Okay – it’s a little late but I have to have my say here. I’ve been a football fan, and mainly a Packer’s fan my whole life. I grew up in a home where everyone in the family loved watching football and that was our family past-time on Sundays. I remember my aunt, uncle and grandpa getting excited as the Pack scored while at the same time laughing, even cheering when a great play was made by an opposing team.
One thing that Packer fans used to always be known for is how loyal and nice they were. A nice bunch of people who had team spirit and sportsmanship. They knew you don’t win all the games and knew that the team players change. So what happened when Brett Favre came to Lambeau field as a Viking?
It was a major story. He got booed. Not booed as in “I didn’t like that play” or “that was a bad call” boo. It was a horrible, deafening, embarrassing boo heard ’round the world.
I was in a bar/restaurant with lots of pizza, games for the kids and big screen t.v.’s on a pretty Sunday afternoon excited to see how Green Bay would hold their own against the legend that brought them so many years of joy. There was a buzz of excitement as people were gathering in the big room, trying to get their seats with the best view of their favorite screen. Most were Minnesota fans but some of us were Packer fans. Then as Favre came onto the field and the boos resounded for the longest five minutes – the whole room, the whole restaurant got quiet.
I looked around, embarrassed to be a football and a Packer’s fan. Everyone in the room seemed stunned. No one was talking, just staring; I couldn’t tell if it was shock or shame. I don’t think anyone expected that awful reaction from people that were once considered the most sportsman-like fans in the league. I guess it’s a new and ugly era in Wisconsin.
I mean, isn’t this the guy who played in a game against the Oakland Raiders in 2003 the day after his father died from a heart attack? (How’s that for commitment!) In the first half, Brett passed for four touchdowns and a total of 399 yards. The Pack went on to beat the Raiders in a 41–7 victory. I remember tears in everyone’s eyes as he received applause even from the Raider Nation.
I, for one, will not be part of the hate. Brett gave me/us many years of joy and hope. He has always played because his heart was in it. No one who is only in it “for the money” could play like that – ever. I have read that Green Bay lost a lot of fans because of that night.
I am glad that Brett and the Minnesota Vikings won. (OMG, did I say that?!) It seemed like karma was working in his favor and against the hateful mob that forgot that this game is supposed to be a sport. I hope the Packers recover from this shameful fiasco and in the mean time – Brett, you rock!
Related posts:
- Green Bay Packers and the Cheeseheads Green Bay is a unique team, owned by their fans and the community they live in. Their fans, called the Cheeseheads, have many reasons to be proud of their football heritage. Continue reading →...
- Little Cheeseheads I wouldn’t be a very good Cheesehead if I didn’t include the infamous Cheese Curd Snack recipe. If you’re not from Wisconsin, you probably don’t recognize this. In that case – think mozarella sticks without the marinara sauce – more … Continue reading →...
- Watch Football Online! Sundays are a great day for relaxing and watching football. But then I realized last year, my children are older and we go skiing and boarding many weekends – even Sundays! Well here’s a way to bring your laptop with … Continue reading →...
- DeSean Jackson is a Playmaker Last week against the Washington Redskins, Jackson scored on a 57-yard TD reception, as well as a 67-yard TD run. In this week’s matchup with the New York Giants, DeSean had three catches for 73 yards, including a 54-yard touchdown reception. Continue reading →...
- Chicago – Da Bears by Jonathan Storti Team Origins: The Bears were founded in 1919, and along with the Cardinals are the only teams that can date their origin with the beginning of the NFL. The Chicago Bears were owned by George Halas, a … Continue reading →...