Brett Favre Returns to Lambeau Field

Before Brett Favre finally signed a contract with the Minnesota Vikings this past summer, the very idea of him running onto Lambeau Field dressed in purple sent a shockwave of hysteria throughout the National Football League—not to mention throughout the national media, who figured such an occurrence would rank right up there with the parting of the Red Sea. But here we are, a mere four days from this event actually happening, and the excitement is somewhat less than what I had anticipated it would be. Sure, there’s a buzz. A lot of people are talking about the Vikings vs. Packers. But it’s not being touted as the otherworldly event I thought it would be.

Brett Favre, Minnesota Vikings / Image: Zuma Press

I’m sure it’s partly due to the fact Brett has already played the Packers this season (albeit in Minnesota). That game set a record for cable television viewership. And Brett shook off some pre-game jitters to go 24-of-31 passing for 271 yards and three touchdowns in leading the Vikes to a 30-23 victory. But this is Lambeau Field, where Brett championed the Green Bay Packers for 17 seasons. This is unlike any other homecoming in the history of professional football. It’s Brett Favre at Lambeau Field—in the visiting locker room and on the opponents’ sideline. It’s so wrong. And that’s what makes it so interesting.

The fact remains, however, that this is still one of 16 games on the Vikings’ and Packers’ NFL schedule. And one Brett is looking at as an important game in the NFC North race rather than his own personal homecoming to a place he is still, by-and-large, considered an icon. Being relaxed and having some control about him will be paramount and Brett admitted as much:

“To me, being able to focus, being relaxed, kind of seeing things clearly as they’re happening is a much better and more productive way to play. Being nervous and having anxiety and things like that, I don’t think can be a plus when you’re in a decision-making role.”

Brett is saying and doing all the right things. He says there are “no sentiments other than we need to win this football game.” But you know when he signed that contract with the Vikings, there were two games he circled on the 2009 schedule, games he wanted to win more than any of the others. One has been successfully completed. The other—the most important of the two (and most rewarding if he wins)—is this Sunday.

Source: Vikings.com