The Summer of Brett

March 4th, 2008 will be a date I won't soon forget. Brett Favre announced his retirement from the NFL. Who can forget his tear-ridden press conference to formally announce his decision. Packer fans everywhere were devastated for many reasons. He was not just a football player, he was an icon. Throw his records out the window, he was beloved because you knew who was lining up behind center every Sunday for 16 years. He rescued a proud franchise that had made the playoffs just twice in the 24 years following Vince Lombardi's departure.

Yet, with one foul swoop he could further tarnish his already damaged reputation.

Those who closely monitored the he-said, she-said saga that ensued between Brett Favre and the Packer organization last summer were exposed to his true character. He turned down multiple opportunities following his retirement to come back, and Green Bay moved on.

They had a young quarterback whom they invested a first round pick waiting in the wings. Aaron Rodgers patiently waited for his chance for multiple off-seasons, only for Brett to make his inevitable decision to come back.

So here was his chance to shine, Brett was officially gone. Green Bay had to move on, and prepare for an eery 2008 season without Favre.

So fast forward to July 2nd, 2008 when it was reported he was in contact with the Packers about his desire to return. He claimed on Fox News with Greta Van Susteren that he was, "not fully committed to retirement", and that the Packers had pressured him into making a decision prior to the NFL draft and free-agency. Think about this, from the Packers' exit out of the playoffs to the draft, he had over three months to make his decision. Yes, three months. This is a business Brett, not a game of cat and mouse.

Coming up on his first contract year, the Packers had to see what Aaron Rodgers could do. If they allowed Favre to waltz right back in as a starter, chances are good that Rodgers' walks after the season. GM Ted Thompson and Coach Mike McCarthy were confident he was the guy, and his play spoke volumes.

So of course Favre entered his woe is me plea, and attempted with some success, to chastise Ted Thompson among the Packer faithful. Thompson rightfully stood his ground. Favre proceeded to threaten the organization through creating a media-frenzy by showing his showing up at Packer camp. Thompson made it clear he would not be granted an unconditional release.

Meanwhile, Aaron Rodgers said all the right things in the firestorm Favre had created. So push comes to shove, and on August 7th the Packers dealt Favre to the Jets. Packer fans were divided into two categories: Packer fans and Favre fans. Despite the emotional attatchment every Packer fan has for Favre, it was time to move on.

Now here is Aaron Rodgers, who's only noteworthy career mark in the NFL was his notorious slide down the first round in the 2005 draft. He received a not-so warm welcome when Favre stated that he has no obligation to groom Rodgers. Nice one, Brett.

After sitting for three seasons, Aaron Rodgers stepped into the hottest seat in sports. He had to follow a legend. He had to follow a Super Bowl winner. He had to follow the NFL's all-time leader in consecutive games started, victories, passing touchdowns, passing yards, and completions. He had to follow one of two players (Peyton Manning) with 3 MVP awards.

How's that for a hot seat?

So how did the season go for the Packers, not very well. They were in the running for the division title for most of the season, but injuries to a depleted defense left them without a chance.

How did Aaron Rodgers do? He quietly had the greatest season (statistically) of any first-year starter in NFL history. Rodgers finished in the top 6 in every major passing category in the NFL. His play was awarded with a six-year deal, worth 65 million dollars.

Sorry "Favre fans", you were wrong. Anyone who believes Brett Favre would have been the difference in the Packers making the playoffs last season watched very little, if any, of the Packers and the Jets respective seasons.

Let's compare the numbers...

Passing Yards- Rodgers 4,038, Favre 3,472.

Passer Rating- Rodgers 93.8, Favre 81.

Touchdowns- Rodgers 28, Favre 22.

Interceptions- Rodgers 13, Favre 22 (most in the NFL).

And for good measure, Rushing Yards- Rodgers 207, Favre 43

Rushing TD's and Rushing First Downs- Rodgers 4/21, Favre 1/4.

The numbers speak for themselves. Yes, I realize these stats are circumstantial to an extent, but there is no denying who was more effective last season. The future is bright for Aaron Rodgers.

Brett Favre failed in every way possible in his season in The Big Apple. His relationship with the New York media and his team was reminiscent of a camera-shoving Randy Johnson.

His task was simple, make the playoffs. He did not. So he rides off in the dust for four months.

Once the Jets released Favre, speculation was rampid of his possible return. And wouldn't you know it, he resumed his flirting with the Vikings from last summer almost immediately.

Per yahoosports.com, Favre will not return next season.

Right, no one will believe that until next season's completion. Rather he signs with someone this summer, or waits to see if a top-notch team has a QB go down, who knows. There is no reason to believe him at this point.

His motivation to keep playing was obvious last season: stick it to Ted Thompson. No move would cement that like signing with the Vikings. Not that anyone would care if he returned to further embarrass himself (purely in terms of play). The talk of the Vikings being a Super Bowl contender with Favre is laughable at best.

So, while rumors will exist for multiple years about his return, just put it to rest. While you have an ounce of dignity left, do the right thing.

Sign a one-day contract with the Pack, and retire where you belong. Take your 10-20 million dollars to make a few appearances at Lambeau, and end it.

His legendary status would be restored, and all will be well in Titletown.