Brett Favre, Minnesota Vikings / Photo: Newscom

Q: What was the offseason like and the process of getting ready?

A: Obviously, first and foremost, I knew if I was to play, I would have surgery. I was kind of iffy on the surgery (and) finally decided to have it. Dr. Andrews said it would be roughly six weeks. He was right, it was roughly six weeks. Although at times I felt really well, other times not quite as well. I guess, what I went through last year with the torn bicep, going into the season not knowing, or feeling fine, the season as it progressed, my arm got worse and worse. I wanted to make sure if I was to play I wouldn’t go through that again. I really felt like I did everything I could possibly do to get where I wanted to be. I didn’t feel like at times it was where I needed to be. Maybe subconsciously, as Coach Childress had said, “You need to cross over that line, take that chance. At 39 years old your arm may not feel like it did at 21, but the pieces are in place here that you won’t have to do as much.” I totally agree with that, three weeks ago, what has changed, one of the reasons I said no, I found out after the surgery that I still had a tear in my rotator cuff. When I heard that news after the surgery I thought, “Oh boy. I have a torn rotator cuff.” I was still having a little bit of pain. I had an MRI in May or June after the surgery and that showed I had this torn rotator cuff. Talking with Dr. Andrews, he said, “Well, it was actually there before the surgery. Had I actually fixed that, you wouldn’t be playing this year and you may not play next year, because that is a pretty serious surgery. It looks like you have played with it for quite a while.” That scared me, being a quarterback or pitcher at 39, just coming off of surgery for something totally different. I was reluctant, would be an understatement. I just kept thinking, “I don’t want to go through what I went through last year.” When Brad called yesterday I was on my way up to a high school, to help out with some kids. We had a good conversation. I hadn’t talked to him in three weeks. He said, “I want to give it another shot and see if you would take the chance?” Between three weeks ago when I said no and the conversation we had yesterday, I had talked to Dr. Andrews, and was reassured that it wouldn’t be an issue, although I thought it was over and done with. It kind of gave me another chance yesterday. I felt like if they were willing to take that chance, I was too.

Q: What were the magic words that allowed you to come back?

A: I was reassured, not from Brad Childress but from the doctors here, that there are no guarantees. Hopefully its not an issue but you never know. My arm has felt, I shouldn’t say 100 percent, but pretty good. It’s good enough for me to feel confident about making the throws I need to make. Once I knew that was okay and was fortunate enough to get the call from Chilly yesterday. I said, as a lot of friends and family have told me, you won’t know unless you take the chance. Everyone who I’ve talked to; former players, coaches, and just people in general said, if you wanted to go back this is a perfect fit. It really is. Once again there’s no guarantee but we have a really good football team here with a very good running game and I hope from my standpoint, I felt like I could offer some experience and leadership. I have to admit, through this whole process, after I said no three weeks ago, at times I was okay with it but at other times I felt like I could really help that team and I think that’s the competitive fire in me. As a player, regardless of sport, you have to feel like you can make a difference. I truly feel like I can so I just didn’t want to look back. I have no idea how I will feel a year from now, five years from now, 10 years from now. But I didn’t want to say, “What if?”

Q: With your history of rivalry, what was it like putting on the Vikings helmet for the first time?

A: It was different. I’m not going to lie to you, as it was different in New York last year. Sixteen years played in Green Bay were great years and that was home to me. There were some great games against this organization. Some we won, some we lost. I think in time it will feel great. The bottom line is that it’s football. Once people start chasing you and once you step into the huddle, I don’t look at the helmets, I look at the faces. I think the guys will know I’m in it for the right reasons. That’s because I still love to play. Regardless of who it’s with, I still feel like I can help this team or whichever team was willing to take a chance. I know there are people out there taking sides or whatever. This is not about revenge, believe me. You can’t take away the 16 years I had in Green Bay, it was unbelievable and it was great. That will be forever cherished by me and the guys I played with. They’ve moved on and I’ve moved on so I think it’s great for football. I can’t see how you wouldn’t think it would be.

Q: Were you thinking about reaching out to Brad Childress or was it mostly him?

