Let’s be real, Brett Favre tops the list as one of the biggest, best sports stars the world has ever known. Maybe he’s even the greatest quarterback of all time. After all Favre is the first ever NFL QB to “pass for 500 touchdowns, throw for 70,000 yards, complete 6,000 passes, and attempt 10,000 passes”. With that in mind, Favre’s road to greatness has however been a rocky one; one filled with personal tragedies, addictions, scandals, but his strength allows him to endure all of his shortcomings.
The Start For Brett Favre
Brett’s Roots
Guys, we have to start at the beginning, if for just a minute. Born in Gulfport, Mississippi, to school-teachers Bonita Ann and Irvin Favre, Brett was raised in Klin, a small town. All throughout his childhood, sports were a constant and daily part of his routine. By the time he began high school, his father was the head coach of his football team, the Hawks. Favre had a special relationship with his father. How little did he know how much their relationship would influence him in years to come.
Brett’s Roots
Crash!
Brett Favre earned a football scholarship at Southern Mississippi, playing the quarterback position of course. However on July 14, 1990, just before the start of his senior year, Favre was in a near-fatal car accident. As he left his parent’s house, he went around a bend and lost control of his car – which then flipped three times and slammed into a tree. One of his brothers took a golf club and smashed a car window so that Favre could be evacuated. As they rushed to the hospital in the ambulance, Favre calls asking his mother, “‘Will I be able to play football again?'”
A Crash!
A Miracle
Despite the fact that doctors removed 30 inches of Favre’s small intestine – he was back in action six weeks later! September 8th marks the day Brett Favre led Southern Miss to an astonishing comeback victory over Alabama. Gene Stallings, the Alabama coach, said, “You can call it a miracle or a legend or whatever you want to. I just know that on that day, Brett Favre was larger than life.”
A Miracle
Deanna Favre
On July 14, 1996, Brett married his high school sweetheart, Deanna. The duo have two daughters, Brittany (born 1989) and Breleigh (born 1999). Before you ask, yes, Deanna and Brett are still going strong – despite Brett’s later scandals.
Deanna Favre
Hello NFL
You can thank the Atlanta Falcons for bringing in Brett Favre to the NFL. In 1991, Favre was drafted by the Falcons during the second round as the 33rd overall pick. He signed a three year contract, totaling $1.4 million with an alleged signing bonus of $350,000. Jerry Glanville, the then Atlanta head coach, didn’t approve of Favre’s draft – in fact, he said that “it would take a plane crash for him to put Favre into the game”. Ouch.
Hello NFL
Green Bay Packers – Just The Beginning
Didn’t take long for Brett Favre to find his home – enter the Green Bay Packers. Ron Wolf, the Packers general manager, actually traded a first-round pick for Brett Favre after the 1991 season. Wolf wanted Favre in the 1991 NFL draft but he had already been scooped up by the Falcons. According to the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, during the physical, Favre was diagnosed with avascular necrosis of the hip, which is the same degenerative condition that ended Bo Jackson’s career. The doctors actually recommended that Favre’s physical be failed, which would mean the trade was off. However Wolf overruled them.
Green Bay Packers – Just The Beginning
Turnaround
No doubt you already know that Brett Favre’s run with the Packers was something out of a fairy tale. Favre turned around the struggling, but proud franchise, into an eternal winner while he established himself as one of the greatest quarterbacks the game had ever seen. Throughout a 16 season career, Favre led the Packers to two Super Bowls, winning one, and become the first NFL player to have won three straight MVP awards.
Turnaround
Not To Mention…
Oh, and how could we not mention this jaw-dropping statistic? Brett Favre started every Green Bay Packer game – from September 20, 1992 to January 20, 2008. Yup, you read that right! Overall, Favre’s streak ran an astonishing 297 games. Which is an NFL record.
