Brett Favre News: Pro Sports Daily

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November 19

Minneapolis Star Tribune

"Brett Favre ruffled some feathers east of the Twin Cities earlier this season when he called the Vikings the "best team I've ever been on." That comment, not surprisingly, didn't sit well with Packers fans and members of the 1996 Super Bowl-winning team. Favre heard the criticism, but he said he doesn't feel any vindication now that the Vikings are 8-1 and considered a legitimate Super Bowl contender. Favre said it's no different from when he predicted big things for the Packers in 2007 after the team went 8-8 the previous season. "Everybody thought I was crazy, and then we went 13-3 [in 2007]," Favre said Wednesday. "I believed it. I believe that about this team. Is it the '96 team? No. ..."

VIkings backup Tarvaris Jackson says he has learned a lot watching Brett Favre

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November 19

St. Paul Pioneer Press

columnist Charley Walters

"Aaron Rodgers watched Brett Favre from the Green Bay Packers' bench for three seasons before succeeding the future hall of fame quarterback. Tarvaris Jackson, 26, is watching Favre, 40, through nine games with the Vikings this season and improving, coach Brad Childress said Wednesday. Jackson said the most important thing he has learned as Favre's top backup is to be himself and not be influenced by others. "There are little things, but the biggest thing probably is not football related, but it's how he's going to be himself regardless of the situation," Jackson said of Favre on Wednesday. "He's going to do what he knows; he's going to be Brett. What this really boils down to is being what ..."

Is Brett Favre's return to Minnesota Vikings next season a done deal?

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November 18

St. Paul Pioneer Press

columnist Charley Walters

"Vikings quarterback Brett Favre already has had his revenge on the Green Bay Packers by defeating them twice this season, proving they should have retained him after the 2007 season. It's unclear whether those victories alone might have been satisfying enough for the 40-year-old to retire after the season. That's hard to predict. But there could be other factors that determine whether Favre, who already is signed for $13 million for the 2010 season, returns for another season. Those could include what players return to give him a chance to win a Super Bowl, who the coach and staff are, and the team's ownership status in its quest for a new stadium. It would seem satisfying enough for Favre ..."

Mark Wilf: Favre welcome to return

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November 18

Minneapolis Star Tribune

"Vikings owner and President Mark Wilf said Tuesday the franchise has received the boost it was looking for when it signed Brett Favre and made it clear the quarterback would be welcomed back in 2010 to play the second season of the two-year, $25 million deal he received in August. This comes as no surprise, given the Vikings are 8-1 and atop the NFC North in large part because of Favre's performance. The 40-year-old Favre has an NFL-leading 107.5 passer rating and has thrown 17 touchdown and only three interceptions. "When we signed Brett, we were hoping he would give us a spark," Wilf said. "He's got that great track record and so far, so good." Wilf said Favre's contribution has been ..."

Brett Favre back for more vs. Lions

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November 13

Detroit Free Press

"The first time the Lions played Brett Favre this season, he was the crusty quarterback making a comeback. He had been with the Vikings for only a month. He was still getting his legs under him and still getting comfortable with his new teammates. Favre completed 23 of 27 passes Sept. 20. He threw two touchdowns, too, as the Lions lost, 27-13. But his longest pass was only 13 yards, and his yardage total was only 155. Now, after turning 40 on Oct. 10, he is playing at an elite level again and could cause major problems for the Lions' struggling pass defense Sunday at the Metrodome. "When we played them early in the season, he was a little bit more game-managing," Lions coach Jim Schwartz ..."

Vikings' Brett Favre rested, ready to go after taking a week off

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November 12

St. Paul Pioneer Press

"Brett Favre spent part of the bye week in a deer stand. At age 40, any break from football is good for him. Favre joked Wednesday that the only thing he killed was "time." Halfway through the Vikings' season, Favre is encouraged by the way he's feeling. When he signed with the Vikings, he said he had no way of knowing whether he would be able to make it through a full season. But now the Vikings are comfortably ahead in the NFC North Division, and he's on pace to have one of his best seasons statistically. "I feel pretty good, mentally and physically," Favre said. "It's hard for me to say what I thought I would feel like. But I know that if you had asked what would our record be at this ..."

