Take the retirement watch
Harvey Fialkov, Sun Sentinel
Watching 40-year-old Brett Favre getting battered Sunday was painful. It reminded me of that photograph of over-the-hill Giants quarterback Y.A. Tittle on his knees with blood streaming down his bald head in his final season. And of 43-year-old Mets center fielder Willie Mays stumbling around in the '73 World Series.
I thought of a slow-reacting Muhammad Ali getting pummeled by Larry Holmes, then16 years later shaking from Parkinson's while lighting the Olympic torch.
The difference is Favre's Hall of Fame skills remain intact, but so does his costly riverboat gambler instincts. He'll always have Super Bowl XXXI. Not everyone goes out like Elway.
So take the retirement watch, Brett, so we don't have to endure yet another retirement watch.
hfialkov@tribune.com
Yes, he's still 1of the best
Dan Pompei, Chicago Tribune
The first rule of predicting whether Brett Favre will retire: Believe nothing he says.Or maybe it's even believe the opposite of what he says.
Favre has told ESPN's Ed Werder it is "highly unlikely" he will play again. I'm sure he felt that way after the game Sunday and probably believed it. But time could change his perspective. It seems like it has for each of the last 10 years or so.
Why should Favre play again? He remains one of the league's premier quarterbacks. Age has not taken his game. He had an absolute ball in 2009. He is very happy playing with the Vikings. And the Vikings have a good chance to win the Super Bowl next season.
Welcome back, Brett.
dpompei@tribune.com
Dizzy from the indecision
Paul Doyle, Hartford Courant
Buckle up for the annual Brett Favre retirement ride. One day we'll hear that sources close to America's quarterback are saying he's done. The next day, our hero will be heeding the pleas of his daughter and preparing for another season.
It will be a ratings bonanza for ESPN as Brett keeps his team guessing. But we're betting he comes back. He had a great season and his team was sniffing the Super Bowl, so Favre will make one last run.
And really, does anyone think Favre will limp off to Mississippi with the lasting image of a late-game interception and an overtime loss as the cap to his career? He's too competitive, and his ego is too big.
Between now and training camp, you'll be dizzy from the indecision. He might not report until hours before Week 1, but he'll be wearing purple and gold when the 2010 season kicks off.
pdoyle@tribune.com
Hard hits make for hard call
Sam Farmer, Los Angeles Times
I don't think Brett Favre will be back, but I also believe that Favre doesn't even know if he's coming back.
I do know he was absolutely hammered by the Saints and was particularly shaken by Bobby McCray's hit.
Apparently, Favre initially felt as if he had teeth knocked out by that collision, and Saints end Will Smith at first thought McCray had broken Favre's leg.
That Favre returned to the game was an unquestionable testament to his toughness and resolve.
But will he be back? We shall see.
sfarmer@tribune.com