Would Brett Favre be a better QB today? The NFL ironman—responsible for a staggering 508 touchdowns and 297 consecutive games—was “the first and only NFL player to win three consecutive AP MVP awards, and winning Super Bowl XXXI”. While that’s a mighty fine record to have, the Green Bay Packers legend agrees NFL’s steadfast rule changes would’ve favored his legacy more in this day and age!

On September 2, the veteran shared a compilation video featuring his TD throws. The video showed him spotting his teammates in matchups and effortlessly launching the ball with precision to the touchdown area, where his teammate was already positioned. What’s interesting was the claim he made in his caption: “Me always going airborne. With the rules protecting the QB’s today, I’d prob do alright.”

Case in point: As per NFL’s rulebook (Rule 12 Section 2 Article 11), “A rushing defender is prohibited from committing such intimidating and punishing acts as ‘stuffing’ a passer into the ground or unnecessarily wrestling or driving him down after the passer has thrown the ball…a defensive player must not unnecessarily or violently throw him down or land on top of him with all or most of the defender’s weight.” The defender also “cannot initiate a roll or lunge and forcibly hit the passer in the knee area or below, even if he is being contacted by another player”.

Additionally, the left tackle on a team usually protects the quarterback from opposing defenders. Favre, known for his ability to evade defenders and find his teammate in the end zone, would have benefitted more if he had better protection, like today. Who can forget Arthur Moats’ infamous 2010 tackle that ended the then Minnesota Vikings QBs 19-season consecutive streak? The move that launched the “Don’t cross the Moats” catchphrase and put the Buffalo Bills player amid endless criticism would’ve garnered a huge fine today, according to many.

During the third play of the game, Moats blindsided Favre as he was about to throw a pass. Videos appear to show Moats coming up from behind and tackle Favre to the ground, with the linebacker’s full body weight on him. If fouled, the move would’ve seen a loss of 15 yards and an automatic first down or a disqualification if flagrant.

The gameplay gambler, as many call him, was (and still is) known for his passing precision. It’s as if Favre was born to be QB with an ability to throw the ball from any area of the field, from any angle, even underhandedly. For 16 consecutive season, Favre was there. He was there the day after his father passed away unexpectedly in 2003: In a clash with the Oakland Raiders, the former QB threw 399 yards and four TDs in a 41-7 win. He was there when his wife was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2004.

Favre marked his name in the league, leading the Packers to 40 game-winning comebacks during his 1992–2007 stint with the team. Furthermore, he also “led them to the best regular-season winning percentage in the NFL in this tenure.” Although he tearfully announced his retirement on March 6, 2008, if you ask whether he can still play today, Favre would likely say ‘Yes!’

Brett Favre is pretty sure about his throw!

In March 2017, Brett Favre, then 47 years old, talked to the media where he was asked if he could still play in the league if he wanted. “I could still make the throws. If they promise they won’t hit me, I’ll play,” the Hall of Famer replied.

Nevertheless, he also mentioned that following any approach from a team, he would reject that offer. And the reason? The physicality of the game! The now 54-year-old NFL star expressed, “I realized after I retired that I started feeling a little bit better.” So yes, it’s obvious that he won’t return to the gridiron after a 13-year absence from the league. But he still has the ability to make NFL-level throws like before. Do you agree with the former Green Bay Packers’ QB insight? Let us know in the comments section below.