Not To Mention…
Addiction
Here’s when things go a bit south. The year was 1996 when Brett Favre was temporarily banned by the NFL. Why? For drinking excessive amounts of drinking alcohol after admitting that he was addicted to Vicodin. Later Favre admitted his addiction came as a result of his needing treatment for many injuries – a claim he fessed up to once it was public knowledge that Fave suffered a seizure during a visit to the hospital. As a result, Favre spent 46 days at a drug rehab clinic before the new season started.
Addiction
Personal Tragedy
Tragedy hit close to home in 2003 when Brett Favre’s hero, his father Irvin, passed away from a heart attack. Despite his heavy loss, Favre went ahead and played in the December 22, 2003 Monday Night Football game against the Oakland Raiders. Ask anyone and they’ll tell you, Favre was electric that night. He passed four touchdowns in the first half and a staggering 399 total yards, earning a whopping 41–7 victory over the Raiders. Even the “Raider Nation” applauded Favre’s performance that night. After the game, Brett said, “I knew that my dad would have wanted me to play. I love him so much and I love this game. It’s meant a great deal to me, to my dad, to my family, and I didn’t expect this kind of performance. But I know he was watching tonight.”
Personal Tragedy
An Accident
Unfortunately the death of Brett Favre’s father was not the end to the Favre family tragedy. Ten months after Irvin Favre passed away, in October 2004, his brother-in-law, Casey Tynes, was killed. Tynes was involved in an all-terrain vehicle accident and on Favre’s Mississippi property, no less.
An Accident
Heartbreaking News
Shortly after, Brett’s wife, Deanna Favre, was sadly diagnosed with breast cancer. Deanna headed in for a routine checkup, informing her physician of a suspected lump in her breast. Once the biopsy results came back, the results confirmed the heartbreaking news.
Heartbreaking News
Deanna Favre Hope Foundation
Following aggressive treatment, Deanna thankfully recovered. Therefore she went on to create The Deanna Favre Hope Foundation, which supports breast cancer education. Furthermore it supports women’s breast imaging and diagnosis services, which includes women who may be medically underserved.
Deanna Favre Hope Foundation
Hurricane Katrina
When late August 2005 came, Brett Favre’s family suffered yet another tragedy – Hurricane Katrina blasted through Mississippi, destroying the family home. Luckily no one was injured. While the home may have suffered extensive damage, at least everyone was safe. Despite the setback, Favre still played in the 2005 season.
Hurricane Katrina
Money Is No Problem
Everyone knows that athletes are paid a ridiculous amount of money, and when you’re as good as Brett Favre, you’re basically rolling in dough. So if you’re wondering what his net worth is, well it’s a smooth $100 million. Makes sense!
Money Is No Problem
Milestone Year
2007 is remembered as a milestone year for Brett Favre. It was after all one of the most successful years in Brett’s entire career. Guys, it was quite literally one win after another, on top of that, it was one record breaking after another. Furthermore Favre’s milestone 2007 season caped with his selection to the 2008 Pro Bowl. He was the starting quarterback for the NFC, however an ankle injury eventually forced him to withdraw.
Milestone Year
New York Jets
In 2008, the Green Bay Packers traded Brett Favre, who’d flip-flopped on whether or not he’d retire, to the New York Jets. Granted Favre’s 2008 season with the Jets began quite well, the team would lose four of their last five games. Which unfortunately includes their final game against the Miami Dolphins, meaning they missed the playoffs.
New York Jets
Minnesota Vikings
By April 2009, Brett Favre was released from his contract with the New York Jets, and thus began his career with the Minnesota Vikings. And in case you didn’t know, the Vikings and the Green Bay Packers are mortal enemies. So to put it lightly, many of Favre’s Packer fans deemed him a traitor, ouch. However the rejuvenated veteran would top 4,000 passing yards and throw 33 touchdowns against seven interceptions, taking the Vikings to a 12-4 record and also a spot in the NFC Championship Game. At the end of 2009, Favre earned his 11th Pro Bowl.