Once again, Packers their own worst enemy against Vikings

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November 7

St. Paul Pioneer Press

"Just before the game began, most of those who were a part of the largest regular-season crowd in Lambeau Field history booed Brett Favre like the narcissistic rat they perceived him to be for willfully exacting revenge in the most traitorous way possible. By the time it was over, nothing much about the macabre homecoming was about No. 4, no matter how gleefully he jumped about in an end zone he once frequented in less divisive times. It was about coaching decisions so strange that they made Brad Childress look Lombardi-esque by comparison. It was about penalties so inane that you wonder why some guys are still cashing a Green Bay-issued paycheck. It was about not playing to the best ..."

Favre earns NFC honor

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November 4

Minneapolis Star Tribune

"As if the Packers hadn't already heard enough about Brett Favre. For the second time this season, the quarterback earned NFC Offensive Player of the Week honors for his performance against his former team. Favre was honored Tuesday after throwing four touchdown passes in a 38-26 victory at Lambeau Field on Sunday. He also won the award after throwing three touchdowns against Green Bay in a 30-23 victory on Oct. 5 at the Metrodome. Sunday marked the 21st four-touchdown game of Favre's career, matching Dan Marino for the NFL record. Favre's 128.6 passer rating against the Packers is the fifth game in 2009 that he has posted a passer rating of more than 100. In two games against the Packers, ..."

On injured list, Favre's back at work

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November 3

Minneapolis Star Tribune

"Brett Favre threw four touchdown passes and posted a stellar 128.6 passer rating against his former team Sunday despite a groin injury that he apparently suffered in practice last week. In the wake of the Vikings' 38-26 victory against the Packers, Favre told Peter King of Sports Illustrated that the injury flared up during pregame warmups. At one point, Favre informed backup Tarvaris Jackson and offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell that he had doubts about his ability toback. Vikings coach Brad Childress confirmed the injury and said that he was standing right behind Favre when the veteran aggravated it. "It twinged a little bit on him," Childress said. "I think he's on the injury report ..."

Vikings' Brett Favre enjoys 'satisfying' return to Lambeau Field

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November 2

Green Bay Press Gazette

"On the bus ride — the long, strange bus ride for Brett Favre — to Lambeau Field on Sunday, Ryan Longwell noticed a sign in store window a few blocks from the stadium. It read: "Welcome back Ryan Longwell." The Minnesota Vikings kicker, who played for the Green Bay Packers from 1997-2005, leaned over to Favre, who was about to walk into the same stadium where he was cheered as the Packers' quarterback for 16 seasons, and said: "Just think, time heals all wounds. You'll get a sign in four years." Based on the reaction Favre received Sunday afternoon, it might take a little longer. When Favre walked through the tunnel in the south end zone wearing his Vikings' purple and white about 45 ..."

Brett Favre, Minnesota Vikings beat Green Bay Packers 38-26 at Lambeau Field

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November 2

Green Bay Press Gazette

"Brett Favre and the Minnesota Vikings really stuck it to the Green Bay Packers this time. They came into an electric Lambeau Field, where the legendary former Packers quarterback was loudly booed every time he took the field, not only with reputations at stake but also a major swing in the NFC North Division race in the balance. Favre and Vikings conquered with a sharp, explosive offensive performance in a 38-26 win that had to be a hard shot to the solar plexus for General Manager Ted Thompson, coach Mike McCarthy and their team. Not even halfway through the season, the 4-3 Packers have been swept by their bitter border rival, which because of tiebreakers in effect puts them three games ..."

On an emotional day, Favre once again plays it cool

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November 2

St. Paul Pioneer Press

"Vikings quarterback Brett Favre approached most of his offensive teammates during pregame warm-ups Sunday. "He said, 'Do I need to say anything to you guys?' " tight end Visanthe Shiancoe recalled. Shiancoe said he told Favre "there's nothing to say," noting that they recognized the significance of the game and the hostility of the environment. "We know what to expect and we know what to do," Shiancoe said. Favre said his emotions were "worse than I thought it would be" but better than before the Oct. 5 game against his former team at the Metrodome, which he said, at the time, was about as nervous as he'd ever been heading into a game. Yet Favre was brilliant, completing 17 of 28 passes ..."

