown passes (187) and completion percentage in a season (70.3). His 31 interceptions on defense are third on the team’s career list.”

Straightening Out The Ramifications Of The Favre Trade

Straight from the Football Wire: “

• The Jets will give up a third rounder if the team doesn’t win the Super Bowl. If they do, and Favre plays 75% of the snaps then that will turn into a first rounder.
• The Jets protected themselves against a one-and-done year from him. If he doesn’t play beyond 2008 then the Packers will give up a late round pick (5th, 6th or 7th).
• The Packers did include a clause in the contract that states if Favre is traded to the Vikings then the compensation escalates to three first round picks.
• He will be in New York for their first preseason game but won’t play.
• Chad Pennington is likely gone. He’s due $6 million this year.
• By week 8 of the season, the Packers will be very sorry for trading Favre.
• The Bucs were sure they had Favre wrapped up. Even the way Gruden and Garcia talked it sounded like it was a done deal.”