No one, perhaps not even Brett Favre himself, knows when he will retire. But as he enters the twilight of his 15-year career, he will face off against the franchise where he started his journey.
"It's funny how things sort themselves out," Favre said. "My career's worked out better, I think, than anyone could have anticipated."
The Atlanta Falcons drafted him with the 33rd overall selection in the 1991 draft. He played one season in Atlanta before former Packers General Manager Ron Wolf traded a first-round draft selection for his rights on Feb. 10, 1992.
Despite coming off a decorated college career at Southern Mississippi where he set school records for passing yards (8,193), passing attempts (1,234) completions (656) and touchdowns (53), Favre struggled during his lone year with the Falcons. He played in two games, completing zero passes in four attempts for two interceptions. Favre admits a lack of dedication to football helped account for his underachieving year.
"If anything, it was humbling," he said. "When I look back, I didn't deserve to play."
On Wednesday Favre did say how much he appreciated the opportunity to play for a winning team. The Falcons made the playoffs as a wildcard team and advanced past the first round in the playoffs in 1991.
Favre now leads a 1-7 team that has lost wide receivers Javon Walker (knee) and Terrence Murphy (neck) to season-ending injuries. The Packers also have listed wide receiver Robert Ferguson (knee) as questionable for Sunday's game.
Those injuries have led to media speculation that the Packers could have interest in Atlanta resident and recently-suspended Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Terrell Owens.
Last week Owens praised Favre and said the Eagles may have gone undefeated if Favre had served as their quarterback instead of Donovan McNabb.
Favre, however, said the thought of acquiring Owens has not crossed his mind.
"He's a great player. He's a game changer. He's a season changer," Favre said. "I'm not concerned about that. We have to try and win with the guys we have here."
Favre may have an easier time winning this weekend after resting his arm during Wednesday's practice. Right before practice, Head Coach Mike Sherman asked him if he wanted to sit out some of the afternoon session.
"I didn't argue with him," Favre joked.
He still delivered handoffs and paid close attention to the preparation against his former team. In some ways, you can emphasize the "former." Favre did not play with any of the current Falcons players while in Atlanta.
"You know you're getting old when the only guy you know is the equipment guy," he said.
Favre remains close with the equipment staff of the Packers. During locker room interview sessions, the veteran quarterback often can be seen mingling in the equipment room. From staffers to teammates to coaches, Favre has enjoyed the people he has met with the Packers organization. He also won 136 games and a Super Bowl in Titletown.
Favre relishes the way career has played out thus far, earning legendary status during his 14 years in Green Bay following his brief stint in Atlanta.
"This is a perfect fit for me," he said. "That was just kind of a stop for me."
