Call me crazy, but I believed Brett Favre when he said this is it. Twenty seasons and he's done.
This really will be it for Favre (maybe)
The decision could be taken out of his hands in 2011.
I don't believe it because I think Favre will make that decision. I believe it because I think for the first time in his life, the decision will be made for him.
I'm not saying he'll play poorly this season. But I am saying there's only so many seasons in which a 40-something QB coming off surgery gets to make the call, to wait until mid-August and have a Super Bowl-caliber team beg him to return. And I think even the great No. 4 has reached his limit of two.
Favre mentioned the league's uncertain labor situation beyond this season. He also mentioned the possibility that the current Vikings' team will be "dismantled."
A work stoppage seems inevitable, as both sides appear dense enough to take a hatchet to the head of the golden goose. If that happens, Favre won't return. He'll finally get a taste of retirement and realize the final 30-40 years of his life won't be the bataan death march without football. Plus, during the regular season, Oak Grove High likes to use its own quarterbacks.
The second thing Favre mentioned is even more likely, although "dismantled" might be an overstatement. No question the Vikings are built to win it all this year. After this season, the team will start looking old and will lose some key pieces to free agency. No way 22 starters return again next season.
While the Vikings should remain competitive, they won't have the need for a $20 million QB at a time when they'll be trying to reload with younger talent.
Take the Vikings out of the mix, and where would Favre go in 2011 where he could dictate all of the terms on a ready-made Super Bowl contender? Most likely nowhere.
Of course, there's always Green Bay should something happen to Aaron Rodgers ...