As much as the sports media loves to hate on guys like
A-Rod, there are also several guys out there that they just love to shower with affection. Derek Jeter immediately comes to mind-you would think that the guy has never made an out in his career. Curt Schilling is a pretty loved media darling, but his has taken a bit of a backlash of late. But no one comes close to resembling the disturbing obsession-barely hyperbole--that some in the media have for Brett Favre.
While it is hard to root against the guy, and while his story so far this year has been pretty amazing, it's safe to say that it has not deserved the following verbal shows of affection from the past month or so.
Thanks to the
Media Circus for keeping track of these--presumably without throwing up.
7. Chris Berman
"And you know what? I don't care whether people are Packers fans or whatever, I'll reiterate what we said, rooting for Favre is like rooting for America."
I'm going to have to disagree with him. Only in pro wrestling are guys like rooting for America. Once Favre can carry an American flag onto the field with "Real American" blasting and the crowd chanting "USA! USA!" is he like rooting for America. Plus, the bigger question becomes, which player is like rooting for the Arctic Circle?
6. Chris Berman
"I think with Brett Favre, the smile that he still has, it must have been the same kid running around in Kiln, Mississippi, it's still the same kid, except he's running around often in the cold and the snow in Green Bay thrilling everybody. Congratulations Brett!"
So the 2007 Green Bay Packer football season is a combination of Rookie of the Year and Big, set in Mississippi, and there is a guy smiling a lot in snow.
5. Terry Bradshaw
"I mean, we don't see him do a thousand commercials so when we see one like Wrangler, I say he must really like those jeans. He must wear them. It's refreshing."
Right!
4. Chris Berman
"Brett Favre is going to be 38 October 10th. October 10th should be a national holiday."
Is he suggesting to replace Columbus Day with Favre Day? I see the comparison between the two. By the way, the best way to fix national holidays would be to move President's Day to the day after the Superbowl.
3. Jay Mariotti
"The rebirth of Favre is bad news for Bears fans. But it's great news for football, sports and, when you think about it, life."
If there is anyone to speak about analogies for life, it's Mr. Jay Mariotti.
2. Bill Plaschke
"The number one site in football thus far has been Brett Favre running down the field into the arms of his receivers. It's wonderful. America loves that. This team can play. Brett Favre is back. This guy has captured America."
Only Brett Favre can both be like rooting for America and capturing America. Also, it might be a bit stretching it to say that he has "captured" America. Only about 1/3 (maximum) of the country watches the Superbowl. If every one of them were in love with Brett Favre, he would have only captured a third of America.

jorts pic courtesy of deadspin.com -- and sean salisbury's photo album
1. Chris Berman
"He's never changed. Please don't Brett. Not at this point. We know you won't."
This particular quote sounds like one that could have been thrown into that Bruce Springsteen "Secret Garden" remixed with Jerry Maguire lines, or perhaps a Full House episode-"She's never changed. Please don't Steph. Not at this point. We know you won't. Now go play with Comet."
Jason Major writes the Top 7 for JoeSportsFan. To him, rooting for Larry Johnson is like rooting for Papa New Guinea. Email him at jason@joesportsfan.com