Friday, March 7th, 2008 : Sports

Im no football expert, but I do know this, Brett Favre was one of my favorite athletes. It wasn’t because of his career accomplishments or his good looks (although both impressive) it was because he played with his heart. When he came out on the field – a wide-eyed buck, aglow with enthusiasm, a love for the game and his fans – you could feel it. He had a humble type of innocence about him and when it came to his family, fans and team, he always came across as a solid guy – through and through.

When he cheered . . . we cheered. When he cried . . . we cried.

I remember feeling deeply concerned about Favre’s emotional and mental welfare when he announced the death of his father and the diagnosis of his wife Deanna’s breast cancer. Yet he played like a warrior through these emotional times.

It’s not often America comes across an athlete like Favre. As he mentioned, it wasn’t about the glory or the money.

For a man like Favre, he would have played well into his 80′s if he could. You see – when its not about the glory or the money – it’s about the heart. Football played a major role in his entire life. It molded him, growing up as a young boy into who he is now as a 38-year-old man. When you take that away – it’s like ripping out a piece of their heart and soul.

To help you understand what Brett Favre feels like at this moment as he retires from Green Bay and his professional football career. Well, imagine how you would feel if you had a part of your body amputated. You’d be devastated and never quite feel the same again. As is the case with Favre and/or any other athlete who played the game with his whole soul, heart, mind and strength – the truth is he’ll never quite feel the same. Although, his legacy will live on.

As I watched Favre’s final farewell, I’d be lying to say that I wasn’t completely choked up through the entire press conference – it was painful.

We will miss YOU Brett Favre!