Brittany Favre: Daughter of One of NFL’s Best
October 24, 2009 by BrownEyedGirl
Filed under Interviews, Sports
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Recently, I had the pleasure of interviewing Brittany Favre, the daughter of famous NFL Quarterback Brett Favre. Brittany, a junior at the College of Charleston, took the time out of her busy schedule to talk to us an answer a few questions. She reflected on her Dad and his journey through the NFL along with his comeback.
How was your childhood growing up with your dad in the NFL? Was it hard or for the most part easy? My parents started dating in 7th grade, but didn’t actually get married until i was 7 or so. But since then, it’s been lots of fun but hectic at times. Lots of ups and downs but I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
When your father signed with the Jets what were some of the issues you and your family had to deal with? There was a lot of dishonesty circulating in the media. People were asking us about these untruths they had heard and we were so blown away but how twisted everything ended up being. It got to the point where we stopped talking about it because it felt like no one was listening. But now things have worked out in our favor, and the way I see it, you can’t go wrong if you’re honest at all times. Dad had expressed some of his concerns years before the media broke the story, it just happened to look a lot different to the audience. Thank goodness people are finally starting to see the truth behind a lot of the drama.
Your family has been subjected to the media a lot but do you ever get harassed by the media? I have before, but I’ve tried to separate my life from that life. Once, I was on my way home from a high school volleyball game and a reporter was waiting in the parking lot for our bus to drive up. Other than that, they mostly go for my parents and dad’s agent.
Did you play a role in your father coming back to the NFL? Well I would say that I played a role in his return. I wanted him to play. He’s still great, what’s the point in wasting all that talent? Not to mention, football is a game. Although some have turned it into a business, there’s still a few special people in the league that realize its a game and my dad is one of those. He deserves to be there.
What has been the greatest experience of your life so far? Most people would say the Super Bowl, but I was too young to be at all interested. I would say the greatest moments are now. My dad went through so much drama in the past and now he’s 6-0 having the time of his life. He’s having fun again and that’s what it’s all about. People that really know him, know that “revenge” is not a factor. If anything, his young spirit just loves the fact that he just made that rivalry more interesting.
Did you ever play sports during your time in high school? Growing up I played soccer and softball, and in high school I played volleyball and basketball. So yeah, everything at my house revolves around competition.
When people at school find out that your dad is Brett Favre, how do they react? I’m in my 3rd year of college so most people know by now. Whether they’ve met me or not, they know I’m around campus. It’s either a super positive or super negative reaction. I’ve had people say the meanest, nastiest things because of my dad. It’s sad really, they don’t see him as a person, they see him as a guy they love to hate. So when they say they hate HIM, I know they mean they hate his success against their favorite team. But I’ve also had people nearly in tears because they love him so much so it varies a lot.
Do you have a hero? If so, why is it this person? I don’t really think I have a hero. Everyone is supposed to, I guess, but I would rather focus on blazing my own path than following the path of someone else. Not to say I’m jaded, but I don’t want to mimic someone else. However, I do admire tons of people. Too many to name actually, but I always admire those people that have been through hell and back and don’t feel the need to talk about it. It’s those people that are looking for sympathy that get on my nerves.
Although its very far away. What are your plans after you graduate from college? It’s not too far actually. I will probably stick with journalism. I interned with a Time Warner magazine in New York this summer and I loved the experience. I could see myself somewhere in there, possibly writing. The worst part about it is I will probably stay close to home. I never understood those people that stay home and now I can’t imagine being far away. I love the south, I couldn’t leave.
You and your family have gone through some very rough times such as your grandfathers death, your mothers breast cancer and your uncles fatal accident. How did you and your family overcome it? When your family goes from dirt poor living in south Mississippi to the top of the world, pretty much overnight, you learn how to stick together and you remember what’s important. We’ve never forgotten the importance of family. Yeah, we have regrets about not spending enough time with the people we lost, but it is never a secret between any people in our family how much we love each other. You have to roll with the punches. Feeling sorry for yourself just makes it worse and I know I don’t have time for a pity party.
What made you decide to go to the College of Charleston? If you’ve ever been to Charleston, it’s pretty obvious. It’s beautiful and the school is just small enough that I wasn’t overwhelmed. It’s easy to fit in here, I’m glad I chose Charleston.
