ode to a gunslinger...

when people talk about ironman streaks,they talk about Lou Gehrig's 2,130 game streak,and Cal Ripken's 2,632 game streak---all great streaks,no doubt,but i am going to talk of two other streaks---Jim Marshall's 270 game streak,playing defensive end,playing for the Minnesota Vikings-20 years,slogging through the NFL trenches-admired him,but hated the Vikings,even then... when people think of Brett Favre,in the future---the first thing they will talk about is starting,and playing 297 straight games,with three different teams;he threw 10,169 passes,completed 6,300,for 71,838,yards,with 508 touchdowns,and 336 interceptions,both NFL records,and sacked 525 times-the last one basically ending his great Hall of Fame career-with a concussion... he could do things with a football that many people could not even attempt,earning him admiration,and respect,from teammates,opponents,and his toughness and grit through the years,playing with major injuries,and just refusing to give up,and loving every moment,of a career,that should end in Canton... his teammates loved him,and opponents feared him,with him having the ball,with less than two minutes,left in game,or in overtime... i remember one play,against Denver(Monday Night Football),when game went into overtime-one bomb later,game over... announcers were stunned by Favre's play,and so was i,but that was Brett... he even played,after his father died,on Monday Night Football,and lighted up the Oakland Raiders,with 35 points,and over 300 yards,in the first half... he led Packers to an over 30 game home streak,with a win,and ended two seasons with an interception(both NFC Championship games-2007,and 2009),had two Super Bowls,1997,and 1998-one win,and one loss)... his 336 interceptions ended many a drive,but his 508 touchdowns gave life to his teams,and fear to the opponents.. when he played,he played all-out,with a passion,not seen too often,and only in the all-time greats... he may not be the greatest quarterback in history,but very few had the heart,passion,was a character,and had true football character,than number 4,whether it be in Packer green,and yellow,Jets' green,and white,or Vikings' purple,and white... he was a true warrior,and he fought like Patton,and had many highlights,some low points,but he was a real champion,like Jim Marshall,who played also with a true grit,and passion,very people ever have,or seen... Marshall is in the Hall of Fame,and Brett Favre will be there,and he deserves it,with a passion,and grit,like the all-time greats... i will miss Brett... see you,at the podium,in Canton...