He makes friends by influencing Packers

He’s in, he’s out, he’s in, he’s Brett Favre, the once and former and maybe once again quarterback of the Green Bay Packers. Favre is the new/old/new guy back in town and apparently owes that to the behind-the-scenes work of NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell.

As the league’s chief signal-caller, Goodell . . . well, let’s say he influenced the Packers to take Favre back.

In doing so, Goodell earned high marks from media critics in all parts, which is a lot harder for him to accomplish than it was to figure out those new rules about untucked jerseys, excessive end zone celebrations or messages on wristbands and shoes.

The Green Bay Press-Gazette lauded Goodell’s moves, as did the Washington Post, the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, ESPN.com, SI.com and even radio hosts “Mike and Mike,” who can usually agree only that they don’t like each other.

So, for Goodell, it was a positive P.R. day.

Now, Goodell has a chance for another: He’s going to set up a meeting among the five Rooney brothers to help figure out the possible ownership change involving the Pittsburgh Steelers.

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Trivia time

How much did Ken Griffey’s 600th home run ball sell for at auction at the ESPN Zone in Chicago?

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He can cut it

Favre recently signed a deal with Briggs & Stratton to extend his endorsement of Snapper lawn mowers. Wait a minute, shouldn’t the Packers’ center have that gig?

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And cook it

Favre joins Jerome Bettis, Carl Eller, other NFL players, NBC talent and chef Bobby Flay in offering recipes in a “Sunday Night Football Cookbook,” on shelves next week for $27.95, the profits from its sales going to charity.

One recipe Favre is sure not to include: humble pie.

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Ad addition

Everybody knows that football is big in Texas, but this is a real eye-catcher:

In 1993, advertising revenue at the University of Texas’ Memorial Stadium was a respectable $570,000. This year, it’s up to $10 million, according to the Austin Business Journal. Space on the video board starts at $250,000.

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Tiger tale

Nice marketing by EA Sports President Peter Moore, who told Fox Business that Tiger Woods’ knee surgery may not be bad news for the video game maker.

“The only place where you’ll be able to see Tiger playing is on ‘Tiger Woods PGA Tour 09.’ So if you need your Tiger fix, buy the game.”

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Not 100 proof

The favorite beer among beer drinkers and avid sports fans? An ESPN sports poll says it’s Budweiser, with Bud Light second.

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Trivia answer

It went for $42,000 (Barry Bonds’ 760th home run ball sold for $32,400.)

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And finally

Colin Montgomerie was none too happy, which is hardly a rare occurrence, after he was selected for a random drug test following a round at the WGC Bridgestone Invitational on the PGA Tour: “This is a complete waste of time,” he said.

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