You were obviously a lot younger when your father played the famous game against the Oakland Raiders just one day after your grandfather died, and played one of the best and most emotional games of his career. What do you remember from that game? What did he say to you? I think I was in 9th grade. It was tough, but I didn’t actually go to the game. I stayed with the family of the back-up quarterback at the time while my mom went. I actually got the phone call from the hospital so it was really scary being home alone and waiting on someone to tell me what was going on. Dad knew he had to play. Poppy was really tough on my dad and I don’t think dad ever felt like he should sit this one out. That’s not how he was raised. Dad wanted to do what would make him proud and Poppy would’ve wanted him to get up and play. It was an emotional time, and divine intervention if I’ve ever seen it.
How did you feel seeing your father’s press conference when he retired from the Green Bay Packers. Did you think it was going to be that hard for him to do? I knew it was going to be hard because what a lot of people didn’t realize at the time was that there was a lot of pressure for him to do so. People deny it, but drafting a quarterback isn’t exactly welcoming for a veteran. He was being worked out of the picture and he knew that. That year he brought the packers to the NFC championship game that came down to the wire. It was emotional for him because he knew he wasn’t ready to retire. He was right about the fact that he didn’t have much to give, because he was tired of feeling like the organization was waiting to pull the plug. It was a tough time, even before he retired. I’m so happy he came out of that situation without ever losing his character.
Brett Favre seems like a very funny man and a big jokester. What was one of the funniest experience you and him had together? Dad loves to embarrass me. A really embarrassing story that will also tell you a lot about who Brett Favre really is, is the story of his old truck. He used to drive me to school in middle school in his chevy pick up truck. There are several speed bumps in the carpool line that are fairly easy to handle in a car of any size. However, my father’s muffler had fallen off the day before. This man, who has been to 2 Super Bowls, numerous pro bowls, MVP 3 times, etc, decides that instead of getting it fixed and paying the extra money, he should chain it to his bumper. So those speed bumps caused tons of sparks every time it would hit the chained muffler and every one stared. It was extremely humiliating, because by the time we got to the front of the line, everyone was trying to figure out why my dad’s truck was making loud clanking noises and sparking every few feet. I don’t know many pro athletes that would drive around in a banged up Chevy that he rigged himself.
If there was one thing that you could change from your life so far what would it be and why? Probably that I distanced myself from my parents during those awkward teen years. I know everyone does it at some point, but my parents are the coolest, it was so unnecessary.
What was your favorite and least favorite parts of being the daughter of an NFL QB? What will you miss the most? Favorite part would be the free stuff from endorsements and deals and whatnot. Least favorite would be the constant judgment of my dad when he is just trying to play the game. He really doesn’t care about the glam. He spends his entire offseason in a cut-off shirt working on our land, and he gets called a diva. It’s sad how misled people can be.
Your father decided to come back out of retirement again to play for the Minnesota Vikings. Were you shocked when he told you he would come out and play again? What were your thoughts on that? I was so excited. He deserves to play. It shouldn’t be left up to a few guys trying to get rid of him. When he wants to quit, he’ll tell us. The best part is, the entire truth will come out one day and all of those people that called him a traitor will realize exactly what he went through. The truth always comes out and my dad is finally respected for all of the hard work he has put in. Sadly, the 16+ years of hard work (he dedicated his entire life, since he was my age) he put into one organization was forgotten about under new management. He can still play and I’m so proud of him. He doesn’t have to prove himself to anyone.
Currently, Brett Favre is having one of the best seasons is his career with the Vikings. Brittany must really enjoy what her father is doing along with the rest of the family. We want to thank Brittany Favre for the interview and wish her the best of luck in the future!
Note- All interviews are done through Facebook/Myspace/Email/Text/Call/Etc. All people are REAL. No fakes here!
Thanks to the Daily News for the photo.
VERY good interview. My wife Rachel and I have had the pleasure of meeting Deanna and Brett a few times at various events in the Milwaukee Area and I can say they are VERY kind, classy folks. Brittney has some very special parents there. As she says, thetruth about what occurred in Green Bay will someday come out but that’s for another time and place.
