4 most deflating QB injuries in Minnesota Vikings history
By Ben Donahue
3. Brett Favre injures his shoulder (2010)
In 2009, Minnesota talked Brett Favre out of his second retirement following his one year as a New York Jet in 2008. The former Green Bay Packer and Viking tormentor proceeded to lead Minnesota to a 12-4 record in ‘09 and advance to the NFC Championship game against the New Orleans Saints.
After a disappointing loss to the Saints, it looked like Favre would hang up his cleats before the Vikes coaxed him out of it by dangling $16.5 million guaranteed. The quarterback returned for his 20th season in 2010, intent on bringing a championship home to Minnesota.
Although the Vikings began the year 3-7, Favre accomplished two milestones when he passed for his 500th career touchdown and 70,000th yard. He also had a career-best 446-yard passing day against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 9.
By early December, Favre had helped Minnesota climb to 5-7 and back into the playoff race after two straight wins against Washington and Buffalo. During the game against the Bills, however, Favre was leveled by a hit and did not return.
The injury caused the quarterback to miss the following week against the New York Giants, ending his 297 consecutive regular-season starts streak. His absence led to a loss against the G-Men. Favre returned to the lineup in Week 15 against Chicago but left after a blast from a Bears defender left him concussed.
That would be Favre’s final play in pro football. The Vikings cratered to 6-10 overall, and Favre retired for good.