09/26 — Brett Favre never ceases to amaze me.

I mean, coming in, some thought he was a former MVP at the end of his career, but his heart and competitiveness are shining through as his best attributes. Here's a guy who has proven to earn the respect of his teammates through his dedication to learning the playbook, knowing all that's required of him while trying to get back into shape.

This past Monday in San Diego, he hurt his ankle trying to lead the team back from a big deficit. As recently as Wednesday he was still noticeably limping. But by Thursday the limp was nearly gone. At this rate the pep will be back in his step by Sunday.

We'd probably give a 38-year-old QB a pass if he wanted to take his recovery a little slow, but that doesn't seem to be Favre's way. Some will say, "That's just because he has a high tolerance level for pain." But I imagine a rolled ankle on him hurts as bad as it does me, and it's pretty painful. I know I sure wasn't up and running around in a matter of days.

You know he's been given credit for all of his on-field accolades, but I think his best attribute is his competitiveness. He's proving that the desire to win can outweigh the pain and the hatred for studying, and can sometimes even push away Father Time.

All the while you never got the sense he even imagined he wouldn't play on Sunday. He's been through bumps and bruises before and knows how to heal them and get back on the field. This is why the Jets got Favre. He can get dinged up and still play through the pain and that characteristic can lead a team. This is why I now have a new found respect for his games-started streak. The fans in Green Bay know all of this already as he played 253 straight games for them through the worst conditions — a thumb injury and countless nights in the ice tub.

Jets fans have only had a glimpse of what has turned out to be a true tough quarterback. I know past QBs have been tough and played through pain and so on, but they've also missed games. Favre hasn't. He admitted this week he would never play if he felt he was hurting his team and has pulled himself before. Last year, against Dallas in December, he got hurt in a loss and pulled himself from the game. He came back the next week and threw for 266 yards and two TDs in a 38-7 win over Oakland.

This is an important time for the Jets. After losing two straight, they're in a position where they need a victory to feel like they're moving in the right direction. Right now they're in a state of flux, not sure if they will fall prey to the pitfalls that trip up the teams that fail or will show the heart to overcome the adversity and self-inflicted wounds to become stronger.

I know Jets fans want this team to bring it all together for a game to prove they are more than just a team of potential. If they follow the lead of a man who's been there, the turnaround can begin with the Cardinals.