Minnesota Vikings
Retirement
Brett Favre would play for the Minnesota Vikings in 2010, however it became his most disappointing season. Finally in January 2011, Brett Favre retired for good and returned home to Mississippi. In Favre’s 20 year NFL career, he finished with many NFL records including passing (71,838) and touchdowns (508) – both of which were previously held by Dan Marino of the Miami Dolphins.
Retirement
Coach Favre
In 2012, Brett Favre was hired on as the assistant football coach at Oak Grove High School in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. That same year, the St. Louis Rams asked Favre to return to the NFL, but he declined the offer. Later Favre admitted that he was suffering from memory loss, which resulted from his many injuries during his pro football career.
Coach Favre
Packers Hall of Fame
Unquestionably, Brett Favre is one of the greatest players in Green Bay Packer history. Which makes his induction into the Packers Hall of Fame and also a retirement of his shirt number, totally understandable. “We’re very pleased to announce we will induct Brett Favre, one of the Packers’ greatest players ever, into the Packers Hall of Fame,” said Perry Kidder, the Packers Hall of Fame Inc. President. “The event will mark just the sixth time in our organization’s history that a single person will be inducted, fitting recognition of his elite contributions.”
Packers Hall of Fame
Pro Football Hall of Fame
What’s better than getting inducted to the Packers Hall of Fame? Well maybe getting inducted to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. An honor that he earned just in 2016. Although they did have an exhibit showing the jersey that Favre wore during his record breaking 117th consecutive start as a quarterback. Furthermore, there was even a section of their website which was devoted to what the Hall of Fame calls an “Iron man”.
Pro Football Hall of Fame
The Text Scandal
2010 ushered in an embarrassing scandal for Brett Favre. The NFL was investigating Favre for allegedly sexting and leaving highly inappropriate voice messages to the Jets “Gameday host” Jenn Sterger throughout the 2008 season. According to the NFL, there was no forensic analysis to prove that Favre had sent objectionable photographs to Sterger. Therefore Favre was not in violation of the NFL’s personal conduct policy, but he was however fined $50,000 for having failed to cooperate with the investigation.
The Text Scandal
O’Toole and Scavo
Now it didn’t take a lot of time for other women to pipe up and say that Brett Favre had also inappropriately texted them too. The two women in question are Shannon O’Toole and Christina Scavo, a massage therapist. However Favre has denied these new allegations against him.
O’Toole And Scavo
The End
While the Jenn Sterger scandal was resolved with a fine of $50,00, there are no details of which price (if there was any) regarding Shannon O’Toole and Christina Scavo.
The End
Speaking Up
Jenn Sterger appeared on Good Morning America to voice her side of the story. Sterger admitted that she didn’t speak up to earn any money, instead she felt a responsibility to do so. Moreover she admitted that she felt embarrassed and humiliated at the whole situation.
Speaking Up
Favre Speaks
When Brett Favre did eventually speak up, it was together with his lawyers present. His official statement that he was not stupid enough to get involved with such a scandal – he had far more important things to worry about. In addition to his statement, the NFL also stepped up and said there was no evidence against Favre to support Sterger’s allegations.
Favre Speaks
Deanna Speaks
Two years after the scandal, Deanna Favre opened up, and on Good Morning America no less. Deanna appeared on the show not to speak about the scandal but rather to promote her new book which dives into her battle with breast cancer. However the panel pressured her with questions about Brett.
Deanna Speaks
Her Faith
Deanna revealed that her faith helped her overcome those hard times. Just as faith was there when she battled breast cancer, it was there for her during Brett’s scandal. She said, “Faith has gotten me through many difficult struggles. It will get me through this one.”
Her Faith
Love Of Her Life
Furthermore she added that, “You have to not let this struggle define you. You have to define your struggle and use it in a good way… you can turn this into success in some way, shape or form.” She then added, “Brett will always will be the love of my life.” And the duo are still going strong to this day.
Love Of Her Life
Fan Support
Surprisingly, Brett’s fans didn’t betray or abandon him. In fact, an entirely new an unexpected demographic piped up in his defense. Oh, and those fans were women of all ages! Many female fans dismissed the entire scandal claiming that Jen Sterer was a liar. Other fans said on social media that even if Sterger wasn’t lying, they didn’t view the entire thing as a “big issue”.
Fan Support
Slow Clap
When the EPSY Awards came ’round, Favre got himself into yet another pickle. Basically he was accused of “checking out” Caitlyn Jenner. A video went viral showing Favre rubbing his hands together in a way that appeared as if Favre had a thing for Jenner. Social media went nuts after the video was released.
Slow Clap
Welcome, Welcome
After the Jenner video went viral, Brett Favre was flooded with tons of negative attention, especially on Twitter. He pretty much turned into a punch line. Even Jenn Steger piped up on Twitter, writing, “Welcome to my world, @Caitlyn_Jenner.”
Welcome Welcome
The First
Despite all of the scandals, no one can ever take away the fact that Brett Favre holds numerous records! And not just any records, but firsts in NFL history. Such as being the only quarterback to have won three consecutive NFL most valuable player awards. Furthermore he’s the first quarterback to have defeated every single franchises in the league (32 in total). Also, Favre is the only quarterback to have won a playoff game…over age 40.
The First
Comeback?
After Aaron Rodgers broke his collarbone during Week 6 against the Vikings just this year, many speculated that Brett Favre could be making a comeback. The former ESPN reporter Ed Werder asked Favre if he would step back on the field for the remainder of the 2017 season. “Absolutely not”, Favre said. Too good to be true, we guess!
Comeback?
Favre Family
Grandpa Brett! Yup, his oldest daughter Brittany has two sons, Parker and AJ. When Brittany gave birth to her first son in April 2010, the NFL gave a rather cheeky statement. At the time, they said that they weren’t aware of any other active players in the NFL with grandchildren. First time for everything!
Favre Family
Favre
In 2004, Brett and Bonita Favre (his mother) published a book! Titled Favre, it discusses their personal family life and the Green Bay Packers family, and of course it talks about the Monday Night Football game which followed the death of Brett’s father, Irvin Favre.
Favre
Mama Bear
Speaking of Favre’s mother, Bonita, here’s an interesting tidbit. Bonita helps her son manage all of his holdings in agriculture and real estate, furthermore she also handles his many endorsements and appearances! Lastly, Bonita also oversees his charity work.
Mama Bear
There’s Something About Mary
Just in case you forgot, Brett Favre also acts! He appeared in the 1998 romantic comedy There’s Something About Mary. Favre played Cameron Diaz’s character’s former love interest.
There’s Something About Mary
Brett Favre’s Steakhouse
If you’re ever in Green Bay, Wisconsin then be sure to stop by Brett Favre’s Steakhouse! Which the Favre family owns and operates, obviously. The steakhouse has plenty of memorabilia-filled eatery plus it also has game-day tailgating.
Brett Favre’s Steakhouse
So Close
In 2013, Favre’s agent Bus Cook stated early on in the season that Favre could still stay and play in the NFL. When Favre was asked about what his agent said, he responded, “I am (in shape), but I am no way considering playing…The stress level was much, much more (when I played)….The demands are, don’t get me wrong, I want to win, but it’s not a job.” Just a few weeks later, the St. Louis Rams called Favre after their quarterback Sam Bradford was lost, however Favre declined their offer in order to bring him out of retirement.
So Close
NFL Coaching Career?
Recently Favre was asked if he would pursue a coaching or personnel career in the NFL. He opened up about the prospect on ESPN Wisconsin’s Wilde & Tausch. “When I coached high school football for two years, it really wasn’t on my radar. My dad did it for many, many, many years, [but] I thought, ‘I just don’t have anything left in the tank from a competitive side. What type of coach would I be?’