A: Believe me, at times I felt I hope I didn’t make the wrong decision but I knew I had to live with it. When Brad called yesterday I was kind of like, this is it, it’s now or never. Jokingly as we were talking, I said can I play Friday? It was early in the conversation and he responded, “You want to play? Let me talk to our owners.” Another thing I forgot to mention was that when I said no earlier to Coach Childress and Coach Frasier, my 10-year old daughter who was neutral in this whole deal. So I asked her, “What do you want to do daddy to do?” She said, “Whatever you want to do daddy.” I said, “That’s a good answer but what do you want me to do?” She wouldn’t say until after the news broke and she started crying as we sat on our back porch. Anybody who has children, I can be chased by five defensive linemen and that doesn’t scare me but when my daughter cries it softens me up. She said, “I wanted you to go back and win one more Super Bowl.” I said, “Ugh. Why didn’t you tell me that before? She said I didn’t want to make that decision for you.” It’s amazing what you learn from your children. She said, “Can you go back?” I said, “Too late.” I found myself tearing up this morning as I brought her to school, and she said, ”Daddy, it’s going to be fine. You go up there and do what you got to do. We will be up there soon enough.” I think I made the right decision, I really do, but time will tell. All I can say is I’m going to do the best I can. I told Brad that, and Mark Wilf and Zygi Wilf on the plane ride up that I can only give you my best, and we will see what happens.

Q: What is your reaction to people who are tired of you wavering?

A: Don’t watch. Like my old roommate and center for a long time, Frank Winters in Green Bay, who’s from Hoboken, New Jersey, and has a funny way of putting things (said), “Dude, its America. You know, it happens all the time.” It is what it is.

Q: Will this year define your legacy?

A: First of all, when people start talking about my legacy, it’s mine. It’s what I think of it. I know the way I play the game. I know the way I handled myself as a teammate, as a leader, within the public. Yeah, I’ve made mistakes along the way, we all have. But if I had to do it all over again, I would do it the same way. I don’t think anyone has played the game with as much passion and has loved it, and loved his teammates as much as me. I haven’t always been the best player. I would like to think that every player that I have played with would love to have me in the foxhole. I have no idea what is going to happen this year. I didn’t know last year. As I look back, I gave it everything I could give. That’s what I’ll do this year.

Q: Packer fans reaction?

A: I think if you’re a true Packers fan, you understand. Will it be different? Sure it will. Is it odd the way it’s unfolded? Absolutely. If you’re a true fan, you say, “You know what? He chose to continue playing. They chose to go in a different direction. It’s part of the business. He has to play somewhere if he wants play.” Once again, this is a perfect fit.

Q: Are you playing Friday?

A: Coach Childress is still consulting with owners. He said he would get back with me about Friday.

Q: Would you be comfortable playing Friday?

A: I think I am. Obviously, I’m behind the eight ball a little bit. I don’t think it smart to play a half. Just to go out and run a few plays, whatever those may be. Just to kind of get your feet wet. As much as I’ve played in my career, there still is a difference from year to year. For me today in practice, the key was just the little things. Making sure you get the snap, calling the play correctly and coming here made a lot of sense because the system is something that I’m very used to. Calling the plays today was easy. Adrian’s (Peterson) steps are a little bit different than what I’m used to. The running plays are the same. Maybe the guys run the routes a little different. What I need to get accomplished in this is understanding my guys, how they run their routes, footwork and things like that. The line getting used to my cadence, you get those things in practice but there is no substitute for game situations.

Q: How long have you had the rotator cuff calcification?

A: He wasn’t for sure and I’m not a doctor, but I don’t know how you would know that for sure. What I gathered from him is that the calcification said that it had been there for quite a while. My question for him was, the bicep pain, from the end of the surgery was pretty much gone, and I said to him, “Could the bicep pain over shadowed subtle rotator cuff pain? He said, “Maybe, but I think you would have known prior to that if it was really bothering you.”

Q: What kind of reception did you get from Vikings players? Did you say anything to Tarvaris Jackson or Sage Rosenfels?

A: It has been a little bit of a whirlwind, pretty much went right into practice. A lot of faces I recognize; a lot of faces I didn’t recognize. As Brad and I talked about before I came in, even though I have played for a long time and have been around, played against a lot of guys with a lot of coaches, you still have to earn respect from this team. What you have done in the past is great, but it means nothing here. I like to play and carry myself a certain way. I feel like you don’t do that the first day, second day; I don’t know when that happens. You pick your spots. You earn respect with these guys and that is what I intend to do. I spoke with Tarvaris Jackson and Sage Rosenfels and John David Booty a little bit today, not much, we were working. I am open any time anyone wants to ask a question or talk to me. Jokingly, Coach Childress asked me after practice, “Traditionally here we have the new guys say their name and where they are from and something unique about yourself.” I said, “I am Brett from Hattiesburg, Mississippi. I am the only one on this team born in the ‘60s.” That kind of broke the ice a little bit, but the guys have been great. The reception I got, I haven’t been followed by a helicopter in a while.

