‘I Listened’: Director Of New Brett Favre Documentary Talks About Convincing Accuser Jenn Sterger To Finally Tell Her Story

by

For several years, Netflix’s series Untold has delved into a variety of sports-related narratives, such as steroid scandals, catfishing incidents, and the downfall of Johnny Manziel. Its newest episode focuses on the ups and downs of renowned quarterback Brett Favre. During the production of The Fall of Favre, director Rebecca Gitlitz interviewed several people, including media personality Jenn Sterger, who previously accused Favre of inappropriate behavior. TopMob had a conversation with Gitlitz, who shared insights into how she documented Sterger’s story.

Back in the early 2000s, I, Jenn Sterger, gained fame for my vibrant appearances at college football games, sporting cowboy hats and eye-catching outfits. My journey eventually led me to sports journalism, where I became a highly sought-after analyst. However, my career path took an unexpected turn in 2010 when Deadspin published a story accusing Brett Favre of sending me inappropriate texts, voicemails, and photos during the 2008 NFL season. At that time, I was serving as a New York Jets sideline reporter.

The documentary “Untold: The Fall of Favre” devotes a significant portion to detailing the connection between the filmmaker, Rebecca Gitlitz, and the sports personality Brett Favre. Interestingly, Gitlitz claims they have never actually met in person. I recently had the chance to chat with Gitlitz about her production, which is set to air as part of the 2025 television schedule. In our discussion, she also shared insights about her conversations with Sterger. Gitlitz confided in me that this project marks the first time she has been entrusted to tell the former journalist’s story truthfully.

Primarily in my personal and professional journey, I aspire for people to find solace and support in my presence. It is a responsibility I don’t underestimate when individuals share their most vulnerable moments with me, trusting me to handle them with care. I am deeply appreciative of Jen’s faith in me, knowing that countless others have sought her out over the years, entrusting me with this task.

Given that this recent documentary series installment is where Jenn Sterger shares her perspective on the matter for the first time, Rebecca Gitlitz understood the importance of being careful with how she told Sterger’s story. She explained to me the strategies she employed to ensure her approach was unique compared to other documentarians or commentators who might have interacted with Sterger before.

It seems to me that the key factor was my ability to listen effectively. In other words, ‘What are your needs? What remains unheard? Let’s correct the mistakes.’ We engaged in numerous discussions before any recording began. I found myself frequently astonished, even though I believed I understood the story, because I would often say aloud, ‘I suspect others would be equally surprised by this as well.’

Beyond the controversy surrounding my actions, “The Fall of Favre” delves into my connection with the Mississippi welfare funds scandal involving the Green Bay Packers legend. I was implicated in a case where it’s alleged that funds intended for the state’s welfare services may have been misused, channeled towards personal accounts or interests I held. However, as a hall of famer, I have consistently maintained my innocence regarding any financial improprieties. As for the Sterger situation, Rebecca Gitlitz also stated:

It seems to me that we both felt a strong desire to rectify many of the injustices within her narrative. I believe she did this partly because when the Mississippi story surfaced, it served as validation for Jen and countless other women who have been saying, “Believe me.” In essence, she stood up and said yes. Hence, my concluding line, “When people tell you who they are, believe them,” encapsulates Jen Sterger’s role in this whole scenario.

As a seasoned movie reviewer, I must say that the documentary producer, renowned for works like “One & Done”, “Under Pressure” and “The Story of Diana”, meticulously crafted Jenn Sterger’s story in their latest production, “Untold: The Fall of Favre”. In our conversation, Rebecca Gitlitz shared that the goal was to present a balanced narrative, and crucially, to portray Sterger as more than just a faceless image, which she had been perceived as by many. Now, with a Netflix subscription, you can delve into Sterger’s story and gain a deeper understanding of her experiences.

Read More

2025-05-21 02:07