NFL Coaching Career
Possibly
Furthermore, Favre commented about an NFL coaching career, “I always thought I would be a good coach, but I didn’t know if I had the effort in me. Well, I did. I’ll tell you what, it was a joy. The competitive spirit came right back. It was obviously different than playing, and so I had a lot of fun.”
Possibly
Never Say Never
Hold up though, the interviewers questioned Favre about a return to Green Bay, and while Favre sounded interested, he made it perfectly clear that he did not want his comments blown out of proportion. “I would say, ‘I’d never say never,'” Favre said. “I believe that would be a dream job, working as a coach there or in some form of administration,” Favre said. “I don’t know, and I don’t want to create a stir because who knows? But I would say, ‘Never say never.’
Never Say Never
What About This?
So what about a different career path? “People have talked about the broadcasting booth. I think I’d be pretty good at it, but you never know. I know Bart [Starr] went back [to Green Bay] and did it and it wasn’t as successful as everyone would have assumed. I’m not going to think I would be any different, but it is an intriguing option. What better place to do it? Yeah, it’s crossed my mind.”
What About This
Fingers crossed!
At this point in his life, Favre is shying away from a NFL coaching job. However he did say, “Would I someday? Who knows? I’m not going to rule anything out.” Fingers crossed!
Fingers Crossed
Not His First Pick
When Brett Favre was inducted to the Hall of Fame, he said something odd. If he would have had it his way, he would have been inducted as a Dallas Cowboy. Apparently, Favre had always wanted to be a Cowboy!
Not His First Pick
Bombshell
“I wanted to be the Dallas Cowboys’ quarterback,” Favre admitted to “The Doomsday Podcast”. “When I was a little kid, my favorite player — and still my favorite player of all time — was Roger Staubach. There was nothing about the Cowboys I could not tell you.”
Bombshell
Okay, Then
Moreover, he added, “To have a chance, first of all, to play in the National Football League is a tremendous honor. And although I didn’t get to play for the Cowboys, I got to play against them. And I got to meet Roger Staubach. I’d like to call him — I think it’s OK to say — a good friend. I still get goosebumps when I talk to him.”
Okay Then
Known For
Everyone knows Brett Favre one way or another. However there are six things he’s truly known for: #4 (his jersey number), Legendary Toughness, Cannon Arm, Gun Slinger, Costly Interceptions, and Yearly “Retirements”.
Known For
Train Wreck
A low point in Favre’s career was in 1991. While he was with the Falcons, he wound up missing the team photo. Of course he was asked where he was, but instead of telling the truth, Brett lied. He had actually been drinking the night before, but he lied and said that “he was stuck in traffic behind a train wreck”. The Falcons coach Jerry Glanville replied, “Son, you are a train wreck!” Shortly after, Brett was traded to the Packers.
Train Wreck
Tough Guy
Get this, the Men’s Journal listed Brett Favre as the “Toughest Man in America” back in 2004. That same year, Favre was voted the “Favorite Player to Watch on Sunday” according to the TV Guide Viewer’s Poll.
Tough Guy
Brett Favor
When Brett Favre came out of college, he was totally unhyped. Heck, even the broadcasters called him Brett “Favor”. Although his rookie season with the Falcons brought them no “favors”. Favre completed no passes and only threw two interceptions in five attempts.
Brett Favor
Coincidence
Remember how Favre was traded from the Atlanta Falcons after the then-Atlanta coach Jerry Glanville 100% believed that Favre would never make it in the NFL? Well, coincidentally, Glanville has not coached in the NFL ever since.
Coincidence
M-i-s-s-i-s-s-i-p-p-i
Maybe it has something to do with the fact that Favre was born in Mississippi, but he was inducted to the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame in 2015. Another coincidence?
M-i-s-s-i-s-s-i-p-p-i
Forever A Legend
To this day, Brett Favre is widely considered one of the greatest stars in all of NFL history. A consideration that will undoubtedly last the test of time.
Forever A Legend