Though I have never personally met Brett Favre, I have followed the Packers for some time now. And in that time I have never once heard a negative word spoken of Favre’s personality. Some may have criticized his decision making, but most will concede he is a gunslinger at heart, someone who simply can’t be broken and told to take the sack or be patient.

But never would I have assumed he would demand a trade. It doesn’t seem right. He’s Brett Favre, the most down to earth person this side of John Madden. He’s always carrying a smirk on his face, and during games it’s difficult to distinguish him from a kid playing ball in a schoolyard.

Now he wants a trade from the team he made famous alongside the clan of players who won Super Bowl XXXI. He helped destroy the 25 year drought that had plagued the Green and Gold, restoring Lambeau Mystique and fan pride. He struck fear in the hearts of defenses he played, paralyzing them with daring throws that no other quarterback would risk, let along complete.

But can you blame him for wanting to leave? Since the departure of head coach and general manager Mike Sherman the team has slipped into a trend of signing and drafting players for the future. Say what you want about Sherman, but he did what he could to appease players and fans. There was loyalty in his regime.

The Packers thought his system was faulty, and they stripped him of his GM duties, despite the team having won the division for the fourth consecutive year.

His replacement? General manager Ted Thompson. Thompson wasted no time alienating fans by releasing stud guards Mike Wahle and Marco Rivera, only to find no immediate replacements. Favre was under constant pressure that season, throwing 29 interceptions en route to Green Bay’s worst season in more than a decade.

Thompson’s solution? Firing Mike Sherman, the coach who had a .663 record the five previous seasons.

Meanwhile, everyone was debating whether or not Favre would return for his 16th season. To hopefully force the Packers into signing some players who could make an immediate impact, he waited until late in the offseason before announcing he would return. In that time the team made no acquisitions to improve for the present, opting instead for the future. This despite being more than $30 million under the salary cap.

After Favre returned, the team decided to sign corner Charles Woodson. Great news, but it didn’t do much for Brett. The Packers finished last season 8-8, with a pitiful offense ranked 22nd in points scored.

The 2007 offseason came around and Thompson again opted to draft for the future, making no notable free agency acquisitions. Two potential trades were on the table, both of which could have helped Favre and the offense. The first was to acquire running back Michael Turner to replace Ahman Green. Didn’t happen. But, hey, no big deal.

The second player was Randy Moss. This was it. This was the trade that could have pushed Favre and the Packers to the playoffs. And it wouldn’t have been difficult to pull off: Moss was willing to join and Favre was excited. Money wasn’t an issue because Moss was willing to wipe his contract clean and sign for $3 million guaranteed; Favre was willing to restructure his contract. Cost wasn’t an issue; a fourth round draft choice for Randy Moss?! No brainer, right?

Not quite. At least, not in the mind of Green Bay management. For Favre, this was the straw that broke the camel’s back. The Packers again decided to plan for the future, and Moss isn’t part of that future. Nor, it seems, is Brett Favre.

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