Saturday was Brett Favre's first time back at Lambeau Field since his emotional retirement press conference, as he came to introduce former teammate Frank Winters for his induction into the Packers Hall of Fame. Favre’s retirement and relationship with the team was obviously on everyone's minds, but those involved made it very clear it was something they weren't going to talk about.
"All I know is this is about Gilbert Brown, Frank Winters, and Al Treml”, said former Packers defense lineman Gilbert Brown, one of the day’s three inductees. “That's all I care about. The guys that are going in"
Even Favre himself took the familiar podium, but went right to task talking about Winters. He spoke for about 3 minutes, and didn’t take any questions from the media. "I was honored when he asked me to do this, as well as being here with Gilbert and Al”, Favre said. He went on to say his only words of the day about the Packers organization. “That's the thing about Green Bay. It's a special place. There's a lot of tradition. You think of the Packers, you think of the great names, and to be a part of that, I know Frank feels honored, it's a special thing. I'm happy he asked me to be here."
Winters also refused to give his thoughts about Favre’s current relationship with the team, but said he was sure Brett would be there to introduce him. "There were a lot of people around the NFL and the United States probably thinking Brett wouldn't show up”, Winters said. But I knew deep down inside he would. He told me he would be here."
Brett's two former teammates being inducted made one thing very clear: their loyalty to the Green and Gold. “I put my body on the line for this team”, said Brown. “I couldn't fathom myself with another logo on the side of my helmet. I walked down the hallway with all the banners, and my knees were shaking, and the hair on the back of my neck standing up. That’s what this team means to me.
Brown, Winters, and former Packers videographer Al Treml are being inducted into the Hall of Fame. Also on hand to introduce the former team members were former Packers defensive lineman Santana Dotson, and former Packers quarterback Bart Starr.