It's been announced on ESPN and by Anthony in the FanShot below that Brett Favre has decided to stay retired and not come and play for the Minnesota Vikings in 2009.
Yes, this should be considered pretty big news. After all, this has been THE story of the Minnesota Vikings' off-season, and it has finally come to a conclusion that absolutely nobody expected.
Am I surprised? Certainly.
Am I angry or disappointed? Nope. Not even a little bit.
Why am I not angry or disappointed? Because the wonderful thing about this resolution to the Favre situation is this:
The Minnesota Vikings are still, with or without Brett Favre, the best and most talented team in the NFC North.
Lots of people won't agree with my assessment on that front, and quite frankly that doesn't matter to me. The facts are the facts. Last year, the Vikings won the NFC North with the combination of bad Tarvaris Jackson, Gus Frerotte, and good Tarvaris Jackson at quarterback. And there's no reason to think that the combination of Sage Rosenfels and Tarvaris Jackson won't do the same thing.
After all. . .at last check, the Vikings still had the best running game in the NFC North, possibly the best in the NFC, and maybe the best in the NFL. They also still have a defense that's one of the best in the NFL and light years ahead of any other defense in the NFC North.
Yeah, they have a perceived "hole" at the quarterback position. Ask last year's Packers how far an allegedly wonderful young quarterback and a vastly overrated defense will get you in the NFL. About 6-10, that's what it will get you. If the Bears and Packers want to try their luck with that formula again in 2009, more power to them. . .they'll finish in the same place they finished 2008. . .looking up at the best team in the North.
Oh, and Pro Football Talk is reporting that the Vikings have officially closed the door on Favre. Thank you, Brad Childress.
So, our long regional nightmare is over. Bring on the regular season. Viva la Sage! Viva la T-Jack! Viva la Booty!