Packers Need a Plan For Favre

It is hard to believe there are people around Wisconsin whom still hate Brett Favre. It is hard to believe there are people whom still love Brett Favre like a son they never had. He is an enigma in the State of Wisconsin. There is no doubt in my mind if Favre ended his career in 2008, there would be statue somewhere near Lambeau Field already plus he would have his number retired without any question. Right now, Green Bay and Favre are in a holding pattern to when he will return to Lambeau Field. There are some simpler solutions than a whole jersey retirement right away.

Any game featuring Favre involved will be a huge deal. No one will be talking about the game. Aaron Rodgers could be on a streak where he had six consecutive games with 300 yards or more with three touchdowns per game at MVP-like level yet all of the attention would be on Favre.  Green Bay could be undefeated midway through the season yet all eyes would be on Favre. Fans wearing his jersey (PS if you still think it is not okay to wear his jersey, you are the Packers fans I don't like to associate with tbh) and it would be the top headline in the National Football League. That's how big of a deal it would be to have Favre back in Green Bay getting his jersey retired. This is why the first time back in Lambeau needs to be complete surprise and then have the ceremony in the following year.

The element of surprise could be a beautiful thing for both sides of the aisle. Imagine a game against Chicago or Detroit at Lambeau where the FOX, NBC or ESPN cameras pan to the field seeing Rodgers and Favre chatting it up before the game. Social media explodes, it becomes a must-watch game all of the sudden and yes, the attention goes to Favre yet in a much smaller time frame meaning it will not be as much as a distraction. Everybody goes nuts and it becomes a different game on the schedule. Favre probably does a little television with either any of the networks talking about his time with Green Bay. Everybody would be fully into it and start building the bridge back between Favre and the Packers.

If they went with this strategy, the Favre jersey game would not be the biggest thing of the NFL season for a likely playoff contender and probable Super Bowl contender. It still would be a massive game with tickets prices being in the thousands. But this might take things down a notch slightly. It would probably also mean no one is booing him. Although the fact people are even worried about Favre getting booed at the place where he reigned supreme in the 90's and most of 2000's is utterly ridiculous.  If Favre gets booed, it would be by the one percent of the fanbase and also the same people in their 30's whom still think their high school rivalry is worth a damn.

Whether they go with a jersey retirement ceremony this year, a surprise visit or two or nothing at all. It will happen at some point with Green Bay embracing one of their golden children with open arms.

Charlie.