I so appreciate what you have to say, Brittany. Enjoying your Dad play football saw me through both my parents deaths and a lot of other hard times.You family is a joy. I could not imagine what was in people’s minds when they called your dad a diva. Nothing could be further from the truth. I was born a packer fan, but when I see your Dad smiling and laughing on the Vikings sidelines, and I am so happy for him. And I love it when they show your Mom and sometimes you girls watching. I think he plays a little better when you are there! Thanks so much for sharing. You will be a great writer.
Nice interview…
I loved the article Brittany and i love all of your family.I think you are all so wonderful!! I miss you all dearly in Green Bay. I wish you all the best of luck and i love the Hope Foundation and Brett fourward foundation and deannas book i read it all the time because its sooo inspirational!! Good luck Brittany!!
JennyL
Very well said, it’s nice to hear what the family is really thinking about the packer situation. It has been a pleasure getting to know your family the past 16 + years. Kind of crazy but we kind of watched you and your dad grow up in some way. Best of luck too you Brittany and good health to you all! But I want the pack to kick Mr.Noodle(aka)Chilly and the vikings ass this week! Look forward to the day that I can watch # 4 get put up next to Reggie, Ray, and the rest of the guys he belongs with. God Bless!
Tim
Brittany does seem like a very good person and as a Packers fan I loved the Favres for 16 years. However, if the Favre family wants to know why a lot of people are upset with Brett’s actions/words, let me provide the following from the transcript of Brett’s 3/6/08 press conference retiring from the Packers:
“I know there’s been comments and issues in the press lately about why I’m leaving, whether or not the Packers did enough, whether or not Ted and Mike tried to convince me to stay. None of those things have anything to do with me retiring, and that’s from the heart.”
After reading Brittany’s answer to the question about the press conference, I ask what really is the truth???
I don’t think anyone can blame her for sticking by her old man, even if there are some parts of her answers that don’t really jibe together. We are talking about her father, after all, and any one of us would bias our answers the exact same way if we were in her shoes. It’s unfortunate that his family gets caught in the middle of this, and it must get annoyingly personal for them sometimes. Part of being the daughter of a famous person, I guess, but I can only cringe when I think of what they must put up with from… well… people like me.
I don’t think, Todd, that it’s really relevent to use Favre’s quotes to the media in any of these discussions anymore. He’s said a lot of things to the media, many of which are conflicting. I think we just need to realize that he’s tried to use the media to take pressure off his family. (I suspect that a lot of his “no, really, I’m retired” comments that get leaked to the media are really just his way to keep them from pestering his family)
Like I said, there’s a lot about what Brittany is saying about her dad’s situation that just doesn’t add up to me. I do find it interesting that Favre may have actually felt pushed out simply by the fact that they drafted Rodgers. This isn’t the place to comment on it further… but I can’t help but think about it.
Good interview. Seems like young Miss Favre has a good head on her shoulders, and its a shame that Brett’s family has to get caught up in all of this.
Brittany sounds like a lovely young lady with many wonderful aspirations. I have no doubt she’ll be a successful adult in both her career and personal life. I so envy how Deanna and Brett were young parents, with little money, yet made their way and raised such a lovely daughter (now two lovely daughters). Many in that position would not have made it. Deanne endured a lot with Brett, as well as health and family tradegy. Her strength is a true inspiration.
I think what rests uneasily in the eyes of Packer fans is that we used to look at Brett as a “what you see is what you get” kind of guy. He was never about the glam or the money. That was so refreshing to see. However, in light of the things that have recently occurred, “the truth” hasn’t been what we’ve seen from Brett. He spoke words that have since been “not so accurate”. Perhaps the Packers did move in a different direction, but Aaron Rodgers patiently waited during the sunset years of Favre’s career. When Brett waltzed into Green Bay in the 11th hour (August) and expected Green Bay to just allow him to dictate the direction of the team’s most important position, that was arrogant at best. What about Packer management’s integrity? They made a promise to Rodgers, as well as to the team as to their new direction. I commend them for sticking to their word. How would that bode with our future QB if they really didn’t do as they said they would? Many of us cannot be sold on the fact that Ted Thompson MADE Brett get up on that podium and cry during his retirement speech on 3/4/08. Following that speech, he had second thoughts in which Green Bay catered to him AGAIN (end of March ’08). Again, after thinking things through for a few days, he said he would remained retired. He then retired from the Jets, yet asked for a “release” … why? Oh, when he was asked that question recently he said “that’s not important” and never answered. Again, on 7/28/09, he told Minnesota he would remain “retired”, but that was also a farse to get out of training camp. On that same day that he told MN he would remain retired, it hit the news that he sent his Xrays to the team. Whoa, so it’s so surprise on why no one can really believe a word he says … no matter who he is.
