1. December 22, 2003: Win One for Dad
An injury didn’t nearly end Favre’s consecutive start streak at 204. Instead, it was the tragic death of his father, Irvin. On December 21st, 2003, Irvin Favre passed away after suffering a heart attack while driving near his home in Kiln, Mississippi. The Packers, in the midst of a playoff race, couldn’t guarantee that Favre would be able to start less than 24 hours after receiving the tragic news. Nobody, in fact, would’ve blamed him had he opted to end the streak to mourn the death of his father. But that wasn’t Irvin Favre’s way. And it wasn’t his son’s way, either. Favre made his 205th consecutive start against the Oakland Raiders in a must-win game for the Packers. He was magnificent, completing 22-of-30 passes for 399 yards and four touchdowns. The Packers won, 41-7. In the post game interview, Favre struggled to hold back tears as he talked about the love he had for his dad. On that night, we didn’t just watch a great football player thrive under the spotlight. We watched a son honor his father in the best way he could.
2. January 26, 1997: Super Bowl XXXI
The culmination of Favre’s professional career came less than 55 miles away from his hometown. The Packers capped off a season of dominance, defeating the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XXXI. The 35-21 victory saw Favre throw for two touchdowns and run for another. Both touchdown throws displayed Favre‘s elite arm strength and accuracy. His first was an arching strike, hitting receiver Andre Rison in stride. The second was a laser down the right sideline to receiver Antonio Freeman. It’s the throw to Rison that has stood the test of time. Following the score, a childlike Favre ran across the field to the sideline with an ear-to-ear smile and his helmet hoisted in the air. That image of Favre will forever be enshrined in Packer and NFL lore.
3. September 20, 1992: The Legend Begins
Every tale has its beginnings. Against the Cincinnati Bengals in week 3 of the ‘92, season quarterback Don Majkowski tore a ligament in his ankle. Off the bench came Favre, then a young quarterback the Packers had acquired in the offseason for a first-round pick. The second-year signal caller came out wild, launching missiles to the right, left and middle of the field. He managed to calm himself just in time to lead the Packers on a game-winning drive that ended when he threw a dart to receiver Kitrick Taylor for a touchdown with less than 20 seconds remaining. The score - and ensuing extra point that Favre served as holder - put the Packers up 24-23, and marked the first of many exciting moments for the quarterback and the fans of Green Bay.