Brett Favre is being celebrated tonight as one of eight new members of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
His career on the field, whether wearing green and gold or purple, stood out in every way. Described as arguably one of the greatest NFL quarterbacks of all-time, as well as one of the toughest, Favre always put on a high-energy show.
While everyone is looking at his football performance this weekend, let’s take a look back on one moment in his career that really defines who he is.
In 2010, when Favre was with the Vikings, he heard about 5-year-old Anderson Butzine, who had terminal brain cancer. Being from Wisconsin, Anderson, like many other youngsters from the area, called Favre his ultimate hero.
Favre was having an incredibly tough season that year. His Ironman streak of 321 consecutive starts ended. He was being investigated for his off the field behavior. His Vikings team wasn’t performing well.
However, one Friday, Favre skipped practice. Instead of taking reps, he and his wife, Deanna, traveled back to Wisconsin just to visit Anderson and his family.
The couple spent two hours with the Butzine’s, and Favre didn’t want any media attention surrounding the visit.
“Our visit wasn’t about media attention, it was about Anderson. There isn’t much to say that we haven’t already; our visit was perfect, and Brett and Deanna Favre are simply amazing,” Anderson’s mother wrote on Caringbridge.
“We want everyone to know what we’ve always believed and definitely know to be true: Brett Favre is a kind and generous man. He and Deanna are loving and sincere. When they say they pray for Anderson, I believe they really do.” (Lake Country Now)
The family put out their own video from the visit on YouTube:
