Wednesday Morning Cup O’Chiefs
It would not be an NFL off-season anymore without a Brett Favre is going to unretire story hitting the league.
Favre has become the Freddie Krueger of NFL quarterbacks. He simply won’t go away, his career can’t be killed and he does not want to be out of the limelight.
How else are we to understand this latest twist on the Favre roller coaster: the quarterback and Vikings head coach Brad Childress are going to meet face-to-face at some sort of secret location later this week to discuss Favre’s return to football.
That’s right, Favre is thinking about coming back for a 19th season.
At this point, none of this should surprise us. What comes from this meeting should not surprise us, whether he ends up signing with the Vikings or not. No matter what, it won’t be the last time we hear about Favre and playing football. The biggest surprise Favre could throw at us now is that he actually does retire from the game.
Apparently, Childress and Favre are going to discuss whether he wants to play quarterback for Minnesota. If he wants to comeback, Childress is going to demand that Favre attend the team’s mini-camp and some of its off-season practices. Favre isn’t going to be able to just sit around his home near Hattiesburg, Mississippi, throw to a bunch of high school kids and then show up the first day of training camp.
Childress apparently wants a quarterback who will be ready to play for the opener, and won’t still be learning the names of his teammates. He actually wants a guy who will come in and be a teammate to the other Vikings, not set on a pedestal higher than those who also wear the purple.
Listen, it’s not hard to understand why the Vikings coach would be willing to entertain the possibility of Favre taking snaps for him. After three years, he has a 24-25 record, finally making the playoffs last year, but losing a wildcard round game to Philadelphia. He’s got a very good defense, one of the best in the league, led by Jared Allen, Kevin Williams and Pat Williams along the defensive front.
But Childress’ quarterbacks are Tarvaris Jackson and Sage Rosenfels. At this point in their careers, neither instills a great deal of confidence in anyone that they can lead Minnesota to a championship.
Right now however, there have to be questions about whether Favre is still that guy. He’s started 271 consecutive regular season games, never missing a start because of injury. But he finished up the second half of last season with a torn bicep and that limited his ability to throw the ball. He’ll be 40 years old in October and that increases the chance of injury.
Plus, in the last four years Favre has really only had one season that matched his play in his prime, say the 1994 through 2004 seasons. He was good in the Packers 2007 season, throwing for 4,155 yards, completing 66.5 percent of his passes, with 28 TDs and just 15 INTs.
But in the 2005 and 2006 with the Packers, and then last year with the Jets, Favre was less than stellar. His throwing totals were down, his completion percentage was down, his yards per attempt were down and while he threw 22 TD passes for the Jets, he also threw 22 INTs.
There are some folks in the NFL talking that Favre wants to come back and do it with the Vikings so he can play against the Packers. The talk is that he remains so disgusted with Green Bay’s front office and how he left the team that he pines for the chance to make them pay on the playing fields of the NFC North.
If that is true, then Favre has come up with the single worst reason for him to come off the farm and back to the NFL. Childress needs to be smart enough to see through that and realize that a vengeful 40-year Favre really isn’t going to do his team any good for 14 of the 16 games on their schedule.
And if Childress is smart enough, will Favre be smart enough to listen? As much as he doesn’t want to, it’s time for Brett Favre to grow up and quit playing games with his future and the football fans of places like Minnesota.
Stay tuned … the story that never ends will write another chapter this week.
FOOTE SIGNS WITH LIONS; CHIEFS WERE INTERESTED
Former Pittsburgh LB Larry Foote was in his hometown of Detroit on Tuesday afternoon, visiting with the Lions, who made him an offer. He accepted that offer Tuesday evening. It’s a one-year deal.
“I’m excited because it’s a fresh start for me,” Foote told the Associated Press in Detroit. “It’s a one-year deal to show my talents, and hopefully end up signing a long-term deal after showing the Lions and their new coaching staff what I can do.
Former Chiefs defensive lineman Ken “Fuzzy” Kremer is Foote’s agent and negotiated the deal. The linebacker indicated that they had also heard from the Chiefs, Arizona and Indianapolis once he was released on Monday by the Steelers.
Foote has indicated a preference to play in his hometown with the Lions.
DUNGY VISITS VICK IN THE BIG HOUSE
Retired Colts coach Tony Dungy was in the area on Tuesday. He was visiting the most famous resident of the United States Penitentiary in Leavenworth: Michael Vick.
Dungy confirmed to the NFL Network that he met with Vick in Leavenworth. Vick’s agent Joel Segal called the conversation “positive” while Dungy said that both sides felt it was best to keep the conversation topics private.
