My Thoughts on Brett

The NFL is losing a great one with Brett Favre retiring. He was one of the greatest quarterbacks the league has ever known. Over the years, I have had a number of chances to get to know him and I am better for those experiences. Brett was one of the QBs that, when we played his team, I stood on the sidelines to watch him play. Due to the tremendous amount of respect that Andy Reid had for Brett, I watched a lot of film of him playing - especially early in my career. I've often been asked to make comparisons and I always said, "I'm not Brett," but I hope that I was able to incorporate some things from his game as I have with other great QBs. The most amazing part of his career is that he was able to play so many consecutive games. I know first-hand how difficult that is. No matter how hard you train or what type of shape you're in, a freak thing can happen at any time to anyone. I admire how he was able to stay away from serious injury as well as play through the nagging ones. It's a testament to him that only he can sit Brett Favre down.

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Comments (84)

DJTG_2010 said March 05, 2008

Amen, Donovan, amen. He will be missed.
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ballaboveall3 said March 05, 2008

nicely said,
good luck this season
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- TheDirector replied March 09, 2008
  
  Agreed! Nice words D!
EaglesPTC said March 05, 2008

You and Brett had some of the best games I have ever seen. The 4th and 26 play will never be forgotten. Don't worry Mcnabb you will play just as long and be just as succesful. Your name will be all over the record books when your days are up... but now It's your turn to take us to the big game and insert yourself into greatness!!! Let's Go Eagles and Mcnabb!!!
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- 4thandMF26 replied March 05, 2008
  
  great play
  - gblack100 replied March 06, 2008
    
    That was an amazing play!
    
    ...and you can't forget McNabb's "The Great Escape" play as I call it when he amazingly got away from pretty much the entire Cowboys defensive front during a Monday night game. That play ended up being a huge game. Looking forward to many more years here in Philly Donavan! We all love you!
    - BWest44 replied March 07, 2008
      
      I'm from Houston and am a HUGE Eagles fan. Every year for the past 6 years, my roommates and I have made the drive up to Dallas for the game. I was at the MNF game with DMac's play that you speak of; needless to say, we went crazy!!
Eat5sNutStrap said March 06, 2008

throughout his storied career, brett favre never won a game in philadelphia. and the last 3 meetings between the eagles and packers in philly have been 3 of my favorite all-time performances by the great donovan mcnabb.

1. 2003 divisional playoffs: 107 yards rushing, the TD to pinkston that still amazes me, and of course, 4th and 26.
2. 2004: 47-17. 464 yds passing, 5 first-half TDs, breaks montana's NFL record for consecutive completions, breaks franchise single-game passing yards record
3. 2006: MNF. 2 rushing tds, 2 passing, 288 yds.

we can pretend the 2005 game never happened. although we won, largely in part to mcnabb's ONLY playmaker, Bwest, we still had to suffer through another start by mike mcmahon...
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- Dizzle42187 replied March 11, 2008
  
  yes, too bad for favre but good for us, he will never have a chance to get his win in philadelphia
gunna20 said March 06, 2008

Brett is tha man, I loved watchin him play. His enthusiasm and love for the game will never be matched IMO. By the way Good Luck next season, hope you get the big offensive weapon you asked for.
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PrincedePhila said March 06, 2008

Brett is my favorite, Mr. McNabb. But I believe in you, after all how many brothas under the center can produce like 6 pro bowl seasons. In PHilly, you were my hero, In Las Vegas, you still are. I hope Bretts love of the game inspires you even more, and I pray that you get the weapons you need. Only one black QB won the superbowl, but now I believe youll make it happen. People make fun of me for liking you over Brady, Manning, or Romo. I say without Harrison, Moss, Branch and Owens youre QBs aint nothin. Youve struggled in this league, Mr. McNabb you owe it to yourself and your great mom to show people what the Donovan McNabb that me and my boys knows is made of. "Brett was as good as feared to be bad." I think Mr. McNabb can be even better. I know its a stretch, but I believe in you i hope you realize that phillys the only place you can call home. I hope we win it, but most of all I hope you win it. And man oh man did Brett have a career. His kids must be the proudest kids ever
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ms_lisa said March 06, 2008

Very nice. I'm sure we have all anticipated this for the last few years, but it doesn't make it any easier. Actually the more I think about it, I grow a little sadder. Besides being a great athlete, there was something about Brett that was intangible. A great athlete....but a far more impressive man.
Anyways, a nice perspective, thank you for sharing and good luck to you this year.

