Vikings

(WCCO) In a constant news cycle, with stories breaking every minute on Twitter, Facebook and national networks that have continuous coverage, WCCO-TV's Mark Rosen was the first to report that Brett Favre was on his way to Minnesota, to potentially sign as the Vikings' new quarterback.

"So many national sources out there and it meant a lot to me to be able to break this news," said Rosen.

It was an unexpected call on Rosen's day off that started the football rolling.

"I got a call at a quarter to 9 this morning from a source ... It was cryptic language but at the end of the call he said 'I think it's going to be a pretty big day for you,'" recalled Rosen.

The source that Rosen is talking about it someone who he trusts 100 percent, a source he calls "impeccable." And while Rosen felt 100 percent about reporting this news, he was still skeptical.

"You still get cold feet a little bit because it's Brett Favre," he said.

The same source told Rosen back in June that Favre had agreed to terms with the Vikings and would be at training camp, barring some unforeseen major physical setback.

That physical setback proved to be the reason at the end of July. On July 28, Favre told ESPN he was concerned that the pain from his ankles and knee from previous injuries might never subside and could continue to worsen.

"There was no being right or wrong. Everything was in place but Brett got cold feet," said Rosen. "It had more to do with Favre saying I couldn't do it for 16 games."

When Rosen learned that Favre wouldn't be at training camp, it was a huge disappointment at the time.

"I'd take a 39-year-old Brett Favre over a mediocre quarterback," said Rosen. "He knows what it takes to win in December and January."

So what change in the last two weeks for Favre? Did Favre just not want to be at training camp? Rosen said the holes in those details will eventually be filled in but for now it's looking forward.

"This time of the year is going to be so far back in the rearview mirror," he said. "Nobody is going to think about training camp once the season starts."

As for how the players will welcome the unretired quarterback, Rosen thinks there will only be a couple guys who might be disappointed.

"Other than Sage Rosenfels and Tarvaris Jackson, the players will understand it's a business," he said.

"Their goal is get to the championship," said Rosen. "Are they a better football team today than yesterday? Yes."

Rosen believes Favre will have to get up in front of this football team and sell that.

"He'll have to say 'I'm here to be part of your team,'" said Rosen.

The gravity of Favre pulling on a Vikings jersey is not lost on Rosen, who has been at WCCO since 1969.

"This is the biggest story that I have seen here in decades," he said. "It's not just another quarterback. It's the guy who has tormented this team."

Rosen said nothing can compare to this for the Vikings, calling it a "made for primetime moment."

"For Vikings and Packers fans, it's rivalry, it's family, it's blood, it's everything," he said. "It runs a lot deeper."

So as Rosen watched Favre arrive at Winter Park, seeing people jumping in front of the SUV he was riding in, he likened it to the Beatles -- as fans ran across the street to get a glimpse of the once-retired quarterback and the, potentially, new Minnesota Viking.

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