The top two passers in NFL history will be at Tennessee football’s game against the Georgia Bulldogs: Brett Favre and former Volunteers QB Peyton Manning.
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The last time the two faced off against each other on the field was 2004. Now, Peyton Manning and Brett Favre will be back on the field together Saturday at Neyland Stadium when Tennessee football hosts the Georgia Bulldogs.
It’s not everyday that the two quarterbacks with the most all-time NFL passing yards, passing touchdowns and wins as a starter take the field together. And, unexpectedly, they’re doing it for separate reasons.
We already knew why Manning was doing it. The Vols legend is being honored for his College Football Hall of Fame induction.
Favre, however, is going for the most Favre reason possible. He just secured an endorsement with a Nashville-based cooler company: Outdoor Recreation Company of America (ORCA) Coolers.
The company announced on Twitter that Favre would be coming to the Tennessee-Georgia game on Saturday.
It’s true, @Favre4Official will be at this weekend’s UT game at our booth. Stop by and check us out! #ORCAofficial https://t.co/hobt6e7qeC
— ORCA (@orcacoolers) September 27, 2017
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Favre and Manning went through similar situations with their respective teams in their career. After winning one Super Bowl and losing another with the teams they spent most of their careers with, they were both forced out.
And both then went elsewhere and had great season as well.
However, there are differences. Manning was forced out because he got hurt. Favre kept waffling on retirement.
And Manning won a Super Bowl with his second team as well.
Them both being at the game could be a huge distraction for Tennessee football. When you add in the fact that Butch Jones is on the hot seat, the players could struggle with everything happening.
After all, when Manning had his number retired in 2005, Tennessee lost that day to the South Carolina Gamecocks in their first year under Steve Spurrier of all people. So these awards ceremonies can cause a distraction.
Favre doesn’t look like he will be honored, but it will still likely be out that he’s there.
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However, there’s also the chance that they come together and it motivates them to play their hearts out. That has happened before as well. And Tennessee football has had some memorable performances against the Georgia Bulldogs. Maybe two Hall of Fame NFL quarterbacks in town is just what they need to flip the switch.