So if -- and it’s a really big “if” at this point -- Brett Favre conducts his Third Annual Retirement and doesn’t chase it with his Third Annual Unretirement, at least one veteran quarterback has thrown his hat into the ring.
Jeff George.
Appearing with Paul Allen of KFAN, George said he’d be willing to jump in and take over, if Favre decides to get out.
(So is it April 1?)
George, the 42-year-old first overall pick in the 1990 draft, last played in 2004. He led the Vikings to the playoffs in his only season with the team, way back in 1999.
In 2007, George tried to get the Vikings’ attention, and coach Brad Childress advised him to “maybe go to a fantasy camp or something like that.” Last year, George created a small buzz with a workout tape that indicated he still has a lot of pop in his arm. He had hoped to return to the NFL. As we understand it, he resisted possible opportunities to play in the UFL.
The chances of George getting a chance in Minnesota falls somewhere between “no way in hell” and “are you f--king kidding me?” But maybe George, if he’s willing to give the UFL a shot, could still show that he can get it done, even at 42.
After all, in little more than two months Favre will be 41.