It’s been a painful two months emotionally and physically for Brett Favre, but teammate Ryan Longwell has been there with support. Favre’s problems have included ankle, heel and elbow injuries, and, of course, the Jenn Sterger sexual allegations.
After the Green Bay game ended last month Favre hobbled through a tunnel at Lambeau Field. Longwell, the Vikings placekicker, was walking just ahead of Favre, then turned around and took his quarterback’s helmet to make it easier for him to walk.
“I care more about Brett as a friend than I do as a quarterback throwing touchdowns or interceptions,” Longwell told Sports Headliners recently. “He’s been through a lot. He’s got a lot on his plate. I just wanted (in the tunnel) to make sure that he knew that I was there for him. …”
Longwell and Favre have been friends since 1997 when they first were teammates in Green Bay with the Packers. Their wives, Sarah Longwell and Deanna Favre, are friends, too.
There have been “deep conversations” this fall, Longwell said. “I think we have that trust and that relationship where he feels he can talk to me. I am certainly there for him through thick and thin.”
Longwell wouldn’t detail his talks with Favre but said his friend has a spiritual side and faith helps both of them during these difficult weeks. Longwell and his wife have witnessed troubled times, too, with Tiger Woods and his ex-wife Elin. Until last year the two were neighbors of the Longwells in the Orlando area. Longwell said he didn’t socialize with Tiger but Sarah and Elin spent time together.