Packer fans lucky

January 18th, 2008 at 04:27pm Matt Trowbridge

Packer fans may be the luckiest fans in the NFL (or at least the luckiest this side of New England). Go to a game in Chicago and, for years, the stands would be dominated by fans wearing jerseys of players who (thankfully) were no longer Bears. McNown. Salaam. Enis. Fans would run out and buy jerseys of the latest savior as soon as he was drafted, only to see him flop ignominiously. Packer fans, on the other hand, have been able to proudly wear No. 4 for almost two decades. Before that, Reggie White jerseys were a popular — and safe — bet. Now, when Chicago finally has a jersey-worthy player in Brian Urlacher, he turns sullen and stops talking. Favre, on the other hand, seems happier and more playful than ever. And that’s why Packer fans are so lucky. As a former Viking fan, I used to end ever season, no matter how promising at one point, white-knuckled mad. A feeling Bears fans are also familiar with. Although anyone who wants to scream over Lovie Smith or Gary Crowton or even John Shoop, I say at least you never had Mike Tice.

Now, all I care about are the Twins and Illini basketball. It’s sad having no one to cheer for in the NFL. Even worse than getting riled up. The Packers, though, get not only a surprise season for the ages, but the comfort blanket of watching Brett Favre. Packer fans keep telling me, this year and last year and the year before that, that as long as Brett Favre keeps coming back, they are happy no matter what happens. Imagine that, an angst proof team to root for. And one that may give its fans a surprise Super Bowl gift, followed by another season from Favre. Again, no sports teams fans have been this lucky since Michael Jordan retired from the Bulls.

Entry Filed under: Packer fans, Green Bay Packers, Brett Favre