Yes, he gave Green Bay 16 wonderful years of service … but is anyone forgetting how wonderful the state of Wisconsin was to Brett, his family and his foundations? We embraced him in a way that no team has ever embraced a player and his family. His words of “if I can’t play for you, then let me play against you” are very telling. I don’t believe for one minute that this was not a well-calculated plan going all the way back to last summer (’08) to become a member of the Vikings. That is what he started talking to Bevell, which is illegal when you’re a member yet of the Packers. Tampering is hard to prove, but the conversations happened. That smells “revenge” from the word “GO”. I agree he still loves the game, but his words were “I know I can play, but I just don’t think I want to” then really don’t apply … or do they?
“When he wants to quit, he’ll tell us.”
He did. More than once.
So the Packers aren’t allowed to move on, even after he tells them he’s done?
Yeah, appearantly we’re supposed to answer to his beck and call at his choosing. Anything less is “disrespectful” and pushes Favre away…
Wasn’t Favre still “deciding” on whether to retire during the 2005 draft when the Packers took Rodgers? He was doing that during a lot of drafts and free agency periods starting in 2004 or so. What are we supposed to do? Sit around and wait, and be grateful for doing so? (By the way, when people refer to Brett as a “diva”, this is the kind of thing we’re talking about. No one is saying he’s like Whitney Houston or some hollywood tart throwing a cappucino at her assistant because its too foamy. We’re just saying he acts like the team revolves around him. See also: his seperate locker room) The GM’s gotta be able to do his job and, as far as Brett is concerned, he did.
Like I said, I don’t blame Favre’s family for standing by him. That’s just a family standing together. But are the rest of us really going to believe any hogwash that “the truth” is going to somehow make Favre look innocent? There’s too many facts here that just don’t add up.
Didn’t Brett say “not nice things” on the Greta Van Susteren show? This is an odd interview. Obviously, she is Brett’s daughter, and she should stick up for him, but the old “rosey colored glasses” are in full-effect.
Britney has a lot to learn about journalism. She stated on her twitter account after someone made a negative comment about her DAD, “I learned when I was 5, if you have nothing nice to say then dont say anything at all.” She obviously did not learn this from her DAD. Brett has ripped the packers in the media specifically on Greta’s show. Afterwards she deleted her twitter account. She better grow some balls because if she can’t deal with critcism and be unbiased, journalism is not for her.
Nice double standard Brittney.
As you can see we packer fans don’t forget. As I read Brittany’s interview numerous past qoutes from her old man come to mind, many of which have been accuratly recalled by the listed posts. Brittany says you can’t go wrong with honesty. As has been written, what made Favre so endearing was his purported authenticity, someone different than the average high paid jock. I recall an interview when Brett said, “when I’m done I’m done” “I don’t see myself ever being with another team” ” I saw Emmit Smith go to the Cardinals but to me, he’ll always be a Cowboy, I don’t want to do that” “I want to be the guy they talk about and say, he probably had a couple good years left in him, not the guy they say should have retired two years ago”. This is what your Dad said Brittany! His actions seem to run counter to the word “honesty”. I will conclude by saying if Brett would have stayed with the Packers and not have been such a waffling cry baby they probably would have renamed the state of wisconsin to WisFavrescin. He didn’t. He now wears a different color jersey, one of a divisional opponent! That was really dumb Brett. You will see how dumb it was when you enter Lambeau field this weekend and are booed right back to Minnesota, or New York, or Mississippi, or wearever your gypsi ass will go next!
