http://dailycamera.com/news/2007/oct/28/favres-streak-impressive/

Favre's streak impressive

Packers QB will play 244th straight game when he faces Broncos

By Frank Schwab (Colorado Springs) Gazette
Sunday, October 28, 2007

ENGLEWOOD — Not many cherished numbers exist in pro football. Barry Bonds' chase of Hank Aaron's home-run record could be summed up with "756," but not many know how many rushing yards Emmitt Smith had or career touchdowns Jerry Rice finished with.

But longevity and toughness are easy for football coaches, players and observers to relate to. Many feel the most impressive individual record in NFL history is Green Bay Packers Brett Favre's consecutive games streak for a quarterback, although the actual number is rarely cited (it will be 244 when Green Bay plays the Denver Broncos on Monday night). Favre smashed the old consecutive games record of 116, set by former Eagles quarterback Ron Jaworski.

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"For him to start as many games as he has without missing a game, that has to be one of the tops in all sports, not just football," Broncos coach Mike Shanahan said. "I just can't imagine a guy ever breaking that record. It's just hard to imagine, especially at quarterback."

What were you doing in September 1992? That's when Favre made his first start, replacing Don Majkowski. He has started every Green Bay game since. Heading into this season, 202 quarterbacks started a game for the other 31 teams since Favre's first start. The Broncos have started 13 of their own, including Jarious Jackson, Hugh Millen and Danny Kanell. Favre has had 17 backup quarterbacks.

The Packers list 15 serious injuries Favre has sustained during the streak, including a separated shoulder, right elbow tendonitis, a sprained ligament in his knee and a broken right thumb. He has played through them all, which earns instant respect from his peers.

"That blows my mind," said Broncos safety John Lynch, who voted for Favre's streak as the most impressive record. "It's not like he doesn't play physical, especially when he was younger. He'd run around and try to run you over."

Paul Zimmerman of Sports Illustrated, who has covered the NFL since the 1960s, prefers two records. He mentioned Favre's streak, but seemed to put more weight in another feat: Former Browns running back Jim Brown never missed a game in his nine-year career.

"Jim Brown was hit a lot more than Brett Favre," Zimmerman said.

When asked why he would choose two durability records over a performance-based record, Zimmerman said staying healthy for so long in a violent game impressed him more.

"There's a lot of people that can run for a lot of yards, but those records are unique," Zimmerman said. "There are some people that almost will themselves not to get hurt."

Broncos receiver Brandon Stokley was part of a big record, when Colts quarterback Peyton Manning broke Dan Marino's record for touchdowns passes in a season. Stokley caught 10 of Manning's 49 touchdowns in 2004.

"It was great - doesn't look like it's going to last very long though," said Stokley, referring to the fact that New England quarterback Tom Brady is on pace to break it this year. "It was an awesome season. It was special."

But despite being part of that record and being close with Manning, Stokley chose Favre's durability record.

"I'd think Favre's consecutive games starting, that's pretty impressive," Stokley said. "That shows durability and accountability to your team."