Everyone involved with the UFL keeps using the catch phrase “alternative entertainment,” but I prefer to use the term “football at a price everyone can afford to watch.”  With seats priced at levels even lower then most college football games, everyone should be taking advantage of the chance to see professional football.

If you tally the cost of going to an NFL Game (even if you have tickets you purchased at regular face value), you would have already priced the average person out of their rent or mortgage payment for a month. With the going price for a UFL seat at $20 per, a family of 4 can have an affordable day or night of football.

While Thursday’s game was another loss for New York, they continue to improve in every facet of the game. Recent additions to the roster include former NFL Punter Scott Player, who wears a faceguard out of the 1950’s era.  When I asked New York head coach Ted Cottrell about player’s faceguard (as I’m an ex-kicker/punter and wore a similar one as a youth player in the 1960’s and 70’s), he lit up that great smile of his and told us, “they’ve (the team) never seen it!”

California would win this game by a 20-13 score, but New York kept it more then interesting, considering they had given up 17 points in the first half. Give the New York coaches and players credit for not packing it in early, as you could almost hear echoes of Herman Edwards famous “you play to win the game” quote along with his infamous (to Giants fans) fumble recovery for a touchdown throughout the halls of the building that will soon be torn down.

Personally, I spent many years learning about football In the Meadowlands, as both a fan sitting in section 311(row 25, seats 6-10), and later as I began my sports writing career. It holds a special place for me, and having the opportunity to cover the first UFL game here just made this last year of the building’s existence and my memories of it that much sweeter for me.

Both coaches have a wide array of feelings about the building as well. Redwoods head coach Dennis Green was asked about it and told us, “It was exciting to be at Giants Stadium, but once the game starts, you don’t notice. All the players were excited.”

He also made mention of the famous “Open Doors” Incident that he felt cost him a win over the Giants when the facilities staff would open the doors on the field level to allow the wind to aid a Giants’ field goal attempt or punt and then make sure they were closed for the opposing team In the same situation.

Coach Cottrell offered some other thoughts on the positive side:  “It was great to be in the area we’re locating to. I wish it (the game) had come out another way.” He went on to tell us “This ball park is great for fans. The new one (stadium) is going to be even better.” He still holds a deep fondness for the area from his time as a Rutgers assistant coach, and as the Jets defensive coordinator, but also recounted his famous quote as a Bills assistant when his defensive players talked about coming to New York to play the Jets, “It’s not New York, it’s East Rutherford New Jersey.”

All that being said, the stadium with the skyline of Manhattan in clear view will be missed by many people, but will be remembered for many great moments, including the launch of the UFL in the NY area.

Yep, that inevitable moment finally came last week; you told the world you were walking away from professional football. I guess many of us knew your retirement day would eventually arrive, but the reality of you not suiting up next season has yet to sink in. Without you, Brett, the game of football becomes just a little bit different–and NOT in a better way. All I can do now is send along my gratitude for 17 wonderful years, Mr. Favre; hear me out for just a bit.

Thanks for becoming synonymous with that ONE franchise over the years, Brett; oh yeah, you threw five passes in a Falcons uniform when you were a struggling rookie, but once you arrived in Green Bay, you immersed yourself in the Packer tradition, won a Super Bowl, and went NOWHERE else. Your devotion to one team happily reminds me of another athlete named Brett–George of the Royals–another guy who truly understood the meaning of the term “loyalty.”

Thank you for being there EVERY week, Brett. Your record string of 275 consecutive starts for a QB (including the postseason) says it all about your love for the game and unmatched desire to compete. I know there were weekends when you weren’t even CLOSE to feeling 100% physically, Brett, but even the Wisconsin National Guard would have had trouble keeping you out of uniform on those particular Sundays. I know that streak meant a lot to you; it TELLS a lot about you, too.

Thanks for showing us your “human side,” Brett, and the ability to fight back. Yeah, there was the painkiller addiction, your affinity for booze, and your wife’s battle with breast cancer. You faced each individual battle and bravely overcame each–perhaps the game of football being your “saving grace” throughout it all. In my opinion, your vulnerability contributed to your “regular guy” image, Brett; yeah, you were never really different than any of us except for the Superman-like heroics you’d demonstrate on any given Sunday.

Thanks for personifying what the term “guts” is all about, #4. With tears in your eyes, you scorched the Raiders for 399 yards passing and four touchdowns the day after your Dad passed away in 2003–knowing he’d want you play. I remember you saying after the game that you felt like your father was watching that night, Brett; I watched, too–in total amazement.

Thank you for your immense enthusiasm, Mr. Favre. You always reminded me of a little kid on Christmas morning the way you approached each game. Your joy was truly GENUINE every time you threw a TD pass–a record 442 of them in all. I’d love the way you’d sprint to the end zone to meet your wide receivers after a scoring strike; I’m almost convinced you ran faster in those celebratory situations than you did when you were chased in the pocket by 300-pound linemen. Yeah, no doubt–you just LOVED football. My colleague Jeff Jacobs of the Hartford Courant recently wrote this about you: “Favre never played quarterback like a corporation. He played it like a country boy.” Yes, how true–and SO refreshing.

Yes, again, the WAY you played football was incredible, Brett–and I thank you for that. You were the master of improvisation, the gun-slinging escape artist, and the true “sheriff” in Titletown, U.S.A. Sounds like the roles of a movie star, huh, Brett? Well, you were a star, for sure–without all the Hollywood glitter.

Thanks for proving many of us wrong when you came back for another season in 2007, Brett. Yours truly was among those who were convinced your playing days should have ended after a very mediocre 2006. You responded by throwing 28 TD passes and taking your team to the NFC title game. Yes, I guess the doubters out there always fueled you, Brett, ever since those many football fans uttered “Who?” when your name was mentioned during the 1991 draft. They’re ALL familiar with you now, Mr. Favre–trust me.

Thanks for leveling with us when you called it a career, Brett. While acknowledging you can still play the game, you also uttered, “I’m just tired.” Yeah, 5,377 competions and over 61,000 yards passing–both records–can do that to you. And thanks in advance for STAYING retired, Brett; you may have not won another Super Bowl–as was your wish–but you truly went out on top. It’s time, Brett. You’re now at the very top of an esteemed list of all-time Packer greats. You were the poster boy for toughness, for Lambeau Field, and for Green Bay in general. In short, you were the Bobby Layne of your day–with a championship ring.

Finally, thanks for the show of raw emotion at your press conference, Brett. The tears flowed as you struggled to find the right words to convey that you were done with football–a game you played with a “blue-collar” flair. Yes, even a tough guy can cry, Mr. Favre.

Thanks, #4, and best of luck.