I have to really shake my head when I hear “I think ‘the truth’ will come out eventually” … THE TRUTH as opposed to all the lies he’s already told. What happened to his voice mail to Peter King of ESPN that said that no one should believe that Green Bay pushed him out the door (right after his March ’08 retirement)? Peter King was just baffled after that. Now it’s Brett’s “ace in the hole” excuse he can fall back upon when things aren’t said quite the way he’d like them to said. Sometimes the truth hurts. If “the truth” actually exists, what is he waiting for???? So he can write a tell-all book when he’s no longer getting his much-loved attention anymore? What makes us think we’d actually believe that too???? I’m sorry, but his character has been questionable at best.
I’ve got no bone to pick with Brittany Favre, the person, the student, the daughter of a famous athlete.
But her comment “that year he brought the packers to the NFC championship game that came down to the wire” is so ridiculous and offensive to the nature and core of the very best TEAM sport ever devised, it must be refuted and shot down by anyone who loves football more than heroes, teamwork over ego.
I adored her Dad when he played for my team, the Packers. And I’m positively THRILLED Ted Thompson made the difficult decision to say “no thanks” after yet another off-season of waffling and indecision.
As for me and my daughter, we’ll be cheering for the ultimate team playing the ultimate team sport this Sunday… Go Pack Go.
some of you jsut don’t get it do you, and are so stubbornly blind. Ask yourself, if you knew for a FACT, that Brett was pressured to retire, if for some reason you heard directly from Thompson and McCarthy that they wanted Brett to retire no matter what he wanted. If you knew this, is Brett still a diva? The problem with my question is, this has not been revealed or proven yet, only deduced by some people. Brett’s daughter is leaking a teaser towards this conclusion but the whole story can’t be revealed until Brett is done. so until we hear both sides of the story, hold back on some of your harsh words until you know the truth.
I wanna sniff Brittany’s feet so badly! I would buy her socks! As long as there crusty from dried feet sweat. OOOoo. Sniff Sniff.
Steve says: Ask yourself, if you knew for a FACT, that Brett was pressured to retire, if for some reason you heard directly from Thompson and McCarthy that they wanted Brett to retire no matter what he wanted. If you knew this, is Brett still a diva?
I always thought Brent(snicker) was honest and told the truth. I vividly remember him during his crying retirement (the first one) saying Ted Thompson and the Packers had nothing to do with his retirement. So the real truth is Favre lies.
Nice to see the daughter is as delusional as the rest of the family.
This issue was waaaay bigger than did they pressure him to retire? The issue was what Favre discussed with Greta.
He tried to pull for Steve Mariucci getting the head coaching job over McCarthy. They won a SB together and remained close friends. He was lied to. Strike ONE
He pulled for Randy Moss offering part of his salary. Ted Thompson said he knew nothing of this….wanna know how he lied? THEY SHARE THE SAME AGENT. Brett and Randy both knew what was going on.
Strike TWO
Ron wolf made a HUGE name for himself with Brett Favre. Ted Thompson is just trying to do the same thing with Aaron.
It’s Business!!!
Oh I have something interesting to add..why do the packers have former U.S. press secretary on payroll, oddly since the Favre scandal came to the media?
I think he was trying to protect his family. How many times have you changed your mind? He is doing what he wants to do. Call him a diva or whatever, but nobody said anything with DON HUTSON retired 4 times throughout his career. oh and your beloved Reggie white…he finished with the Panthers after first retiring.
do some research before you sound any more ignorant. Thankfully you’re protected by the anonymity of this site, it’s embarrassing.
As for Brittney’s journalism career…if you think journalism is about ripping people to shreds, I feel sorry for you.
I just dont even see how people are still talking about this. the guy went to another team…doesn’t that happen all the time?
Would you want to play for a guy like Thompson? Here’s his track record with Favre…
I don’t blame him for leaving that organization in the dust. That’s why they’re struggling and well…he isn’t.
Nice frank –
Faver tried to get mariucci as coach – Now favre is a GM
Faver tried to get randy moss = Now favre is a BM
Packers hire flescher – Yes- as Favre cotinually went to media to bash GB
Would just sit back?
He was trying to protect his family – Too ridiculous of a comment to even respond
Others retired – Yes, but the others did not purposely go to vikes. going to the hated rival did more than stick it to ted, he rubbed the fans nose in the dirt along the way.