Vick is scheduled to be released from Leavenworth on May 21st, and he’s expected to serve the remainder of his sentence on federal dog fighting charges at home for two months.
Part of his probation in Hampton, Virginia will include a $10 an hour job with a construction company.
When he retired from the Colts, Dungy said he wanted to spend more time talking with troubled youth, especially those that have found themselves behind bars.
“Where my heart is, is really with our young men right now,” Dungy said when he retired from the Colts. “We have so many guys that didn’t grow up like me, didn’t have their dad there, and that’s something I’m very, very interested in.”
NFL’S PENSION CHANGES COULD BE COSTLY FOR THE COLTS
The Colts found out on Tuesday they may have more problems with the coaching staff that Dungy left behind in Indianapolis. Long-time offensive line coach Howard Mudd is set to retire because of changes in the league’s pension plan. Mudd has been with the Colts for 12 years and along with offensive coordinator Tom Moore is considered the brains behind the Indy offense that has been so successful with Peyton Manning.
“It’s a dilemma we’re trying to work through,” the Colts president/general manager Bill Polian told ESPN.com. “I don’t think Howard has turned in his [retirement] papers yet but it’s a difficult situation and a very personal choice for Howard.”
During the league’s March meetings, owners passed a resolution to revising its pension program for non-players. The 67-year old Mudd believes he has to take his entire lump-sum pension payment now because if he does not exercise that right under the revised plan, he will be allowed only to accept annuity payments upon retirement that will be reduced to 50 percent value for his immediate survivors if he dies.
Mudd, who spent four years (1989-92) coaching the Chiefs offensive line on Marty Schottenheimer’s staff, has already maximized his pension because he has surpassed the formula that requires a coach’s age and league tenure to equal 75. He has been an NFL assistant for 35 seasons (1974-2008).
Many older assistant coaches are upset with the recent pension revisions and have complained the new program not only reduces their retirement income but also lacks clarity. This could be a factor with new Chiefs offensive line coach Bill Muir. He’ll be 67 years old in October and has been coaching in the NFL for the last 27 seasons (1982-2008.)
SIGNINGS & MOVEMENT AROUND THE LEAGUE
BROWNS – signed WR Mike Furrey (Lions).
CARDINALS – signed TE Dominique Byrd (Rams).
JAGUARS – signed QB Todd Bouman (Ravens).
LIONS – signed DE Eric Hicks, yes that Eric Hicks, former Chiefs DE.
PATRIOTS – signed S Brandon McGowan (Bears).
SAINTS – released TE Kolo Kapanui and WR Biren Ealy.
SEAHAWKS – signed FB David Kirtman.
SAY HAPPY BIRTHDAY …
Born on May 6, 1982 in Knoxville, Tennessee was punter Dustin Colquitt. Selected by the Chiefs in the third-round of the 2005 NFL Draft out of Tennessee, Colquitt has kicked for 46 games in a red and gold uniform, averaging 43.7 yards per kick.
Born on May 6, 1949 in Kansas City was safety Kerry Riordan. Selected by the Chiefs in the sixth-round of the 1971 NFL Draft out of Iowa, Riordan ended up playing six seasons with the team. He appeared I n 58 games with 26 starts. Riordan had 14 interceptions, and averaged 24.3 yards on 16 kickoff returns.
I think Favre’s desire to play is a reflection of his desire to continue competing. I’ve said before it’s a powerful draw for great athletes to continue beyond their prime. Bill Bradley referred to it as the “Faustian bargain” that they make that allows them to perform at something they have unique abilities to do in front of thousands (and millions now) for a limited time in their lives. It has to be difficult to step away gracefully when still relatively young and never have the chance to do it again. I don’t care one way or the other but as long as he wants to do it and some team wants to have him we will probably keep seeing it happen. It would be interesting to see him come back and win a championship with Minnesota just to see how many who criticize turn around and sing his praises or look like fools for being so certain of the folly of what he attempts.
As long as there are any teams stupid enough to sign Favre I say he should go for it. I just hope it’s never the Chiefs. One day an 82 year old Favre will be playing with the Raiders with an oxygen tank strapped to his back and two offensive lineman will prop him up while he tries to throw the football 5 feet…and fans will adore him and talk about how wonderful he is.
oops…..did it again. That one was mine.
Eric Hicks to the Lions?
Things are apparently even worse in MoTown than we thought.
Harold, I am not sure I would have claimed that one. I agree with John. Just the fact that teams consider having Farve as their QB says plenty about his abilities and their need for a QB that can do what Brett can still do!
