Went to my first Packers game at age 7 ... 48 years ago. I've witnessed a lot of good and bad football at Lambeau Field. I've met a lot of good longtime fans, a good number of really fine players over the years; and a good number of a-hole fans and a-hole players over the years.
in my book, Brett was an a-hole as a person. However, there is no denying that doesn't matter if you're a fan of the game and not the player. I never idolized pro athletes so, I've never had a blistering hatred of the guy...even when he was pulling his horse crap. Just didn't care.
So, understand that I just want the number retired solely because I'm sick of the year in and year out bickering in the forums and press. Just f'n do it - like tearing off athletic tape from a hairy ankle...do it fast and be done with the ensuing agony in the short term. My world will keep spinning on its axis...I'm pretty sure everyone's sun will rise the next morning.
I'm 41 and my first game in person was in 1982. I definitely saw some horrible teams, too, especially in the late 80's. Most people who give me grief, say things like, "They sucked for almost 30 years until he got there, you should be grateful", etc. All of the good and great things he did - I'm beyond incredibly grateful for. I've stated here before, that Holmgren leaving, was the catalyst for the "bad Favre", in terms of reckless sandlot water balloons getting tossed in the air when the season was on the line. I can't fault Favre for Holmgren leaving town.
But the fact is, we lived and died with the guy. The trend was inescapable. 2007: 13-3 and sandlot junk ruins it. 2009 with the Vikings - he has his best season like, EVER, and then (of course) his sandlot junk ruined it. This wasn't going to end. It was simply Favre's fate. His ego, is why he earned his way onto the poop list - a place that ****ey, Zorn, Ferragamo, Wright (god, did he suck), Fusina, Majkowski, Kiel, Dilweg, or Tomzcak never landed. Most of those guys were terrible - ****ey and Majkowski are the only two of all those worth talking about. So, that's how I see it. Yes - Favre did great things here, but he also made himself very unlikeable in several ways. I'd rather have a beer with Majkowski - I'll say that right now.