Paul Hornung to Brett Favre: Stick around
Fred Mitchell | AROUND TOWN
May 13, 2009
Pro Football Hall of Famer Paul Hornung says he has advised Brett Favre not to retire as long as he is healthy.
"When he was still with Green Bay, we were talking one night over a cocktail. And Brett said, 'Well, I don't know how much longer I'm going to play. Maybe a year,' " said Hornung, who starred as a halfback and kicker from 1957-66 with the Packers.
"I said to Brett, 'I had to quit because I was hurt, and I almost kept playing anyway, which would have been a disaster. I mean, I would have been an embarrassment because we didn't have any [good] doctors.
"I said, 'Brett, let me tell you one thing, and this is just my opinion. Play as long as you can. I mean, make them kick you out of the league. First of all, you are making so much money that it is irrelevant to your lifestyle. It doesn't matter. ... But let me tell you something, this is the best time of your life. You will have more fun playing pro football. ... Don't quit until you have to ... not until you don't want to go out there on that practice field Favre, who turns 40 Oct. 10, continues to waffle when it comes to signing with the Minnesota Vikings, arguably the Packers' biggest rival along with the Bears in the NFC North. The possibility of shoulder surgery might determine whether he retires.
Hornung, who won championships with legendary coach Vince Lombardi, remains beloved in Green Bay. He scored 176 points in 1960 (a 12-game season), an NFL record that stood for 46 years.
"Brett is the best player we've had in Green Bay, no question," Hornung said. "And he was the most popular player, but not anymore. His popularity has dwindled in the state of Wisconsin. Most of them are mad that he went to the Jets. And now if he goes to the Vikings, Holy Mackerel! They won't like it a bit."
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