Favre has spent the last year working with Top Five Laboratories creating a energy-boosting product called XRP Energy.

XRP Energy is a specially formulated extended release energy product in an attractive 1.9-gram-per-serving size stick pack. It is expressly designed to boost cellular energy and to restore mental alertness when fatigued. Pour the powder directly into your mouth (think “Pixie Stick”) and due to the patented “smooth dissolve technology” and proprietary “extended release technology”, the effect can be felt in minutes, with up to six or seven hours of sustained energy-enhancing performance without the ‘crash’ often associated with other energy product consumption. Each stick pack serving includes the nutrients choline, taurine, and vitamins B6 and B12 and has only four calories. It is exceptionally travel-friendly, easy to open and tamper evident. The smooth-dissolving powdered formula is available in a great grape/cranberry flavor and requires no messy mixing of water or other fluids, thereby totally eliminating portion control concerns.

After initial success in select convenience stores in Alabama, Mississippi, Florida, Wisconsin, and Minnesota, XRP is going national. That’s right, for everyone who can’t get enough of Brett Favre, you may soon see him in a convenience store near you!

“We are very encouraged by the initial market response that has been generated by XRP Energy in our test sites, and we can now confirm that the uniqueness of the product, its great taste and proven performance has broad consumer appeal,” saidBuddy King, President of Top Five Laboratories. “The key for breaking into this highly contested market niche is having a truly distinctive product that performs. Utilizing pharmaceutical technology used in the prescription drug market gives us the distinction and edge needed to succeed. Based on our five-state market study, we’re confident to conclude we have both, coupled with the necessary horsepower and resources required to launch and market this product on a widespread national basis.”

Favre himself, on the product,

“Personally, I love the benefits of XRP Energy and how it truly delivers energy for the day,” said former NFL Quarterback and XRP Spokesperson Brett Favre. “I’m not one to easily endorse products, but this one got my attention because of its fabulous taste and outstanding performance. I experience no jitteriness that is often characteristic of other energy products, only a terrific initial boost followed by a continued feeling of focus and alertness. I am proud to be actively engaged with this product and I genuinely recommend it to my own circle of friends, athletes and family, for good reason. It works!”

According to Top Five Labs, XRP Energy has been proven safe to use in MLB, NFL, NBA, NHL and MLS. More details on the product can be found on the Top Five Labs website.

Are you ready for some favre-ball! A Favring favre party!

Brett Favre is popular.  Don’t even think about trying to forget that…the media won’t let you.  Just last week, Favre led his Vikings to a last minute TD win over the San Fransisco 49ers.  Every week, regardless of what Adrian Peterson does, the headlines always say “Favre led Vikings do ____.”  People apparently love Brett Favre, even if yours truly  was tired of every Favre story that would come out this season, before the season even started.  Need proof?

Brett Favre’s jersey remained the top seller between April 1 through Sept. 30, according to sales figures from NFLShop.com.

Fellow 3-0 quarterbacks Mark Sanchez (Jets); Eli Manning (Giants); and Joe Flacco (Baltimore Ravens) have all seen their jersey sales spike according to the latest figures. Sanchez is now up to 4 from 7; Manning is up to 7 from 10 and Flacco is ranked 14 from 17.

No Miami Dolphins jerseys ranked in the Top 25, but the NFL says Ronnie Brown is now in the top 50. And despite their 0-3 start, Dolphins gear is close to cracking the Top 10 in team sales. The league only releases the rank of the Top 25 players and Top 10 teams.

Below the Top 10 best-selling jerseys and team gear:

1. Brett Favre
2. Troy Polamalu
3. Jay Cutler
4. Mark Sanchez
5. Michael Vick
6. Tony Romo
7. Eli Manning
8. Tom Brady
9. Ben Roethlisberger
10. Adrian Peterson
1. Pittsburgh Steelers
2. Dallas Cowboys
3. Minnesota Vikings
4. Chicago Bears
5. New York Giants
6. Philadelphia Eagles
7. New England Patriots
8. Green Bay Packers
9. San Francisco 49ers
10. Washington Redskins

(via Sarah Talalay’s Business of Sports)

