February 05, 2010
Minnesota fans hope to see Brett Favre return in 2010
Less than one week after the Minnesota Vikings lost to the New Orleans Saints in the NFC Championship game, the talks have already resumed on whether the 40 year old legendary quarterback Brett Favre will return for one more shot at the Superbowl. As many of us have seen time and time again, Favre has a history of changing his mind, leading the media and the fans into a scurry that follows his every move. But this year, after being labeled a traitor by the green and gold and a tragic hero for the purple faithful, the fate of the Vikings 2010-2011 season may rest in his right arm.
When Favre signed with the Vikings back in August, there was a realm of uncertainty- how would his 40 year old body hold up, was his shoulder completely healed, and most of all, would he be the missing piece to the Vikings playoffs puzzle?. I have to admit, as a life-long Vikings fan, I was a little uncertain on how we could change former Public Enemy Number 1 into a Purple Savior. But my doubt was soon erased as the Vikings started off 6-0 and eventually made it all the way to the NFC Championship game in large part due to number 4.
Statistically Favre had the best season of his 19-year career, setting records for quarterback rating (107.2), completion percentage (68.4), and interception percentage (1.3). He also passed for 4,202 yards, 33 touchdowns, and a career low 7 interceptions. But with almost all of the Vikings starters returning next season, there could be little doubt that Favre could take them one step closer.
His impact on the Vikings was nothing short of admirable. Watching him make passes that were thought to be impossible in games like against San Francisco, or the emotional impact of defeating the Packers at Lambeau will be tough to exceed if he should return. But watching the 40 year old play like a little kid brought back the true reason why we watch or play football: to have fun and to make memories. I sure won’t forget the magic of this season, even pushing aside the heartwrenching loss to the Saints.
Favre accomplished what most Packers fans feared and what all Viking fans dreamed, defying the odds and making history. Give a few weeks or so, and watch once again how the tragic hero and football’s iron man will forever change the football landscape. No matter what he decides, the journey has been worth the while, but don’t be surprised if Favre returns to the team and the game that he loves so dearly.
Ashley Goettl is a freshman double major in digital film and television and political science. She is also a member of the UWRF softball team, WRFW radio, Forensics, College Republicans and Student Senate.
The article may be found online at http://uwrfvoice.com/index.php/views/article/2629/
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