Packer fans' wishes come true: ViQueens lose to Saints

As noted here previously, the overwhelming consensus among Packer fans was that the most desired scenario for today's NFC Championship game was for Ol' #4 and the ViQueens to lose today. Get it over and done with so we don't have to deal with the funky purple and Favre for another couple weeks.

And so it is. The Saints just defeated the 'Queens in overtime, 31-28.

We can thank the many voodoo dolls which made their way into the hands of Packer fans. We can thank the wretched funeral dirge "Purple and Gold" theme song that Prince penned for his favorite team and which almost guaranteed defeat. Heck, any team which claimed this song as one of its own deserved to lose.

And we can also thank Ol' #4 himself. Because with a win in reach in the closing seconds of regulation, with his team in field goal range for another old Green Bay Packer, Ryan Longwell, Brett did what he always does in critical situations: forced a throw. On 3rd down, instead of just running with the ball for a few extra yards and leaving Longwell with a chip shot, Favre ran to the right and then threw left back into the middle. Ka-ching...interception...overtime...and a 40-yard field goal to win the game for the Saints.

Just as his last throw as a Packer was an interception in the NFC Championship, this may well be Favre's last throw as a ViQueen -- a final interception leading to the opponent's win in the NFC Championship. Yes, it might even be his last throw as a pro.

As several callers were saying today on sports talk radio, if Favre had still been quarterbacking the Jets against the Colts today, many fans would still have been rooting for him. But the fact that he was with the 'Queens made that an impossibility for all true Packer fans.

So, with Brett now at age 40 and his best shot at returning to the Super Bowl gone in the flick of a patented forced throw from his own hand, what will he do? Retire...again...from his third team in 3 years? Or will he still want it so badly that he'll want to wear that funky purple one more year?

While there's little doubt the man can still play, Favre took a pounding today. The looks of concern on the face of his lovely wife, Deanna, might finally start to take precedence over his own ego.

Brett...we love ya man...and we hope you retire. You've given the game everything you can give. Now go ride your lawnmower back in Mississippi and enjoy your family and fortune.

Then come back to Green Bay -- where you belong -- in a year or two and have your number retired and bask in the glow of the Green 'n' Gold.

For the ViQueens and their fans, hey, think of today's loss this way: at least you now won't be 0-5 in the Super Bowl.

And for the Saints...Who Dat?! Hope you win it all.

No...revenge had nothing to do with it...not at all

I know, I know. You're tired of it. Everybody's tired of it. But in case you haven't seen it, this photo has started making its way around the 'net in the last day or so. It's of the lovely Deanna Favre taking time to pose with a Vikings fan, in her suite, no less. Just check out the message on the guy's jersey.

Nope...revenge had nothing to do with playing for the 'Queens. Riiiiiiiiiiiiigggghhhhtttttt...

The Ironman shows he's a softy

Brett Favre was honored yesterday by the Make-A-Wish Foundation of America as one of eight winners of this year's Chris Greicius Celebrity Awards, "honoring top celebrities and organizations who embrace the Foundation's mission and granted remarkable wishes to children with life-threatening medical conditions." Not surprisingly, many of these kids want to meet one of their sports heroes. And, really not surprisingly, for many kids in Wisconsin and elsewhere that sports hero is Brett Favre. Nine-year-old Anna Walentowski, a "wish kid" Favre met three years ago, was on hand to share the stage with Brett. Anna was mentioned in both the Sports Illustrated article naming Brett as the 2007 Sportsman of the Year, as well as in Deanna Favre's book, Don't Bet Against Me.

When asked to say a few words after receiving the award, Brett got choked up several times. But rather than have me tell you about it, why not watch the video for yourself here. You'll have to sit through a brief commercial first, but then settle in for the next 12 minutes or so. If you don't have that much time, Brett's on at about the 5 minute mark.

Yes, Brett is one of the greatest QBs to ever play the game. But he's also one of the best men to play the game...period. And as much as we like that QB part of things, the other part is the one that is truly most important.

Brett is SI 2007 Sportsman of the Year

The accolades keep on rolling for Mr. Favre, although perhaps this one might have been a bit unexpected. Sports Illustrated has named Brett Favre their 2007 Sportsman of the Year. This is an award Brett has never received before. In fact, he's only the fourth quarterback ever to receive the honor in the 50+-year history of the award.

If you thought you already knew all there was to know about ol #4, think again. There's also a special little piece to the story about a then 4-year-old girl whose "Make a Wish" wish was to meet Brett. She made such an impact that she also wound up getting a mention in Deanna Favre's book, Don't Bet Against Me. SI print copies go on sale tomorrow. But you can read the article online here. Congratulations, Brett!

Murphy Named Packers New CEO

As expected, current Northwestern athletic director, Mark Murphy, was unanimously approved yesterday by the Packers board of directors as its new President and Chief Executive Officer. Learn more about Mr. Murphy here. From all the comments about him, he seems to be the perfect fit for the most-storied franchise in sports. Good luck, Mr. Murphy!

Packers & Prayers

No, this is not a reference to our usual seasonal prayers for a successful draft, or season, or SuperBowl win, or that Favre doesn't get hurt and/or retire...rather, since we are in the midst of Easter and Passover seasons (while not meaning to exclude those of another or no particular religious affiliation), thought I'd pass along some info from a friend in Green Bay who keeps an eye on these types of things. As he said, "I thought that you might find it interesting how involved the Packer organization is in the wider prayer movement in greater Green Bay! See below:

National Day of Prayer- Thurs. May 3rd; 7 a.m to 8:40 a.m.
Prayer Breakfast- Riverside Ballroom, 1560 Main St.
Hosted by Mayor Jim Schmitt
Keynote Speaker: Packers defensive end Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila

National Day of Prayer Ladies Lunch- Thurs. May 3rd 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m.
KI Convention Center, 333 Main St.
Hosted by Dona Schmitt
Keynote Speaker: Deanna Favre, wife of Packer QB Brett Favre"

So, if you are in or near GB, or would be interested in participating in either of these events...there ya go.