A frenzy over Favre: Local fans give their two cents about Vikes' quarterback

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Some football fans finally got that answer they were waiting for – others will be disappointed. But a decision has been made.

On Tuesday, Brett Favre signed to be quarterback for the Minnesota Vikings – for better or for worse. And local fans are eager to comment.

Bud Gessford of Alexandria, an avid Vikings fan who has been to 77 games, thinks that the move is “more about money” that will be collected from ticket and memorabilia sales. The move could also help generate some buzz for a new stadium project.

Ticket sales have boomed in the past few days and Gessford has been offered $500 apiece for his season tickets, which he says are not for sale because, “I’m going.”

When asked if he thought that the Vikings could make the Super Bowl with the ex-Green Bay Packers’ legend at the helm, he responded, “We have just as good a chance as anyone. But if the Vikings can beat the Packers it will be a successful season in my book!”

Favre, the NFL’s all-time leading passer, signed a two-year contract worth $25 million. The big question of whether the big investment will pay off has football fans on the edge of their seats.

An informal poll on the Echo Press website asked for reaction to the Favre signing. Of the first 100 people who participated, 42 selected the response, “Great! Can’t wait to see him in purple!” Another 34 people said, “This season will be a disaster” and 24 selected the response, “I’m not sure yet if he still has what it takes.”

Brian Volker of Alexandria, another die-hard Vikings fan, thinks that Favre will “bring a spark” to the team and raise excitement and a media frenzy, especially around Monday Night Football. The Vikings will host Green Bay in the nationally televised division rivalry on Monday, October 5.

Mike Empting, head football coach at Jefferson High School in Alexandria, noted, “Favre will add good leadership and experience where they desperately need it.”

Larry Holverson, retired long-time sports editor for the Echo Press, also believes that Favre will bring valuable experience to the team.

“It’s worth a try at least,” said Holverson.

But not everyone loves the idea of Favre wearing purple.

Linda Pierce of Alexandria, a devoted Green Bay Packers fan, describes her reaction as “disgusted.”

“I think that Mr. Favre is a traitor and I’ve lost all respect for him,” Pierce said.

She is still excited to watch the Packers and the Vikings compete this season and hopes that the Packers’ new defensive scheme can “key it up” on Farve.

It seems that even though Favre has finally ended the will-he-or-won’t-he speculation, the media and fan frenzy surrounding his move will continue.

Perhaps Gessford summed it up best when he said that, “No matter what happens, it will make for a great, entertaining fall.”

Tags: brett favre, news, vikings, football, minnesota, nfl