Quite an accomplishment

Favre should be praised for record of consecutive starts

By Kevin Kaduk, Contributing writer

Aug. 24, 2000

And there’s a chance that his tendinitis-riddled right elbow could cause him to miss Green Bay’s Sept. 3 opener against the Jets.

Missing the opener against the Jets — a possibility that hasn’t been ruled out by Favre or the Packers — would end Favre’s record streak of 125 consecutive regular-season starts at quarterback.

The nagging injury, combined with the steady play of backup Matt Hasselbeck, will spell doom for the streak this season. While Favre is the biggest competitor in a league full of competitors, the 31-year-old will probably have to fight the urge to take the field and instead allow himself a chance to heal. But until that happens, it’s appropriate to admire a streak that hasn’t been celebrated as much as it should.

Favre has been the most resilient of quarterbacks in an era in which quarterbacks are regularly carted off the field with concussions and broken bones. Bigger, tougher and stronger defensive players have caused many QB situations to resemble an emergency room. Many of these defenders have caused concussions that have slowed down the careers of greats like Steve Young and Troy Aikman.

It’s not that Favre has been the picture of perfect health during his record run. Last season he played with a preseason thumb injury that was repeatedly re-aggravated throughout the season. In 1995, when playing with a severely sprained ankle, Favre threw for 336 yards and five touchdowns against the Bears. Throughout his career, Favre has proved to be as durable as they come, displaying an ability to play through pain when his team needs him most.

What’s more impressive is the reckless playing style that Favre has never abandoned during the streak. Unlike Ron Jaworski (the previous streak-holder with 116 starts), Favre isn’t a drop-back passer who only gets hit when sacked or pressured. Think of the additional blows that Favre has sustained on runs when he lowered his shoulder instead of sliding.

It would take Favre 156 more seasons to break Cal Ripken’s streak in baseball. A foolish thought, considering the NFL season is only 16 games long. But even though it is 2,507 games shorter than Ripken’s, it is probably equally as impressive. I doubt Ripken ever attempted a throw to first while a 300-pound behemoth charged his blind side.

Favre has taken a backseat in this year’s QB supremacy discussion while upstarts like Peyton Manning and Kurt Warner are lauded. It’s shocking to see a three-time league MVP treated with such indifference. Part of that attitude can be traced to the fact Favre plays in Green Bay, but when his streak does come to an end — whether it be three weeks or three years from now — all those associated with the NFL should stop and applaud more loudly than usual.

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