Of the greatest NFL games every played, the century-old, publicly-owned Green Bay Packers show up more than most teams. Perhaps that’s due to the unusual characters who make up the team’s lore – men like Brett Favre, who do incredible things like play one of the greatest games ever played by a quarterback the day after his father tragically passed away.
Brett Favre steels himself in the Oakland Coliseum | Screenshot: NFL YouTube
It was Monday, December 22, 2003. The place: the notorious Oakland Coliseum. The Green Bay Packers, led by their legendary quarterback Brett Favre, were set to face the Oakland Raiders on Monday Night Football. Leading up to the game, no one had a clue that this one would be etched into NFL lore forever.
The day before the game, Brett Favre received devastating news. His beloved father, Irvin Favre, had passed away suddenly from a heart attack. It was an indescribable loss for Favre, who shared an incredibly close bond with his dad, Irv. Big Irv had taught him how to play football, after all. He was Brett’s coach in high school.
Now, most people would understandably take some time to grieve and process such a loss. But not Brett Favre. He decided to honor his father’s memory in the best way he knew how – by playing the game he loved. And friends, did he ever.
“Big Irv” Favre | Screenshot: NFL YouTube
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Nobody really knew what to expect when Favre took the field, not even Favre himself. The weight of his emotions was palpable, and you could see it in his eyes. The entire country was watching to see what the NFL’s Iron Man would do.
If the three MVPs, Super Bowl victory, and starting streak weren’t enough to cement Favre’s legacy already, this game would.
Out of the gate, Favre hit little-known receiver Wesley Walls with a beautiful rainbow throwing across his body. Walls made an incredible catch, fully laying out in the end zone with the defender draped all over him. It was a sign of things to come – Favre’s receivers were not going to drop anything on that night.
Favre throws a touchdown to Wesley Walls | Screenshot: NFL YouTube
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Next, Favre hit Javon Walker on a rollout, putting him at 6/6 with two touchdowns, in the first quarter.
The second quarter didn’t provide the Raiders any relief. Perhaps the most incredible throw of the game came on Favre’s third touchdown, a huge bomb to a double-covered Javon Walker, who made a career highlight circus catch. Favre’s final touchdown came on a play-action to David Walls.
In the first half, Favre threw for 311 yards and four touchdowns, for a perfect passer rating of 158.3. It was a virtuoso performance that left everyone watching in sheer disbelief.
Raider Nation, for one night, stood with Favre and the people of Green Bay | Screenshot: NFL YouTube
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The football world erupted in applause and admiration for Favre’s heroic effort. Players, coaches, and fans from across the league were moved by his courage and heart.
Even the notorious Raider Nation made heartfelt signs in support of Favre, and gave him a standing ovation as he left the field with this wife, Deanna.
To everyone watching and to the native Cheeseheads of Green Bay, it was almost unreal. Perhaps former Packers assistant coach Steve Mariucci described it best:
“You watch the game, and it was like, ‘This is like a movie. How is this happening?!’ Is it luck? Is it his teammates making plays for him? Nah, you know what, it might be some of that, but you know what? It’s Brett Favre.”
Favre’s performance was a reminder that sports can sometimes be about more than just wins and losses – they can be about the human spirit and the ability to overcome adversity. Sometimes, it’s just about a boy and his dad.
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