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MarkoD said March 06, 2008

an elite QB going out with style, loved reading your blog on him.
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ck0712 said March 06, 2008

GREAT GREAT BLOG!!! but then again you are a FIRST CLASS person & A FIRST CLASS QB yourself, you've played through injuries that most wouldn't be able to play through!!!!!! PHILLY LOVES YOU Mr. McNabb!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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- philly4lyfe replied March 06, 2008
  
  Well said ck0712...first class person and QB, and Philly does love you Dmac. Good luck this season.
corey0429 said March 06, 2008

well said... brett is one of the best if not best ever.. truly he is a warrior and was a great impact on the game... he will be missed all around the league
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jrbyrd24 said March 06, 2008

Mr. McNabb. I Look forward to seeing you lead the Eagles this year. Don't let the media, and the outspoken minority of fans in Philly get to you. Let it be known that the majority of fans here in Philly love you and want you as our QB. You are a great player, now bring us that championship!
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Stickman said March 06, 2008

Farve is timeless. We all know he could have come out this year & played as a top ten QB, maybe even top 5. As he rides off into the sunset, he leaves the fans already nostalgic for more Monday night magic. My best memory of Brett Farve will prbably be of his boyish smile, snow pouring down at Lambeau Field in January as he lead the Pack against Seattle and into another NFC CHampionship game. I'll never forget him throwing a snowball at Donald Driver; just Brett Farve doing what he does best, having fun, playing football.
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mom2a2 said March 06, 2008

It truly is the end of an era. Brett Favre was tough as nails on the field.Great blog 5. You truly are a class act.LOVEYOU!!!!!!!!!!
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5forlife said March 06, 2008

Your a great QB and a great person. A true role model for kids throughout the country. Your love of the game reminds me of Brett and the way he played turning nothing into something just as you do. He'll go down as one of the greatest and when you retire I believe you will too. Keep on smiling and staying positive and we'll get that ring.
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eagleman11 said March 06, 2008

MAC5 is alive in PHILLY BABY....... DON YOU DA MAN!!! LET GOD BE YOUR GUIDE MY BROTHER.....

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Pinkpanthrrr said March 06, 2008

He had perserverence that's for sure. Hopefully Philly will keep the commitment with you like GB did for Favre. I think the fans kept him going.
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- MarkoD replied March 06, 2008
  
  we will indeed keep our commitment to number 5 he is the man, philly loves him
cowboykilla520 said March 06, 2008

Donovan the haters can hate all they want but you continue to show class and perseverance ur a great player and a great rolemodel for all of us and if a single person out of all of us wants u gone that just chose u that we the majorty love #5 and that the minorty is out numbered 100 to1 and we have faith that you will take us to Tampa go Donovan and go E-A-G-L-E-S EAGLES
OH YA AND BRETT WAS A BEAST AND HE WILL BE MISSED
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Gerber said March 06, 2008

well said 5
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BIGFAH said March 06, 2008

COULDN'T AGREE MORE. BRETT WILL BE MISSED. CAN'T WAIT UNTIL THE SEASON STARTS I FEEL BIG THINGS WILL HAPPEN THIS YEAR FOR US. STAY STRONG AND FOCUS ON GETTING US THAT RING WE ALL DESERVE SO FAR EVERYONE HERE HAS YOUR BACK EVEN KOLB4STARTER LOVES YOU DEEP DOWN HE JUST CAN'T FIND THE RIGHT WAY TO EXPRESS IT.. YOU THE BEST D-MAC
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5snumber1fan said March 06, 2008

As usual you show nothng but class and respect. This year, Mr. McNabb, is your year. I keep praying that the powers that be get a WR. So far they are doing the right thing for the defense. Now, let"s take care of the O.
Again, you are the man, sir. This year we go ALL the way and win the big one.
Stay healthy and trust the Lord and your fans...........we are all behind you.
My best to you and your family.
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fillyphan86 said March 05, 2008

Donovan- your a great man and quarterback. I'm glad that you are not a pompous player, and that you are able to give others their respect when it is due. You're truly awesome #5.
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mattymill34 said March 06, 2008

love you brett
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davidsoto said March 06, 2008

Brett is great man and a great quarterback. He will be remembered throughout football history for years to come, just as your legacy will uh, Mr. Mcnabb. It is great to see the amount of respect you have for the greats as one day you too will be remembered this way. No matter what, super bowl or not, you have this fan's eternal respect. You are humble a person who does not need to prove anything to anybody. Good Luck this season. Go out there, play the game, and forget the media. Oh, back to Number 4, Congrats Mr. Favre, you deserve a vacation and a place in the hall of fame.

