Brett the Viking

Thank God I am not 12 years old anymore. When Brett decided to play another season, only this time in the colors of a bitter rival I was sickened. But then I realized that this was the last gasps of an aging athlete and suddenly I felt pity for the man

I’m going to be 47 next week, and just writing that sends a chill down the back of my neck. I don’t feel old, I just know that I’m passing through middle age. I’m at a point in my career where most of my coworkers are younger than me, but I have to maintain my edge. I have to be smarter than them and better than them and I have to be a leader at all times. I guess that’s why I can’t say I blame Brett Favre for coming back for one more season. He’s at the end of his career. Where will I be when I am 63?

Favre as a Viking is like me working for Apple. And if I’m 60 and suddenly obsolete, and Apple offers me a job at the Apple Store I’m sure as hell going to take it. So Brett the Viking is a reality and the question is how will it go? I suspect that Brett will have some success because he truly is a gifted, talented athlete. I also suspect that his body will continue to fail him, because that’s what happens when you turn 40. I’m lucky in that regard: I rely on my brain. But if I tell one more child that Ben Franklin is on the penny…

For the first time as a fan I want to see Brett Favre fail. I want him to limp off the field after some brutal hit never to return. I’d prefer if that hit were delivered by Nick Barnett, or maybe B.J. Raji. But if Brett succeeds and has a great year there’s a part of me that will be smiling for him. Brett’s a natural born leader. As a Packer fan, I can’t root for him. But as a middle aged guy who grew up rooting like hell for him I can quietly say “Go get ‘em!
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