Non-Favre news … mostly

I was too broken up by Brett Favre’s retirement announcement Thursday to notice much of what else went on throughout the day. I still think he’s going to come back, but after the press conference, I feel somewhat less strongly about that opinion. He did look like someone who was just plain ready to move on with life. If that is the case more power to him. He had a fantastic career, was extremely entertaining in doing so, and he deserves most of the accolades he’s getting. He goes down, in my opinion, as not the best quarterback of all time (my vote is Joe Montana), but he’s certainly in that top echelon.

Onto other NFL news: Defensive tackle Warren Sapp officially announced his retirement as well. He’s been overrated for a few years now but certainly made an impact in his prime, helping Tampa Bay go from chump to champ. Punter Sean Landeta, who last played in 2005, hung up his single-bar facemask. And Steve Christie … think about it … yeah, the kicker from Buffalo that also hasn’t played in three seasons, also decided to hang it up, signing a one-day contract with his former team. What’s with these guys that have been out of the game forever – especially kickers – pretending anyone cares whether they have officially retired or not? I guess Landeta might deserve a little attention. After all, he’s been punting since before I was a teenager – more than two decades ago, if you count his USFL days – and doing it well. So congratulations to him for longevity. Now, just go away.

In news regarding players that will actually suit up in 2008, Javon Kearse rejoined the Tennessee Titans; Dan Morgan signed with the New Orleans Saints; and Boss “I’m no Champ” Bailey joined his brother in Denver. If any of those three can stay healthy this season they’ll likely be steals for their new teams.

Morgan sets the standard for injured players, having missed 53 of 112 games during his seven year career. Kearse has missed 33 of 144, though he’s been out half of the last two seasons. Bailey has been reasonably healthy the last two seasons, missing one game in 2007 and six of 64 during his four years in the league.

Kearse was quoted somewhere saying he’s healthier than he has been in several years. If that’s the case the Titans should really be winners. ProFootballTalk.com reports that his deal is for two-years, $6 million, with a $1.3 million signing bonus. On good wheels Kearse could earn that in a half.

The renegade website also cites multiple reports in announcing that tight end Ben Troupe landed in Tampa Bay, Anthony Becht moved to St. Louis, Philadelphia cut Takeo Spikes, Maurice Williams stayed in Jacksonville, and Suzy Kolber had a baby girl named Kellyn. Congratulations to Kolber. And kudos to her for not naming the child Brett or Favre.