You've worked for a few years in the sales department of a company.  In that time, you've cultivated your list and made a decent living.  Then, the top salesman with all of the big accounts is about to retire.  Your boss calls you in and tells you that you will be getting several of his accounts.  Between working his list and your list, you probably will make a six figure income.  There's a big Friday afternoon send off for the guy, too, complete with cards, gifts and a gold watch.  But when you come to work the Monday after the guy's retirement, he's still at his desk.  He's changed his mind.  And there you are, stuck in the same place that you were because this jackass couldn't make up his mind. Or didn't keep his word.

Now you know what it's like to be Aaron Rodgers.

Rodgers has worked hard the past few years as Brett Favre's understudy.  While he may not be the legend his alleged predecessor is, his coach and his GM have a great deal of confidence in him.  And this year, Rodgers was going to repay their confidence as the new starting quarterback of the Green Bay Packers.  Until Brett Favre changed his mind and didn't keep his word.

This isn't cry me a river for Rodgers as much as it is Favre being a jackass.  I totally understand he has game left.  I totally understand that he probably could play three, four maybe even five years more providing he can still elude tacklers.  I know this.  And if Favre knew this, he should have never announced his retirement and he should have never held a press conference saying he was through.

Over the course of the last three years, Favre has hinted at retirement after the season not because he is bruised and battered and wants to spend more time with his family, but because he wants something.  A couple of years ago, he held the Packers hostage until June simply because he didn't know if he wanted to play for a new coach.  Last year, he waited until May to announce his plans because he wanted the team to upgrade certain positions.   This year, he cried in front of the cameras, got on his horse and rode into the sunset, only to decide that maybe, since he missed spring camp and voluntary workouts that he was ready for training camp.

The Packers are in a tough spot because trading Favre would be akin to heresy in Wisconsin, especially if Rodgers struggles.  But even Willie Mays and Michael Jordan wore other uniforms.  And for the packers to move forward as a franchise, general manager Ted Thompson is going to have to assume another title: The guy that let Brett Favre go.

In the words of Wilfred Brimley, Oatmeal salesman, "it's the right thing to do."