NFL legend Brett Favre has taken to social media to voice his concerns about the recent list of Presidential Medal of Freedom honorees.
The announcement, which included global soccer star Lionel Messi, NBA icon Magic Johnson, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, and philanthropist George Soros, has sparked significant controversy.
The Green Bay Packers Hall of Famer didn’t hold back, posting on X: “What words would you use to describe the White House medals that were given out because I’m honestly speechless. “
Critics argue that the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian award, should be reserved for U.S. citizens who have made extraordinary contributions to the country’s values, security, or prosperity.
Favre‘s frustration mirrors that of many who feel the recent choices stray from this tradition. Elon Musk joined the conversation, calling the recognition of George Soros a “travesty.”
Fans of the legendary quarterback chimed in on social media. One wrote, “Michael J. Fox and Denzel Washington were probably the two most deserving people by far…” Another user commented, “A new medal will need to be created for the true Medal of Freedom winners.”
Historically, athletes like Michael Jordan, Tiger Woods, and Simone Biles have been recipients of the award, earning their honors for both their athletic contributions and their impact on American culture.
However, the inclusion of international figures and controversial names in the current list has reignited debates about the award’s purpose and future.
Concerns Over NFL’s Proposed Changes
Favre‘s critique isn’t limited to national honors; he’s also taking issue with proposed changes in the NFL. Commissioner Roger Goodell recently hinted at expanding the regular season to 19 games, which Favre believes could unfairly skew historical records.
“If players get an extra game, it becomes much easier to break the records that took legends years to achieve,” Favre suggested.
He pointed out that this season, Eagles running back Saquon Barkley was just 101 yards shy of breaking Eric Dickerson‘s single-season rushing record of 2,105 yards. An additional game could have easily pushed Barkley over the milestone.
The former Packers quarterback isn’t alone in his concerns. Many believe that while the league evolves to boost viewership and revenue, preserving the integrity of its history and records should remain a priority.
For Favre, whether it’s the highest civilian honors or the sanctity of NFL achievements, maintaining standards of excellence is essential.