You can get 22 touchdown and 22 interceptions from Trent Green if you can keep him from being concussed and it won’t cost you near as much as Favre…nor will you have to build him his own locker room/garage/private training facility/lunchroom/brothel, etc. You also won’t have to listen to him talk about how comfortable his Hanes t-shirts are.
I’d take a cardboard cutout of Steve DeBerg as my starting QB before I’d ever shell out money for the me-centered, has-been, hanger-on we call Favre.
Whatever Favre does, I hope he just does it…and everybody shuts up about it. I think he craves the “drama”, as much as the competition.
Drama aside…Farve would likely be a good fit for Minnesota. With the running game they have, he wouldn’t be relied on to pass as much. And with Defenses lining up to try and stop Peterson from running…it could actually free up the receivers more. And Tarvaris Jackson and Sage Rosenfels aren’t exactly going to instill any fear in opposing D’s with their passing abilities. The biggest question is if Favre has enough gas in the tank to get the job done. It didn’t look like he did last year. But, I don’t think he’ll actually hang it up until he embarrases himself.
At this point, I’m not even sure a stake through the heart would stop Favre from walking away peacefully. I’ll believe in his “retirement” only when the regular season starts and he’s still unsigned. He’s really tarnishing his legacy.
I lost some respect for Larry Foote. It’s obviously more important for him to play in his home town than for a winner. Not that the Chiefs are that great, but when KC, Arizona, and Indy all are interested in you, you’ve got to at least make the visits and listen to any offers. I guess once you have two Super Bowl rings, the desire to win isn’t as strong as it used to be. Enjoy Detroit Larry! It’s the city were has-beens are made!
Colby,
Good points on Larry Foote. He said he wanted to play for Detroit…and I guess he wasn’t kidding. But, why anyone would WANT to play for Detroit is beyond me.
Questions:
What’s better than a visit to Detroit?
Better than playing for the Lions?
Better than living in a Detroit winter?
Answer:
ANYthing up to and including a knee in the coconuts. Larry Foote is not all that bright and it’s perhaps why the Steel let him walk?
Foote I think did what he wanted to do, why would he want to go somewhere else? If thats his hometown and his dream growing up was playing for the Lions then do what you wanted and he probably got paid more than what the other teams were going to offer.
I wouldn’t exactly state that the chiefs are winners in the open, only in our minds. With that said, hopefully Pioli/Haley knows what they are doing. I heard some talk about Bowe being trade bait because of his suspect work ethic, so now it’s possible that Engram becomes a no. 1 receiver again this year. Its going to make Cassel look even better!!
Childress would be better off going to Leavenworth to put together a team that really would have someone that has a LOT to prove —AND can do it.
Some one’s been reading more Shakespear ( much do SAY about nothing ) ~~~ Whitlock !
Read about one line of what he was talking about and dont have a clue .
Josh,
LMAO! I concur.
On Foote, I think it’s admirable. How often do we see guys just go for the money. Some one said he was dumb for signing with Detroit, again I disagree, he’s intelligent enough to realize how desperate things are in his home town, and that his playing there may give just a little spark to the community. I like what he’s done, most guys wouldn’t have given a rats ass about there home town.
But he sure would have looked nice in Red and Gold.
What’s all the talk all of the sudden about Bowe’s “work ethic”? Is it possible that Herm’s Country Club has ruined our potentially-great young WR? Or will HardAss Haley be able to save him?
Dustin Colquitt (bday) - for those of you who don’t know - he’s one of the few guys on the roster who appear to have job security…
Adam Teicher (worst writer at the Star) started talking about Bowe being trade bait and that his work ethic sucked. I think all that hair dye is going straight to Teicher’s brain as he seems to be grasping at straws now that Carl isn’t handing him stories. I know everyone loves to bash Whitlock, but Teicher is pathetic. His ONLY job is to cover the Chiefs and he sucks at it.
I for one, think that this will be a break out year for Bowe. If his work ethic is questionable, Haley will FIX IT!
didnt cheifs mini camp start on the 5th if it did why r we talking about the same old crap everybody else in the sports world is talking about, bret favr who cares if he retires or not hes not wearing a cheifs uniform ill go to nfl .com for that stuff with bobgretz.com i would expect more about the cheifs theirs gotta be more cheifs stuff going on hell talk about next years draft if ur so desperate
Sandy Koufax…Jim Brown…2 players - best ever at their respective positions - they knew ‘when’ to say when; ditto too for Barry Sanders.
