Many of the news sites covering the NFL and the Minnesota Vikings during the 2010 offseason could probably just have made tweaks to stories from the 2009 preseason and republished them to save time. After all, the drama and the debate were the same: would quarterback Brett Favre return to the NFL? The answer also ended up being the same: yes. Again, Favre waited until training camp had all but concluded to make his decision, joining the team just in time to get some practice in before the start of the regular season.
An ankle injury he suffered during the season weighed into his decision, but his desire to win beat out any fear of further injury. According to the Vikings' website, Favre cited the team's loss in the NFC Championship game to the eventual Super Bowl Champion New Orleans Saints as a big motivation behind his return. In that game, Favre threw an interception in the closing moments of the game, and ending his legendary career on such a note didn't sit well with the 40-year-old veteran. His age certainly wasn't a factor in his performance last season, because it a banner year for Favre. He had 4,202 yards, 33 touchdowns, seven interceptions and a career-high passer rating of 107.2.
Because of his talent, Favre has been well compensated during his time in the NFL. His time with the Vikings will be no different, as analysts at NFL.com are pointing out that his contract could be worth a staggering $28 million because of incentives. It has been reported that he could get $3 million for a new signing bonus. That is in addition to a base salary of $13 million plus $8 million left over from last season that is due him. He could also make another $4 million in incentives. Any way the math is figured, Favre certainly won't be playing for pennies in 2010.
Even with his top payout, Favre had a motivation other than the money to return to the Vikings. In a Q & A session on the Vikings' website, Favre revealed that it was the potential in the Vikings' team that brought him back. He explained, "This team is a very good football team. The chances here are much greater than other places, and there are a lot of places that can say they have a legitimate chance. This is one of those teams, and from that standpoint it has always made it easier." He said he will be retiring even without a Super Bowl ring, but his comments made it clear he has the Big Game in his sights this season.
His return will only add to the demand for <a rel="nofollow" onclick="javascript:_gaq.push(['_trackPageview', '/outgoing/article_exit_link']);" href="http://www.stubhub.com/minnesota-vikings-tickets/">Minnesota Vikings tickets</a>. After spending his rookie season with the Atlanta Falcons in 1991, Favre started his long and legendary run with the Green Bay Packers in 1992. He stayed with the Packers until his first retirement following the 2007 season. For the 2008 season, he changed his mind and wanted to return, playing one season for the New York Jets. He came back to the NFC North last season by signing with the Vikings. In his long career, he has tallied 69,329 yards, 497 touchdowns, 317 interceptions and a rating of 86.6.
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