Having nothing to prove, Favre plays it his way against Packers

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November 2

Minneapolis Star Tribune

"As a Packer, Brett Favre always felt sympathy for opposing teams required to take the half-hour bus ride from Appleton to Lambeau Field. And those players didn't have to face the gantlet Favre did on Sunday, as Packer fans lined the bus route and offered specific and sometimes vulgar signals to their former quarterback. "It was long," Favre said Sunday night of the bus ride. "I had always thought, man, the visiting team, that's a long way to have to come. I had to drive a mile when I played here. "It didn't seem weird until I got into around the pier, then everything was real familiar to me. ... All the Packer fans were there, and there was some purple, and I saw a mixture of everything. ..."

Homecoming king: Favre reigns at Lambeau

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November 2

Minneapolis Star Tribune

"Brett Favre wasn't sure he agreed with the sentiment, but he heard the same message on multiple occasions over the weekend as he prepared to play his first game in Lambeau Field as a visitor. "I can't tell you how many text messages or guys just in passing today and yesterday [said], 'Hey, you're going to play great. I know you're nervous,' " Favre said. "I'm like, 'It's easy for you to say.' But they were right again." Indeed, they were. Favre, whose Hall of Fame résumé has been built on winning some pressure-filled games, did it again Sunday, throwing four touchdown passes with no interceptions in a 38-26 victory over the Packers. In doing so Favre helped the Vikings complete a series ..."

Favre met with boos in return to Lambeau Field

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November 1

NFL.com

"Vikings quarterback Brett Favre ran into a half-full Lambeau Field at 2:37 local time for warmups and was met predominantly with boos by the Packers faithful, who once cheered him for the better part of his 16 seasons here. There were a smattering of cheers, but he was hit mainly with a negative vibe right out of the tunnel. The chiding didn't last for long, though. Once he settled in around the 35-yard line near the Vikings' sideline and began throwing passes with Sage Rosenfels and Tarvaris Jackson, most of the reaction turned toward the home team."

Brett Favre ducks fans as Minnesota Vikings arrive at Appleton hotel

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November 1

Green Bay Press Gazette

"For a gaggle of interested fans, it appeared as though Brett Favre was a no-show as Minnesota Vikings players and coaching staff arrived at the Radisson Paper Valley Hotel on Saturday afternoon. Appleton police, however, said Saturday night that Favre made a fast exit off the first bus with some large linemen shielding him. It happened shortly after 4 p.m. when the Vikings team buses arrived via police escort. About 120 diehard fans — some shouting, "Where is Brett?" — braved the 40-degree weather to greet the team and try to catch a glimpse of the Vikings' star quarterback. "Yeah, he was in," Appleton police Lt. Jay Steinke said. "There was no deviating from the team rules. He came in on ..."

Favre's teammates want to win this one for Brett, and themselves, too

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November 1

St. Paul Pioneer Press

"Listen to all the hype surrounding Brett Favre's return to Green Bay, and you half-expect him to enter Lambeau Field trying to dodge pitchforks, rotten tomatoes and flaming No. 4 jerseys. "It's going to be like 'Gladiator,' man," Vikings tight end Visanthe Shiancoe said. Favre's teammates have his back. It's important to get a win for Favre in his first game at Green Bay as an opponent after he built a record-breaking career there over 16 years. He's been a Viking for just 2 1/2 months, but Favre and his teammates are tight already, bonded further by knowing they're going into a hostile environment — especially for their quarterback. "He knows I've got the brass knuckles and I carry a lot ..."

'Traitor Jack' Morris knows the hell Favre will have to endure

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November 1

St. Paul Pioneer Press

columnist Tom Powers

"Brett Favre is going to catch hell today at Lambeau Field. It's going to be ugly and, according to Jack Morris, it's going to be painful. Not many people understand what it's like to be verbally abused in a place where you gave your heart and soul. But Morris does. "Well, it's fans," Morris said the other day. "Favre should be expecting to get booed. Yet time will heal everything and he'll be a hero in Green Bay. But right now, their man is Aaron Rodgers and Favre is the bad guy for leaving." Over 14 seasons with the Detroit Tigers Morris won 201 games, including two complete-game victories in the 1984 World Series. That was the Tigers' first Series victory since 1968 and their last to ..."

Vikings-Packers insider foresees a close game

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November 1

St. Paul Pioneer Press

columnist Charley Walters

"For 16 years, Mike Eayrs was the brainy numbers guy for the Vikings. Eayrs fed statistics, variants and formulas into sophisticated computers that would digest the information, then spit out tendencies that could be used by his team to win football games. For the past 10 years, Eayrs has been doing the same as director of research for the Green Bay Packers, who this afternoon play Minnesota in an epic game that features storied former Packers quarterback Brett Favre returning to Lambeau Field as the 40-year-old star QB of the division-leading Vikings. "Basically, the way we're approaching it over here, it's probably going to be who scores last," Eayrs said from Green Bay. What does the ..."

