Brett Favre: A Packer Fan’s Tribute

Tom Kertscher
Cumberland House Publishing (2006)  
ISBN 9781581825688
Reviewed by David Olvera for Reader Views (3/06)


“Brett Favre: A Packer Fan’s Tribute” does not mince words and the book stays true to its title.  Kertscher evaluates Favre’s legendary career from crummy rookie in the pro ranks to NFL god.  Rather than a long and microscopic analysis of the patron saint of Lambeau, the author cuts to the chase and offers great snapshots of Favre’s career.  Favre’s beginnings, his hallmark comebacks, the Super Bowl, the MVPs, all laid out in clean episodes.

Kertscher also stays true as a fan.  You can easily tell the author is endeared to the Packers and he relates that fandom to the reader.  You cannot help but relate to Favre, the Packers, and their fans after reading this book.  Sure Favre is an All-American, apple pie, Stars and Stripes kind of guy, but the author’s examination of his career and even his addiction to painkillers takes you that much closer to being apart of the Green Bay scene. 

I would have liked to have seen closer examinations of his personal life, especially his relationship with his father.  Although I am not a Packer fan, the passing of Favre’s father and Brett’s on-field performance afterward was a profound NFL moment regardless of affiliation.  I won’t knock the author too much for it though...too close an examination would not fit well with the book’s overall theme and feel.

The author’s writing style is quick and to the point.  I get the feeling that Kertscher isn’t going for a Pulitzer and that makes the book very versatile.  You can hand this book to any child and they could easily become a “Cheese Head.”  A great coffee table or waiting room piece…or simply what the title says…a book for fans.  “Brett Favre: A Packer Fan’s Tribute” is not the essential autobiography of Favre, but its strength is in its candid approach to the career of an NFL great.

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