Excuse me, I’ve got something in my eye.
Brett Favre had many a sports fan in tears during his illustrious career – mainly fans of the teams the quarterback beat on his way to the NFL record for all-time career wins.
But on Saturday he had America crying after he paid tribute to his late father, Irvin, as he was inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame.
You can see in the video clip above the former Green Bay Packers and Minnesota Vikings quarterback choke up as he fondly recalls his father and the motivation he gave him to be the best.
“If he were ever to praise me, it was always ‘you can do better.’ He was always pushing me to be better. That was OK. Never did I hear him say, ‘Son, you’ve arrived. You’re the best. That was awesome. Great game.’ It was always, ‘Yeah, but,” he said.
Irvin Favre died in December, 2003 – and a day later his son had one of his finest games for the Green Bay Packers, throwing for 399 yards and four touchdowns in a win over the Oakland Raiders.
On the way back from the game, his mother-in-law Deanna told him: “You know your dad said to me he had hoped or could not wait for the day that you’re inducted into the Hall of Fame so he could introduce you.”
“This is tougher than any third and 15, I can assure you,” Favre said as he took a moment to compose himself.
Minnesota did get a mention in the speech, with Favre admitting it wasn’t easy when he returned to Lambeau Field as a Viking (and a Falcon).
“But I thank you so much from Atlanta to Minnesota, 20 years. Make no mistake about it, I will be remembered as a Packer,” he added.
You can watch his full speech here:
