Written by: Matthew Blunk
The neck injury to Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning is worrisome indeed. Manning had his second neck operation in 15 months done in May, in the midst of the NFL lockout saga. Colts owner Jim Irsay has recently expressed significant concern over the matter. He has even taken to Twitter, asking fans what free agent quarterback to bring into the fold in lieu of starting less-than-competent passers like Curtis Painter or Dan Orlovsky on an otherwise championship-ready team.
Even more recently, Irsay has frolicked around on Twitter, claiming to be in Mississippi, at the "crossroads" where bluesman Robert Johnson allegedly sold his soul to the devil for a well-tuned guitar. He continued this thinly veiled reference to Brett Favre by asking "Brad" (Childress) for directions to Favre's hometown.
Mr. Irsay, I say jest no more. The solution to your problem, and your ultimate destiny, lies in the following: you must send a contingent of three of your most capable men - Jeff Saturday, Robert Mathis, and Adam Vinatieri will do - to that small town in that mystical region known as Hattiesburg. There, they must search high and low, through local high schools and 450-acre ranches, to seek the one called Favre.
Brett Favre is a guaranteed future Hall of Famer, undeniably one of the best quarterbacks to have ever played. He has been a champion, and he has been a goat. Some might say he's even been a pig. Early in Favre's career, he revitalized the proud yet long dormant Green Bay Packers franchise we now call world champions. He won three Most Valuable Player awards in a row. He almost won two Super Bowls in a row, if not for John Elway, Terrell Davis, and the Denver Broncos.
Favre almost guided the Minnesota Vikings to the Super Bowl (was nearly assassinated in the process) just two seasons ago. Last year, his consecutive starts streak ended unceremoniously at the hands of the illustrious Buffalo Bills linebacker Arthur Moats. Favre's aging, overpaid offensive line proved they could no longer protect him. His receivers came up with lame excuses like migraine headaches, hip surgeries, and substandard catering. His head coach (and part-time chauffeur) got fired midseason.
But, Mr. Irsay, Favre has proven he can still play quarterback at a high level. He loves to just sling it across the field (and occasionally across his chest). And let's face it, you guys don't run the ball anyway. Your Colts have a nice, pass-happy system in place. Your offensive line can protect its quarterback. You need someone to hold down the fort while Manning heals? Brett's your man. You said yourself, "We r evaluating the QB sitch,#18 healing but we must 2 b prepared 4 early season possibility without him...,".
Not only can Favre still play, but he also doubles as a problem solver. Reggie Wayne less than thrilled with his contract, missing time with a "personal issue?" Brett will come in, call him out in a local newspaper, and I guarantee Wayne will fall back in line soon thereafter. Now, you may have to commit around $20 million to make all this possible, but hey, you just gave Manning a $90 million deal. What's a few more dollars and cents?
Now, I have said my piece (is it peace?) Mr. Irsay. The time to act is now! Send your trinity to Hattiesburg, and be sure to have Caldwell ready to pick him up at the airport.
