I was a Brett Farve fan since the day he stepped onto the field to replace the injured Don Mckowski (sp) I cheered, supported, and defended him through his crazy interceptions and the learning curve he went through prior to becoming the Hall of Famer he is today.
When he retired from the Packers it was a sad day.
When he wanted to come back I stayed neutral about the whole thing. I could understand the team needing to make a decision to go one way or the other and then stick to it. I could understand that the competitive drive Brett had was tearing him apart and that he regretted stepping aside. So I waited and just watched the whole drama unfold.
When it was final and he would play for the Jets I was happy for him that he would get the chance to play some more. I watched his games when I could, and I hoped he would win and play well.
Then he retired again. But this time he returned with the Vikings. Why the Vikings? The receivers at the Vikings weren't some stellar group that Brett so much desired while at the Packers. What I mean by that is his last couple of years at the Packers he openly said he wanted a "play maker receiver" brought in to help them improve the offense. The Vikings didn't have one of those this year so why the Vikings? Yes, they have what is one of the most exciting running backs in the league right now, but the receivers are average at best. So why the Vikings? Why not one of the many teams looking to fill the QB position with a quality player?
I will tell you why. Revenge. Brett was insistent on sticking it to the loser coach we have and that dipweed GM we have. He wanted to show them he could still play, and do it by being in our conference where it would do the most damage.
What Brett forgot is that the Packers are NOT the coach or the GM. The Packers are not owned by those 2 jerks. The Packers are owned by the fans. The fans are who make the Packers what they are, and who pay the ticket prices and buy the clothing that pays the bills and wages.
Brett isn't sticking anything to his former coach and GM. He is sticking it to us fans.
That is why it hurts so much, and that is why some fans boo him.
All that said I would not boo him. I respect his ability and his competitive drive. He is a pure champion both on and off the field. I think if his old legs and arm can hold on he will be in the super bowl this year. If so, and if he wins I will be happy for him. It will be the only game ever that I am happy the Vikings win. I will then hope he walks away for the final time.
But I am hurt and disappointed by his decision to play for THAT team as it wasn't just about wanting to keep playing. It was about revenge.