I'm a firm believer in the idea of special people getting special treatment.
I think if Hank Aaron wanted to take a day game off after a night game, it's all right with me.
I think if Andreas Bocelli wants to skip the vocal warm-ups before a concert, it's just fine.
I think if Lance Armstrong didn't feel like stretching for the full hour before his ride, we can live with that.
But, I'm not sure what to think about Brett Favre skipping practice.
There is no doubt that Favre is a special athlete. He is the kind who comes along very rarely and those of us who have had the chance to watch him should consider ourselves blessed.
Sure, the statistics are amazing, especially his consecutive game streak, which is unheard of in the violent world of professional football.
But with Favre it is, and it always has been, about more than the statistics. He is a man who has played every down with a smile on his face as if it is the last down he will ever play.
It's the things like trying to throw a block on a reverse and trying to make a tackle after a turnover that make Favre the special athlete he is. When he throws his arms into the air and bursts into that grin after a touchdown we see a man enjoying his ultimate happiness.
So, Favre is special. Is he special enough to sit out some practices? Certainly.
But should he sit out some practices? That's another question.
Obviously, the Green Bay Packers brain trust is handling Favre with some care. They don't seem to mind that he's not at practice.
Let's look at some facts:
There is a new coach and a new system in Green Bay. Even though it's a system that Favre played under when Mike Holmgren was coach, it has gone through some change and development. The words are different. So are some of the choices. So it would be a good thing to have Favre in camp for the new offense.
Next is the fact that there are many new players and, whether he likes it or not, Favre is the leader of this team. Does it send a great message when your leader doesn't practice like the rest of the troops?
Third is the fact that Favre had a horrible season. Practice makes you better. More practice makes you more better. Favre could use some time in practice.
Finally, there is the issue of $10 million. When they pay you that much money and practice is part of the package, maybe you ought to show up to earn your keep.
Then, there is the other side of the coin.
There is not much that Brett Favre hasn't seen. He knows the West Coast offense inside and out. Being at every practice won't increase his knowledge base.
Next is the fact that he truly is one of the most amazing athletes ever to come along. It's like having a priceless guitar. You don't want to play it and practice with it every day; just for special occasions. That's Favre.
Then we have to consider his streak. Brett Favre is going to miss a football game -- sometime. He is going to get hurt. Nothing is forever. Nothing. So, when he is out, it might be nice if the quarterback taking his place would have had a chance to do something; to work with the first team in practice. A lot.
It would help the fortunes of the Green Bay Packers if Aaron Rogers, the heir apparent, has at least a bunch of practice throws with the first unit under his belt. Otherwise it might be Katy-Bar-The-Door.
I can see a lot of value in Favre skipping practices. But not enough to really support the concept.
This is a man who needs to reestablish himself with his team, the fans and the rest of the league. Full practice would help. And no matter what kind of offense Holmgren used, it's not identical to the one McCarthy will use. Favre doesn't have three years to learn the thing.
He needs to have it down cold this season. Just a few months away.
And finally, and perhaps most important, Favre needs to prove something to himself. He needs to feel like he can still do it. And he's not giving himself every chance to do so by skipping practice.
Someone ought to sit him down and tell him that riding a tractor is not the way to get ready for what might be the most important season in his football career.
