STARKVILLE — Quarterback Brett Favre made things look easy throughout most of his collegiate and professional career.
After starring at Southern Mississippi, Favre embarked on a record-breaking NFL career, which included three MVP awards, success in the Super Bowl, and enshrinement in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Still, not everything came naturally for Favre. In middle school, Favre was kicked out of cub scouts.
“(We were horsing around in a meeting) and the next thing I know (the den mother) made me run home,” Favre said. “I think I would have made a great boy scout had they given me more time.”
Favre was in Starkville on Wednesday to address a crowd of more than 500 at the Mississippi State University Mill at the fourth-annual On My Honor Luncheon for Scouting. A fundraiser for the Boy Scouts of America, the event was a chance for local sponsors of the Pusmataha Area of Mississippi to interact with scouts and leaders.
“The Boy Scouts serve a wonderful purpose,” Favre said. “It is important for kids to stay active. This a chance to meet new people and to learn team-bonding things. Scouting can have an impact that lasts way past the teen years.
“Our youth need to be outside doing things and be active. They need to learn how to problem solve.”
Favre spoke of team building. He talked about the value of playing football and how many of his teammates have become best friends in life. He was able to weave the common bond between scouting and playing football.
Being kicked out of scouts was a side note, but it rang home to many.
“That was really funny,” said 12-year-old scout Jack Hairston, of Columbus. “You think Brett Favre you think greatness. You think he is perfect. To hear his scout story was funny.”
Favre spent most of the time focusing on his recent induction to the Hall of Fame. He felt the milestone was significant in that it showed anyone with Mississippi ties what they could become.
“I really love this state,” Favre said. “I have always liked Starkville and Mississippi State. You look at what Dak Prescott did in his first year in the (NFL). At times, he made it look easy. It got his start right here in this state. The women’s basketball team (at Mississippi State) playing for a national championship.
“Those are stories of success, and they are happening right here in our backyard.”
Favre has spent the majority of his post-NFL career giving back to the state, including a volunteer stint coaching at Oak Grove High School.
“He has such a large platform, and it is good to see him use it to this advantage (helping the youth),” said businessman Earl Flowers. “For the young scouts, they don’t remember how electric Brett was back during the prime of his playing days. He is special and one of the state’s treasures.”
Favre took questions from the audience, including one from former MSU tight end and NFL standout Donald Lee. Lee and Favre played together with the Green Bay Packers.
Favre also knew how to deliver to his target audience.
“I pull for Mississippi State every time they are not playing Southern Miss,” Favre said.
Follow Dispatch sports writer Scott Walters on Twitter @dispatchscott
Scott was sports editor for The Dispatch.
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