Green Bay Packer fans lined up outside Madison area stores to nab the coveted Sports Illustrated's Brett Favre Tribute Edition released to select newsstands within the last few days. Mail subscribers can expect the issue to arrive sometime this week or early next week.
The University Book Store endured its share of chaos as students hurried in to snatch up some of the final copies of the special edition. Erin Lambert-Conohan, University Book Store marketing director, said students were distraught upon the store's opening when they realized the store hadn't received their shipment of copies yet.
I would say 50 percent of people that came in were here to buy the magazine,"" Lambert-Conohan said.
""When they realized we didn't have it they eagerly purchased one or two of our other Favre-featured magazines just in case we sold out before they could get back to the store again.""
For many fans, Favre memorabilia isn't just an autograph, trading card or even a commemorative magazine, it's a piece of history.
Nick Cleary, a UW-Madison junior, said he is still mourning the loss of the veteran QB who became his image of the Packers since he can remember. ""You can relate to him because he's not a super-human celebrity,"" said Cleary. ""He's not a superstar, he's real.""
Cleary's girlfriend bought him a copy of the Sports Illustrated that he said he'll cherish forever.
Other stores like Walgreens and Open Pantry sold out of their copies shortly after opening, which has many people asking, ""When will there be more?"" Representatives from both stores said there is no timeline on the replenishment, as the demand for the magazine is so high.
Favre, who retired last week, spent 16 of his 17 years in the National Football League with the Green Bay Packers. During this time in the league, he became the only three-time MVP in NFL history and set records for the most consecutive starts, wins, touchdown passes and passing yards.
Sports Illustrated, which named Favre the 2007 Sportsman of the Year, will also be publishing a tribute book to the legendary QB that is due out April 15.
Assembly honors Favre's achievements with resolution
The state Assembly passed a resolution Tuesday honoring retired Green Bay Packer quarterback Brett Favre.
Every member of the Assembly and Senate co-sponsored the resolution, which honors the Mississippi native's numerous athletic accomplishments during his time in the National Football League.
A portion of the resolution reads: ""'¦the members of the Wisconsin Legislature commend the many accomplishments of Brett Favre and his contributions to the Green Bay Packers and the entire state of Wisconsin, and wish him well in all of his future endeavors.""
The resolution also recognizes Favre's support of local and national charities, including his wife's breast cancer support organization, the Deanna Favre Hope Foundation.
