Quick Rant: Brett Favre

I have never really understood the strangle hold that Brett Favre has held over the NFL.

For years I have heard dozens-upon-dozens of reporters/commentators slurp up to this guy like he was the second coming of Jesus.

Has he really been the best quarterback ever? Or even in the top 10? Probably not.

He led the Green Bay Packers to just one - count it: one - Super Bowl victory in his tenure under center. But for some reason, he continues to get praise.

Perhaps it' s because he appears human. He developed a dependency to vicodin, his wife developed breast cancer, his brother-in-law was killed in a ATV accident, his family in Mississippi were victims of Hurricane Katrina. Instead of driving a fancy car, Favre shows up to football games in a pickup truck. Yes, he is an every man's man, so people identify with him a little more.

It seems like the past few years has always been Favre's last season. He continually has offseasons wavering back and forth whether he will retire or not. The Packers drafted future quarterback Aaron Rodgers in the first round to learn under Favre, and to take over the duties at quarterback when Favre retires.

Finally, the 2007 season appeared to be Favre's last under center. He officially announced his retirement at an early enough time that the Packers could give him his well deserved farewell, and also plan for the upcoming season. The Packers appeared to have moved on, they had handed things over to Rodgers and drafted Brian Brohm in the second round to backup Rodgers.

But, here comes Brett again. It appears to me that he is of the Paris Hilton, Lindsay Lohan-ilk. He craves attention. If his name isn't in the news, he has to do something to get it there.

Why do you think he played the back-and-forth for so many years about retirement? It was the offseason, and no one was talking about him. Now, he is retired, so people are no longer talking about him. So why not mention that you have that 'itch' to get back out onto the field.

Well, duh. For the past 17 years you have been heading to training camp around this time. It's no wonder you have the 'itch' because you are an NFL football player. Mike Golic said on Mike & Mike that he still gets the 'itch' every year around this time, and he's been retired for 13 years. It's engraved into your brains - this time of year is time to start football.

I have had it with Favre and those who slurp him. And I have for a long time now. Yes, he is a wonderful quarterback - yes, he is one of the 25 best to ever play the position. His longevity, however, is the main reason he is leading in almost every passing category. You play for so long and never miss a game, you're bound to break a few records.

Here is a quick list - tell me who of these 10 that Favre is better than:

• Tom Brady
• Peyton Manning
• Steve Young
• Joe Montana
• Terry Bradshaw
• John Elway
• Troy Aikman
• Dan Marino
• Johnny Unitas
• Fran Tarkenton

It's time to stay retired Brett. Do yourself, your family, the Green Bay Packers and the Packer fans a favor. You are going out on a pretty good season, that isn't guaranteed again. The Packers and most of their fans have moved onto the Rodgers era. It's time to stop holding the franchise hostage: you are an all-time great, they can't move on until you retire for good. And finally, spend some quality time with your family. Football takes up a lot of a person's time - they have supported you for this long, it's time to repay the favor.