Fran the Man Weighs in on Favre

The Strib's Vikings blog has the scoop on Fran the Man talking to an Atlanta radio station about Brett Favre:

“I think it’s despicable. What he put the Packers through last year was not good,” said Tarkenton, who played for the Vikings from 1961-66 and again from 1972-78. ”Here’s an organization that was loyal to him for 17, 18 years, provided stability of organization, provided players. It just wasn’t about Brett Favre. In this day and time, we have glorified the Brett Favre’s of the world so much, they think it’s about them. He goes to New York and bombs. He’s 39 years old. How would you like Ray Nitschke in his last year [playing for] the Vikings, or I retire, and go play for the Packers? I kind of hope it happens, so he can fail.”

Well, Fran Tarkenton was never one to mince words, but that last line seems a little over the top.

Lots more there at the link. I'll highlight one more bit that is the reason I think the Vikings should now avoid Favre if he decides he does want to play:

"He’s been a great player, there’s no question about it, but it’s all about him. It is supposed to be all about your team. If you’re going to be the quarterback of your team, you need to be there in the offseason workouts in March and April. Peyton Manning’s there. Tom Brady’s there.”

I don't know this, but I'm suspicious that Favre has delayed fixing his arm so he can swoop in at the last minute, having successfully avoided those offseason workouts. If he stays retired, then I will be wrong on that and owe him an apology. If he decides he want to play though, I think that will be why he waited until the last minute. That's not the kind of guy anyone wants on their team. It just isn't.

Comments

[Rob]

I think Fran's a little too strong, too. I think the Vikes would save themselves some sleepless nights by slamming the door on Favre now. He's waiting on a hand-engraved, 24-carat, golden invitation with extra trimming. He's just not worth it and is a black cloud hanging over the team until they determine his status. If I'm the Vikes GM, I'd determine his status ... but not by asking.

[Dave E.]

I think management is trying to gain whatever they can from the hype without damaging the team. That's a thin line that I don't think they will be able to manage much longer. I was willing to entertain the notion of Favre playing for the Vikes under certain conditions. At this stage I don't think those conditions are possible anymore.