Brett Favre Wins Major Award—And Admits He’s Relieved to Never Face This NFL Nightmare Again!
OPINION: This article may contain commentary which reflects the author's opinion.
Brett Favre, one of the most iconic quarterbacks in NFL history, has received a prestigious Humanitarian Award, recognizing his contributions off the field in the realm of health and safety. This honor comes years after his legendary 20-year career, where Favre became a household name with the Green Bay Packers. As the former QB reflected on his remarkable journey, he expressed a mixture of pride in his achievements and relief about something that once plagued him: facing the legendary Ray Lewis.
A Career Full of Milestones
Favre’s career, which began with a trade from the Atlanta Falcons to the Green Bay Packers 33 years ago, would turn out to be an unforgettable saga. In his time with the Packers, Favre led the team to three consecutive NFC Championship games and even secured a Super Bowl XXXI victory. He became the first quarterback in NFL history to win three back-to-back MVP awards, a feat that solidified his status as one of the game’s greats. His decision to join the Packers would be the catalyst for a career that would have a massive impact on the league.
While Favre’s contributions on the field were monumental, it was his off-field impact that earned him a special honor. After retiring in 2010, Favre’s efforts to push for awareness and solutions to the dangers of concussions have been notable. In a candid conversation with TMZ Sports, Favre acknowledged the toll his body took over his two decades in the NFL, particularly with regard to the over 1,000 concussions he claims to have sustained. These concerns would later lead to his diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease, and it is this personal experience that has driven Favre to advocate for concussion research and treatment.
Relief from Facing Ray Lewis
While Favre’s legacy is defined by his resilience on the field, one adversary stands out in his memory: Ray Lewis. The former linebacker, known for his ferocious tackling and game-changing playmaking ability, was a force of nature. Over their careers, Favre and Lewis faced off numerous times, with Lewis sacking the quarterback multiple times. The hits from Lewis were no joke, and Favre has spoken about the admiration he has for the Ravens legend. “He’s one of the best I’ve seen,” Favre said of Lewis, acknowledging the linebacker’s imposing presence on the field.
Now that both players have retired, Favre can breathe a sigh of relief. On social media, he posted a picture with Lewis and philanthropist Leigh Steinberg, expressing gratitude for the humanitarian award and, perhaps more lightheartedly, for never having to face the Ravens legend again.
Humanitarian Award Recognition
Favre’s Humanitarian Award was not just a recognition of his playing days but also for his post-retirement efforts. His openness about the risks of playing in the NFL, particularly concerning brain injuries, has raised awareness around concussion-related issues. With his health concerns in mind, Favre has pledged to donate his brain for CTE research, willing to contribute to science’s understanding of the long-term effects of football injuries.
Leigh Steinberg, a renowned sports agent, acknowledged Favre’s tireless advocacy when he announced the honor. In the same vein as his leadership on the field, Favre is now championing the cause of player safety off the field. He hopes his efforts will encourage future athletes to take greater care of their health and spark innovations in concussion treatment before more damage is done.
As Brett Favre continues his mission to raise awareness for concussion safety and support scientific advancements, his legacy as a football player and a humanitarian will endure. Though his playing days are behind him, his efforts to make the game safer for future players show that Favre is still fighting—this time, for those who come after him.