The Brett Favre Ceremony
This post is a few days late, but here are some photos from the Brett Favre Packers Hall of Fame Induction event at Lambeau Field last Saturday. Above, we’re walking to the stadium from our parking spot that we use for games. We could’ve walked from the Packerville, U.S.A. headquarters, but the heat index was quite uncomfortable.
Fans lined up to get in when the gates opened at 5:15 p.m. It was sweltering in the heat.
This the Verizon Gate on the northwest corner of the stadium.
Looking back at the crowd behind us in line (looking toward Ridge Road).
Ummm... O.K.
The stadium fills up as the 6:30 p.m. time for Favre to appear approaches.
The media is lined up along the “Packers sideline,” so that they can be in the shade and won’t have to shoot into the bright late afternoon sun.
Favre’s family came out onto the Lambeau Field turf first.
WTMJ broadcaster Lance Allen (center) visits with Brett Favre’s mother, Bonita (left), and his wife Deanna (right).
Fans anxiously await Favre’s entrance into Lambeau.
Quite the crowd, eh?
At 6:30 p.m., Brett enters to thunderous applause.
Favre is interviewed at midfield by Allen, forcing the standing ovation to quiet down.
Favre is visibly touched by the reception, eight years after leaving Green Bay.
Speaking to the crowd.
The fans have certainly moved on since 2008 and gave him the reception he deserved.
A view of Lambeau as Favre speaks at midfield.
The Favre family watches Brett’s return reception.
The chants of “MVP!,” “MVP!,” “MVP!” have an effect.
As the stadium portion wards up, the Favre family congratulates Brett.
He gets a hug from Deanna following his remarks to the crowd.
One last look as they head into the tunnel, and to the Hall of Fame reception in the Lambeau Field Atrium.
Many, many faces from the Favre years returned to Lambeau, not the least of which was the man responsible for bringing Favre to Titletown — former GM Ron Wolf. These images come from watching the ceremony on the Jumbotron in the stadium.
Packers President Mark Murphy and emcee Larry McCarren.
Murphy makes his comments...
... prior to Favre’s retired number banner unveiling in the Atrium.
Former Head Coach Mike Holmgren had a fine speech.
Favre’s “presenter” was former C Frank Winters.
Favre receives his Hall of Fame ring (above), and his Hall of Fame trophy (below).
Favre’s speech lasted 52 minutes, and he thanked seemingly everyone in the Packers organization that was responsible for the success of the 1990's and 2000’s.
Darkness fell on Lambeau, and not everyone stayed for the whole ceremony, but we did.
Before leaving town on Sunday, we stopped by the Lambeau Atrium to see the new banner hung to commemorate the retiring of No. 4 forever.
