As if anyone actually doubted it would happen. Brett Favre reported to camp with the Minnesota Vikings on Tuesday. I'm glad he's back, we really needed him to come back. Also, I never had a problem with his age and debate with retirement. Last season we saw him get beat up a lot - I don't blame him for wanting to consider his options. However, there's part of me that thinks this entire media blitz yesterday (and this entire year since that terrible game January 24th) was just part of an elaborate promotional campaign by the Vikings and the NFL. Do you really think it took sending three players, Jared Allen, Ryan Longwell and Steve Hutchinson to Hattiesburg to get Brett to return? Further, do you think he just suddenly told wife Deanna that he was leaving for Minnesota, you and the kids catch up with me in a few weeks? I don't think so. Without a doubt, the Vikings are better with Favre than without him; everyone knows it. But, there isn't a better way to start the season with hype and drama than this! Coach Brad Childress has been fine with the timing of everything and the story has kept the NFL at the front of sports headlines throughout the summer. That's worth the salary increase that Minnesota reportedly offered Favre. Truthfully, every team should pitch in some cash for the publicity they got from this.
Regardless, it should be a good season! ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL?!
Who could think up such an elaborate scheme? Although there appears some preconceived drama on behalf of the Viking's PR team, the big picture seems to point to efforts of individuals and not one giant think-tank creating ways to make money.
ReplyDeleteThe sad part will be if the 2010 team turns sour after all of the tickets are already sold.
-AYJ
Thanks so much for the comment. I totally agree, this PR effort would take a lot of planning and the only thing that could kill the Viking hype is a bad season.
ReplyDeleteI'm not saying the NFL or Vikings meant to blow up this story to the extent it did, I'm just saying I think they took advantage of an awesome buzz opportunity.
Now all we can do is watch the games and hope for the best!