Favre's arrival won't alter Green Bay routine

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October 31

Minneapolis Star Tribune

"Although this weekend will mark Brett Favre's potentially emotional return to Green Bay, there don't appear to be any major security changes from how other visiting teams are handled when they play the Packers. The Vikings will fly into Outagamie County Regional Airport in Appleton this afternoon and then bus to the Radisson Paper Valley Hotel in that city's downtown. Appleton is about a 30-minute drive from Green Bay. Appleton Police Sgt. Pat DeWall said there might be some extra police out in the area this weekend but that's because of Halloween and daylight savings time might draw bigger crowds to the bars. DeWall doesn't seem concerned that Favre's presence will result in any problems, ..."

The difficult parting of Favre and the Packers

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October 30

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

"The saga continues Sunday at Lambeau Field. The storylines are drawn for this drama that's been building for 16 months: The signature player for one team for a decade and a half returns in the uniform of its rival. Made for television, guaranteed to garner the strongest rating of the 2009 NFL season. High drama indeed. Having spent nine years in Green Bay, I've commented often about both sides of the decision by the Packers to move on without quarterback Brett Favre. I'll leave out the truly confidential parts of the story, but here's a look behind the green and gold on some matters. "We've moved on" As we know, when Brett decided to un-retire last year to reclaim his throne in Green Bay, ..."

No hard feelings in Green Bay? Yeah, right

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October 30

St. Paul Pioneer Press

columnist Bob Sansevere

"You can't listen to the radio or turn on the TV in Green Bay without hearing about H1N1 and No. 4. "It's all swine flu and Favre," said Dan Alvey. Alvey lives in Green Bay and, like most folks in this neck of the nation, is a huge Packers fan. And that means he's not as fond of Brett Favre as he used to be. "He ruined his reputation," Alvey said from a bar stool at Fuzzy's, a Green Bay watering hole owned by former Packers guard Fuzzy Thurston. "All I know is, finally Favre is going to be throwing to the Packers. He is the interception king." Whether it's in a bar or the mayor's office, Favre is the talk of Titletown. "You can't ignore the fact a three-time MVP is coming back to Green ..."

Brett Favre's performance at 40 even outshines Tom Watson's at 59, according to Vikings teammate Ryan Longwell

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October 30

St. Paul Pioneer Press

columnist Charley Walters

"Last July, at age 59, Tom Watson lost the British Open in a playoff in Turnberry, Scotland. Coming that close in a major tournament at that age was a remarkable feat, one of the most admired in golf history. Vikings kicker Ryan Longwell, who has a United States Golf Association handicap of 1.8 at the posh Isleworth Golf & Country Club in Florida, agrees. He is qualified to appreciate Watson's gallant effort. But the magnitude of teammate quarterback Brett Favre's performance, at age 40 this season, has been even more impressive than was Watson's effort last summer, Longwell figures. "The mind-set is similar in that Watson didn't feel that his age was a detriment; he felt he was an ..."

Welcome to the Brett Favre reality show

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October 30

Miami Herald

columnist Greg Cote

"Here's all you need to know in a nutshell, and I choose that word carefully: Fox will have an isolated ``Favre-Cam'' tracking Sunday's return of Brett Favre to Lambeau Field (otherwise known as the Vikings-Packers game), and it will provide a ``constant live video stream'' of all-Favre-all-the-time on FoxSports.com and NFL.com, never leaving his sight, pregame through final whistle. Here's hoping the poor fella doesn't require a bathroom break. Or decide to munch a hot dog on the sideline. Favre's ballyhooed return will be a study in human nature, a passionate mix of cheers and boos as those loyal to all he did as a Packer cheer while those who think him a traitor boo. Pro-Favre'rs think ..."

Favre's in enemy colors

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October 30

Washington Times

"The last time Brett Favre threw a pass at Lambeau Field, the wind chill stood at minus-23 degrees, Green Bay and New York were in overtime of the NFC championship game and Corey Webster intercepted the ball to set up a winning field goal for the Giants. Two retirements, two team changes and nearly two years later, Favre returns to Green Bay on Sunday with the Minnesota Vikings in pretty much the top storyline in the NFL of the first half of the season. The matchup between the Cowboys and Falcons last week drew 28.4 million viewers, making it the most watched sporting event since the Super Bowl. Expect that to change Sunday at 4:15 p.m. Favre and the Packers parted when he retired, then ..."

