Jimmy Johnson perfect `Survivor'

Before we begin, let me say I hate 99 percent of reality television. `Survivor,' however, is my favorite show (even though it's responsible for the decade-long explosion of reality TV) ...

First down: The eyes were glassing over while surfing NFL stories when something interesting jumped out from the Dallas Morning News. A breakdown of Tony Romo's throwing motion? No. An insider's detailed description of Dez Bryant's contract negotiations? Um, no. News that former Cowboys coach and current Fox analyst Jimmy Johnson will be a contestant on the next "Survivor" show? Heck, yeah. Johnson's perfect. He's older, 67. He's a guy you either love or hate. And, as anyone who worked for the Vikings during the Herschel Walker trade knows, he personifies the show's battlecry: "Outwit, outplay and outlast." Sorry, Viking fans.

Second down:Here's the video of Brett Favre taking exception to parts of the Men's Journal article during an interview with WDAM television in Mississippi. In the article, Favre's agent, Bus Cook, calls Favre a "drama queen" because of his indecision. I didn't think it was that big a deal when I read the article. I thought it was more funny than serious. And, besides, the whole world already thinks Brett's a drama queen. Favre objected to the way the comments were portrayed by reporter Stephen Rodrick. Favre said it was "a joking around day" between himself, Cook and Rodrick. He also said he learned a lesson not to trust anybody. The irony, of course, is Favre comes off looking like a drama queen while objecting to the fact his agent called him a drama queen.

Third down: I'm off the opinion that Favre can show up in mid-to-late August and the world will not come to an end. He'll be ready, his teammates won't throw "schism" fits and the Vikings will end up being a pretty decent team as the result. That's not how Ross Tucker sees it. The former NFL offensive lineman-turned SI.com columnist torches Favre for his lack of leadership and points out that other future Hall of Famers such as Ray Lewis show up on time. In a perfect world, Favre would be there at the beginning of training camp. Unlike the Packers, who could force the situation because they had Aaron Rodgers primed and ready to go for the next decade or so, the Vikings have no leverage and no need to force the situation.

Fourth down: Throw me into the large group that had to chuckle when Nick Saban referred to agents who make a living off college football players as "pimps." What do you suppose that makes the NCAA and its millionaire coaches?