Unless the Packers can right the ship with 8 games remaining, it looks likely that Brett Favre will hang up the cleats for good at the end of the season. With his impending retirement, fans are taking notice, and demand for the remaining Packers games is reflecting it. “I can’t stand the Packers,” says avid Patriots fan Mike Ratti, “but Favre is one of those guys that comes by once a lifetime.” That sentiment is echoed throughout the sports community as #4 makes his farewell tour.
The 3-5 Packers are puzzling ticket brokers trying to keep up with the demand for their final road games. “We anticipate Lambeau Field selling out every season, but definitely not a sub .500 team on the road in week 10” says Scott Timpano from Ticketliquidator.com. Fans aren’t flocking to stadiums to see the Packer defense (ranked 21st), running backs (none in top 12), receivers (none in the top 15), and even Favre himself is out of the top 20 QB stats. Favre is occupying that rarified air that Jordan and Gretzky enjoyed as their careers waned. “He’s not putting the same numbers up anymore, but he still shows up to work and plays the game the right way. You just have to go see him play one more time.” Says Packers fan Alex Flores.
Fans everywhere seem to share a similar attitude. “Steroids and egos have sadly come to the forefront of the American sports scene,” says long time Packers fan Matt Engster, “guys like Favre represent everything that’s still great about sports.” Favre’s career numbers make him a sure lock into the hall, but the intangibles are what make him a cult hero amongst his fans. His attitude, work ethic, and seemingly inhuman durability make him a must see player week after week. The Packers are on the road next week against the Vikings and play New England, Seattle, San Francisco, New York (Jets), Detroit, and Minnesota before ending their season in Chicago.
