Real Men Don't Cry! There's No Crying In Football!
Yes! Brett Favre finally retired. The fact that he stuck around this long has been a real thorn in my side, along with all other Bear fans. That's right, I'm a Bear fan. Born in Chicago, but raised in Wisconsin since the fourth grade, I grew up the son of life long Bear fanatics. Growing up a Bear fan in Packer Country, probably made me the most die hard Bear fan you could ever meet. I've always had two favorite teams. The Bears and whatever team was playing the Packers that week.
What is the real reason Favre retired this year? If we could talk to insiders, his closest family and friends, they would tell you what I've known for a couple of months now. He knows it's time to quit, because he can't beat the Bears anymore. That had to be a frustrating realization for him. Frankly, I'm surprised he didn't quit before the playoffs this year.
What is with the crying? This "man" cries at the drop of a hat. I mean, he's leaving Green Bay for chrissake. That's like leaving prison. The man should be out celebrating with champagne, drugs and hookers. Oh, that's right. That's what got him into trouble early in his career, back when he used to play better. I suppose he did have some good things in Green Bay, like conjugal visits with Deanna and road trips. Why Deanna has stayed with this whining crier is beyond me.
OK, so now that I've had my fun with Packer fans, here is the real deal. Over the years there have been a couple of Packers that I have grown to admire. Brett Favre is at the top of that list. It has been a nightmare that one of the best quarterbacks of all time resides in the same division as my beloved Bears. Every year having to get pounded twice by a player that always seemed to be having a great time playing a game.
I grew up a Bear fan, and early on hoped that my boys would too. They had Bear sweatshirts and uniforms and all seemed to be going as planned. But, that all changed one day in 1997. My oldest son was in preschool and my wife had gone to pick him up. He explained that the class was having a Packer party the next day and that they were supposed to wear green and gold (I wish Packer Fans would get this right - it is green and yellow. Notre Dame wears gold and the New Orleans Saints wear gold. The Packers wear yellow!) to honor the Packers. He started in by saying, " I guess I could wear that green Irish sweatshirt of mine", in a very depressed voice. My wife asked, "Would you like to get a Packer sweatshirt?" My son responded with "Won't Dad be really upset with me?", and my wife explained "I'm sure he'll understand." At that my excited son said "Oh I would, I really would." Did I get upset or cry? No because I'm a real man. My son is now 16 years old, and Brett is the only Packer starting quarterback in his lifetime.
This Bear fan has to admit, that as a football fan I'm going to miss seeing him play. Thanks for the memories Brett, or at least the ones that don't involve the Bears.
