Ageless Favre lifts Packers to Super Bowl brink
GREEN BAY, Wisconsin (AFP) — Brett Favre, who ignored critics saying he was too old and enjoyed a record-smashing season, has lifted the Green Bay Packers one victory from an unlikely trip to Super Bowl 42.
The 38-year-old quarterback will guide Green Bay against the New York Giants here on Sunday with a berth in the National Football League championship game at stake. The Packers have not reached the Super Bowl in a decade.
"We probably surprised a lot of people, including me," Favre said. "There is some talent on this team but there's not a lot of experience. How we would respond to that, I had no idea. But we responded in a positive way."
After two seasons of struggles, Favre has had a magical 17th NFL campaign, throwing for 28 touchdowns and 4,155 yards.
"The last couple of years have been a wake-up call or a rude awakening," Favre said. "I know I'm in the latter part of my career where I wondered if getting in the playoffs were going to come back."
Favre has set all-time NFL records with 5,377 completions for 61,655 yards and 442 touchdowns. He has made 253 consecutive starts, another NFL quarterback mark.
"Ten years ago I thought I'd be around forever and I said, 'What's the big deal?' Now it's a totally different approach and mentality," Favre said.
"I hate to say that I'm more appreciative of seasons like this, because I've always respected and appreciated the game. But as I look back I know they're a little harder to come by than I once thought."
It has been 11 years since Favre led the Packers past New England 35-21 for Green Bay's first Super Bowl crown after a 29-year drought. Favre has enjoyed 13 winning seasons, seven division titles and two conference crowns.
"I'm disappointed we didn't win more Super Bowls," Favre said. "Winning makes it better. Before my career is over I want to experience success again. There's nothing left for me to accomplish. Not many people that can say that."
Favre will start his 22nd playoff game Sunday, one shy of Joe Montana's NFL quarterback record. He has completed 401 of 663 passes for 4,902 yards and 34 touchdowns in playoff games.
"He's a once in a lifetime player," Packers coach Mike McCarthy said. "He will go down as one of the greatest or the greatest player in NFL history.
"But just the way he goes about his business speaks volumes about him as a person. He's a joy to coach. He's a big part of our success this year as he has been throughout his career. We would love to see him keep breaking records."
Favre threw for 286 yards and three touchdowns against the Giants in a 35-13 road victory in the second week of the season back in September.
Favre threw for 173 yards and three touchdowns last Saturday in cold and snow to lead host Green Bay past Seattle 42-20, improving to 42-5 at Lambeau Field with the temperature at 34 degrees Celsius or less.
Bitter cold and snow are in next weekend's foecast as well but Favre is like a kid excited about playing in the snow.
"It's amazing. I've played a long time up here, and that's the first time it has snowed like that," Favre said. "I've been hoping for that for 17 years."
The Packers could be the final obstacle in New England's bid for the first undefeated title run since the 1972 Miami Dolphins and Favre's heir apparent is Tom Brady, who is trying to lead the Patriots to a fourth crown in seven years.
"I think I'm playing well but Tom, it's just unbelievable," Favre said. "I think his play now, regardless of who he's throwing to, is as good as anybody who has ever played the game."
Favre told his home-area newspaper in Mississippi last week he was leaning toward playing next season, what would be his 18th.
"I want to continue the streak and winning," Favre told Biloxi's Sun-Herald. "When I talk about the streak, it's the hot streak we are on.
"For the first time in three years, I haven't thought this could be my last game. I would like to continue longer."
The NFL wouldn't mind that either. Favre's jersey is the top seller among NFL fans, accounting for about three percent of the NFL's 3.1 billion-dollar souvenir sales treasure. Win or lose, Favre is a favorite.
"His longevity is a factor," Packers chairman Bob Harlan said. "There's also his colorful personality. Fans are drawn to him because of the way he plays. And third, it's little Green Bay against the world. And Brett is our leader."
Look out world.
