So ESPN Chicago is now reporting that Brett Favre "would listen" if the Chicago Bears, who need a quarterback, came calling.
Everybody can commence shaking with anger right now.
That little report, whether it is true or false, has once again ignited the passions of football fans in Wisconsin. Well, "ignited passions" might be a little strong, but it's at least caused some discussion.
I was watching television when I first heard that report last night and my wife said, "If he does that it'll be the final nail in the coffin." Then she spat on the floor. (Just kidding about the spitting).
But it was clear that she, along with thousands and thousands of fans, are still hurt or angry or frustrated or wrapped up in the so-called "Brett Betrayal."
Well, to my darling wife and everybody else who feels that way I've got a simple message. It's also a message to Favre, himself.
"Get over it."
It is time to forgive and forget. Time to move on. Time to realize that this guy was a hero and we should give him a pass for all the crap he's pulled.
Let's make it perfectly clear here. This is not a competition between Favre and Aaron Rodgers. One was a great quarterback. The other one is a great quarterback.
We loved one with all our heart. We love the other one with all our heart.
Sure, Favre has made mistakes and has hurt our feelings. Give Rodgers enough time and he may well do the same thing. We had 16 years of great, great times with Brett. Then he went off the deep end and we felt cheated. It was kind of like he was going through a mid-life crisis and we were left at home with the kids.
Meanwhile, while we were standing in our backyard, waiting for Daddy to come home, a new, young hero showed up on his white horse. Nice and funny and just as good a player, we took him to our heart and we fell in love with his personality and his skill.
Now, everybody, let's move on. Let's be done hating Brett. We let him know we were angry, but his days of dalliance are over. He's just an old hero now, but no less a hero. Jim Taylor, for God's sake, played for the New Orleans Saints after his Packers days.
Greg Koch, the best right tackle ever to wear a Packers jersey, finished his career with Miami and (gasp!) Minnesota. And last year he was inducted into the Packer Hall of Fame.
So, c'mon everybody, let's show how big we are as Packers fans. We have lots and lots of room in our hearts, room for everyone.
And, by the way, it wouldn't hurt if Brett stood up behind a microphone sometime soon and said he was saddened by the way his career in Green Bay ended. He should acknowledge his own culpability in the drama. And he should talk about how grateful he is for those 16 years of magic and mystical performance.
But neither our forgiveness nor his apology should be contingent on the other one. It's not a case of "I'll forgive him when he apologizes." That's not forgiveness. That's extracting a pound of flesh.
And we are all well above that.
With a history in Milwaukee stretching back decades, Dave tries to bring a unique perspective to his writing, whether it's sports, politics, theater or any other issue.
He's seen Milwaukee grow, suffer pangs of growth, strive for success and has been involved in many efforts to both shape and re-shape the city. He's a happy man, now that he's quit playing golf, and enjoys music, his children and grandchildren and the myriad of sports in this state. He loves great food and hates bullies and people who think they are smarter than everyone else.
This whole Internet thing continues to baffle him, but he's willing to play the game as long as OnMilwaukee.com keeps lending him a helping hand. He is constantly amazed that just a few dedicated people can provide so much news and information to a hungry public.
Despite some opinions to the contrary, Dave likes most stuff. But he is a skeptic who constantly wonders about the world around him. So many questions, so few answers.