Minnesota Vikings' Brett Favre downplays emotions surrounding return to Lambeau Field

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October 29

Green Bay Press Gazette

"Brett Favre cut off the question in midsentence. Are you prepared, if you do hear boos out there … "I've heard boos in that stadium before," said Favre, the longtime Green Bay Packers quarterback who will return to Lambeau Field on Sunday as a Minnesota Viking. "Honestly. Numerous times. That was obviously different. As a player there, you don't expect to hear that in your home stadium. But I didn't play every game in that stadium very well. I played (well) a lot, but there was some times where we struggled, and that was kind of a kick in the stomach hearing those boos. "It wasn't often. There was way more cheers. And I suppose there will be a little bit of both this week." That surely ..."

Brett Favre's 1996 Packers teammates resent him calling Vikings 'best team' he's played on

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October 28

St. Paul Pioneer Press

""Physically, and from a talent level, this is the best team I've ever been on." That's what Brett Favre said a few weeks ago about his Minnesota Vikings. And fans in Wisconsin dusted off commemorative programs, pulled out VHS tapes, arched an eyebrow with a little attitude and thought, "Brett, all due respect, but are you for real?" So you can imagine what his 1996 teammates think. The Green Bay Packers won the Super Bowl after the 1996 season with Favre playing in his MVP prime and with the Minister of Defense, Frankie, Chewy, LeRoy, Free and the Gravedigger. They got big-time performances from starters and backups, top draft picks and castoffs. They dominated on defense, did what they ..."

Silence on Sunday would make a statement

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October 28

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

columnist Michael Hunt

"On the level of a captured Bigfoot being turned loose in a roped-off Times Square, there's no getting around the fact that Sunday from 3 to 3:15-ish at Lambeau Field is going to be a freak show. And as the ticket-bearer paying NFL prices to be entertained, you are free to respond however you choose to Brett Favre's re-entrance to the grounds he either consecrated with his 16-year presence or defiled by crossing over, depending on your point of view. Boo him, as LeRoy Butler advises, or greet him with applause, as our Garry Howard suggests, and no doubt both reactions will blend into a peculiar cacophony before the actual business of the afternoon is allowed to proceed. But there is another ..."

'96 Packers vs. '09 Vikings

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October 28

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

""Physically, and from a talent level, this is the best team I've ever been on." That's what Brett Favre said a few weeks ago about his Minnesota Vikings. And fans in Wisconsin dusted off commemorative programs, pulled out VHS tapes, arched an eyebrow with a little attitude and thought, "Brett, all due respect, but are you for real?" So you can imagine what his 1996 teammates think. The Green Bay Packers won the Super Bowl after the 1996 season with Favre playing in his MVP prime and with the Minister of Defense, Frankie, Chewy, LeRoy, Free and the Gravedigger. They got big-time performances from starters and backups, top draft picks and castoffs. They dominated on defense, did what they ..."

Lambeau Field, Green Bay Packers brace for Brett Favre circus

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October 27

Green Bay Press Gazette

"If the Green Bay Packers thought facing Brett Favre as the Minnesota Vikings' quarterback the first time around made for a difficult and distracting week, wait until they see what's in store this week. Earlier this month, with the game in Minneapolis, most of the hubbub was at Vikings headquarters in Eden Prairie, Minn. This week, in advance of Sunday's rematch in Green Bay, Lambeau Field surely will be abuzz with throngs of media and fans. It began rather innocuously on Monday with only a handful of Favre-related questions during Packers coach Mike McCarthy's news conference, but it is only expected to get more intense on Wednesday, when the national media will begin to arrive, before it ..."

Favre's Green Bay return will be 'love-hate relationship;' boxing legends help promote fight

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October 27

St. Paul Pioneer Press

columnist Charley Walters

"Darrell Thompson, the record-setting former Gophers running back, played five seasons for the Green Bay Packers. Three were with Brett Favre, now the Vikings quarterback. Favre returns to Green Bay on Sunday to play against the franchise he led to two Super Bowls. "It's going to be a love-hate relationship," said Thompson, the University of Minnesota football radio analyst, of Favre's return to Lambeau Field. "I think the people there care tremendously about Brett and what he's done for the Packers, the success he had, the Super Bowls — winning one and losing one. That's a big deal." When Favre's career is finished — and nobody knows when that will be, probably including Favre — his No. 4 ..."

