'Favre' Is the Magic Word -- But He Isn't Coming
The Philadelphia Daily News - Eagletarian
'Favre' Is the Magic Word -- But He Isn't Coming
Les Bowen, Daily News Staff Writer
An Eagles spokesman reported he was under siege today, following last night's Howard Eskin report that the Eagles might consider Brett Favre as a backup to Michael Vick, once they trade Kevin Kolb, the guy currently wearing jersey No. 4.
In the NFL media world these day, "Favre" is the magic word. Say it aloud and havoc ensues. Not sure I completely understand that, but it's true, nonetheless.
My understanding is that Eskin meant only to throw this out as a possibility, that he didn't mean to unleash the apocalypse. But Howard has been around long enough to know what happens when you evoke He-who-must-not-be-named.
The ensuing frenzy wasn't helped a bit when Vick, no doubt just trying to be a standup guy, tweeted about how he would love to have Favre as his backup, that learning from Favre about picking apart defenses would be really neat.
I'm not quoting the tweet word for word because Vick apparently has taken it down; it no longer exists on his timeline. And a source close to the situation said there is no reason for Eagles fans to get into a lather about Favre. Very unlikely scenario.
If you squint, you can see how it might make sense for Andy Reid -- you need a veteran backup who knows your offense, and you once won a Super Bowl with the guy. But even though Reid has been happy to invite the circus to town in the past (Vick, two years ago), there are an awful lot of moving parts as the Eagles prepare to emerge from the lockout. This would be a ridiculous distraction at a hectic time, for very little tangible benefit.
More important, why would Favre want to hold a clipboard in Philly? The money, under the tighter new cap, wouldn't be lavish. His ego is as legendary as his arm. The only way he comes out of retirement for this job is if he thinks he somehow ends up at the helm of a Super Bowl contender, and even that scenario assumes Favre has some interest in trying to play again. Vick doesn't need this. The Eagles don't need this.
Sign Marc Bulger, or Whitey Bulger. Let Favre farm in peace. Please.
Whitey Bulger might look good in Eagles pinstripes. How about Ray Bolger? He might scare some defenses.— dragoon6- There is not one person who reads Philly.com that would be "excited" about Brett Favre. We didn't even think he was any good when he was good!— mjb
- I hate Farve,htis sounds like a horrible plan.— zippy1346
- Les, what if Favre wants to be the backup under Andy Reid as a transitional to getting a coaching position with the team the season after. Maybe he still loves to be around the game and wants to get into coaching under someone he trusts like Reid. It would be a good move for him and the Eagles. Favre can still play at a high level in spots.— soulman386
- He is a cancer so stay away from our city— shawnmac
- Favre is better than any other back-up QB the Eagles would get this year. Plus he knows the system and the Coach kind of taught him a heck of a lot. It might not be a great idea from a publicity stand-point, but either was Vick and he has turned most of the city around to his favor.— ESFjellin
- he is a d bag— bag-of-donuts
- Excited for Favre??!!! NOT EVEN!!!— rustypop58
- Who the hell is starting this inane rumor? Why in the world of football would we want a selfish over-the-hill clown like Favre? PLEASE let the jerk stay in retirement!— erniebanks14
- Both the Eagles and Favre seem to enjoy leaking rumors and then deny them, if only to keep people talking about them. To Jeff, Joe, Andy and Howie: The Phils won again. How about them apples?— 76erfn
- Why would I be excited about Favre, it would make me sick - not as sick as when the Flyers signed Jagr - but still sick.— bobbyd24
- When ones source is Eskin, its prudent to prepare the retraction in tandum with the story.— ss1073
- "Vick doesn't need this. The Eagles don't need this."
Eagles fans don't need this !— joephillyfan - Favre won't be a backup..If Vick gets hurt, he will get a call to his MS home and be in Philly by the end of the day. That's how he rolls.
Comment removed.- Hey! I just figured it out!! The whole lockout and labor dispute was clearly a conspiracy by the players and owners to remove any chance for Favre to play the "will he/won't he" game all summer. And it worked! (But what a lot to go through just to keep a Diva off the stage!)— bmack
