NFL- Favre calm in upcoming Vikings - Packers showdown

Brett Favre is facing a new challenge this week: returning to Green Bay but this time, wearing a purple and white shirt. Favre, and the rest of the Minnesota Vikings, will be facing the Packers at Lambeau Field on Sunday. His return to the field, where he played for 16 phenomenal seasons, is expected to be marked by a very cold reception from Packers fans, who are waiting to avenge a prior loss to the Vikings. Last time Favre faced his former team – in the preseason at the Metrodome – the quarterback expressed feelings of anxiety. His nervousness made him wonder if he was, to use his words, “losing it.” But this time is different. Favre said that he does not feel nervous – although it seems unlikely that the quarterback would acknowledge a nervous breakdown right before the big event. Favre suggested that his reception would be a mixed one, a hot and cold combination of boos and cheers. He’s already been to the locker room at Lambeau for photo shoots, and has experienced booing in a handful of games. Favre may very well experience sweaty palms as he takes to the field Sunday afternoon. But he might do well to remember that not all the ruckus will concern him; with such an important game, fans are going to be at their loudest to express their support. Favre’s major concern, he claims, is not the fans or the boos at the stadium; instead, he is concentrating on the NFC North race between the Vikings and the Packers. In a news conference, he arrived looking tired and more than a little stressed, but he managed to relax and kid with his interviewees. “To me, being able to focus, being relaxed, kind of seeing things clearly as they’re happening, is a much better and more productive way to play,” Favre said. “Being nervous and having anxiety and things like that, I don’t think can be a plus when you’re in a decision-making role.” Favre was throwing for three touchdowns and 271 yards in a 30-23 win against the Packers at the Metrodome during Monday night football on October 5. He had a great game, demonstrating to his former team (which refused to re-sign him after his first failed retirement) that he is still in great shape. Favre left the Packers two years ago. After the team refused to resign him, Favre joined the Jets, with whom he experienced a disappointing 9-7 season. In February, after a second retirement, Favre underwent surgery to repair a torn bicep tendon that had plagued him throughout the season, leading to his 2 touchdown, 9 interception games and 4 of 5 losses after the Jets’ 8-3 start in 2008. But, when Vikings coach Brad Childress gave the call with an ultimatum in August, Favre came out of retirement and joined Minnesota. "I'm glad the first game is over and done with," Favre said of the Vikings’ first match against the Packers this season. "My career with Green Bay speaks for itself. And the games I've played in Lambeau Field, it's a special place. That won't change.”