Favre Shows (Again) Why He’s Not A Good Teammate
Earlier in the year I had a discussion with someone about why I don’t think Brett Favre, current quarterback of the Minnesotta Vikings, is a good teammate. My reasoning did not have anything to do with his talent (he’s undoubtedly one of the best ever), how he interacts with his teammates or how much other players would like to play on his teams.
My argument hinged on his selfishness as exhibited by not deciding if he would play this year until well into training camp. This prevented his team from preparing proper contingencies for life without him should he choose to retire and forced them to prepare for the season with their second string quarterback as the starter. It gave his offensive line (as well as the skilled position players) fewer reps during training camp with the QB who would end up being their starter and possibly throwing off their rhythym at the start of the season.
Now, half way through the season, Favre is at it again. After fracturing his ankle in 2 places Sunday night in a game against the Green Bay Packers Favre is saying he’d like to play in next Sunday’s game against the New England Patriots. According to Favre the doctors said he couldn’t make the injury worse by playing. But I think it comes down to more than if the injury can be made worse. Can he possibly play well enough to merit playing when he’s wearing a walking boot the whole week and not participating in practice? How well will he be able to move on the field when faced with the Patriots rush? (I know I’d test him very early with a variety of blitzes to make him run around on that bad ankle.) Does he help or hurt the team by playing with the injury?
I’d say he’s more focused on his 291 consecutive games started streak, an NFL record which should have ended 2 years ago when he tore a pectoral muscle while playing for the New York Jets, than he is about helping the team. He’s more concerned for his own feelings and legacy than that of his teammates. Yet another example of why he is not a good teammate.
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