Signed-the only eagle fan in Texas
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Kolb4starter said March 06, 2008

Maybe you should consider retirement if you truly want philly have a championship. No decent WR in the league wants to play with someone like you because everyone knows the truth about you and Owens now. Look how well he and Romo play, and then when it comes to you. You can't even manage to keep a half decent WR in your huddle longer then a year! Barrian prolly left Chicago because he thought there might be truth to you going there.
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- MsEaglesAllDay replied March 06, 2008
  
  I must have missed the season where McNabb and Owens played poorly together. Just like you missed the one where Romo and Owens won the Super Bowl. I also missed the memo where the starting quarterback handles wide receiver contracts. ANYWAYYYY...
  
  Favre retiring was almost something you;d never think you'd hear. My kids came home yesterday and told me a friend of theirs whole demeanor changed during the school day once he got word his favorite quarterback had retired. The kid is 18 and a diehard Packers/Favre fan. Brett has been his hero nearly his entire life. THAT is also amazing. The longevity, endurance, and commitment Brett displayed when it came to football and that team is to be admired, not by Packers fans, but by NFL fans PERIOD!
- Keep5Alive replied March 06, 2008
  
  Donovan, you are the best this city has ever seen. This ahole is exactly that. Brett will be missed!
- BirdsFan536 replied March 06, 2008
  
  u are truly an idiot...just please leave yardbarker u dont deserve to be an eagles fan...mcnabb is the best qb the eagles ever had he gets the job done with mediocre WRs and he finally got one good one and look what he did with him....u have no clue what ur talking about just dont incorporate yourself with the eagles football team please
- gblack100 replied March 07, 2008
  
  Donovan, This guy is obviously living on another planet if he thinks Kolb can replace you. Keep up the good work, we know that you will be 100% next year! We all look forward to it!
- FIVERINGS replied March 07, 2008
  
  Dude.......this ain't the place to air out your greivances. Save that for another blog.
  - gblack100 replied March 07, 2008
    
    Are you replying to me directly or to all four of us that responded to Kolb4starter's comment? ....and I don't have any personal grievance against anyone, I just don't agree. That's what this site is all about so maybe you should find another blog.
    - FIVERINGS replied March 07, 2008
      
      No, just replying to the Kolb4starter A**hole up above. I was just saying that this wasn't the place for him to be starting that crap. If I was replyiing to you directly, it would have been indented. Later.
    - gblack100 replied March 07, 2008
      
      Ok cool-sorry-I have just been getting **** on by a couple people recently for no good reason and I am a little touchy. I agree 100% with you.
- mom2a2 replied March 10, 2008
  
  AMAZING what YB CHOOSES to delete and left this pile of dogpoo. WHERE'S THE POOPER SCOOPER we've been hearing so much about?
  - mom2a2 replied March 10, 2008
    
    Wow - my comment was meant for K4start.
njeagle said March 06, 2008

Very eloquently said, Donovan. I am sure it does take luck not to get hurt but it also takes weapons and good, sound coaching decisions. I still get frustrated thinking about that Carolina game when you got your ribs broke because someone had to call a pass play on 3rd and 1... Anyone in Philly who doesn't appreciate what we have in you is a moron. Here's to many more long (playoffs) and productive seasons with you as the Eagles starting QB!
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Jollygreen said March 06, 2008

Couldnt agree with you more njeagle , Without Don we would not have gotten anywhere near a superbowl... One man can only do so much without weapons, even the great Brett Favre... I sincerely hope they get a weopon to redeem your career and our cities faith in you a our quarterback
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wildwoodiggels said March 06, 2008

Well said Donovan...Favre will be missed. It's your turn. Go out there this season and please quiet the naysayers. Good luck!

