Brett Favre has never been one to back down from a tough conversation, but the Hall of Fame quarterback now finds himself at the center of an unexpected controversy, one that he believes was a setup.
Favre recently addressed his now-viral exchange with former New York Jets pass rusher Mark Gastineau regarding the all-time single-season sack record, claiming the interaction was unfairly staged by ESPN and NFL Films. The tense moment took place during a taping for an upcoming documentary, where Gastineau confronted Favre over his decision to slide on the final play of the 2001 season, allowing Michael Strahan to secure his record-breaking 22.5th sack.
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In Favre‘s view, the entire situation was manipulated to create drama. “I feel like I was set up,” the Green Bay Packers legend said. “I was under the impression that it was just a conversation, not an ambush.”
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Gastineau, who held the record for nearly two decades before Strahan‘s controversial sack, expressed frustration over what he sees as a blemish on NFL history. “It shouldn’t have happened that way,” Gastineau reportedly told Favre.
Favre, however, stands by his actions, insisting that his play wasn’t premeditated. “I wasn’t thinking about records- I was thinking about getting out of there in one piece,” he explained.
Now, the debate over Strahan‘s record has resurfaced, with some fans questioning its legitimacy. Favre, meanwhile, feels wronged by how the encounter was presented, adding yet another layer to one of the NFL‘s most debated moments.
Whether it was a setup or not, one thing is certain – this clash has reignited a decades-old controversy that refuses to fade away.
Not all doom and gloom for Favre
The former NFL legend is not unhappy about everything lately, however. He is a long time friend of president Donald Trump, often appearing at his rallies or plays golf with him. When he returned to power, he rejoiced.
“I just want to congratulate President @realDonaldTrump on taking office today,” Favre posted to X.com, formerly Twitter, on January 20. “He’s been a good friend.
“And I think he will help mend fences and turn the country around – not just for some people, but everyone. God bless America.”