NFL quarterback, Brett Favre, has added great fodder for my BLOG and media appearances over these past six months. Twice I've been able to write about him during this time and with recent comments made by NY Jets running back, Thomas Jones, I'm getting the opportunity to write about him again.
I certainly do not believe in meddling in other people's business, but I must admit I was surprised when Brett announced his desire to "unretire" and sign with the Jets. Believe me, I understand NOT wanting to leave the game he so loved and excelled at for 18 seasons. I get that. I just didn't see the benefit of his decision which resulted in many apparent hard feelings with the Packer organization and potential marring of his legacy as a premier NFL quarterback, which is made evident in Jones' comments.
During the recent radio interview, Jones was very outspoken about the team and Favre's mistakes on the field. "If somebody is not playing well, they need to come out of the game," he stated. "You're jeopardizing the whole team because you're having a bad day....So when you get to the wire and somebody is just giving the game up, it's just not fair," he added. "The other day, the three interceptions really hurt us, that's just reality," Jones told the radio station.
The reality is the New York Jets lost four of its last five games and Favre tossed nine interceptions with just two touchdowns during this span. He finished the season with 22 touchdowns and a league-worst 22 interceptions.
What does this do to help Brett Favre's legacy? Absolutely nothing, in fact it mars it, in my opinion.
Again, I am in no position to tell a professional athlete NOT to retire or to "unretire" but I can say this...its imperative for every athlete to have a plan. To develop a new direction and sense of purpose, which makes departing this game a little easier. As a TRANSITION CONSULTANT FOR PROFESSIONAL ATHLETES this is what I do.
I wish Brett Favre nothing but the best, but I have to wonder...if he stayed retired and had a new direction or sense of purpose beyond the gridiron would his life be better. Who knows for sure, but he's provided good thoughtful discussion about retirement.
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