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DoubleG22 said March 06, 2008

It's blogs like this one that make The Yard so special...thanks Donovan
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Justwannawinna said March 06, 2008

ay Donovan good blog i think we'll all miss Brett Farve what he's done for the league speaks for itself...... but on a lighter note since our birds went and got the team defensive playmakers i wish you, westbrook and runyan would keep tellin the front office to get you the TOP WR YOU DESERVE........Brett had some good ones in his day and not to take shots at your teammates but besides T.O you havnt been given any toys to showcase your cannon arm.....#5 thank you for bringing some justice back into the yard...hope to hear from you again soon.........E A G L E S ..........EAGLES!!!!!!!!!!
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eagles4life18 said March 06, 2008

Just wont to say big fan of Donovan. but do i think Brett will stay retired. NO! He will realize around June/July he made a mistake and come back. maybe not with the Packers but with some team. he will come back
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eagles4life18 said March 06, 2008

kolb4starter r you that stupid! Donovan is the best Philly has seen and will ever see! Thanks Donovan! dont listen to asswhole like kolb4starter you rock and you remeber that. its not your fault T.O was a jerk! TO TO TO TO.. TO YOU BLOW! and when you were asked about TO when you were down in Florida and you could only say One word about him you said Nice Guy! HAHAHA NICE LIE!!
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TommyTheCat said March 06, 2008

brett farve was a great man, no offense to you or any other athlete, him being one of the highest paid qbs in the league history, you wouldnt of ever thought it. the man would come in jeans and a green sweat shirt and that old yellow cap, not all flashy, he was a role model off and on the field. he was the definition of football. im going to miss him much. but, we have our qb and i know you have heard alot of crap from the media, the trade rumors ect, this team would be stupid to trade you. i have never seen a qb put together a year like you did this past year, after a major injury. cheers mate! get fitz or someone over here for that #1 slot... if we do, youre going to have fun this season, and wan mac 5 has fun, philly thrives on it!
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farley610 said March 06, 2008

you are the best thing that has happened to this city in a long time, love ya man GO BIRDS!!
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rcs360 said March 06, 2008

Brett Favre's gonna be missed in the NFL. He had a great season and a legendary career.
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gblack100 said March 06, 2008

We will miss you Favre! Looking forward to many more Donovan!
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jpdaws said March 06, 2008

Yeah lets not forget that his receivers actually made teams starting rosters once they left the Packers. They didnt get cut (cough Fredie Mitchell) or sit the bench (cough James Thrash) or just no team pick him up (cough Todd Pinkston). He actually had some good receivers to throw to and get open. Keep on em 5 they need to get you someone who you can actually throw to
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SCTrojans said March 06, 2008

good job man! nicely said, nicely done...good luck this season..
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stathopoulos_p said March 06, 2008

He's retiring off one of his best seasons as a Packer.
The only reason he decided to come back for the 2007 season was for the trophy the Giants beat the Patriots for.
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eagleman94 said March 06, 2008

to be honest.. i couldnt care less about favre. all i care about right now is the eaglesand their free agency. with all due respect to favre he is a bit past my time... me being 17.
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FIVERINGS said March 06, 2008

Good words coming from one of his peers. He will be missed by all who respect what it takes to have the success that Favre did.
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eagleman11 said March 06, 2008

DONOVAN >>>> you have always had people doubting you and you still keep grinding....I love that about you...thanks for inspiring me.....GO BIRDS GO BIRDS GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO BIRDS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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aintezbngreen said March 06, 2008

as a philly fan i'm truly going to miss the competition that you just knew brett would bring when he played us. we're definitely losing a great ambassador for the game. total class. eagles fan to the bone but favre fan by choice.
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McNabb286 said March 06, 2008

I am going to miss Brett a lot, he was the only non-eagle that I truly rooted for and can not believe he is actually retiring. I am just glad I am not a packer's fan. . .I can not imagine what I would do or what I will do when Donovan McNabb retires.
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EAGLES_in_O7 said March 06, 2008

Donovan, you're a true class act. Thanks for continuing to be one of the best QBs in the league. We love you in Philadelphia. GO EAGLES!
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GoGreen08 said March 06, 2008

Great post- Brett Farve definitely is one of the greatest quarterbacks ever, and we'll all miss watching him play with that excitement and passion for the game. But at least we'll still have one of the best quarterbacks ever in the league with us here in Philly! Keep up the great work on and off the field!
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BirdsFan536 said March 06, 2008

dmac i love you man....you bring this team to another level and i never doubted you....your post on brett shows that you really are a class act, i will miss watchin brett play too he was so fun to watch from day 1 to the end....great post good luck this year man ill be watchin you guys rock in 08
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EaglesAllDay said March 06, 2008

Super 5 and #4 tha best ever... hey Donovon lets get that superbowl ring in 08!!!
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warlord12187 said March 06, 2008

