A video went viral back in December that featured Mark Gastineau confronting Brett Favre in 2023 about Michael Strahan sacking the Green Bay Packers legend to break Gastineau’s single-season sack record.
In the final game of the 2001 season, Favre appeared to fall onto the field before being tackled by Strahan, giving the New York Giants legend the record. (It’s since been tied by T.J. Watt.) Gastineau accused Favre of taking a “dive,” and the play remains controversial.
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Gastineau met Favre at a memorabilia event last year, saying that Favre had “hurt” him and that he was going to “take my sack back” in a heated exchange.
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November 18, 2007, Green Bay, WI: Green Bay Packers quarterback Brett Favre (4) calls signals during the game against the Carolina Panthers at Lambeau Field. (Jeff Hanisch-USA Today Sports)
The confrontation was featured in ESPN’s 30 for 30, “New York Sack Exchange;” not coincidentally, Favre said he believes the meeting had been planned by “ESPN and/or NFL Films.”
“There are athletes from all sports; generally, it’s retired guys. So, you encounter a lot of different guys, but I had no clue, and I really think that was a setup by ESPN and/or NFL Films,” Favre told Mihcele Tafoya on her podcast.
Favre said he had spotted a camera “hiding” above a “divider,” and admitted he had been a bit worried.
Defensive end Mark Gastineau, #99, celebrates during an NFL football game circa 1986. Gastineau played for the Jets from 1979 to 1988. (Focus on Sport/Getty Images)
“He actually came right to the table – he’s still a big guy. . . .Honestly, I was thinking, the last thing I want to have to do is fight this guy right here,” Favre said.
The Hall of Fame QB added that he felt Gastineau “wasn’t all there” due to his history of concussions.
Favre took to X shortly after the confrontation went viral, in an attempt to “clear the air,” admitting that it “maybe” had “crossed my mind to help Strahan,” but he was not trying to “hurt” Gastineau.
Michael Strahan of the New York Giants celebrates breaking Mark Gastineau’s single season sack record during the game against the Green Bay Packers at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Packers won 35-24. (Al Bello/Getty Images)
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“I booted out of a run thinking it would be wide open, saw Strahan standing there and ducked down. The game was over. There was no need for me to do anything spectacular. It probably wasn’t Michael’s best sack or tackle for loss. In a different game or situation, I would have made a bigger effort to avoid the sack or TFL. But at no point was I thinking about hurting Gastineau,” Favre pleaded.
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Favre added that the incident was “not the kind of moment that should be filmed and released.”
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Former NFL quarterback Brett Favre has come forward to address the viral video that surfaced earlier this week showing a heated confrontation between him and former New York Jets player Mark Gastineau about the NFL sack record.
In an interview with ESPN, Favre revealed that the confrontation was actually a “setup” orchestrated by a mutual friend in an attempt to generate buzz and create drama surrounding the record. Favre clarified that there was no bad blood between him and Gastineau, and that the two have always had a friendly and respectful relationship.
“I want to set the record straight and let everyone know that what was captured on video was not a real argument,” Favre explained. “It was all in good fun and meant to entertain. Mark and I have always had a great relationship and there is no animosity between us.”
Favre went on to express his admiration for Gastineau’s accomplishments on the football field, stating that he has always respected him as a player and a competitor. He also extended an olive branch to Gastineau, inviting him to join him for a friendly game of golf in the near future.
While the video may have sparked controversy and speculation, it seems that all is well between Favre and Gastineau. As for the NFL sack record, Favre holds the title with 525 career sacks, a record that is unlikely to be broken anytime soon.
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Brett Favre, Mark Gastineau, NFL, sack record, viral confrontation, setup, football, sports, controversy, record-breaking, quarterback, defensive end
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