And now for something completely different - not business, not the economy, but the lighter side of life.
Bias stated up front: Here is my perspective on Brett Favre, the
Minnesota Vikings and the
Green Bay Packers. First, I am a Football fan. Second, I am a Green Bay Packers Fan. Third, this has nothing to do with Aaron Rodgers (he is doing great and I look for him to take the Packers a long way).
It was sad to see the end of Michael Jordan's playing career. Many folks said he should stay retired. I was simply delighted to see him back on the court when he came back from retirement. In my mind the quote from Mrs. Robinson - “Where have you gone Joe DiMaggio?” Could be applied to Michael Jordan. This leads me to Brett Favre because he also represents something magical to football, the way Michael Jordan was magical to basketball.
When Brett retired from the Packers it was (at the time) the end of an era. It was fun to see him with the Jets. When he retired from the Jets (at the time) it was sad because now it was the end of an era. Just the chance that he would play again (for whomever) was interesting. Favre represents what many want to see in a game: leadership, confidence, strength, tenacity, risk taking, getting up when knocked down, throwing a block (that most QB's would shy away from), etc.
Now as for his transitions, in/out of retirement, etc. I have been in enough business meetings to recognize that the information that was given to the fans was sanitized, politicized, and bullshitized to the point that left everyone confused. You weren't in the room, nor was I. Brett nor the various team management have not personally called me and asked for my counsel or thoughts. Therefore, let it go. Everyone did at the time what they believed (right or wrong) was in the best interest for them or for their team – God Bless them all. The good news is that I can watch Brett, the Gunslinger, in action again.
As to my favorite team the Packers and their arch rivals the Vikings: this is the first time that I will ever be excited about whichever team wins the game. I can't wait – Go Packers! Go Favre! Either way it is Win-Win for me!
© 2009 Jim Lindell