Associated Press
Brett Favre’s fans came to his defense Sunday, rallying outside Lambeau Field to pressure the Green Bay Packers to reinstate him as the starting quarterback.
The crowd of more than 100 chanted “We want Brett,” and carried signs reading, “Favre for President” or “Favre Forever.” Many in the parking lot wore No. 4 jerseys, tossed footballs and grilled.
“We’ve always appreciated the passion of our fans,” the Packers said in a statement. Team spokesman Jeff Blumb said there would be no other comment.
The rally in Green Bay, Wis., was the brainchild of brothers Adam and Erick Rolfson, who on Friday tried to think of a way to keep Favre in Green Bay. Another rally is planned for Monday night in suburban Milwaukee and every Sunday thereafter at Lambeau Field until Favre is back.
The brothers also are demanding an emergency meeting of stockholders “to help control the fate of our quarterback,” Erick Rolfson said.
A message left for Favre’s agent, James “Bus” Cook, wasn’t immediately returned Sunday.
Favre retired March 6 after 16 seasons with the team. He changed his mind and asked for his release because it appeared the Packers were not receptive to having him play again.
On Saturday, general manager Ted Thompson and coach Mike McCarthy said they didn’t plan to grant Favre’s request. And while Thompson said Favre could rejoin the team in a “different role,” the Packers were committed to going with Aaron Rodgers as their starter.
“We wanted to create a forum for fans’ voices to be heard,” Adam Rolfson, 36, told The Associated Press by phone. “I don’t understand how you deny somebody that threw for 4,000 yards (last season) a starting position.”
They had hoped Sunday’s rally, only a day in the making, would have attracted more people.
Packers fans are divided on the 38-year-old quarterback. While Favre clearly has his supporters, others seem weary of another offseason of retirement-related drama.