Number 4 and America's Pastime

Well, I think he was onto something this time. He knew what he was doing. The nation might not have believed him, but he believed in himself. That's all that really matters. If all the haters are still hating on Brett Favre, I think it's time they take a look in the mirror. Hello?? McFly? Wake up and smell the coffee. Insert any old adage and tired cliche, if you will, and I, for sure will. The Vikings are now 6-0 and in control of the NFC North. As a Chicago Bears fan, I of course, dislike like that fact. One thing I wont do is disrespect what Favre has accomplished in his "first" career as a Packer and his "second" career as a New York Jet and now as a Viking.

At 40 years old, he plays like he's 30 again. Sporting that ubiquitous five o'clock shadow and worn down Nike hat, Favre looks like, well, Favre again. He looks rejuvenated and most importantly, he's having fun. Favre himself, is putting people in the seats and making TV executives lick their chops every time he takes the field. Hate all you want, Favre is giving you America, what you want: an uncompromising character in a story where we can't wait to read the last page.

It's October. Leaves are changing, the kids are back in school, and most of the country outside of San Diego, Texas and Florida are bracing themselves for winter. The NFL is in full swing and America's pastime is fighting to regain some merit. With four teams left, baseball's playoffs are just now getting good. The perennial powerhouses find themselves in the same situation each year: playing baseball in October. The Yankees are back to their original dominating form and are going with a three man rotation for the ALCS, looking to get back to where they feel most comfortable: The World Series. The Angels, down 2-0 in the series, look to regain their own form of 2002 when the beat the Yankees in the ALDS and went on to win the World Series. Baseball will never be as big as the NFL. After the steroid era and the seemingly never ending suspensions, baseball needs these powerhouses to dominate to keep baseball, well, interesting. The small market teams are just road bumps to these teams and with salaries uncapped, the big boys will always be prevalent. And they need to be. Yes, Vladimir Guerrero makes about the same amount of money as the entire Oakland Athletics infield, but small market teams just aren't interesting enough. You as the consumer will always let it be known by what you like. Its called ratings.

We All Knew This Would Happen

The sports world woke up Tuesday morning and heard what they were expecting: Favre signs with the Vikings. This broken record has finally found a groove to play out and we will once again see #4 on the field. The Purple People Eaters of this year might have something to cheer about. Or do they? Favre comes off an indifferent year with the Jets having a 1:1 touchdown/interception ratio. Last I checked, that's not too spectacular. Sure, he'll have some good performances and be the standard gunslinger like he always has been. His surgery ridden arm is suspect and he is pretty beaten up. I know, I know, he's been doing this for 16 years and he can play basically play with one arm. I just don't think he is the proverbial "answer".

Ok, Packer fan, I know you are bent but come on, what did you expect? Favre made it pretty clear that he wanted to come back to Green Bay after his contract was up but the Pack opted to go with Rodgers. Favre said he still wanted to play and the Jets gave him that opportunity. He surprised many, including me, but in the end he didn't get the Jets to the playoffs. Favre already knows the offense, he'll be handing it off to the games best running back and has a pretty good receiver core. Tell me this Viking fan, are you ready to be disappointed if your beloved Vikes don't make the postseason? Can you live with the same image that Packer fan lives with of Favre throwing his last pass as a Packer into the oppositions hand?

We all know the lyrics to this record. Lets see how it plays out.

The Favre saga over? Don't bet on it

Well, I went to bed knowing he was still retired and I woke up to the news that he's still retired. Is he really? Wait am I dreaming? Much to my surprise, I wasn't. Thank God that this saga is over. Or is it? Only Favre himself can know that and he for sure will let us know. At the perfect timing of course. Or would it be imperfect timing? I bet the Minnesota Vikings could answer that question. Right before training camp, Favre makes his decision not to go through the grind of camps and the daily grind of the NFL. I get that, but it's pretty convenient that he told the Vikings right before camp started. Did he make up his mind a few weeks ago and stall on purpose? Only Favre knows.

Being a Chicago Bears fan for over a decade, I've watched Favre rip my heart out plenty of times. Needless to say, I have a love/hate relationship with Favre. I love him as a quaterback, a football player and a person. He plays his guts out on every down and I respect that very much. With that said, I think Favre's decision or should I say, indecision to come back has gone on a little too long. I get it, it's good TV, but come on already. Favre, do yourself a favor. Stay. Retired. Already. Lace up the old sneakers, throw some ranglers on, and play pickup games until your bones don't move anymore. Thanks for the memories Favre. Some not so great for me. See above. Enjoy retirement. You'll always be a badass in my book.

Vick making it rain the first day of freedom?

Now I know he hasn't seen nor even caught scent of a woman for the past two years of his life, but if these rumors are true, Michael Vick can kiss his already conflicted football career, goodbye. There is absolutely no reason he should be anywhere near strip clubs, dogs, or anything that remotely resembles trouble. In short, just stay down Vick. You call yourself rehabilitated and ready to start over. Well, start by saving your non existing money by not spending it on Trixie or Mountain at the local strip club. Adam "Pacman" Jones think you're out of line. I mean even Jones knows when not to be "rebellion."

I am a believer in second chances in life, but when you say one thing and completely act the opposite, that says a lot about your character. Roger Goodell already has little patience with you and this isn't helping the matter. Vick, do yourself a favor and continue to make good with PETA, get a job as a dog walker, and just stay the hell out of the news. The only time you should be in the news, is at the presser when you're hopefully re-instated.