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December 4, 2007

Brett Favre: Sportsman of the Year 2007

Have you ever wondered why Packer fans in Wisconsin and around the country are so nuts for quarterback, Brett Favre?

Now you can find out: read Sports Illustrated's Sportsman of the Year 2007 Award article.

In this in-depth piece, Sports Illustrated's Alan Shipnuck covers Favre's on-field excellence, leadership role with the Packers, and his efforts off the field with sick and disabled kids in Wisconsin and Mississippi.

I love watching Brett play, but I'm even more impressed and inspired by his off field persona.

The Favre family have been to hell and back the last few years, yet they keep on fighting. Cancer, death, addictions, injury, just about anything a family could experience, the Favres have come through it.

"People here treat us like family, and I think they care for us like family," says Deanna. "Because of everything we've been through, they don't see Brett as untouchable or as some kind of superhero. And they've been through it with us. The fans here feel close to Brett because they've all had their own similar struggles. Nothing against Tom Brady or Peyton Manning, but I'm not sure their fans relate to them in the same way."

It's how they've come through adversity that inspires me. Never complaining about the hand they were dealt, they kept positive and kept fighting, showing their real mettle in how they handled the worst life had to offer.

"The funny thing is, it's not only about the touchdowns and the big victories. If I were to make a list, I would include the interceptions, the sacks, the really painful losses. Those times when I've been down, when I've been kicked around, I hold on to those. In a way those are the best times I've ever had, because that's when I've found out who I am. And what I want to be." — Brett Favre

I love John Biever's photo (above), because it so perfectly captures Brett's attitude.

Congratulations Brett! You deserve it!

December 4, 2007 10:01 PM | Observations | add to del.icio.us

Comments

Hey great post Mike. I didn't know about all the adversity the Farve's have come through. I just know that he is one of the most humble Quarterbacks I have ever seen. Someone once told me that we are like broken clay pots and we show who we are when we are fill up. It seeps out through the cracks

Posted by: Steve at December 5, 2007 11:22 AM

Yep, Brett and his family have been through quite a bit, and I really admire him and them for how they have dealt with it. They guy is the real deal and I do think he has a true humility that shows through his attitude and actions.

Posted by: Mike Rohde at December 5, 2007 10:36 PM