Saluting #4

AWNSER:
Jim Harbaugh, Peter Tom Willis, Erik Kramer, Steve Walsh, Dave Kreig, Rick Mirer, Steve Stenstrom, Moses Moreno, Shane Matthews, Cade McNown, Jim Miller, Chris Chandler, Henry Burris, Kordell Stewart, Rex Grossman, Jonathan Quinn, Craig Krenzel, Chad Hutchinson, Kyle Orton, and Brian Griese.

QUESTION:
Who have been the quarterbacks for the Chicago Bears since Brett Favre stepped under center for the rival Green Bay Packers in 1992?


Look at that list again. Really examine those 20 names. Try and pick out who was the best of the bunch. Don't worry, I can wait...Wow. It's incredible. In the past 15 years, the Green Bay Packers have had one quarterback, a three-time MVP, beloved by (nearly) everybody, someone who could make all the throws, even the bad ones. The Bears on the other hand have had 20 quarterbacks, not an All-Pro among them and absolutely zero signal callers who could consistently make a great pass. How does that happen? What'd we do to deserve this?

As you've most likely figured out, I'm writing this because Brett Favre announced his retirement on Tuesday. I'm sure you saw at least something about it, considering that ESPN, Sports Illustrated and the NFL Network covered the event as though the man died (Favre even mentioned in his press conference today it felt like he was watching his funeral). As a life-long Bears fan, I have a great amount of respect for #4, even though the man killed the Bears (22-10 lifetime record). Favre played with tremendous joy and watching him play was like watching a ten-year old kid who went out there not for the fame or the money, but because they loved the game.

Many people are stating that they think its sad that Favre's last ever NFL throw will be an interception, but really, I couldn't see it any other way. It's like Jordan's last shot to beat the Jazz in '98 (remember, Washington never happened) or Roger Clemens faking an injury in his final ever World Series game; these things are just meant to happen. Favre is a gun-slinger and picks come with the territory, he is after the all-time leader in that category in NFL history (Just like is in all-time touchdowns). I know I won’t remember him for that over-time pick against the Giants in the NFC Championship Game, and it’d be a shame if anybody did.

It's unlikely that the NFL will ever see another QB like Brett Favre. Players that good, that tough and that loyal just don't come along too often. I guess it's fair: the Bears had Walter Payton so the Packers got Favre. It was a pleasure to watch, except when he was killing us. But that 22-10 record is misleading, and all you have to do is examine the Bears list of quarterbacks to figure out why.