Brett Favre Claims ESPN Set Up Confrontation Over Strahan’s Sack Record

CHICAGO, Ill. — Brett Favre believes his recent confrontation with former NFL defensive end Mark Gastineau over Michael Strahan’s sack record was orchestrated by ESPN and NFL Films. The incident, captured in a trailer for ESPN’s 30 for 30 documentary *The New York Sack Exchange*, has reignited controversy over Strahan’s record-breaking sack in 2001.

In December 2023, ESPN released a trailer showing Gastineau confronting Favre at a memorabilia show in Chicago. The clip depicts an uncomfortable exchange where Gastineau, visibly upset, accuses Favre of deliberately taking a sack to help Strahan break his single-season sack record. Favre, who appeared unaware of Gastineau’s intentions, described the encounter as a potential setup during a recent episode of *The Michele Tafoya Podcast*.

“I really think that was a setup by ESPN and/or NFL Films,” Favre said. “There was a camera hiding above this divider. I had no clue, and honestly, I was thinking, the last thing I want to have to do is fight this guy right here.”

Favre recounted the moment Gastineau approached him at the event, noting the former defensive end’s imposing presence and apparent emotional state. “He actually came right to the table – he’s still a big guy. I looked up and said, ‘Hey, Mark!’ and right away, I knew he wasn’t all there,” Favre said. “I was thinking, I need to be first, whether that meant taking a swing or running.”

The controversy stems from a 2001 game between the Green Bay Packers and the New York Giants. In the final moments, Favre appeared to fall before being tackled by Strahan, securing the single-season sack record. Gastineau, who held the record prior to Strahan, has long accused Favre of taking a “dive” on the play. The record has since been tied by T.J. Watt in 2021.

Gastineau, who played for the New York Jets from 1979 to 1988, has struggled with health issues, including concussions, which Favre referenced during the podcast. “I think Mark has got some serious concussion issues, but I’m not a doctor,” Favre said. “He wasn’t all there.”

Ken Rodgers, director of the 30 for 30 documentary, denied Favre’s allegations of a setup. However, the confrontation has undeniably fueled interest in the film, which premiered on ESPN and ESPN+ on Dec. 13, 2023.

Favre later addressed the incident on social media, admitting that it “maybe” crossed his mind to help Strahan but denying any intent to harm Gastineau. “I booted out of a run thinking it would be wide open, saw Strahan standing there, and ducked down,” Favre wrote. “At no point was I thinking about hurting Gastineau.”

The incident has sparked debate among fans and analysts, with some questioning the ethics of staging such confrontations for entertainment. As Favre put it, “That was a weird moment.”