How’s that? You may remember that Favre had already held the jersey record back in August…and it looks like those September sales have continued to roll in.  But that’s just the fans…if only some large sports network could get behind this young, up and coming star…then maybe he could get some attention thrown his way…

ESPN hopes to hype records for its Green Bay-Minnesota game Monday night. Literally. ESPN, says spokesman Mike Soltys, will announce that on next Monday’s broadcast of its ESPN2 SportsNation (5 p.m. ET), it will try to set a record for the most mentions of Brett Favre on a TV show — with Guinness World Records now looking for the current record. (via USA Today)

The fact that Sports Nation is actually pushing to be the most annoying show on television is confusing.  I guess everybody wants to be known for being good at something though, right?

All of that being said, do I expect this to be the highest rated Monday Night Football game ever? Yes.  Especially if the game is close.  ESPN has done a great job of hyping this game; even to those of us that don’t want to watch it.  Combine that with the fact that Packers/Vikings always pulls in ratings, the fantasy football aspect, and the various other stars in the contest?  Records should be set tonight.

I don’t think Brett Favre would have it any other Favring way.

Brett Favre will not leave you alone.  You cannot escape him. Do not try.

For all the apparent vitriol spewed about Brett Favre, America sure does seem to love him…or at least, his jersey.  He’s well on his way to paying back the Vikings on their investment.  Great info from Darren Rovell,

Perhaps the most interesting jersey sales list of all time has hit our desk at CNBC. It’s the NFLShop.com’s best selling jersey list from April 1-August 28.

Brett Favre Vikings jerseys now top the list at No. 1, even though the jerseys only became available when Favre signed with the team a couple weeks ago.

Here’s the entire list from sales on NFLShop.com from the NFL’s first four months of the fiscal year.

1. Brett Favre, Vikings
2. Jay Cutler, Bears
3. Troy Polamalu, Steelers
4. Michael Vick, Eagles
5. Ben Roethlisberger, Steelers
6. Tony Romo, Cowboys
7. Mark Sanchez, Jets
8. Tom Brady, Patriots
9. Adrian Peterson, Vikings
10. Eli Manning, Giants
11. Terrell Owens, Bills
12. Peyton Manning, Colts
13. Hines Ward, Steelers
14. LaDainian Tomlinson, Chargers
15. Jason Witten, Cowboys
16. Larry Fitzgerald, Cardinals
17. Joe Flacco, Ravens
18. Matt Ryan, Falcons
19. Aaron Rodgers, Packers
20. Michael Crabtree, 49ers

Rovell also goes to point out the popularity of the Michael Vick jerseys.  Pittsburgh based Dick Sporting Goods isn’t even carrying Vick’s jersey, yet he’s still managed to become the 4th most popular jersey since April.  Again, not bad for a “murderous dog killer who many people would have preferred to never play in the NFL again.”  So what can be gleaned from this information?  It’s the same thing that I’ve mentioned before…America loves to give people second chances.  Haven’t we already seen this sort of thing with Kobe Bryant?  Not that Favre was in any danger of losing his Wrangler endorsement or appearing in another Sears commercial, but how long will it be before he picks up endorsers again?  Yes, the crime was heinous, yes he went to jail…but advertising is all about taking someone advertisers believe to be marketable, and making money off of them.  Michael Vick has a more popular selling jersey than Tom Brady, or Adrian Peterson, and you’re going to tell me that he cannot find an endorsement deal? I have trouble believing that.  The only question is, who will be the first person willing to take the criticism but make the money with Michael Vick?

As everyone knows, Brett Favre continued his quest to ruin his legacy his comeback by deciding to join the Minnesota Vikings.

Packers fans reactions? mixed at best.

Former players reactions? not exactly positive.

As for the Vikings fans?  They’re going crazy.  Via Google (hat tip to Jay Harris at ESPN for the tip)

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. — The Vikings have sold more than 3,000 season tickets since news broke that Brett Favre was coming to Minnesota. That’s in approximately a 24-hour span. Chief marketing officer Steve LaCroix says the team has sold about 10,000 single-game tickets during that time as fans clamor over the arrival of the veteran quarterback.