Contrast these aforementioned greats with these less able in hindsight peers: Willie Mays, last seen stumbling around CF for the Mets… Johnny Unitas hitting the ground after a phantom blade of grass tripped him up in San Diego.
favre? Cue the little boy who cried wolf & pass the vomit bag - he knows not ‘when’ to say when. As a result he’s become caricature, nee sullied memory, a victim of his own device; if the shoe fits brett, keep masticating.
I first lost respect for the guy when he took a dive to the turf that allowed a Michael Strahan to get the NFL single-season sack record.
For a fan who had the privilege of having enjoyed the artistry, leadership and sports integrity of Bart Starr, brett favre couldn’t carry the former GB QB’s shoes even if the fulcrum were the closet of Imelda Marcos.
Some suspect brett wants to return so that he can use the Vikings as a vehicle, so that he can use GB in the same way Randy Moss used their goalpost.
Based on what I have seen of favre’s act over the years, I’ve no doubt said is a possibility.
Oh Favre, our Brett Favre…
how sad we will be.
You announced your retirement.
No longer you will we see.
It just won’t be the same…
a season without you.
How can we watch anymore?
We haven’t a clue.
If only some team…
were willing to pay…
bazillions of dollars…
for you to come back and play.
I’m joking of course…
you’re as old as the hills…
and it’s hard to throw footballs…
while taking your pills.
And besides we never enjoyed it…
whenever we saw…
the media gushing all over you.
It would stick in our craw.
If you returned once again…
For what seems the 15th time,
we will have to see more gushing.
This should be a crime.
Sure you were good.
Question that we do not…
but to come back at 40?
We wonder if you should.
It’s time to end this…
Retire and don’t come back.
Let fans remember your good days,
instead of talent you now lack.
Of this I am quite sure…
any team that signs you…
wont be going to the Super Bowl this year.
You’ll find that is true.
If Farve is willing to compete for jobs, then more power to him as long as he wants to play and can compete.
“But Childress’ quarterbacks are Tarvaris Jackson and Sage Rosenfels.”
If the Vikes offense can teach one of its safeties to play fullback (and tackle the daylights out of any of the opposing secondary players on the correct side of the 50 who were hoping to return a Favre INT for a TD) - this might be a workable deal.
If you are old enough to remember George Blanda for the Raiders This guy was OLD he would come in the game against the chiefs when their QB was hurt or suck & beat us dam near everytime . Bret is a shell of what he once was But he is a gamer . Like David Krig - John L. Mr Bronco gamers guys that can win when the are not suppose to. That’s the difference between Trent Green & a lot of QBs they don’t have it . Game on the line who do you want to have the ball in their hands win lose or draw .
on larry foote. i’m a chiefs fan born at childrens medical in 78. the chiefs aren’t very good right now and haven’t been in a while but would you guys bash me for wanting to play for my hometown like foote wants to do for less money. one quick question? is lamars doughnuts still open was by red tower up the street from texas tom’s it’s been over 20 years since i left at age 9
Oh by the way did you look at Green Bay record last year After Bret left verses the Jets. Ints that’s what Bret has to stop if he can .
Even if they can keep the INT’s from being run back for TD’s it might work…that Vikes D isn’t too bad. If Favre can sling it and the Vikes can put 24 on the board every week, it should be good enough to get in the playoffs.
They made the Playoffs last season. If he plays as bad as he did the last 3rd of the season, the only thing that will improve, is their selection in next years draft.
Hell, as long as we’re going down this road, maybe Mr. P and Coach H can coax Big John out of retirement so he can “stick it” to HIS old team twice this year?
Packers with Farve in 07 went to the NFC Championship, without him in 08, they didn’t make the playoffs. If Farve can remain healthy he’ll help the Vikes quite a bit. Especially since he’ll have the luxury of handing the ball off to Adrian Peterson.
The thought just occured, and after reading the comments from Fri pm, all the jets/Vike Fans weighing in, the best NFL “Groundhog Day” story there is(as compared to what?) The comissioner may have to intervene for Brett’s sake and retire him for real… GO Favre!
I have to agree with a couple of guys why are we blogging about Farve and good for Foote. But since we are. Farve while a drama queen as of late is a competitor. I’m a former Marine and while I would like to think given a month or two good get back in combat shape its highly unlikely but if the US called I’d be there with bells on. As for Foote he has been to the Superbowl and Detroit is his hometown if I were so talented to contribute I’d love to slap on a Chiefs uniform and go kick some A%^ and show these youngins how to hit someone. Much Respect Foote.
right on chris id like to see how a made in america marine hits