*** Official Brett Favre Poll*** (1 Viewer)

[jurrassic]

I also think that likeable and respected are two different things. I think everyone respects Favre for all that he has accomplished and are cheering for him this year. Its a feel-good story and it would be nice for him to win a SB and retire on top. How perfect of an ending to a career is that? An this coming from a Bears fan. But most likeabe athlete? Not so sure about that.

I'd have to agree with this post. I certainly respect Favre, but I continue to be surprised by all the love he gets. One thing I don't understand is why some guys get killed for smoking dope, but Favre gets a pass for getting himself addicted to pain medication. But my problem here is obviously with the NFL and society as a whole, not Favre in particular.I don't dislike Favre... I just don't understand the love.

Favre comes off as an everyman. The reason he got a "pass" for the painkillers is twofold. One, he got addicted to them playing football. They were a product of the sport, it was not a recreational incident like dope. Two, he was very forthright, honest, and rational about it. The guy didn't make excuses, didn't try to cover it up, he took responsibility for it, which is surprisingly refreshing. Favre gets alot of love because he has pretty much lived his life in front of the cameras, the football world has lived through his tragedies. He hasn't changed at all through the years, and is honest about everything. The big question is who trancends sports. Who draws in the casual or non-sports fan? I would say Jordan, Woods, Favre. I don't think Brady has reached that iconic level outside the sports world yet. I may be wrong, but he doesn't have the personality.

 

[The Dawg]

I'm a Vikes fan and for years have tried to find a reason to hate this guy.

But there's just nothing.

 

[encaitar]

It's Jordan hands down. I can't believe that more people voted yes when compared to Jordan. I know this is a football forum, but honesty? Really?

How many kids that AREN'T Green Bay fans grow up wanting to be like Brett Favre? I say very few. Most kids I know idolize someone from their favorite team and want to be like them.

I don't know anyone who grew up in the 90s who didn't want to "Be like Mike." This during a time when basketball was the most watched sport in the nation(hard to believe I know).

This poll shouldn't even be close.

 

[scott72]

Gretzky for Hockey is a good call. Sosa was a fan favorite several years back (for a few years), and Pele and Beckham for soccer. Pele was adored by the entire world (whoever says that soccer doesn't count and is a stupid sport will be making an ignorant statement).

Never heard of this Pele dude..Seriously..

 

[scott72]

I also think that likeable and respected are two different things. I think everyone respects Favre for all that he has accomplished and are cheering for him this year. Its a feel-good story and it would be nice for him to win a SB and retire on top. How perfect of an ending to a career is that? An this coming from a Bears fan. But most likeabe athlete? Not so sure about that.

I'd have to agree with this post. I certainly respect Favre, but I continue to be surprised by all the love he gets. One thing I don't understand is why some guys get killed for smoking dope, but Favre gets a pass for getting himself addicted to pain medication. But my problem here is obviously with the NFL and society as a whole, not Favre in particular.I don't dislike Favre... I just don't understand the love.

How is being addicted to pain killers the same as smoking dope? Favre wasn't walking down dark alleys to buy something that's illegal to possess. He realized he had a problem and he took care of it. I urge any of you to take a look at Deanna Favre's book. I didn't read it but my wife did and she was amazed at the money they give to charity. Not only did they donate every penny she made on the book, but they also donate a good portion of Brett's salary to charity. The book really got into their lives and talks about Brett's problems and how he overcame them. Really a fascinating read she said. Strongly recommended.

 

[3nOut]

Gretzky for Hockey is a good call. Sosa was a fan favorite several years back (for a few years), and Pele and Beckham for soccer. Pele was adored by the entire world (whoever says that soccer doesn't count and is a stupid sport will be making an ignorant statement).

Never heard of this Pele dude..Seriously..

I was going a ways back. How old are you? Pele, the best soccer player ever, was brazilian but the entire WORLD loved him. He started playing in the late 50s, early 60s, then ended his career for the NY Cosmos in the 70s.

 

[Ghost Rider]

Not sure I would ever say Favre is as or more popular than Jordan was, but I'd say he is easily the most popular NFL player of the last 15 years. Not sure if that has translated to the most jerseys sold, but I am not sure that is always the best indicator. Favre is just one of those guys that is hard to dislike.