Q: What will it be like not having to worry about being the focal point of an offense?

A: I think as a QB, you kind of go as the team goes, and what you are asked to do. You never know. I have heard that this whole offseason, “You don’t have to do much; we have a great running game.” We all know that, but there will always come a time when you need to make plays. you have to do certain things that you may not have to do on a consistent basis. I would be the first to admit, I don’t think I am capable to make some of the plays I used to make. My mind might tell me I can, but I don’t know physically if I can do that. Understanding my limitations, how it pertains to what we are trying to do is all a part of this process. All I want to do is win; that is all I came back for. There is nothing like it. For guys who have played this game and sports in general, former players, guys in latter part of their career, they will tell you, “It’s tough.” There is no substitute for playing on Sundays. You can’t find that. That is what I am here for. I don’t know what I am going to be asked to do but I know one thing in particular and that is, be a leader. Do things a certain way. I know I can do that.

Q: Why do you think the perception continues to exist that this is revenge?

A: You guys obviously would be better suited to answer that. I think the circumstances of how it all went down. As I have said before, I think both sides were wrong to a certain degree, but I have no ill feelings towards that. That stage in my career I wish I could have done differently, both sides. I’ve got a lot of friends on that team. A lot of those guys we have had a lot of great games together. Once again you can’t take that away. I don’t think I have to prove anything to anyone, in fact, I know I don’t. What I have done is down in the books. I could easily play those guys and beat them twice and lose the division. They could win. If it was about revenge, I would have signed on the dotted line the first day. I would have worried about the arm later but it wasn’t about that. People can believe what they want and that’s fine. I’m in it for the right reasons and if people can’t understand that, that’s fine.

Q: What do you think will make this a good season?

A: My expectations are high and this team is a good football team. I didn’t come here to lose. I don’t think any guy in that locker room is here to lose. I think we can be as good as we want to be. From the outside looking in or the inside looking in, this team is a good football team. They really are and I think the sky is the limit. We all know how hard it is. It’s even hard for the teams that won the Super Bowl last year to stay good on a consistent basis. It’s a small window. Once again, I think this team can be as good as they want to be.

Q: Will it be easier for you to adjust to this system than it was with the New York Jets?

A: Much easier. I still have to learn the guys but it was so much easier today because of all the plays I was familiar with. Those guys in New York last year were great. They were conforming the offense to where it was comfortable for me, but it was still difficult. Where as here there’s little subtle changes in offense that may take some time but for the most part the formations and protections are the same. Today I didn’t miss a beat calling those plays. I didn’t run many plays but it came out pretty easy.

Q: What did it take to get you number 4?

A: I have no idea. I don’t know what Brad Childress did but John Booty is a southern boy too so he must’ve talked him into it somehow.

Post from: Every Morning Quarterback

Brett Favre Press Conference Transcript

National Football League Blogcast, NFL Blogcast

Here’s the transcript of Brett Favre’s introductory presser with the N.Y. Jets before their 24-20 preseason win against Cleveland last night.

Woody Johnson
(Opening Statement): “I want to apologize for the interview that I did the other day where you asked me what was going on and I couldn’t give you the answers. Now you can see there is an answer to what the questions were last week. We’ve got Brett Favre as a new member of the Jets. We went through this process for the same reason we’ve been running the team all along with Mike (Tannenbaum) and Eric (Mangini), to try to improve this team each and every year. I just want to say it was difficult with Chad (Pennington) because Chad came at the same time I did and we owe Chad a lot of gratitude for the dedication for his dogged, team-oriented persistence even in light of all the adversity that we had in some years. He was always concentrated and always a good teammate so thanks to Chad. Today we’re here to talk about what we’re going to be doing going forward so I’d like to toss it over to Mike and he can describe what has happened the last 24 hours.”