Cheer first, jeer later

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October 27

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

columnist Garry D. Howard

"This is pretty simple, Green Bay fans: When Brett Favre, aka No. 4, enters Lambeau Field late Sunday afternoon in his white Minnesota Vikings uniform - intent on working his magic for the purple-helmeted enemy - this is what you should do, please. Stand up in front of your seat, put your hands together and clap. And whistle. And then clap some more. Forcefully. And cheer. Loud. Louder. The loudest you have ever screamed in your life. That's right. . . . Show him the love and affection he has certainly earned by leading this franchise back to respectability and its rightful place as "Titletown." Empower yourselves by showing off your obvious class with this rousing ovation. Make him cry ..."

Packers victory sets up second showdown with Brett Favre, Minnesota Vikings

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October 26

Green Bay Press Gazette

"Armageddon II figures to have even more going for it than Armageddon I. On Sunday, Brett Favre again will be facing his old team after his play was the difference when the Green Bay Packers visited the Minnesota Vikings three weeks ago. Only this time, it will be at Lambeau Field, the stadium he called home for 16 years. On top of that, the Packers (4-2) and Favre's Vikings (6-1) will be playing with essentially a tie for first place on the line in the NFC North Division as we near the halfway point of the season. Fox television made sure this will be a national event by moving the start from noon to 3:15 p.m., with plans to show it to almost the entire country as the doubleheader game. ..."

Vikings more disappointed than upset after first loss of season

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October 26

St. Paul Pioneer Press

"A competitor's credo is to never apologize for a win and never settle for a moral victory in defeat. Yet the Vikings' emotions were tested Sunday following a 27-17 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field. A week earlier, the Vikings squandered a 17-point, fourth-quarter lead against the Baltimore Ravens and pushed their record to 6-0 only because former training-camp kicker Steven Hauschka pulled a 44-yard, game-winning field-goal attempt left. But on Sunday, against the defending Super Bowl champions, against the best team they've faced all season, the Vikings dominated several key categories usually critical to the outcome of a game. The offense controlled the ball for nearly 37 ..."

Favre runs out of miracles as two fourth-quarter turnovers kill Vikings' comeback

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October 26

St. Paul Pioneer Press

"Superman fell back to earth. Brett Favre wasn't able to deliver the Vikings to victory Sunday on the road against the reigning Super Bowl champions. His two critical turnovers in the red zone in the fourth quarter weren't all his fault, but they were mistakes that cost the Vikings the game and their first loss of the season after a 6-0 start. "We struggled a little bit in the red zone today, obviously," Favre said. Yeah, to say the least. These were the types of mistakes that Favre and the Vikings had avoided for the most part this season. They came into the game with the NFL's No. 1-ranked scoring offense in the red zone. The first game-changing play was a fumble. The Vikings had held the ..."

Favre hadn't seen many games like this

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October 26

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

"More than once in his post-game remarks, Brett Favre lifted his hands in body language that said he didn't have an answer. But he wasn't the only person from Minnesota in a purple haze. Just when Favre was on the verge of rallying his heretofore unbeaten Vikings, two Steelers linebackers ruined everything with fourth-quarter returns. After Brett Keisel caused Favre to fumble, LaMarr Woodley scooped up the loose ball and turned it into a 77-yard touchdown, and Keyaron Fox picked off a deflected screen pass and went 82 yards the other way for the clinching score. "It's unfortunate both of those plays happened," said Favre, walking gingerly after a long afternoon. "Give those guys credit. ..."

Favre vs. Big Ben ... A rare Sunday

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October 25

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

"When they went to Green Bay to play Brett Favre and the Packers at Lambeau Field during their 2005 Super Bowl season, Hines Ward, Charlie Batch and several other Steelers players brought along jerseys and pictures to get autographed by the quarterback icon, thinking they might never see him again. At the time, Favre was 36 and seemingly nearing the end of a Hall of Fame career in which he would hold nearly every significant passing record in the National Football League. Four years later, Favre returns to Pittsburgh for the first time in 11 years, this time with the Minnesota Vikings, and the line for the autograph seekers and picture-takers at Heinz Field might stretch to the Warhol ..."