Brittney- once again, double standard. dont say media rips people and then rip the media and the packers.
he was acting like a GM and BM. he’s been there longer than any one of those guys. Maybe ted should’ve listened to them. And it’s funny you think his side of the story is “bashing”
Not to mention “purposely went to the vikings”
hmm…so he was supposed to stay and be backup to aaron rogers when he OBVIOUSLY had years left.It appears to me that the ONLY people who didn’t want Favre around were the Pack Management…But I guess the rest of the teams knocking on his door and the one he has won EIGHT of NINE games with are wrong too?
Packers and their fans are delusional. DO yourselves a favor, admit you made a mistake, and tell aaron to stop holding on to the ball too long, he looks like an idiot.
13-3..Favre gets the boot because they required that he make his decision by MARCH. that’s absurd.
They had the same team last year…Does anyone remember how they finished? I don’t even remember.
Did anyone see the two games against the vikings this year? I think Brett Favre beat them..and at Lambeau.. still don’t think you made a mistake?? Aaron has the same team…Brett came into the game late…
Pretty pathetic huh?
Brett is gonna do well this season (or continue to do so) and sit back on his ranch in mississippi with his 3 MVPS and SB ring while the packers do..what was it DONALD DRIVER said last week??…”Look for jobs.”
Packers blew it.
What a cool young woman….and how right she is about the foolish management in GB that let her Dad go. Some of us are among those who cheered for him in Lambeau and wish him and his family all the best. He was made to feel unwelcome…….but I wish he would have made them keep him. Hopefully now we can get rid of TT and MM. Brett will also be part Packer at heart.
Does anyone remember how they finished? Yes – He threw an interception to lose the NFC championship.
And YES – he purposely went to the Vikings. Why did he retire with the Jets and then immediately set things up with the Vikings. he considered no other teams/
Shoelss is clueless but good attempt. Obviously, management is not a realm of expertise…maybe you should team with Ted:):)
I’m waiting for the book!
Well, Brett and the Vikings lost tonight to the Saints, but it was a heck of a game! Mistakes were made, by BOTH teams and SEVERAL players, but Brett sure looked like a trooper and that he still can play!
I live in the NW suburbs of Chicago and am a Bears fan, but I’ve always loved to see Farve play. It’s been hard to lose to him (and win too, I actually wish we’d lost that last game so the Vikes would’ve had home field). Let it go my GB friends and rivals. You had a HUGE part of football history with Brett. Get over it! GB and the Bears only play MN twice a year. Don’t blame not being conference champs on that, there’s 14 other games…hey you and we need to be BETTER, not GB as much obviously, since YOU at least made the playoffs, had a winning record, etc ;^)
It’s a GAME, not a LIFE! I hope Brett comes back for at least one more year and WINS a Super Bowl for the Vikings (Vikqueens, Dykequeens, etc.)finally! When da Bears are sucking bad, I revert to pulling for GB next, third is MN, heck I’d even like to see the Lions go and win the Big One someday! Tampa Bay never belonged in the Central, now the North is the old Black and Blue Division again. That’s why I’ll always pull for one of those teams if my beloved and laughable Bears are stiking up the joint.
I thought she was very well spoken. She conveyed very good points. The only thing that bothered me is what she said about people wanting sympathy. For a girl to have a blessed a life as Brittany, being born with a golden spoon in her mouth, I would hope for some compassion for people who have less than her. I could never imagine Prince William saying that he does not want to hear people’s sob stories. I think that is a testament to how Princess Diana’s children were raised. Deanna and Brett are both wonderful people, but Brittany, have some compassion for the people around you.
I love the interview! Brittany seems like a great young woman with some good ideas for the future. I hope she really does become a writer. I enjoyed reading her perspectives about her dad. I am a HUGE Brett Favre fan, and was heartbroken when they lost to the Saints on Sunday. I hope, hope, hope that he comes back for a twentieth season. How cool to have such a long and glorious career doing what he loves to do. As someone once said, “If you love what you do, you never have to work.” She made some incredibly insightful comments about football being a game, not a business, and how so many people forget that. I admire anyone who loves their life’s work as much as Brett does, and I can see his daughter following in his footsteps on her own chosen path. He may be forty, but he definitely hasn’t lost his brilliant talent on the football field. Go Brittany and Brett!
Great Interview!
Think a lot of NFL players or athletes in general that feel a desire to live like high rollers could learn a little something.
Love of the Game 2 Business of the Game 0