Mike Tannenbaum
(Opening Statement): “Thanks Woody. I don’t have much more to add since the last time we spoke. I don’t know if we’ve gotten a chance to sleep since that time. It is a bittersweet moment. We have released Chad. I have spoken to him, Eric has spoken to him and Mr. Johnson has spoken to him and again, on the record, I have all the respect in the world for Chad and what he’s done on the field as well as off the field. He’s a good player and a great person, he’s done a lot of great things for our organization and I wish him nothing but the best. Fundamentally, the decision was made between Eric, myself, and Mr. Johnson from a standpoint that if this opportunity presented itself, we felt we were getting good play at the quarterback position. We felt this was a good opportunity to improve that and that’s why we went ahead and made the decision. We did a luminous amount of research on Brett as a player but also as a person and making sure we thought he could fit in the locker room. We were extremely comfortable not just with what he did on the field, but as importantly, what he did off the field and what he stands for. We are happy. We are excited. We’re really glad he’s a member of this team. I can say on (Brett Favre’s) behalf that I think we’re all looking forward to getting past this stuff and going out there and playing some football.”

Brett Favre
(Opening Statement) “Thanks Mike and Mr. Johnson. The last 24 hours have been crazy. Really the last three weeks and this whole offseason has been bizarre or whatever you want to call it, but it is what it is. I am a member of the Jets. I am excited about it. I’m excited about the opportunity, and no one works as hard as this man right here (Mike Tannenbaum). I was told by numerous people to at least talk to Mike over the last month and, as I told him today, the only reason that I wouldn’t talk to him up until 24 hours ago was because I knew how I’d be convinced once I talked to him. Did I ever think this scenario would present itself? No. Am I excited about the opportunity? Yes. I’ve had a great career in Green Bay. That goes without saying. The things that have happened there this offseason, in my opinion, are over and done with. I wish them well. I will use their term—we’re moving forward. I hope that I play at the level that I’ve always played at. There’s no guarantees, there’s never been any guarantees for me. The game of football is just that and anything can happen, but I’ll bring the leadership and durability. I’m a little bit out of shape compared to all the other guys, but I’m so excited about this opportunity and I’ll tell you, my family and everyone involved has just been treated unbelievably by this organization. I’ve never looked forward to doing a conditioning test as much as I have at this point (joking). I’m so tired of doing interviews and talking about this or talking about that. Tomorrow, hopefully, the mad rush is over and we can get that conditioning test at noon tomorrow. I’m looking forward to that (joking) and we go on. The most important thing in this whole process is the guys in that locker room. I know some of these guys by name, Bubba Franks I played with and know personally, but I really don’t know these guys and they don’t know me. I think when they get to know me they’ll like me and they’ll like the way I play and they’ll figure out that I’ll do whatever it takes to win and it’s about the team. I hope after today and tomorrow that the distractions are at a minimum. It’s ok to have attention as long as it’s based on this team and I’m just one man, one of 53, so we’ll see what happens and I’m excited about the opportunity.”

(On the fans moving on) “I can’t answer that for them, all I can say is I’ve always wanted to be a Packer. I think I always will be a Packer. Sixteen years is hard to forget for everyone and I’d like to think that those 16 years, people will say ‘it’s the best 16 years I’ve ever watched.’ It was a lot of fun for me. I think it was made clear this offseason that they were moving forward. Some things happened in between that and that’s okay and it’s time for me to move on. I had forgotten that I had been traded 17 or 18 years ago and what that process was like. It’s a little bit different scenario now but I’m really excited. It’s refreshing, not that I needed that. I think to the fans, I would say ‘continue to be Brett Favre fans.’ There may be some who say ‘no.’ And for those people, maybe they were not die-hard Brett Favre fans to begin with. Packer fans are Packer fans, there’s a 40,000 or more waiting list for a reason and that will continue. It’s a great tradition. I’m thankful that I was a part of it. I’m not a traitor. I never will be. It’s a business and that’s the way it works. I gave everything I possibly could give while I was there and I don’t think people will question that and I hope that the Jet fans see the same thing and so I hope I continue to have fans all over, that’s what we play for.”

(On if No. 4 will be retired in Green Bay) “I hadn’t really thought about it. I’m sure it will at some point but you know what, they talk about statues they talk about having streets (named after you). I’m not just talking about me, you hear that throughout sports, that’s not what it’s about with me. It’s like records I gained at Southern Mississippi. I look back and my experience there is much more important than the records and when and if that ever happens, great. I don’t need a jersey retired, a statue or a street named after me or anything like that for people to remember me, for me to feel like I’ve done something. I think the way I’ve played, the way I’ve handled myself is the most important thing, and I think it will be postponed for a while.”

