Barbre glad drama's over

August 08, 2008 12:35 am

— By Jim Henry
jhenry@joplinglobe.com
Brett Favre and the Green Bay Packers, after developing into a week-long soap opera, reached a finality late Wednesday night when Favre was traded to the New York Jets.
Favre, after 16 years as the Packers’ quarterback, announced his retirement during a tearful press conference in March, then hinted last month he would like to play again. He arrived at the Packers’ training camp last weekend, prompting more fans — many chanting for Favre’s return — than usual for the Packers’ scrimmage last Sunday night and practices during the week.
“To be honest with you, we didn’t let that affect us,” Packers offensive lineman Allen Barbre said Thursday night. “We wanted to take care of what we could take care of. That was our mindset as far as all of that goes.
“It doesn’t matter to me who’s back there. I just want to be on the field. Everybody wanted what was best for the organization and for Brett. I guess I can say I’m thankful it’s over.”
Barbre, former standout at Missouri Southern and East Newton High School, was picked by the Packers in the fourth round of the 2007 NFL Draft. He played in seven games and was inactive for the other nine during the regular season, and he played in the Packers’ two playoff games.
Barbre’s most extensive action came in the regular-season finale against Detroit when he played the entire second half at left guard. This year he’s battling third-year player Daryn Colledge for the starting job at left guard.
“This year going in, I knew everything,” Barbre said. “That’s a whole new world when you’re a rookie. The anticipation on everything is overwhelming. After you’ve been there, it gets easier. Going in there and having the mindset of being ready to compete, that’s how it’s been going for me.”
As of Thursday night, Barbre didn’t know if he or Colledge would start in Monday night’s preseason opener against Cincinnati.
“I have to keep working hard,” Barbre said. “It’s an opportunity to go out and do my thing, show what I got. Of course, hitting somebody else, that’s always exciting.”