 

[Fiddles]

Gretzky for Hockey is a good call. Sosa was a fan favorite several years back (for a few years), and Pele and Beckham for soccer. Pele was adored by the entire world (whoever says that soccer doesn't count and is a stupid sport will be making an ignorant statement).

Never heard of this Pele dude..Seriously..

and you were born in 72? never saw victory?

 

[mad sweeney]

ManningWoodsJordonM. HarrisonFavre

How is Harrison universally well liked. He never does interviews. Most people only know him for his production on the field. You can't be universally liked if you get no exposure.

 

[Whiplash Inc.]

Gretzky for Hockey is a good call. Sosa was a fan favorite several years back (for a few years), and Pele and Beckham Maradona for soccer. Pele was adored by the entire world (whoever says that soccer doesn't count and is a stupid sport will be making an ignorant statement).

 

[Chunky Soup]

I don't really like him too much.

 

[jurrassic]

It's Jordan hands down. I can't believe that more people voted yes when compared to Jordan. I know this is a football forum, but honesty? Really?How many kids that AREN'T Green Bay fans grow up wanting to be like Brett Favre? I say very few. Most kids I know idolize someone from their favorite team and want to be like them.I don't know anyone who grew up in the 90s who didn't want to "Be like Mike." This during a time when basketball was the most watched sport in the nation(hard to believe I know). This poll shouldn't even be close.

Not sure I would ever say Favre is as or more popular than Jordan was, but I'd say he is easily the most popular NFL player of the last 15 years. Not sure if that has translated to the most jerseys sold, but I am not sure that is always the best indicator. Favre is just one of those guys that is hard to dislike.

I agree that Favre is not as popular as Jordan to the casual sports fan. There are several reason for this. One, the NBA is a star drivin league. It is not as much of a true team sport or marketed that way. The NFL promotes Patriots vs. Chargers. The NBA promotes Kobe vs. Shaq. Secondly, Jordan played in Chicago. His marketing opportunities were 5 times the opportunities Favre has gotten. I would actually argue that Woods puts both these guys to shame. He singled handedly made golf relevant to an entire generation of people who wouldn't have cared otherwise.

 

[scott72]

Gretzky for Hockey is a good call. Sosa was a fan favorite several years back (for a few years), and Pele and Beckham for soccer. Pele was adored by the entire world (whoever says that soccer doesn't count and is a stupid sport will be making an ignorant statement).

Never heard of this Pele dude..Seriously..

I was going a ways back. How old are you? Pele, the best soccer player ever, was brazilian but the entire WORLD loved him. He started playing in the late 50s, early 60s, then ended his career for the NY Cosmos in the 70s.

I'm 35. Guess having no interest in soccer at all will do that to ya. Only soccer player I know is Beckham and I probably wouldn't know him if he didn't come over here to play for that albatross of a contract.

 

[scott72]

Gretzky for Hockey is a good call. Sosa was a fan favorite several years back (for a few years), and Pele and Beckham for soccer. Pele was adored by the entire world (whoever says that soccer doesn't count and is a stupid sport will be making an ignorant statement).

Never heard of this Pele dude..Seriously..

and you were born in 72? never saw victory?

Nope..

 

[scott72]

I don't really like him too much.

Reason? Division rival?

 

[3nOut]

Gretzky for Hockey is a good call. Sosa was a fan favorite several years back (for a few years), and Pele and Beckham for soccer. Pele was adored by the entire world (whoever says that soccer doesn't count and is a stupid sport will be making an ignorant statement).

Never heard of this Pele dude..Seriously..

and you were born in 72? never saw victory?

Nope..

Rent it. Its a decent war/soccer movie. It even has Sylvester Stallone, Michael Caine, and Max von Sydow in it.Link

 

[numberSE7EN]

Nobody mentions Lance Armstrong? wow. Easily the most liked athlete out there.

