Story, photos: Favre in New York, gets big-time welcome

Story, photos: Favre in New York, gets big-time welcome

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August 8, 2008

Story, photos: Favre in New York, gets big-time welcome

The Associated Press
NEW YORK — Brett the Jet left the cheeseheads behind and got a few cheesecakes from the mayor in a big New York welcome.
Photos from mayor's welcome: http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/apps/pbcs.dll/gallery?Avis=U0&Dato=20080808&Kategori=PKR01&Lopenr=808080801&Ref=PH" target="new" style="color:#72A440;">Click here

Brett Favre, the New York Jets’ newest quarterback, was introduced to the city by Mayor Michael Bloomberg at a packed City Hall news conference Friday.

“Just like home,” a wide-eyed Favre said as he walked into the Blue Room and was greeted by dozens of flashing camera lights. He also received a number of gifts from Bloomberg designed to help him with his transition to New York.
“The legendary No. 4 has now become Jet Favre,” Bloomberg said, “and we’re delighted to welcome him to City Hall.”

The Jets acquired Favre from the Green Bay Packers for a conditional draft pick late Wednesday night. He was with the team for its preseason-opening victory at Cleveland, flew into town early Friday morning and quickly popped in for a visit to City Hall.

“The pressure is just building,” said Favre, wearing a blue and white polo shirt and khaki slacks and sporting his familiar 5 o’clock shadow. “The attention I’ve gotten since I’ve been here has been overwhelming. The bottom line, as we all know, is to win games. That’s what I’m here to do.”

After a huddle with staff members, Bloomberg picked out a number of gifts to help Favre “make a quick adjustment” to the Big Apple. As part of the city’s initiative to plant a million trees by 2017, Bloomberg announced one would be planted in Favre’s name.

“I cannot tell you where the tree is going to be, for obvious reasons, because it’ll be stripped bare in about 30 seconds,” said Bloomberg, wearing a green tie in honor of the Jets.

Bloomberg then presented Favre with a MetroCard — with $4 fare on it, of course.

“If you had picked a number higher, you would’ve gotten more money on your MetroCard,” Bloomberg said, drawing laughs. “Let me warn you that when you get on and off the train during rush hours, just be sure to follow your blockers.”

He also gave Favre a huge “Broadway” street sign, a copy of his book, “Bloomberg by Bloomberg,” a key ring — “You win the Super Bowl and I promise you will get a key” — and a few cheesecakes from Junior’s Cheesecakes.

Favre, joined by Jets owner Woody Johnson and general manager Mike Tannenbaum, grabbed the bag with the boxed desserts, but Tannenbaum jokingly reminded him of his conditioning run for the team later in the day. The grinning quarterback then handed over the bag of treats to Tannenbaum.

Favre presented Bloomberg with a Favre No. 4 jersey, already a hit by fans who have snatched up over 3,000 of them since the trade. The 38-year-old Favre, who joked that his daughter asked if he was joining a college team because all the other players look much younger, won’t commit to playing for the Jets beyond this season.

“Let’s enjoy this year,” he said. “The future is now. I don’t have 17 more years to play, I don’t think. I want to give the New York Jets and the people of this city the best year possible. Believe me.”