Bucs fans remember that Brett Favre was oh so close to wearing pewter and red for the 2008 season. Team Glazer, per numerous reports, was ready to take on Favre’s $12 million salary, but a last second change of heart by the Packers got Favre shipped to the Jets.

Ironically, it seems that trade had a huge impact on Darrelle Revis, the Bucs’ $1-million-per-game cornerback.

Speaking last night on the Buccaneers Radio Network on WDAE-AM 620, Revis revealed that Favre was a key force in his early development.

“He was a cool guy, man. He told me I was going to be a great player, too. At the time I was in my second year, I’m like, ‘Yeah, right,’ Revis said. “But he actually told me that. Thanks, Brett. I appreciate it.

“You know, I’m a competitor. In practice, I would challenge myself. I mean, why wouldn’t you want to challenge yourself against a Hall of Fame quarterback to see what you need to improve on and where your game’s at? I had to watch the receivers, Laveranues Coles and Brad smith and those guys, And I would challenge myself. And I think that’s what made me better, better by going against a quarterback like Brett Favre. I mean, he’s a Hall of Famer. I made some plays. He made some plays on me, too, as well. He’d be like, ‘Youngin’ I got you on this one.'”

Revis confirmed to host T.J. Rives that Favre did, in fact, call him “Youngin’.”