Interview with Jeff Pearlman author of Gunslinger -the biography of Brett Favre
By Josh McPeak
Gunslinger: The biography of Brett Favre
Today marks the official release of the biography –Gunslinger: The Remarkable, Improbable, Iconic Life of Brett Favre.
The author of the book was kind enough to do an interview with our site. Jeff Pearlman is an acclaimed sports writer and an author of over seven different sports related titles. During the writing process, Pearlman interviewed over 500 people associated in some way with the great Brett Favre.
Favre rarely enters the same sentence as a dull moment -if ever. I’m sure the book will be an interesting read.
Please read below to see what Jeff Pearlman had to say regarding the Brett Favre biography.
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Lombardi Ave: I read that in order to write the Gunslinger you interviewed over 500 people. That is amazing! Of those 500 who stood out as a few of your favorites and most fascinating?
Pearlman: Man, well, the best was Bonita Favre, Brett’s mom. First, because she’s just an awesome woman who has served as the rock of that family for many moons. There’s this thing that happens with male professional athletes, where the media always gravitates toward the father, because he usually fits a cliche and (often, not always) was the one who pushed Junior into sports. But while Irv Favre was certainly influential and important in Brett’s rise, development, etc., Bonita was the one who arranged, scheduled, soothed, mediated, guided. She was a longtime special education teacher, and she showed her children the importance of empathy, understanding, decency, kindness. Seriously, I’ve never met a person like her. Never, ever.
Dyan Favre, Brett’s nephew, is also a gem. Not just a favorite person from the book—a favorite person, period. I actually wound up writing this about him. Simply a good, righteous man. http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2226592-dylan-favres-roller-coaster-life-in-uncle-bretts-shadow
Another riveting one was Sterling Sharpe—mainly because everyone told me he’s horrible. Sterling was playing in a golf tournament in Lake Tahoe, and I drove up to see him (and others). I approached cautiously, figured he’d blow me off, etc. But, instead, he was fantastic. I mean, gracious, down to earth, funny, terrific memory, pinpoint insights. Could not have enjoyed my time with Sterling sharpe any more than I did. And how many journalists have ever said that before?
Lombardi Ave: You have worked with and wrote about some of the greatest athletes in the world. As far as athletes you have directly worked with, do you have a favorite?
Pearlman: Wow. I mean, there are more great guys than jerks, so it’s a huge list. From this project, I’ve really developed what I consider to be a nice kinship with Na’il Diggs, the former Packer. He wasn’t overly important to the book, but he lives near me and he’s just one of the smartest, coolest guys you’ll ever meet. Can’t say enough great things.
Also, when I was covering baseball the Reds had a first baseman, Sean Casey. His nickname was “The Mayor” because he knew and connected with absolutely everyone. Incredibly lovely … even invited Red writers to his wedding. And that never happens. Also always dug an outfielder with the Yankees and Braves named Gerald Williams. Super cool, the first guy to have the decency to call me by my name. A ton of athletes, even if they know your name, pretend they don’t. Cool points or something.
Lombardi Ave: While you were compiling the Gunslinger, did you get to directly work with Brett Favre? If so, is he the type of person you envisioned and what most fans like to as well?
Pearlman: I did not. I reached out to him early on; sent him some of my books and a letter. Then I had two or three arranged times with him, and was blown off. Then I sent him another letter, and he sent me a text, explaining that he didn’t wish to talk. I’m not mad—it’s his right, obviously. Plus, his family members were amazingly open and cool. Spent a lot of time with Bonita, a good chunk of time with his siblings, interviewed aunts, uncles, cousins. So that worked out for me.
Lombardi Ave: Would you care to comment about Donald Driver‘s recent comments of being misquoted in the book, as far as cursing goes?
Pearlman: No.
Kidding—sure. Donald’s a good guy, a righteous guy. I have no beef with him. But I have multiple sources on this; people not connected with one another who verified it. I’m not saying—in any way—that Donald Driver is lying or lacking sincerity. But I trust my reporting.
Lombardi Ave: Did you learn anything that surprised you about the relationship of Aaron Rodgers and Brett Favre? Or, lack there of a relationship?
Pearlman: Actually, not really. I mean, I remember being 22 and new at the Tennessean, where I started my career. I was straight out of college, cocky as all hell, just a real dick. And I looked at older writers and thought, “Hell, I’m better than they are.” It’s sorta how the workplace works when you have established professionals and new jacks brought in to ultimate replace and, hopefully, upgrade. That was, to ne, Favre-Rodgers. So while the intricacies are funny and quirky, the relationship wasn’t so shocking.
Lombardi Ave: If you had only covered Favre in his early days, would you have ever been on record for saying he would eventually land in Canton?
Pearlman: Haha. If I’d had covered him in Atlanta, I’d presume he’d go down as another Todd Marinovich. Talent out the gills, but lacking the control and discipline to make much of himself. Look, Favre was gonna go one of two ways: Manziel, or the path he took. That meant learning discipline, controlling his substance abuse, listening to coaches, getting his shit together. Had he stayed in Atlanta, I don’t see how it could have worked out with a renegade coach, a crackerjack locker room, drinks and women aplenty throughout one of America’s wildest cities. Coming to Green Bay saved him.
Lombardi Ave: What was your favorite Favre moment to illustrate?
Pearlman: I truly love a moment from his senior year at Southern Miss. Nearly dies in a car accident, is expected to miss the season, missed the first game—and they barely squeak by a Division II school, Delta State. He returns for Game 2—Alabama’s season opener, at Legion Field, with the Tide coached for the first time by Gene Stallings. Southern Miss is nothing more than a sacrificial lamb. That’s it. Alabama has paid them to come to the state and take a 56-3 drubbing. And, with Favre 30 pounds underweight, Southern Miss wins. Favre didn’t have his best game, but his presence owned the day. Afterward, the two head coaches shake hands and Stallings says, “I hope your quarterback is OK.” And Curley Hallman replies, “My quarterback is just fine.”
Next: Packers Perspective: How to defeat the Atlanta Falcons
Lombardi Ave: Jeff, finally tell the readers about Gunslinger: The Remarkable, Improbable, Iconic Life of Brett Favre. Where can readers pick up a copy?
Pearlman: Book stores starting 10.25, or anywhere online. Can visit jeffpearlman.com for more details, as well.