Seats for the game against Green Bay on Oct. 5 are only available through a season ticket. There are roughly 7,000 season tickets remaining. The Vikings had to race to beat the blackout deadline for several games last season.

Merchandise is also moving. LaCroix said several hundred pre-orders for Favre jerseys were placed online Tuesday.

3,000 season tickets. 10,000 single game tickets.  Was anyone going to the Vikings games before Favre decided to show up?  According to the Vikings website, you can get season tickets for as low as $250 a seat (although I can’t tell if that’s possibly for the flex package, as it appears as if their regular season tickets are sold out.)  The cheapest regular season tickets are $15.00 a piece.

So, the signing of Brett Favre at the very least generated $900,000 of revenue.  And that’s not including the hundreds of thousands of dollars in jersey sales that will accrue in the coming weeks.  Not bad for the team who’s failed to get a new stadium and is ranked last in value out of all NFL teams by Forbes Magazine, right?

But more than just generating revenue for the Vikings and the teams the Vikings are playing, Favre’s move to the Vikings has effected gambling on football games, fantasy football, and its given ESPN something to talk about (a lot) among other things.  And did I mention that the Vikings have their own Favre section on their website?

Brett Favre is everywhere.  Generating revenue, giving people something to talk about, changing fantasy draft boards…Anyone think he’s generated or will generate more than $12 million dollars (or $6 million for the skill and injury clause) to make his first year contract  worth it?

So…Brett Favre to the Jets.  A reminder of the terms, from ESPN,

…if Favre takes 50 percent of total snaps with the Jets in 2008, the fourth rounder becomes a third-round pick. If he gets 70 percent of the snaps and the Jets make the playoffs, it becomes a second-round pick; and if he gets 80 percent of snaps and the Jets make the Super Bowl, it becomes a first-round pick.

Alrighty…looks like Favre is going to be traded for a 3rd round pick, yes?  I don’t see Brett Favre getting the Jets into the playoffs, and the Super Bowl?  Yeah, not quite.

So why is this such a monumental move?

1. Favre is going to the Hall of Fame, assuming he retires one day.

Did I lose respect for him with this whole debacle?  Of course.  But even I can’t deny the fact that Favre is an incredible talent…look at the record books if you don’t believe me.

2. Aaron Rodgers fate is officially sealed.

The only way this couldn’t have turned out bad for the guy who thought it was a blessing in disguise to wait to be drafted, once he learned he got to play behind a future hall-of-famer that was close to retirement, was to have Favre stayed retired.  Now?  He’ll be forever judged by Packers fans based off of the on the field actions of Brett Favre.

3. Tarnished Legacy, FTW!

It’s official now, Favre’s legendary status has been tarnished.  This situation has shown him to be selfish at times, and at the very least, the most indecisive man in the history of the world.  He leads all players in interceptions for a reason people; he sometimes has trouble making decisions.

4. Fantasy Football

Didn’t expect this to be here, did you?  Fantasy football is now an industry bringing in billions of dollars a year.  How much will this trade effect your fantasy draft?  How many draft boards include Lauverenes Coles moving up some spots?  How many people who have already drafted feel like complete ass holes?

5. Jets Personal Seat Licenses.

The Jets were struggling with the whole idea of Personal Seat Licensing…I think making that sale to Jets fans just became a little bit easier.

6. NFL Merchandising

Favre’s Packers jersey was pretty popular (I heard on NFL Network his jersey has sold more than anyone in football).  Think anyone is going to buy his Jets jersey (already on sale)?  Yeah, me too.

7. Chad Pennington

Never has such a mediocre, weak armed QB been allowed to start so many NFL games (or at least do enough to be embroiled in a QB controversy).  No longer.

8. “Mis-Retire”

Sure this was leading up to the trade, but its still a part of the situation.  Have you ever seen a situation where someone retired from their job, then two months later, tried to come back and take their job back?  Now you have.  And you even have a cool catch phrase to accompany the situation.

9. “The Madden Curse”

I’m not even sure where this leaves us.  The first year ever that the guy on the Madden box isn’t even on that team by the time the game comes out…sounds like the curse continues.

10.  Whoever the Packers draft as a result of the trade might as well retire now.

Has there ever been a situation where a player is traded for a hall-of-famer who holds essentially every passing record?  No, because Dan Marino never was traded.  It’s like the guy who gets drafted has “Aaron Rodgers-like odds” to overcome.  Just give up.

That’s it.  When you look at the deal, it is the biggest deal to happen in 19 years in the NFL (The year of the Herschel Walker deal was 1989).  The effect that it has on the Jets and their marketability in New York (especially with the Giants winning the Super Bowl) is unmeasurable.  It will dramatically increase ticket sales, and NFL merchandising revenue.  It also will significantly impact NFL fantasy football, which again is a multi-billion dollar industry.  It also sealed the fate of two players, the current Green Bay QB, and someone who hasn’t even been drafted yet, while helping to tarnish the legacy of an all-time great, coin a new catch phrase, and show the world that a video game curse is very, VERY real.

Favre to the Jets.  Is there any trade that’s bigger?

ESPN:  Favre era ends in Green Bay with trade to the Jets

2008.  The unorthodox year of the Madden curse.  First, there’s a retired/wants to play/willing to take $20 million to retire/wants to play for the Vikings, or Green Bay, if he’s the starter/Aaron Rodgers Player Hater, Brett Favre on the cover.  And now?  Well, Jim Brown has decided that Madden shouldn’t be played by anyone…at least until the rosters are changed.

…Jim Brown hasn’t thought this through.  He does not want the blood of the millions of people who will die on August 12th if they can’t play Madden…

So, what’s going on?  Well, Jim Brown is suing Electronic Arts and Sony because they put him…in the game.  Or at least his likeness, anyway.  From Bloomberg,

Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. and Electronic Arts Inc.  were sued by Hall-of-Fame running back Jim Brown, who accused the companies of using an electronic football-game character based on him without his permission.

The character, part of the “Real Old School Teams and Players” series, is a muscular, African-American running back wearing the number 32 jersey who is featured in the game’s “All Brown’s Team,” Brown said in a complaint filed yesterday in state court in New York.

Lets not mince words or ideas or thoughts or whatever.  The character in the game is definitely supposed to be Jim Brown, the same way EA has put “likenesses” of Joe Montana or Jim Kelly or Walter Payton into the game.  In all reality, Jim Brown has been in the game for a few years I think, as its not like this is the first “All Browns Team” to be featured in a Madden football game.

So, why doesn’t EA just pony up some money, pay Jim Brown, then make a billion dollars off of Madden ’09?  Because, Jim Brown’s lawyer, Keith McKenna, did some studying in law school.

Brown said Sony and Electronic Arts, maker of the “Madden” football games, have “unjustly enriched and have received and continue to hold ill-gotten gains,” diluting his trademark rights for his likeness and reducing its value.

In the lawsuit, Brown seeks unspecified damages for trademark infringement, unauthorized use of his likeness, trademark dilution and unfair business practices and competition. He also seeks a preliminary and permanent court order to stop the use of his likeness. (Emphasis Added)

Preliminary Injunction, FTW!  Of course, it will all come down to how a judge views it, and how well the case is argued, etc…but in theory, the judge could grant a preliminary injunction in the matter, and basically prevent Madden ’09 from coming out anytime in the near future (until they can go back and take Jim Brown out of the game).  If that happens?  its going to be a much longer wait than may be expected, because I would fully expect some other NFL past stars to take the Jim Brown approach (two words…Joe Montana).  The granting of an injunction in this case would basically take any non-current players out of the game for the foreseeable future, or would force EA sports to pay a lot of money so that I can relive Eric Dickerson’s glory years.

Maybe I’m just overreacting though, right?  Maybe its not a big deal to anyone else?  Oh wait.  Electronic Arts, stock fell $1.11, or 2.55 percent after hearing the Jim Brown news.  Honestly though, do I really think a preliminary injunction will be granted in this case?  well, no, but the point is that it could be.

The case is James Brown v. Sony USA Inc., 110412/2008, New York State Supreme Court (Manhattan).

Bloomberg:  Sony sued by Hall-Of-Famer Jim Brown over video game

You know what? check that. Let me add this disclaimer. I like Brett Favre. A lot actually. He is a legendary QB, who has earned the respect of everyone he’s played against.

That being said…he’s being a little more than difficult.

In today’s interview with Fox’s Greta Van Susteren, Favre was quoted as saying that he’s only guilty of retiring too early. From ESPN,

“I am guilty of retiring early and there is a reason for that,” Favre said, according to an excerpt provided to The Associated Press before the Monday night broadcast. “And the major issue is ‘Why did he retire?,’ and ‘He asked for a release because he doesn’t want to play in Green Bay.’ That’s not true. And I hope people are hearing this and saying ‘OK, that clears it up.’ “

Retiring too early…That’d actually be believable if the Packers and sports fans everywhere didn’t go through the same thing every year. You know what else makes the whole “they forced me out” story so hard to believe? Favre already knew, in 2006, that the Packers couldn’t wait around for him to make a decision regarding his future,

In the interview at his home in Mississippi, Favre told Mortensen he would like more time to decide whether to return for another NFL season. But he understands the Packers need to know soon to properly prepare for the NFL draft and other offseason personnel matters.

“I’d like to wait till training camp,” Favre said with a laugh. “But I know I have to make the decision in the next month for their sake.”

Favre said he’s told Packers general manager Ted Thompson recently that if the team doesn’t want to wait for him to commit to either playing the 2006 season or retiring, then he should be “cut loose.”

So, to recap, the 2006 version of Brett Favre knew he had to make quick decisions regarding his future so as not to screw the Packers. The 2008 version feels he was pressured to make a decision and was forced into retirement. Maybe Favre is losing his memory in his old age?

This whole situation has really created a no-win situation for the Packers management, who couldn’t wait around on Favre…like they have for the last 2 years, and who will now be despised by some Packers fans for not bringing Favre back to Green Bay. I’ve failed to even mention the team itself, which will probably consist of players that are backing Favre, and those that see his his “diva-ish” attitude as completely unwarranted and unwanted.

Could Brett Favre honestly not see this situation when he retired in March? That he may want to come back, that the Packers may not want him to come back, and that the fans he has played for for the last 16 seasons might go “60′s Sit-In” if the Packers didn’t want to bring him back?

And finally…I know that Favre has played for forever, I know he’s the heart and soul of Green Bay…but why in the world would the Packers grant him an unconditional release?  Who, with any sort of business sense, would release a hall of fame QB who still has 3 years left on his contract…and is more than likely going to a division rival?  Does that make sense to anyone not named Brett Favre?

In the end, it really comes down to disrespecting the Packers and their management.  He already knew that they had a decision to make and couldn’t wait around for Favre to make up his mind…so he chose to retire, but then changed his mind after already knowing the Packers had no choice but to move on without him (i.e. the Draft).  Then, because he’s Brett Favre, I guess, he feels that he’s owed an unconditional release, taking the time to create a divide between the Packers and some of their fans in the process.  All because it takes him too long (every year) to decide whether or not he wants to play football.

Favre is known for his gunslinger mentality on the field; throwing the ball with reckless abandon into tight spots, and usually having no regrets about his decisions later.

When dealing with his career?  Looks like he only got the first half right.

So…can anyone figure out how this adds to the Madden Curse Legacy?

ESPN: Favre to Fox News: Packers should let me play elsewhere

…vast visual improvements to the graphics of Madden NFL 09 in a new weather comparison screenshot. In Madden NFL 09 you’ll see deeper snow on the fields, with dramatic accumulation and realistic wear from play. Player’s footsteps will leave imprints, snow will be piled on the sidelines and the yardage lines will be shoveled, just like in a real game.

You’ll have to go to the site yourself to see the pictures. So, lets review. Brett Favre is the cover athlete, there are basically no new features…I think I’ll keep it conservative and estimate sales at 2 billion dollars. Of course, once EA signed their exclusive deal allowing them to monopolize the use of NFL players, the only thing surprising about Madden 2009 was the cover artist.

…but Brett Favre? really?

EA Sports: Madden NFL 09 Tidbit: Improved Weather Graphics

Sports Business Digest: EA Sports…It’s in the game. Again. Crap.