An awkward exchange between NFL legend Brett Favre and a former New York Jets player has been revealed on social media.
One of the best quarterbacks of his generation, Favre was a three-time league MVP and led the Green Bay Packers to a Super Bowl victory in 1997.
However, one moment 23 years ago has left Mark Gastineau fuming to this day and it sparked an impassioned outburst during a recent meeting.
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During the final moments of the final game in the 2001 season, Favre was sacked by Michael Strahan, which saw the Giants defender break the all-time season record.
Michael Strahan lands a tackle on Brett Favre. Getty
Prior to that moment, Gastineau had held the record of 22 for a single season, but the final tackle from Strahan on Favre saw him move to 22.5 for that campaign.
Favre and Gastineau recently bumped into each other and footage captured by ESPN showed an incredibly tense encounter, with the legendary quarterback lost for words.
"When you fell down for him. I'm gonna get my sack back dude," Gastineau said.
"I don't care, you hurt me. You hear me? You really hurt me. You hurt me Brett."
Favre was quickly escorted away from the situation before Gastineau spoke directly to camera for an upcoming 30 For 30 documentary episode to voice his displeasure.
"Anybody will tell you, Brett Favre took a dive … everybody knows it," he said.
"I didn't know what had happened, the NFL should have stopped that.
"He took my record away from me."
Favre has since taken to social media and posted a lengthy thread explaining his side of the situation and admitted it "maybe crossed my mind" to help Strahan.
"I was in no way trying to hurt Mark Gastineau," he said.
"The game was over. There was no need for me to do anything spectacular. It probably wasn't Michael's best sack or tackle for loss. Maybe it crossed my mind to help Strahan.
"I didn't think it through. That wasn't my forte at the time. I just wanted to have fun and compete. In retrospect, I understand how Gastineau feels.
"There was no malice on my part. Mark was a great player. I understand his frustration, but I'm not his enemy. A while back, he saw me at a card show and got his frustration off his chest. It's not the kind of moment that should be filmed and released.
"I have a great deal of respect for Mark. I hope one day he joins me in the Hall of Fame."
Strahan's record of 22.5 sacks in a single season was equalled by Pittsburgh Steelers superstar TJ Watt in 2021.