KevinPurcell.org

I’ve been a Packer fan most of my life.  The only reason I don’t say all of my life is I didn’t really know about them when I was really small since my family was not really not a sports family.  But I came by it from my days growing up in central and southeastern Wisconsin.

When Brett Favre came in to relieve the injured Don Majkowski in a game against the Cincinnati Bengals I was sitting on the couch of one my church members in Williamstown, KY.  They were all Bengals fans along with my wife.  And I was sure our hopes of winning were gone.  But the miracle career started in miraculous fashion.  And that was the beginning of my fandom for number 4.  I indoctrinated my sons into loving 4 and his team when they were young.  Unfortunately the oldest son has betrayed me.  That’s OK because he did root for them in the playoffs this year after his favorite team, the Colts, lost.

But this past week Brett chose to “hang up the cleats” after breaking every record int he book and giving all of us Packer fans a wonderful ride.  As I watched his tearful announcement on the NFL Network I cried.  Honestly.  I did!  But what touched me most was the first thank you he gave was to God and it seemed truly sincerely and eloquent.  He thanked God for the talent and opportunity to play.  The way he said it, the tone in his voice and expression on his face, led me to believe that this was not just words; he really was thankful to God!  I know his wife is a little more spiritual than he is.  They are both believers and it makes me thankful to have been his fan all these years.  I hope I will get to enjoy hanging out in heaven with all of the other Packer fans and former players.  As we enjoy remembering the gool ole days along with another fan.  After all why is the grace green and the streets in heaven gold?

Brett!  So long.