The Savior of the Jets

When you're a Jet you're a Jet all the way
From your first cigarette
To your last dying day
When you're a Jet let them do what they can
You've got brothers around
You're a family man
You're never alone
You're never disconnected
You're home with your own
When company's expected
You're well-protected
Then you are set with a Capital J
Which you'll never forget 'till they cart you away
--West Side Story

Here I am in the New York Metro area listening intently to local sports news and sports talk radio on the first day of the Favre Era with the Jets. You would think this was only slightly lower than, well, the first day after the Second Coming- and maybe even that would take second billing. They are now ready to win the Super Bowl. They are ready to give up even a first round draft pick if it happens.

What I found interesting though was the undercurrent that you could sense, especially among the broadcasters, announcers, and Talk Jocks. It is clear that they are not going to be wowed by this import from the Frozen Tundra. They are too New York for that. This move from Green Bay to the Gang Green was BIG, yes. But let's not expect too much. Yes this looks like the piece that will bring the Jets together for at least an AFC championship, but, hey, this is New York.

One of the commentators made sure he said that Brett is going to find something different here than he found in Green Bay. There will be no fawning media here. This is not the world of the midwest. This is New York. God forbid that these reporters, announcers and pundits fall for Favre like so many others have. Yes, he may well be one of the greatest quarterbacks since, say, Y. A. Tittle or Joe Namath, but remember, we're New York.

Sadly for Brett this may be true. One interception at a critical moment in a critical game (yes, Brett does that- over and over) and they won't forgive him in New York like they did in Green Bay. The implication is that they don't know any better in Green Bay. The fans who today are kissing his Super Bowl ring will be ready to hang him in Times Square (or bury him in the Meadowlands) come this fall if he doesn't produce.

We Packer fans ARE kind of odd that way. We have learned to expect much- and to forgive a lot. Remember, the Brewers are from Wisconsin, too.

Anyway, the Great NFL Soap Opera 2008 is over. the Packer train left the station and Brett is headed east, not only to another division, but to the other conference. For everyone considered, let's hope we don't have to face him in the Super Bowl.

But I think I will look into the DirecTV sports package that includes both the Packers and the Jets.

Note: I have a hunch that Brett will not find the football nirvana that he has had in Green Bay. It will be hard to notice at first but he will not have the same joy of playing that he showed in Green Bay. This is not his team as the Pack had become. It will not be the same and he will retire again- for good- and return to the Packer womb in retirement. (File under wishful thinking.)