Ye Ol’ Gunslinger

As a long time NFL fan, I’ve had the privilege of watching first hand the career of Bret Farve. I’m proud to say that for most of Farve’s career I’ve hated him! I must admit, this is because I’ve been a 20+ year fan of the both the San Francisco 49ers and the Dallas Cowboys. I know, I know, how can one be both a 9ers and a Cowboys fan? Honestly whenever the team faced each other and especially in the NFC championships, it was more a dream come true than a rivalry. I’m sure you’re asking, when the 9ers and the cowboys played one another, who would I go for? Ok, ok, the 9ers. In the hey day of the 9ers and cowboys super bowls, playoffs and championships, if they weren’t facing each other- they would come face to face with Farve, Reggie White, and the Green Bay Packers and this is why I’ve hated Brett Farve for most of his NFL career. It seemed Brett and his Packers were always handing losses to my beloved 9ers and Cowboys!

During the 2009-2010 NFL season Farve transcended any team, and the game itself. Farve become a man, who proved himself a team player, leader, and role model. Entering the 2009 NFL season Farve was at worst vilified as a pariah and at best seen as a joke. He was either going to go out as a Prima Donna (not showing up for the Vikings training camp didn’t help matters) whose ego and vanity would bring down his new team. Or, he was viewed as a delusional ego maniacal old timer, seeking another chance at another super bowl ring. Worst of all, particularly for any team sport, Farve was categorized as selfish and self-centered. The bottom line, any scenario offered would ultimately lead to the Vikings’ failure, and Vikings Coach Brad Childress’ unemployment.

However, Farve brought passion to his work, his team, the Vikings organization, and indeed the game of football in 2009. He brought authority and determination. He brought a playfulness and fierce competitiveness to the sidelines and self-mocking and a mischievous wink to his television endorsements. His eyes twinkled and he leaped upon the shoulder of his team mates like a man half his age. Every Sunday with a spark in his eye and unprecedented spring and agility in his step- he brought the heat leading his young team to 13 wins (including a handing heartbreaking loss to my 9ers, some things never change!), the playoffs, and the NFC Championships. All season, Farve would repeat verbatim, “I have nothing to prove,” that statement may or may not be true, however what is true is that the old gunslinger gave us a hell of a season, a lump in my throat, and a reason to believe that one can pave one’s way, not for accolades and personal glory but for the passion of their work. As Farve often explains, his position in NFL history and it’s hall of fame is set. No, Farve gave us, what is perhaps the final ride of his brilliant career, not for personal gain, but more accurately for his love and passion for the game- his job.

A man who can bring that much passion to work? That is the mark of not only, a great football player, but a great man. Hail, hail, ye ol’ Gunslinger, all is forgiven. PS, give hell, Brett. Do not go gentle into that good night.