The Monkey and I are on record as supporters of NFL living legend Brett Favre’s decision to return to football in 2009, specifically to the arch-rival (Minnesota Vikings) of his former club (the Green Bay Packers).

We also contend that one’s view of Brett Favre has a lot to do with one’s view of one’s self:

• Do we believe that individuals should have a right to make decisions for themselves?
• Do we believe that individuals should have a right to pursue their dreams, aspirations, and goals?
• Do we believe that it is on the individual to decide what is best for one’s self?
• Do wish to blame a person or deride a person for being torn about his or her personal decisions, which are solely their own to make?

I mean, the man is a Libra.  Should we be surprised when we behave like “ourselves,” when we live up to our inherited and fully incorporated character traits?

Love him or hate him (and there seems to be a lot less love out there) there are several undeniable facts that should be pointed out.

1) The 2009 NFL Football season was arguably the greatest single season of his Hall of Fame career from a statistical standpoint. In 2009, Favre posted the highest quarterback rating of his career (107.2), the lowest interception total of his career (7), and the second highest completion total (563), and third highest yardage total (4,202).

2) Following the devastating loss to the evidently voodoo-enhanced New Orleans Saints, Brett Favre said that if he is to finish his career, that he would be going out “on top.”  While that statement was met with much derision and criticism from fans and the media, from a personal statistical standpoint, his statement rings true, for the following reasons:

• Most of us are familiar with his “Ironman” record, the most consecutive starts for an NFL football player (309 – including playoffs [as Favre himself said, "Why wouldn't you include the playoffs?"]).  For quarterbacks, #2 on the list is Peyton Manning with 209 consecutive starts, meaning he would have to start every single game consecutively for at least the next 6 regular seasons to surpass Favre on the list, provided Favre doesn’t return in 2010.)
• Favre also hold several other significant passing records.  He is #1 all time in Attempts (8,758), Completions (5,377), Touchdowns (442), and Yards (61,655).  All things being equal, his claim to the number one spot in all of these statistical categories is evidence enough to qualify him as being “on top.”

3) Not only did Favre just complete arguably the greatest statistical season of his Hall of Fame career, but he was rated as the #2 passer in the entire league in 2009, indicating that there is no doubt there is more in the tank for this quarterback.

The idea that Favre could walk into a new team and instantly lead them to a Superbowl is far-fetched.  But there is no doubt that Favre exceeded nearly every single person with at least a passing interest in the NFL’s expectations.  He just played 18 of the most brilliant games of his entire career.  One’s athletic ability, even at age 40 doesn’t simply fall off the cliff.

With the 2009 season Favre demonstrated not only his great toughness, but his great natural athleticism.  The notion that a man of his age, with so many years of beating and abuse under his belt, could negotiate an NFL football season with so much poise, and so few mistakes is evidence enough that he has one more year in him.

Love him or hate, Brett Favre is good for the NFL.  He is a ratings juggernaut.  The ratings numbers from the Championship games were ludicrous.  One-third of all televisions in the United States were tuned into the NFC Championship game between the Vikings and Saints.

He likes his team.  The team has rallied around him.  There is no clear heir-apparent in the quarterback department in Minnesota.  There is a possibility of no football in 2011 due to strained labor negotiations.  It is now or never for Brett Favre.