Brett Favre’s streak is over at 297. A look back at the Streak that was, and how things have changed since September 27, 1992, when a wide eyed second year player started this historic, likely unbreakable run

SCOTT JACOBS

Well that’s it. Brett Favre’s starting streak is over. Declared inactive for tonight’s game against the Giants, Number Four’s magical, mesmerizing starting streak which began way back in good ole 1992 was pronounced dead tonight at approximately 6:30 p.m. eastern time. The streak was 297.

The streak has endured a lot. From Favre’s father passing away the day before a Monday Night game in Oakland to a pair of retirements and a pair of comebacks, Favre has played through more pain (both physical and emotional) than I could ever imagine.  The longevity of his streak (19 years) is one of the most impressive in sports and the next closest competitor to the streak is Peyton Manning, who has six years plus to match it.

Favre has broken records, hearts, and got America to fall in and out of love with him all over again during this nearly two decade streak. Tarvaris Jackson will get the start as Favre, adorned in a purple Vikings winter cap and long sleeve shirt sits it out. And when they ask 10 years from now, where Favre’s streak ended, it won’t be Minnesota (despite the fact that it’s a Vikings home game). It will be Ford Field in Detroit. It’s an odd place for a historic streak to end. Would have liked to see the reaction Minnesota fans would have given him had it been at the Metrodome, but I guess it’s kind of fitting given the weird season Minnesota’s had.

Since being anointed starter of the Packers on September 27, 1992 Favre had  never missed a start. His streak took him to 46 different stadiums as he collected 186 wins along the way.

Favre’s streak will end tonight. On December 13, 2010. Just let that sink in for a second. So much has changed since September 27, 1992. Let’s take a look.

The first web browswer (Mosaic) wasn’t even invented until 1993.

> The Jacksonville Jaguars (‘95), Carolina Panthers (‘95), Cleveland Browns (`99), and Houston Texans (‘02) weren’t in existence.

> Tom Brady was 15 years old and in high school.

> The Buffalo Bills were in the middle of their unprecedented four year reign over the AFC and were clearly the best team in the conference (they currently have the worst record in the AFC).

> Sam Bradford was four years old.

> In 1992 the average gas price was $1.50.

> Humpin’ Around by Bobby Brown was number 1 on the U.S. R&B Chart. Billy Ray Cyrus was relevant.

> Unforgiven won best picture in 1992.

> George H. Bush, Bill Clinton, and Ross Perot were in a three man race for President of the U.S. (Clinton won).

So in honor of Favre’s streak and the End of an Era (he could possibly even be put on injured reserve for the rest of the year) we bring you an interview from September 20, 1992, a week before this historic streak began. A few gray hairs later, his streak is over. At 297.

Photo: Reuters

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