I would put Armstrong #2 behind Favre. But who in America does not like Armstrong? The dude took it to the French on their turf 7 (or was it 8?) years in a row!EDIT TO ADD:I was born in 1984 and grew more or less in Jordan's Prime, and have seen Tiger rise to the top. Like it was said before, lots of my school yard friends wanted to 'be like Mike,' but i never cared about basketball or golf for that matter. My favorite athlete will always be a football player because of the contact involved in the sport. I am starting to get into watching Rugby for the same reason. Fans have to be silent during golf, lame. Basket ball and baseball do not have the contact that football has. Players like John Lynch, Ed McCaffery, and Brett Favre win me over because of their toughness. Favre's clear love for the game and the fun that you see him having play football on such a high level give him the #1 vote from me. <Done rambling>

 

[Beergogglz]

Nobody mentions Lance Armstrong? wow. Easily the most liked athlete out there.

I am heavily involved with bike racing and Lance is interesting that within the sport he is not liked as much. People either like him or dislike him, and I would put it at a 50-50 split. He can be a jerk and there is the fact that almost everyone he competed against at the top level either has confessed or caught using drugs so there is more then a little suspension.I would put Jordon, Woods, and Manning ahead of Favre because they have better exposure and probably better publicists. Favre never has pursued the attention and publicity the others have.

Especially after having him on my fantasy team this year right now Favre is my favorite, and he has always been my favorite for any athlete with a microphone during a game.

 

[scott72]

Gretzky for Hockey is a good call. Sosa was a fan favorite several years back (for a few years), and Pele and Beckham for soccer. Pele was adored by the entire world (whoever says that soccer doesn't count and is a stupid sport will be making an ignorant statement).

Never heard of this Pele dude..Seriously..

and you were born in 72? never saw victory?

Nope..

Rent it. Its a decent war/soccer movie. It even has Sylvester Stallone, Michael Caine, and Max von Sydow in it.Link

Is it available in HD? I might check it out, but still don't like soccer.

 

[menobrown]

And Magic's HIV status (fair or not) pretty much assures he's not the "most liked" athlete.

I don't agree with that. His HIV status may of made him less marketable but IMO more liked. So easy to forget now but when he tested for HIV it was back when it was a death sentence and I expected him to die withing a year or two. He has served as a inspiration to many that not only can you beat HIV but you can do so and live a very full life as evidenced by Magic's many successful business ventures. There is a big difference between most marketable and most liked. Without a doubt Jordan and Woods are the most marketable athletes of all time but I'm not sure they are so well liked.

 

[Smizzy]

Victory is awesome!

 

[Ron_Mexico]

One Super Bowl victory in 17 years,

and somehow this dude is a "living legend" ?

 

[trader jake]

One Super Bowl victory in 17 years,and somehow this dude is a "living legend" ?

That and he owns every major QB record in the books...and he comes to play every week...and he seems to be a humble guy...and everytime you watch him play you remember why you love sports. Even Bears, Vikings, and Lions fans respect the guy. He's a modern day Walter Payton.Maybe you don't like it but Brett Favre is the epitome of "living legend".

 

[sad pandas]

I am a huge Yankee hater, but its kind of hard to not even mention Jeter in this one...the guy is 100% hustle and effort every day, hes a gracious winner and loser.

 

[Fla\/\/ed]

I also think that likeable and respected are two different things. I think everyone respects Favre for all that he has accomplished and are cheering for him this year. Its a feel-good story and it would be nice for him to win a SB and retire on top. How perfect of an ending to a career is that? An this coming from a Bears fan. But most likeabe athlete? Not so sure about that.

I'd have to agree with this post. I certainly respect Favre, but I continue to be surprised by all the love he gets. One thing I don't understand is why some guys get killed for smoking dope, but Favre gets a pass for getting himself addicted to pain medication.

He gets a pass because he earned it by coming to terms with his addiction, going to rehab and STAYING clean for several years. It has been more than 10 years since this and Favre has done quite well for himself and his family since that time in his life.

 

[Master of Past and Present]

Now 6 months later, would you change your vote?

With all the new Favre hate going on, I would be surprised if these results weren't considerably different.

 

[snorlax]

I would've voted for Tiger before the latest Favre issues. I think people in Minnesota and Chicago respect Favre but don't necessarily like him. It's hard to think of any group of people that doesn't like Tiger.

Favre would've been second, and he's still top 5 at worst. That's what makes this so painful.