Favre makes most of his autonomy in Vikings' offense

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October 24

St. Paul Pioneer Press

"Vikings quarterback Brett Favre, the consummate showman, completed a 58-yard pass when a comeback play was called in the fourth quarter, and completed a 19-yard touchdown when coaches on the sideline were trying to call a timeout in the first quarter. Leave it to Favre to toe the fine line between winging it and working it. Since joining the Vikings, the assumption is that Favre — a three-time MVP and future hall of famer — would be the straw that stirs the Vikings' offense. He would call his own plays and make adjustments on the fly, much to his coaches' chagrin. Yet offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell insists Favre — whom he coached for three seasons in Green Bay — isn't pushy with ..."

Favre's most impressive stat is the way he's made his teammates better

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October 23

St. Paul Pioneer Press

"If wins and statistics are the standard, it's possible Brett Favre is playing as well as ever. The Vikings are 6-0, and Favre is on pace to finish with the best quarterback rating of his career. Favre considers another baseline — leadership — his greatest contribution to the team. And it's hard to find fault with him in that department, given the way he's made so many players around him better while powering the Vikings to thrilling fourth-quarter victories. "That's what we brought him here to do," tight end Visanthe Shiancoe said. "That's why coach (Brad) Childress was willing to cut off his arms and legs to bring him here, right? He was the missing piece of the puzzle. The missing piece ..."

Big Ben, to face off against his idol, Favre

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October 23

Pittsburgh Tribune Review

"Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has never met Minnesota Vikings counterpart Brett Favre. Roethisberger didn't make the trip to Green Bay in 2005 when Favre played for the Packers after underging arthroscopic surgery for a torn miniscus in his right knee. The Steelers defeated Green Bay 20-10 that year with Charlie Batch as the starter. "It's going to be fun," Roethlisberger said Thursday. "I grew up watching Brett, kind of idolized him, molding a little bit of my game after him." • Roethlisberger didn't take the bait when asked to compare his game with Favre's. "I'm not going to compare myself to Brett because he is a legend, and I'm just trying to get to his level,'' Roethlisberger said. ..."

Leadership matters most, Vikings QB Brett Favre says

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October 22

St. Paul Pioneer Press

"Brett Favre has been voted the NFL's most valuable player three times. He sees similarities in the way he's playing this season. Favre ranks third or is tied for third in the NFL in passer rating (109.5), completion percentage (69.7), touchdowns (12) and fewest interceptions (two). The numbers are impressive, but Favre considers his leadership his greatest contribution this season. "I just want to consistently lead this team, and that involves a lot of things," Favre said Wednesday. "I think from that standpoint, it's as good as I've done throughout my career. But it's what's expected, more so than really how you play." That's the biggest similarity he sees when asked to compare this ..."

Will new deal for Jay Cutler affect Brett Favre's contract situation?

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October 22

St. Paul Pioneer Press

columnist Charley Walters

"Agent Bus Cook has worked out a $30 million, two-year contract extension for Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler. Cook also represents Vikings QB Brett Favre, who is signed through next season on a two-year deal for $25 million. Cutler is 26; Favre is 40. If Favre remains healthy and decides to return next season (owner Zygi Wilf has said he expects him to return), as sly as Cook is, he's not expected to try to do a new deal for Favre, who is having a Pro Bowl year. That's because Wilf has given Favre a fair-market deal. Meanwhile, Cutler's contract would bind him to the Bears through 2013. Amazing thought: If the Vikings (6-0) were to go on to win this season's Super Bowl, and if Favre ..."

Bernard Berrian: Rocking chair placed in front of Brett Favre's locker on Monday

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October 13

USA Today

"Vikings receiver Bernard Berrian said someone played a prank on the team's soon-to-be-40-year-old quarterback, Brett Favre, on Monday. Favre hits the milestone birthday on Saturday. He led the Vikings to a 4-0 start in an emotional win against his former Packers teammates on Monday. Berrian said on ESPN after the game that someone placed a rocking chair in front of Favre's locker on Monday."

Brett Favre packs wallop, leads Vikings past Packers 30-23

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October 13

USA Today

"Whether bent on revenge or not, Brett Favre made his point Monday night against the Green Bay Packers team that let him go. He'll turn 40 Saturday, but he still can sling it and win."That's why I play the game. It's a lot of fun, and it never gets old, while I do," Favre said after throwing for three touchdowns to lead the Minnesota Vikings to a 30-23 victory over the Packers at the Metrodome in a game loaded with emotion on both sides."

