FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (AP) -No longer leader of the Pack, Brett Favre needed little time to earn the respect of his new New York Jets teammates.
The veteran quarterback was voted one of the team’s offensive captains despite joining the Jets less than a month ago.
“I’m honored,” Favre said Wednesday before the Jets’ first practice at their new home in Florham Park, N.J. “I felt a little uncomfortable to be voted. I feel like I need to earn it.”
He already has, in his teammates’ eyes.
“Obviously, he’s fitting in well to be voted on by his peers to be a captain,” coach Eric Mangini said. “The question of how he’s adjusting, how he’s fitting in with the guys has been clearly answered by the fact that his peer group – I don’t know how peer groups work with that age differential – but the kids voted for him.”
The 38-year-old, gray-stubbled quarterback has worked hard to become familiar with his new team and offensive system since being acquired from Green Bay on Aug. 6 after coming out of retirement.
“When he got here, he was introducing himself and he was just having fun,” wide receiver Jerricho Cotchery said. “He was just like one of the guys stepping into the locker room. It was a comfortable feeling, a good feeling, and everybody just felt like he could be our captain.”
Favre joined left guard Alan Faneca as offensive captains, while defensive end Shaun Ellis and safety Kerry Rhodes were selected captains on defense in the vote by players Tuesday. David Bowens and Leon Washington were chosen to represent the special teams unit.
“I don’t want it to be based on past performances or longevity, whatever,” Favre said. “All those things are important, but what’s important is what I do here and how I carry myself as a teammate, what type of leader I am. But you have to vote a captain, as every team does, early in the year and I’m honored to represent this team.”
Favre has been lauded throughout his career for being one of the game’s ultimate leaders. His new teammates recognized that, and the fact he has started an NFL-record 253 consecutive games, showing a penchant for playing through pain. It also helps that he has the coach’s ear.
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Favre thought he needed a little more time to be considered a team leader after 16 seasons with the Packers.
“I think the first thing that anyone would think is, ‘He’s played long, had the most success, whatever,”’ Favre said. “As far as being a leader, I think three weeks is a little bit unfair for guys to make that judgment.”
His teammates clearly had seen enough in the short time they’ve been working with him. Favre will get his first chance to lead the Jets in a regular-season game Sunday at Miami against Chad Pennington, the man he replaced.
“What drives me is fear of failure, not being the best,” Favre said. “And that goes for each season, each game.”
Favre acknowledged he still has moments of anxiety before games, even after 17 NFL seasons.
“If I didn’t, I wouldn’t be back,” Favre said. “I feel like a rookie in some respects because of the circumstances. Believe me, there will be some excitement and butterflies, but I’ve had that each and every year. There may be a few more this time than in years past.”
That’s because of the massive spotlight, not to mention pressure, that has followed Favre from Green Bay.
“I understand that most people think the odds are against me, and that’s fine,” he said. “I’m not here to be a god. I’m not here to get trashed, either. I’m here to help this team win.”
Favre was sometimes described as a loner because he didn’t socialize with his Packers teammates off the field later in his career. He insists that never affected his ability to lead during games.
“What I did away from the stadium, to me, what does that matter, really?” Favre said. “Because I didn’t go hang out with them and shoot pool or whatever, to me, means nothing as far as how you play. … I was there for them whenever they needed me, and 8 o’clock at night, I was at home reading a book with my daughter.
“So, if that’s bad, I’m sorry. Here, I haven’t changed.”
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