How Green Bay Stole a Hall of Famer from the Falcons

Published on September 9th, 2025 10:04 pm EST
Written By: Dave Manuel


Brett Favre barely made a dent in Atlanta. Drafted in the second round in 1991, Favre spent most of his rookie year stapled to the bench. Head coach Jerry Glanville openly disliked the pick. He once joked he'd need an airplane crash for Favre to see the field.

When Favre did play, it was ugly. Four passes thrown. Two intercepted. One pick returned for a touchdown. Zero completions. That was the entire Falcons stat line for Brett Favre.

Behind the scenes, Favre didn't fit. His drinking habits, his immaturity, and Glanville's lack of patience created a short leash. By the spring of 1992, Atlanta was done with him.

Enter Ron Wolf. The Packers GM had scouted Favre heavily before the draft, loved the arm, and couldn't believe he slipped away. Wolf had missed out in 1991. He wasn't missing out again.

Green Bay shipped a first-round pick, the 19th overall in 1992, to Atlanta in exchange for Favre. The Falcons used that pick on running back Tony Smith, who lasted three seasons and never topped 329 rushing yards in a year.

Favre went on to win three MVPs, one Super Bowl, and set nearly every passing record of his era. Atlanta got three forgettable seasons from a running back who never cracked the starting job long-term.

Think about the context: this was a franchise quarterback traded after four passes, none completed, for a pick that became a total bust. It stands as one of the most lopsided trades in league history.

Favre's career totals: 71,838 passing yards, 508 touchdowns, 186 wins. Tony Smith: 329 yards, two touchdowns, 19 games played.