Earlier this week, retired quarterback Brett Favre – and yes, we've confirmed he's still retired – joined 790 The Zone in Atlanta for a candid radio interview in which he discussed everything from his first season away from the NFL, the rise of Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers and, inevitably, his two-year stint as the quarterback/circus ring leader in Minnesota.
When the topic of playing for the Vikings in 2009 and then waffling on his decision and returning last season came up, Favre was asked if he had any regrets about his comeback. Here's what he had to say:
"I won't lie to you, there has been times, not anymore, but there has been times once that season started—numerous times—that I thought I shouldn't have played; this was a mistake. But then after the season was over, and maybe even before—I think the last couple of games which I didn't play in, and it'd been years since I hadn't played and watched from the sidelines, better yet in street clothes, that was the first time I'd ever done that – but it gave me a chance to really reflect and look around. There was no pressure to perform. I was just kind of watching. So I had a chance to really think and think in depth. And to be honest with you, I didn't regret coming back at that point. There were times during the season, prior to those games, where I did... So if I needed an exclamation point on my career, two years ago would have been a great time to walk away. I don't think anyone wouldn't have been able to say 'Hey, the guy's got something left in his tank, he probably could have played another year.' Well, you know, we know now. If anything this past year was the answer that I'd been looking for."
Meaning, for now anyway, Favre has little left in the tank to play at a high level. Besides, he seems to be enjoying life away from the grind. As he told 790 The Zone:
"I miss the guys, I miss the competitive, I don't know if you would call it edge or spirit or whatever the term may be, I miss that every week. I don't miss the between the games during the week, it got very monotonous for me. I also don't miss the stress to perform at a high level week in and week out, because that just became so draining. And I know it's impossible to perform at the top tier week in and week out. I know I was fortunate to do that for the better part of my career. So there's nothing to look back and say 'boy, if I had just done this or I had just done that.' I'd be a fool if I didn't think I'd miss the camaraderie, being with the guys, there's nothing like being in that locker room after a great win,a hard fought win, or bouncing back from a tough loss the following week, there's nothing like that, there's no way I can replace that feeling. But, I'll be 42 next week, I've got a grandson, I've got two beautiful daughters, the youngest daughter is playing basketball. I enjoy working out here on my property. So there's a lot to keep me occupied."