Vikings score 38-10 win over Rams

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October 12

St. Paul Pioneer Press

"The undefeated Minnesota Vikings refused to overlook the winless St. Louis Rams. "You can't take any team for granted," Vikings Pro Bowl defensive tackle Williams said days before the game. "We got to jump on 'em and don't give them hope," he said later. Williams did his part in a 38-10 victory over the Rams at the Edward Jones Dome. After winning the coin toss, the Vikings offense put together an 80-yard touchdown drive, and Williams pressured quarterback Kyle Boller into fumbling on the Rams opening drive. Vikings defensive end Jared Allen recovered and returned the ball 52 yards for a touchdown to give the Vikings a 14-0 lead. The Rams had some success moving the football on the Vikings ..."

Vikings don't play down to lowly Rams' level

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October 12

St. Paul Pioneer Press

columnist Bob Sansevere

"Some things are inherent. When piranha get a whiff of blood, there's a feeding frenzy. When a pit bull clamps its jaw on its prey, it's not interested in letting go. When a good team plays a lousy team, the good team doesn't just win. It wins by a sizable margin. Over the years, we've all seen Viking teams that were supposed to be good. They would get fans all jacked up with a few wins and have them thinking that, finally, this could be their year. Then the Vikings would face a crummy team and lose, or it'd be a nail-gnawing game. And, it turned out, they weren't so good after all. "I've been here, and we let teams we're supposed to beat hang around and we got into dogfights with them," ..."

Favre hits big 4-0, then goes 5-0

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October 12

Minneapolis Star Tribune

"Brett Favre's first start as a 40-year-old ended much like the final start of his 30s. With a victory. Six days after throwing three touchdown passes in his much-anticipated first meeting with the Green Bay Packers, Favre completed 18 of 24 passes for 232 yards with a touchdown and an interception in a 38-10 rout of the Rams at the Edward Jones Dome. Favre became the 12th quarterback in the Super Bowl era (since 1966) to a start a game at the age of 40 or older, according to NFL.com. "I hope there is many more to come," said Favre, who turned 40 on Saturday. "I'd be lying if I sat here and told you that [I thought] I'd still be playing at 40 and not miss a game to this point. God has been ..."

At 5-0, can the Vikings keep focused?

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October 12

Minneapolis Star Tribune

"With a short week after playing last Monday night, the Vikings capitalized on some leftover adrenaline to jump on the Rams for a 14-0 lead seven minutes into the game on Sunday, then cruise to a 38-10 victory. Kevin Williams made the play of the game. Williams rushed Rams QB Kyle Boller, causing a fumble and paving the way for Jared Allen to scoop it up and score his first touchdown of the year in the first quarter. The defensive line is certainly a threat and could easily create more turnovers if they continue to bring pressure game after game. Defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier turned up the heat by blitzing frequently and putting more pressure on the Rams, which I feel made those ..."

Taking the fifth: Vikings easily top Rams

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October 12

Minneapolis Star Tribune

"The Vikings did not spend much time last week focusing on the fact that, after an emotional victory over Green Bay on Monday, they would be facing the winless Rams on Sunday in the depressed environment of the Edward Jones Dome. But as coach Brad Childress gathered his players Saturday evening in the team hotel he had a message that also served as a challenge. "This game was more important than last week's game, and it's more important than next week's game," Childress said. "Just from the standpoint that good teams find a way to play on Monday and come back and play on Sunday. Regardless of short time, regardless of who you're playing, playing in the dome. ... If we are who we say we are, ..."

Favre enjoying the time

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October 8

St. Paul Pioneer Press

"Through the first three weeks of the season, Brett Favre was sacked, chased and hit hard by opposing defenses. But he wasn't sacked by the Green Bay Packers on Monday night, and he wasn't touched much, either. It was a remarkably improved performance in terms of pass protection , from the offensive linemen to the running backs for the Vikings. "Our linemen continue to get better," Favre said. "(Rookie right tackle) Phil (Loadholt), I told him at the end of the game I was extremely proud of him because I know how good Aaron Kampman is. To hold your own against him is pretty impressive. I could say that about all our guys this year. "I was scared to death before we played Cleveland because ..."