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All Favre'd Up: The Drama Surrounding the Legend

So who needs a 401k plan when employers are now offering millions to former employees?

NFL players might, especially with their latest issues regarding retired players.

Brett Favre, well informed about that issue, defintely looked into his own retirement plan.

After the Green Bay Packers offered the legendary quarterback up to twenty million dollars to stay retired, NFL Commissioner, Roger Goodell, has now reinstated the quarterback for the 2008 season. Favre declined the twenty million dollar package and will report to Packers camp.

Can it become anymore ridiculous? Of course it can!

The Green Bay Packers have now stated that the starting quarterback position will now be a competition between the now un-retired Brett Favre and, who now might be the "World's most ticked off athlete", Aaron "Just Go Away Brett" Rogers.

Favre, the NFL, the Green Bay Packers, and yes, even you ESPN, have mishandled this situation from the beginning. What began as a rumor, morphed into probability of a Favre comeback, climaxed with excitement of Favre being traded, and fizzled with insulting payoffs, and demands.

The NFL prides itself on having an economic system based on the "American way" which is part of the realm that makes the sport the most popular through the states. The American public loves the hustle, blue collar hardwork, and grit displayed every Sunday. You play, you get paid. It's as simple as that. No guarantee contracts. No favorites. Earn your spot. It's the American way.

However, Favre, a man once acknowledged (by yours truly as well) as an athlete that exemplified enjoying the game, and never became tangled in the web of the business of sports, not only used the business for his advantage, he wrapped himself in it, and would not budge until he got what he wanted for his return.

Sounds like your typical overpriced, flashy, wide receiver. Except this was Brett Favre.

In fact, it's hard to imagine that this whole situation has been surrounded by Brett Favre.

The Brett Favre.

Although it is hard to say the legend of Brett Favre is entirely tarnished, for the time being, Favre is no longer special. He now fits the mold of every athlete nearing the end of the rope. Delaying retirement, creating drama, and holding on for another season under the lights.

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