Brett Favre made a triumphant return to Green Bay a year ago, eager to get back at the franchise that he felt unfairly kicked him to the curb after 16 seasons.
When Favre and the Minnesota Vikings pay a visit to Lambeau Field on Sunday night to take on the Packers, he may have a hard time digesting how much has changed in the past few weeks - much less a year.
The 41-year-old Favre, who was a three-time NFL MVP during his tenure with Green Bay, finds himself ensnared in controversy and at the center of a league investigation.
It's not exactly the best way to head into a key divisional clash in what promises to be an emotional game without the added presence of an NFL probe at Favre's doorstep.
That Favre is under the microscope for allegedly sending inappropriate photos and text messages to a former New York Jets team employee only promises to incite a raucous crowd at Lambeau.
Favre declined to comment on his meeting with league investigators this week, saying his focus is solely on the Packers. The feeling is surely mutual in the opposing locker room.
Green Bay (3-3) is coming off back-to-back overtime losses and battling myriad injuries as it tries to keep pace with NFC North leader Chicago while looking to avenge two defeats at the hands of Favre and the Vikings in 2009.
Even though Minnesota (2-3) trails the Packers by a half-game, the Vikings showed their mettle a week ago by squeaking out 24-21 victory over Dallas in what was considered a must win to stay in playoff contention.
The Vikings prevailed despite just 188 yards of total offense. Favre, who has been battling elbow tendinitis, was 14 of 19 for 118 yards and Pro Bowl running back Adrian Peterson was limited to 73 yards on 24 carries.
Randy Moss will be playing in his third game with Minnesota and his first at Lambeau Field since January 2005, when he pretended to moon the crowd after scoring a touchdown. He has nine receptions and a touchdown in his first two games with the Vikings.
The Packers are hoping for defensive reinforcements with cornerback Al Harris and safety Atari Bigby eligible to be activated off the physically unable to perform list.
Linebacker Clay Matthews, who leads the league with 8.5 sacks despite missing last week’s game with a sore hamstring, also is hoping to play Sunday.
Green Bay’s offense has struggled since Ryan Grant suffered a season-ending knee injury in Week 1. Tight end Jermichael Finley also was lost for the year in Week 4, taking away another big weapon.
Aaron Rodgers has thrown for 1,546 yards and 10 touchdowns, but he also has tossed five of his seven interceptions in the last three games.
The Packers’ last four games have been decided by a total of 11 points, three of them losses.