08/07 — By the time I dragged myself to bed this morning, it was 4 a.m. EDT. After a flurry of email exchanges with Randy, the 1:15 conference call with Mike Tannenbaum and some writing and editing, I was wide awake.

I couldn’t get the thought out of my mind that the Jets had just gotten Brett Favre. All the speculation in the world never prepares you for the reality of the moment. Nobody knows what the future holds, but this is a historic day for the organization.

Now as the afternoon slowly ticks away, I’m at my desk on the second floor of the Weeb. I just walked downstairs because a couple of the guys remaining in the building (most everyone including Randy is in Cleveland) had told me Chad Pennington was back, packing up his belongings.

Like so many times before, I walked to his locker. I didn’t want an interview, just wanted to thank the man who’s been so good to me and others here throughout his nine years here. He was polite, intelligent, friendly, funny, and the guy cared about the community. In short, he was a pro.

But Penny was gone when I got to the familiar spot as someone said he already moved to the dorms. The NFL is all about change and CP will surely land on his feet somewhere. 

Most Jets fans aren’t on their feet today though. When your team acquires one of the most decorated passer in NFL history, there is reason for excitement. Shuffling through the papers and websites today, I wanted to share with you some of the opinions being floated around.

Steve Serby, New York Post

“But Broadway Brett Favre gives the Jets the kind of arm, the kind of presence, the kind of credibility and the kind of hope that Joe Namath gave them 40 long years ago. He gives the Jets their biggest star since Namath, gives the Jets their best chance to overcome Bill Belichick and Tom Brady, makes them a legitimate Super Bowl contender.”

Mike Lupica, New York Daily News

“What Favre does is make the Jets a team to watch again, and that is enough for now.

Somehow, and against the odds, because these are the Jets, it worked out this way Wednesday night: He's 4 New York.”

Warren Sapp, NFL Network Analyst

“He is in the conversation with the greatest that ever played the game. Can he elevate his game when he goes to the Jets and put himself into playoff contention? We’re going to see.”

Judy Battista, New York Times

“The appeal of Favre is obvious: he had a turn-back-the-clock season last year, leading the Packers to the National Football Conference championship game. His arrival likely makes the Jets a viable American Football Conference wild-card team. Even at 38, he is remarkably durable, having started 253 consecutive games.”

Mike Vaccaro, New York Post

“For too long, Jets fans have waited for something this bold, this exciting, this off-the-hook and over-the-top. Good for the Jets. Good for New York. And good for Favre.”

Gary Myers, New York Daily News

“It was a terrific move for the Jets, one they had to make."

Peter King, CNNSI.com
“They'll be the toast of the biggest city in the world for pulling off this deal, on the heels of spending $49.1 million this offseason on bonuses for four veterans expected to kick-start a 4-12 team.

“And for Favre, he'll have to get used to life in New Jersey -- the Jets are moving their practice facility from Long Island to Florham Park, N.J. late this month -- and he'll have to get used to new teammates. "I like their receivers, [Laveranues] Coles and [Jerricho] Cotchery,'' he told me 11 days ago. "I think they've added a lot in free-agency. They're not a bad team.''

William C. Rhoden, The New York Times

“Not only is Favre one of the greatest quarterbacks in N.F.L. history, he is one of the most exciting to watch. Excitement sells, and in light of what the Jets are about to do to their season-ticket holders, excitement is a valuable commodity.

“Will he be good for the Jets as a team? We’ll see.”

Rich Cimini, New York Daily News

“The Jets have pulled off their greatest quarterback coup since luring Joe Namath to the AFL when he left Alabama in 1965.”

Mark Cannizzaro, New York Post

“It's a move that completely alters the face of the Jets franchise and immediately has a chance to make the 2008 season something special. The move gives the Jets their most iconic player since the days of Joe Namath.”

Matt Williamson, ESPN.com

“Brett Favre instantly gives the Jets a vertical passing game they've been lacking for years.”

“There is an awful lot to like about this trade from the Jets' perspective. New England is still the best team in the AFC East, but New York should make a very strong push for a wild-card spot with Favre at the helm.”

Favre Merchandise Note: 

Favre replica jerseys, authentic jerseys and name and # T's are going to be available at 11AM Friday at the Jets Shop Tent at Training Camp. Jerseys are available on-line at Jets Shop.com or by calling 1-877-747-JETS.

The Jets Shop Tent will also be open Saturday from 8AM - 8PM and Sunday from 8AM - 8PM.