Brett Favre responds as Kyler Murray revisits painful Vikings moment (original) (raw)

The Minnesota Vikings have been one of the most closely watched teams of the 2026 NFL offseason, largely because of the growing belief that they might look outside the organization for help at quarterback.

For weeks, speculation swirled that Minnesota could pursue Kyler Murray after his exit from the Arizona Cardinals, a move that could immediately shift the team's title hopes.

On Thursday, that possibility became reality when the former No. 1 overall pick agreed to a one-year deal with Minnesota.

The contract is an extremely team-friendly one, worth roughly $1.3 million since Arizona is still responsible for most of Murray’s salary. It also sets up a fascinating competition with former first-round pick J. J. McCarthy for the starting quarterback job this fall.

But the conversation around the signing took an unexpected turn almost immediately.

During his introductory comments, Murray revealed a personal connection to the franchise, saying he grew up a Vikings fan and even shed “real tears” when legendary quarterback Brett Favre threw a late interception in Minnesota’s heartbreaking playoff loss during the 2009 season.

Less than 24 hours later, Favre himself weighed in.

Responding on X, the Hall of Fame quarterback acknowledged the painful memory that Murray referenced, writing, "That’s the loss that hurts most… We had a real chance to win a Super Bowl that year. But it wasn’t meant to be."

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The moment Murray referenced came in the 2009 NFC Championship Game between the Vikings and the New Orleans Saints.

With the score tied late in regulation and the Vikings driving into field-goal range, Favre rolled right and attempted to throw across his body toward receiver Sidney Rice.

Instead, the pass was intercepted, ending Minnesota’s final chance to win the game in regulation.

The Saints eventually won 31–28 in overtime, advancing to the Super Bowl.

For Vikings fans, and clearly for a young Murray watching from afar, the play became symbolic of another near-miss for a franchise still chasing its first Super Bowl title.

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Favre’s regret is understandable given the season that preceded it.

In 2009, the veteran quarterback delivered one of the most efficient campaigns of his storied career, throwing for 4,202 yards with 33 touchdowns and just seven interceptions while leading Minnesota to a 12–4 record and the NFC Championship Game.

Across a remarkable 20-year NFL career, Favre amassed 71,838 passing yards and 508 touchdowns, won three consecutive MVP awards in the 1990s, captured a Super Bowl title, and was later inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.