Favre Watch Tee

A phrase coined by NFL analyst to describe the ongoing episodic soap-opera like exploits of Brett Favre during the NFL's 2008 off-season through the NFL's 2009 off-season following his first retirement from professional football on March 4th 2008. FIRST EPISODE: On March 4th, 2008 Brett Favre retires from professional football and retires as a member of the Green Bay Packers. He stated that the reasons were because the chances of making the Super Bowl were slim. He also stated (and later contradicted) that the decision was not based on anything the Packers did or didn't do. SECOND EPISODE: On July 2nd media rumors buzzed about a possible return to the Packers and a comeback for Favre. THIRD EPISODE: July 11th 2008, Favre sent a letter to Packer GM Ted Thompson asking for his unconditonal release, which wasn't granted. Thompson stated Green Bay had made commitments to Aaron Rodgers that he wouldn't break. Favre's contract gave him leverage to void any trade by not reporting to the camp of said team. FOURTH EPISODE: July 14th, Favre appears in an interview with Greta Van Susteren. He states that he never fully commited to retirement and felt guilty of retiring too soon. He also stated that he was pressured by the Packers organization to make a decision before the Draft and the start of the Free Agent signing period. Favre stated that the Packers have moved on and they should let him do the same. FIFTH EPISODE: July 15th, in the second part of the Greta Van Susteren interview Favre expressed frustration with the Packers management and said he's fully commited to playing football. SIXTH EPISODE: Packers file Tampering charges against the Minnesota Vikings alleging improper communications between Offensive Coordinator Darrell Bevell and Favre. An investigation by Roger Goodell ruled that there hadn't been any violation of Tampering rules. SEVENTH EPISODE: Favre formally files for reinstatement in the NFL on July 29th 2008. EIGHTH EPISODE: Commisioner Goodell approves Favres reinstatement request. Favre then attends Packers training camp. After discussion between Mike McCarthy and Ted Thompson, both agree that it is best to part ways with Favre. NINTH EPISODE: After negotiations with the New York Jets and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Green Bay trades Favre to the New York Jets for a conditional fourth round pick in the 2009 NFL Draft. TENTH EPISODE: After an 8-3 start the New York Jets 2008 season ends in disappointment with the Jets losing four of their last five and an end of the season record of 9-7. The Jets miss the play-offs but improved dramatically on the 2007 season in which they went 4-12. ELEVENTH EPISODE: On December 29th 2008, Favre complained of shoulder pain. An MRI revealed a torn bicep tendon in his right shoulder. Although Favre would only need arthroscopic procedure and not a major surgery. TWELFTH EPISODE: Favre told New York Jets GM Mike Tannenbaum that they should look in a new direction regarding their QB situation. THIRTEENTH EPISODE: Favre told the New York Jets that he was retiring after 18 seasons. FOURTEENTH EPISODE: In May 2009, Favre asked for and was granted release from the Jets Reserve/Retired list, freeing him to sign with any team. Amongst speculation of another comeback, Favre admitted that he'd undergone arthroscopic surgery in his throwing arm. FIFTEENTH EPISODE: On June 15th 2009, Favre stated that has considered playing again with the Minnesota Vikings, the team he really wanted to play for the previous year but never came to fruition. SIXTEENTH EPISODE: On July 28th 2009, Favre told the the Vikings that he'd remain retired, stating that he couldn't go through the grind of another season. This is presumably the last episode in the Favre watch.