I WILL ADD THAT BRETT WAS ONE OF THE GREATEST I REMEMBER OVER THE YEARS ROUTING FOR MY EAGLES WHILE WE PLAYED GREEN BAY.......I JUST WANT TO SAY THAT FAVRE WILL GO INTO THE HALL OF FAME AS ONE OF THE GREATEST PLAYERS OF THE GAME.....DON THANKS FOR TAKING THE TIME TO BE A GREAT PROFESSIONAL IN THE NFL TO PAY RESPECT TO THIS GREAT MAN........TO ALL FANS OF THE EAGLES/PACKERS WE BOTH HAVE GREAT QUARTERBACKS AND MAY WE CONTINUE OUR RIVALRY AS BOTH BLUE COLLAR FOOTBALL TEAMS........BRETT IF YOU READ THIS.....GOOD LUCK WITH YOUR FUTURE.....I HOPE IT IS BRIGHT FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY!
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- rabid3k replied March 07, 2008
  
  Dude I can't even read that. Turn off the caps lock, bro
  - warlord12187 replied March 09, 2008
    
    WELL THAT'S UNFORTUNATE FOR YOU......MAYBE YOU SHOULD REVIEW YOUR ENGLISH READING SKILLS......I REALLY DONT GIVE A SHIT IF YOU CAN READ IT....IT'S ALSO SAD AND PATHETIC THAT YOU FOCUS ON MY COMMENT WHICH I DECIDED TO WRITE IN CAPS. THE ARTICLE WAS WRITTEN BY ONE GREAT PLAYER (MCNABB) TO SHOW HIS RESPECT FOR A LEGEND LIKE FAVRE.....MAYBE YOU SHOULD HAVE DONE THE SAME. THIS IS WHY YARDBARKER HAS SO MUCH USELESS TRASH ON IT.
Eat5sNutStrap said March 06, 2008

kolb for starter. hilarious. yes lets put a guy from conferece usa in control of our team. i mean, he has done so much to earn the job. the guy couldn't even handle the 3 snaps he took in the detroit game. please. why don't you do us all a favor and put some baggy clothes on, fill them with candy, and jump off of city hall so when you hit the ground, you burst like a human pinata. at least then you will have contributed something to society...

yes let's start conference usa over our future hall of famer. jackass.
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MAC_BLAST said March 07, 2008

Favre is a legend. I hope that dude changes his mind.

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- funkediva replied March 07, 2008
  
  Wow! I have seen a pic of Donovan in this same position. 4 and 5 and Andy Reid... Hmmm
funkediva said March 07, 2008

As a fellow Mississippian, my heart was truly sadden at the fact this such a great player is leaving the game. However, I am happy at the same time to have seen great games by this man and to have watch him throw that ball to my fellow college school mate Donald Driver. Brett is leaving on his own terms and that is always nice to walk away when you want and not be forced out. Brett has inspired many to push through personal pain. My favorite Farve moment is when he returned to play football after his father's death and they won. I love the Eagles. But, I love my fellow Mississippians and always wish them the best.

Donovan, you are truly a class act and much respect to you for recognizing greatness in others just as other recognizes greatness in you. Your name will blast the history books and you will get that ultimate crown. You will be MVP of the Superbowl and you will wear that ring with pride. I believe in you!
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LestersLegends said March 07, 2008

My thoughts are that once John Madden has been through his grieving process, Tony Romo is going to have one big, old stalker.
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willardj said March 06, 2008

so you only watched the other teams offense when the qb was good?
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GETusJUST1 said March 08, 2008

Brett was a great player for the NFL. But one thing he never did in his amazing career is win IN Philly.

Ever.

Take the reigns Donny, SB bound....
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PrincedePhila said March 08, 2008

Mr. McNabb, Fitz, and Westbrook Not a bettwe QB, WR, RB trio out ther, yep NADA (i kno we gettin fitz, its unofically official)
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rustysrf89 said March 10, 2008

McNabb you need to be in that front office screaming in andys ear to get a #1 WR.
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- TommyTheCat replied March 11, 2008
  
  its donnies team, i sure he is
greenmohawk said March 11, 2008

Well said
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PhillyGREEN said March 14, 2008

Nice to see the respect from one pro to another.
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rpardz said March 14, 2008

Agree with you Donovan. Favre is an exciting QB to watch, he'll definitely be missed.
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phillyfitz said March 19, 2008

i like brett farve, but not as much as yiu
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stathopoulos_p said March 23, 2008

Brett Favre could land himself in the Hall of Fame in five years. You'll never know what happens... until it actually happens.
He owns all of the Career records that a QB could even set! (too bad Tom Brady and Peyton Manning are catching up to those records).
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