Why Grown Men Cry: The Brett Favre Press Conference

In the wake of a media frenzy following Brett Favre's sort-of-leaked retirement decision, the man himself flew to Green Bay last Thursday to publicly lay his football career to rest. True to character, Favre took the stage as himself—no frills, no suit, no clean shave, and no prepared statement. As a bearded Favre walked to the podium in blue jeans and an untucked button-down, no doubt there was still a sliver of hope among fans—and perhaps within Favre himself—that this was somehow not really the end. Favre sat down and tried to confidently deliver his first words, as if he could actually do so with any sort of nonchalance. "Well, I think we all know why I'm here," Favre said hurriedly. "First of all, sorry I'm late. But I am in fact retiring from the NFL and the Green Bay Packers." Then, for the next 10 minutes, the iron man of Green Bay had trouble speaking. He sobbed and choked on his words. He shook his head and buried his face in his hands. "It ... [link]