Former NFL Hall of Fame quarterback Brett Favre found himself amid a whole bunch of controversy throughout his career. Unfortunately for Favre, retirement hasn’t favored him much better. The first controversy happened back in 2008 when he allegedly sexually harassed an ex-New York Jets field reporter, Jenn Sterger.
The second controversy came when Favre allegedly misused welfare funds. This led to Favre being accused in the Mississippi welfare fraud scandal. Despite these allegations, Chicago Bears legend Brian Urlacher recently blasted the media for turning against the Hall of Fame quarterback.
Bears Legend Brian Urlacher Stands By Brett Favre Amid QB’s Legal Battle
On Thursday, June 19, former Cleveland Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel spoke with Urlacher on his podcast, “Glory Daze.” Urlacher told Manziel that until concrete evidence is found against Favre, he will continue to stand by Favre.
“It’s the media, No. 1, making it a thing,” Urlacher said. “I see it either legally or hear it from Brett’s mouth, I’ll believe what I want to. You always hear things, guys are guilty before they’re proven guilty. I don’t like that. I like to think they’re innocent until they’re proven guilty, which is the way it’s supposed to be in America.
“Not just because you’re an athlete, you’re automatically guilty all of a sudden,” Urlacher told Manziel. “You see all these charges come out against some of these guys, and the media automatically makes them guilty just because they’re allegations.
“But I like to make my own opinions,” Urlacher said. “Brett’s a great guy. If he did do it, I’m sure you’ll hear about it from his mouth eventually down the line. But right now, I’m going to stick to my own opinion – and I’m on his side.”
Champion. MVP. Hall of Famer. But that’s not the whole story.
Untold: The Fall of Favre digs into Brett Favre’s controversial career, the dark side of sports stardom, and the scandals that marred his legacy. Premiering May 20. pic.twitter.com/6RU6IGVx1Q
— Netflix (@netflix) April 29, 2025
Despite allegations of Favre’s involvement, he was never arrested or charged in the Mississippi welfare scandal. Favre was also found not guilty of sexual harassment by the court in his case with Sterger back in 2008.
Favre is a name synonymous with greatness in the world of football. It’s not without his share of controversy. His illustrious NFL career, marked by record-breaking performances, Super Bowl wins, and a charismatic playing style, has been overshadowed at times by allegations that have raised questions about who he is as a person.
Through it all, Favre’s peers, like Urlacher, have yet to turn their backs on him. Urlacher stood by his fellow NFL Hall of Famer after they had some of the NFL’s best battles.
The rivalry between the Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers is one that transcends time. Off the field, despite playing for rival teams, there is still a show of respect between two of the best to ever play the game.