Kiln, Mississippi (YBT) --For the second time in as many days industry insiders are acknowledging that Brett Favre is considering a comeback. The 17 year NFL veteran has been in discussion with numerous contenders, in the NASCAR world.
NASCAR officials wouldn’t elaborate, but it appears that discussions between Favre and seasoned sponsor Quaker State have taken place in the last 48 hours. The deal would allow for a one year training grace period followed by his debut in 2009 in the Green and Gold Quaker State number 4 car. The boost to the Quaker line up would be the NASCAR equivalent to the Fab 5. From an industry star line up consisting Jimmy Johnson, Jeff Gordon, Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Casey Mears, Favre would streamline a new fan base to the NASCAR family.
Quaker State’s Senior Vice President of Marketing Anne E. Tawney released a statement indicating:
“We do not want to confirm that any conversations have taken place between Quaker State and Mr. Favre. But, bringing in a proven winner to the Quaker Family will help promote our brand and increase our position in the marketplace. We work very hard to create awareness for the NASCAR campaign and adding such a recognizable individual to our industry will generate access to a fan base that we have not been able to build on yet.”
Other NASCAR officials also feel good about the rumored arrival of the former NFL star. Mike Helton, NASCAR president, mentioned that “I don’t know how much he would bring to the track, but I look forward to watching number 4 on Sunday’s again.” Though the heart beat of NASCAR fans do not embrace quote un quote ‘outsiders’ into their beloved sport, Favre represents the Southern blood the fuels the sports passion. Favre was born and raised in rural Mississippi and completed his college career at Southern Mississippi before being drafted in the second round of the 1991 NFL Draft by the Atlanta Falcons.
Exchanging the Grid Iron for the Race Track, Favre will surely still feel comfortable on his Sunday stage. Favre set numerous NFL records throughout his legendary career such as most wins by a starting quarterback (160), consecutive starts (275) and touchdown passes (442). How this success will translate to the track can only play out over time. Jeff Gordon, potential future teammate of Favre, said in passing “I look forward to it! Just tell him to leave my records alone.” Early indications of possible supporting sponsors to Favre’s second career campaign include some of Wisconsin’s finest. Spokesman for Sargento Cheese, Leinenkugels, and Johnsonville Brats have all given indications that they would help keep the Favre-Wisconsin connection alive.
NFL insiders have failed to comment. With the recent news of Cincinnati’s WR Chris Henry’s release, one would think the NFL would want a positive story. At the kick off of Packer mini-camp, head coach Mike McCarthy laughed at the speculation that Favre would try his hand in racing. But McCarthy did state that, “Well, if I find myself with some free time, I won’t mind watching Brett on the track instead of across the sidelines.”
Recent reports indicate that Favre is considering a return to the NFL with a different team. In the LA Times columnist Sam Farmer wrote “Favre's agent has quietly inquired with teams about their interest in trading for the three-time NFL most valuable player. The sources did not indicate whether Favre knew of the inquiries.” Though the report appears to be a complete fabrication, many networks and media outlets have jumped on this non-story and given it staying power that shouldn’t even last as long as this one…
After all, the only green and gold Favre will be driving in retirement will be his John Deere tractor when he mows the lawn.
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2 comments:
Dang, I got to the end of the article before I remembered the date. I was looking forward to the boys on the track bumping into Brett. And end over end tumble on the racetrack might be a bit more painful than in football.
Nice April Fool's joke! I have no idea how Farve would make the transition to NASCAR. You have to have more experience than driving fast around the backroads of Mississippi with your friends from high school. But on the other hand, who's to say? Joe Gibbs made the transition from football coach to NASCAR owner and did well. Maybe Brett (Farve, not Carter) should do some hot laps in Gordon's car and see how he does.
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