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Posted 08/19/2009 at 06:12 PM
Although some critics make valid points about Brett Favre getting preferential treatment and the move undermining the importance of training camp, the move makes sense in every way for the Minnesota Vikings franchise. Even if Favre struggles and the Vikings underachieve the Vikings will cash in on ticket sales and merchandise and will be as relevant in the national picture and in media interest as they have been since 1998, or even ever.
Unlike Favre's former team in Green Bay, Vikings tickets have been pretty easy to come by in recent years. Even in the Moss years, it was never a difficult ticket sans a few of the marquee games and a local blackout risk would loom large a few times a year. That problem is instantly solved with the Favre signing as already there are reports of over 10,000 single-ticket sales and 3,000 season ticket orders within 24 hours of the signing. Jersey orders are also well backed up.
For a franchise that has been trying and failing to get serious new stadium traction going the last several years the Favre boom could be the lead needed with the public and with community officials. Jets fans were left with a bitter taste and they now talk regretfully about the Favre era, but in reality there was excitement around the Jets that had not been there since Joe Namath was around. Though the season ultimately failed to meet the expectations built by the hot start, New York improved five games in the standings. If the Jets win nine games this season, than Rex Ryan in the next Bill Belichick.
Like it was for Eric Mangini, this season and the Brett Favre move will be make or break for Coach Brad Childress. Another 10-6 year with Sage Rosenfels and Tavaris Jackson could have just as easily found Childress the door however so this is the home run threat that has bailed him out, for now. The Vikings need to win, this is not a franchise with a great winning tradition so this is not Super Bowl or bust, but making the playoffs needs to happen given all that is in place. The opportunities will be there and whether you like or hate Favre, he sure is interesting, and you sure will be paying attention to how he does. The NFL is still an entertainment business and when it comes down to it, few owners have the George Steinbrenner mentality of winning at all costs. Signing Brett Favre is a win for the Vikings and their financial prospects even if they go 4-12.
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