(On why he wouldn’t talk to Mike Tannenbaum until 24 hours ago) “I’ll tell you exactly why. The decision or decisions that were made this whole offseason, right or wrong, I knew I was going to be faced with another tough one, whereas if you’re dealing with one team, the decision is easy. (James) Bus (Cook) would say ‘at least talk to him.’ Several other people in this room said the same thing, ‘talk to him.’ I told Bus that if I talk to him that we’re going to be scratching our heads saying ‘now what do we do?’ I knew I would be convinced. Jon Gruden, I tip my hat to him too. It was a long time ago when we were working together but he sold me as well. There’s nothing more to it than that. I knew it would make it a real tough decision. Mike (Tannenbaum) is a worker, I woke up this morning and the trigger was pulled.”

(On how he was convinced to come to New York) “I was never not interested in the Jets. I think my interest at first, I’m sure as we all know, was to stay within our division. Maybe that was a little bit of a vindictive nature or competitive nature or whatever. I think in the end that was probably the wrong motive and I realized that was not going to happen. That’s only one or two games a year playing against your old team so you still have a lot more to play. It had nothing to do with other teams. I look at the talent level and believe me, I heard it from (Mike Tannenbaum). I was sent everything about the Jets you can imagine, it was sent to my house and he told me everything I needed to know. He was convincing, I knew this team had a lot of talent. I knew they struggled last year and he went out and worked his tail off. I know he’s worn out. He’s relieved now but I know at the end of the season he’s going to be more relieved. There came a point when I realized my initial thoughts were not going to come true, that I had to look elsewhere. I haven’t played in New York. I’m a south Mississippi boy. (Mike) came to my place today and he saw it’s a little bit different, it’s a little laid back. I know how tough it can be and I know how great it can be in New York city. Am I ready to face it, handle it and deal with it? I think so. I think it’s a great opportunity.”

(On being on a big stage in New York) “Kind of like the last month? (joking). Green Bay is a small market but is there a bigger team? I’ve been in front of a lot of media. I’ve been in big games. I’ve won big games. I’ve lost big games. I’ve had my share of criticism and glory. This is unique. I haven’t faced anything like this. I don’t know anyone in this locker room and to a certain degree I really don’t know what I’m getting in to. I’m talking about it from a team standpoint. What can I do in a short amount of time to get this team where we want to go and get myself ready? It doesn’t matter what city it’s in. I’m here for one reason, not to do commercials, Broadway, all those things. I’m here to help the Jets win, that’s why they got me.

(On how he will get himself ready) “You have to dive into it. The only way you’re going to know these guys, know how they play, know the coaches is to be in meetings, is to go to practice. Now I’d be kidding myself if I thought after the second day I wouldn’t be walking on eggshells, my feet will be hurting, shoulder will be hurting, all the fun things about camp. That is the way you build chemistry. To me the most important aspect of winning is chemistry. You can have the best players possible, but it doesn’t guarantee you wins. Chemistry, how you play together and I think the Giants are a good example of that. They started off shaky last year with the same guys. The chemistry got better and they got better. We’re up against the clock. I want these guys to know me, know what I’m about, how I play, what type of leadership I have. I’m not going to call team meetings, I’m not going to ‘rah-rah,’ I’m going to do what I have to do, pat guys on my back, hug them, pick them up off the ground and hope they do the same for me and hope that’s enough to win.”

(On why things went bad in Green Bay) “That’s a good question. I think we’re probably both at fault. I’m not going to sit here and blame it all on one side or the other. A lot of things happened this offseason, a lot of shocking things. I think we’re both at fault. Who is at fault more? It’s a matter of opinion but I really think at this point it’s irrelevant. They probably are tired of talking about it. I know it’s great for the media, it’s a great soap opera but I’ve got a lot of respect for the guys in Green Bay. I said last year and I said the year before that, that is was probably the most talented team I’d ever played on and everybody thought I was crazy. I still think the same. I think they have as good a chance as anyone in this league of getting back to not only where they were but to the Super Bowl. I had a lot of fun with those guys, the coaching staff. We had some differences between myself and a couple other people. But you know what? There’s nothing like Green Bay fans. That team is going to be good with or without me and it really serves no purpose to continue talking about it. I know people will try to fuel the fire throughout the season, but once again, I’m here for one reason and that’s to help the Jets win. I don’t think they need to be asked questions about it. I hope that they are left alone so they can deal with what they have to deal with. The same thing for Green Bay, at some point it has to be let go.”

Source: N.Y. Jets Media Relations

Post from: Every Morning Quarterback

N.Y. Jets Introduce Brett Favre