On Nov. 26, 2015, Brett Favre’s name and No. 4 were unveiled in the north end zone of the Green Bay Packers’ historic home of Lambeau Field.
There could be no greater honor.
In a franchise steeped in history, greatness and tradition, Favre joined Tony Canadeo, Don Hutson, Bart Starr, Ray Nitschke and Reggie White as the only players in franchise history to have their number retired.
A year later, Favre was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. On Oct. 16, 2016, Favre returned to Lambeau Field to see his name unveiled again, this time alongside the team’s other Hall of Famers who ring the stadium façade.
With Favre embroiled in an alleged welfare fraud scheme, allegations that could lead to the three-time MVP’s indictment in his home state of Mississippi, will the Packers continue to list Favre among their legendary players?
It’s possible, though the team isn’t close to making a determination one way or the other. The club is monitoring the unfolding controversy – the latest details emerging in a Sports Illustrated investigation – but haven’t held any discussions because Favre hasn’t been indicted or charged, let alone found guilty.
For what it’s worth, the Packers Pro Shop is still selling Favre goods, including a “new” arrival home jersey for $169 as well as an authentic home jersey for $249.95.
With just four passing attempts, including two interceptions, on his resume, Favre was acquired from the Atlanta Falcons for a first-round pick in February 1992 and was the driving force in turning around a downtrodden franchise.
He won three MVPs and one Super Bowl during his 16-year run at quarterback. One of the most popular players in franchise history due to his success, style, every-man personna, Favre retired, unretired and was traded to the New York Jets before spending two seasons with the rival Minnesota Vikings.
Ultimately, time healed those bitter wounds. On July 18, 2015, Favre returned to Green Bay for his induction into the Packers Hall of Fame and to have his No. 4 retired in front of 67,000 cheering fans in Lambeau Field. Then came that rainy Thursday night in November when his name and retired jersey number were unveiled in Lambeau’s north end zone.
Before that game against the Chicago Bears, Favre was given the key to the city of Green Bay as part of a momentous day.
“I never really thought about it,” Favre said that day of the prestigious honors. “No one wants to hear around our house what I did. I don’t walk around saying, ‘Hey, I was pretty good.’ No one cares, because two nights ago I was taking out the trash. I was carrying the trash out, and I was like, ‘I’m getting ready to have my jersey retired, and here I am taking out the trash.’ Oh, well.
“I guess the point in all that, it’s pretty amazing, it’s pretty cool. ... I never dreamed of the unveiling of my jersey. I never dreamed of the Hall of Fame. Granted, that’s awesome, but I dreamed of playing. Very few people can probably say this: The dreams that I had as a kid, mine have come true and then some.”
Now, if the allegations are true, Favre’s legend has been irreparably tarnished. His place on the Lambeau Field façade notwithstanding, Favre has damaged his legacy with an offense far worse than playing two seasons for one of Green Bay’s nemesis.
CLICK HERE for the full SI story on Favre’s role in the welfare scheme.
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