Brett Fav-re Ret-ires.
Ahead of the 1999 draft, the often unreadable ESPN the Magazine ran a cover photo titled “QBallers: They’re Bringing a Whole New Game to the NFL.” The photo had Donovan McNabb, Daunte Culpepper, Akili Smith and Cade McNown. The accompanying article, if memory serves, made a point of discussing the “black” QB style: improvisational play-making and running a lot, whether for yards or to make a throw. If the quite Irish-looking McNown was a “black” QB, I wonder why Brett Favre never got considered as such?
The obvious answer is pure rushing yards. Favre’s top running year was 1993 for all of 216 yards and 1 TD. Steve Young, arguably a “black QB” himself, ran for 407 yards and 2TDs that year. McNabb ran for 629 yards and 6TDs in 2000. Even McNown, whose pro career was a bust, managed 326 yards and 3TDs in 10 games during the 2000 season.
The definition of “black QB” or less ethnically defined “mobile, risk-taking QB” is slippery and subjective. I’m a tad racially insensitive but even I’ve always preferred the latter term as I think the European- and African-American QB’s who have that kind of game (John Elway and Randall Cunningham) have more in common with each other than with their co-ethnics (Jim Kelly and Warren Moon) who don’t play that way. For me, making crazy throws that work while running away from defenders (even Michael Strahan) is most important and Favre was the most successful of the mobile risk-takers.
Running for yards only really counts when you have a special talent. Our current generation is unusual in that there are (or were) two such talents in the NFL, Vince Young and Mike Vick, while McNabb and Culpepper’s productive running days are in recent memory. Otherwise, it’s great for Cleo Lemon personally to be a better runner than any given McCown brother, but if any of those guys are under center for your NFL team, Lemon’s ability to run isn’t going to be much help. Even Young and prior to his jailing, Vick, are both criticized for their problems in running a productive passing offense.
Back to the biggest story in American sports, Favre leaves with the a lot of NFL career passing records, a Super Bowl victory and three MVP awards. The media worship was tiresome, last year’s Fox Thanksgiving tribute especially so, though the backlash, with the exception of Frank Caliendo’s John Madden skits, against the adoration was on its’ way to being as annoying. I can’t connect with the “common man of troubles and triumphs” theme that seems to dominate the retirement coverage, but I remember Favre for his toughness, recklessness and good fortune not to be hampered by those characteristics.
I consider great QB play to be about great passes combined with great decision making. Favre’s decision making is at best very good, but won’t be mistaken for great. Being fussy about definitions, I can’t consider him the best QB I’ve seen play, but he’s the best football player I’ve seen play QB. Still need to go find some Sammy Baugh gamefilm. Sure, it’s weasel words, but it’s my blog.
Since re-alignment, the Packers are no longer a twice annual opponent for my Bucs, so my only sigh of relief is that I don’t have to hear another offseason of “Will Brett Favre reitre?” in the sports media. Though we may be looking forward to several months of “Will Brett Favre return with another team?” since Favre oddly didn’t turn up at the Packers’ press conference yesterday. His only public statement, and dubiously at that, was a long voice mail he left with ESPN NFL reporter Chris Mortensen. Favre finished this past season as one of the league’s best, though I like the symbolism of his last pass being an interception in the NFC championship game. It is a fine testament to Favre’s blend of success and recklessness. Thanks for the great career you maniac.
