the desire of a old man wanting to play football,

Ouch. I guess since I'm the same age, I feel like cutting him some slack. I would find it very hard to have everyone telling me it's time to retire and that I'm too old. No one wants to hear that. But, on that note - there is much to be said for leaving gracefully. He would have been a permanent hero here in GB had he retired from the Packers and left it at that . Now, GB residents despise him and wish him ill - it's a sad end to his brilliant career.

I wish it weren't going to be a circus, but it will. I'll watch as I'm a lifetime Vikes fan, but I don't have to like it. Maybe he can help the other three develope a bit before he finally goes... and a couple of really good shots to that shoulder and it's bye-bye Brett.

Great! As a lifelong and suffering Viking fan I think that this is a good move. It will give Jackson and Rosenfel a chance to learn from one of the better QB's out there. This should be an interesting season for the Vikes and their fans.

He would have been a permanent hero here in GB had he retired from the Packers and left it at that .

I'm surprised they forced him out of GB.

Say what you will about Favre Statistics (Most INTs all time) he was a proven leader year in and year out who always gave you a chance to win the game.

While Aaron Rogers has put together a single good season, I just don't see the leadership to win games when needed. Nor do I see a Superbowl QB.

What the writers are doing is shameful. They loved this guy just 2 years ago when he led GB to the NFC ChampionShip game.

Who is ever gonna forget than one handled shovel pass off balance in the game before that? I'm not even a GB fan and that image will stick with me forever.

He's an older guy who wants to play. He has more talent than a lot of QBs around the league even at this age. Why does Warner get a bunch of media love? He's just about as old.

It's really about winning. Which is sad. Win and they will love you no matter what kind of person you are. Lose and they will hate you.

I'm surprised they forced him out of GB.

They "forced" him out in Green Bay because he played these same "will I retire?" games during the offseason for several years, especially during the last offseason.

Finally, he declared his retirement, and the team gave him a fine sendoff. Then he decided to unretire. When Packers execs traveled to talk to him about unretiring, he decided to stay retired after all. Only to decide later to unretire again.

The Packers are a team, and the team's goals are more important than Favre's goals. They had an unproven QB in Rodgers. And Rodgers' contract was getting short with no evidence yet of whether he could be a starter or not. Favre's indecision made it nearly impossible to know whether they needed to draft another QB, or try to sign a free agent. Would he be back, or wouldn't he? Their needs change greatly depending on his decision, and he couldn't MAKE a decision.

Eventually they had to cut the cord, if only to have a clear path forward.

I don't think he was forced out of GB - He made the decision to retire due to injuries at that time and other personal decisions with his family. It was the retirement remorse that got people really annoyed here and the demands to be brought back out of retirement in GB. I think had he just come out of retirement and gone to the jets without the demands in GB first, his career would have ended like Joe Montana.

Hahahahahahahaha!!!! Now he's the Vikings problem. Hey, maybe he'll give up in the fourth quarter of the NFC championship like he did against the Giants a couple of years ago. Bret Favre now has his legacy. The booger that just want flick off the finger of the NFL. Having said that he sure does help Adrian Peterson, my #1 fantasy RB, out.

As a resident of Green Bay when Favre"retired" the first time, he was not forced out of GReeen Bay. He is the one that forced Green Bay to go in the direction they did. From one year to the next Favre was addicted to the media fix he would get when he mentioned anything about whether or not he would play the following year. The team, and fans for that matter, were unsure how to plan for the following season and know how to game plan for who was going to be the starter. Favre became more of a distraction than an asset.

Also, the antics that were never reported by the national media that went on in Green Bay with Franky Winters and Mark Chmura at the local watering holes, Favre was protected and forgiven. Favre's lying about his drug abuse problem, and the fans forgave him and supported him with their prayers. Deanna Favre suffering through breast cancer, and the fans supported her completely, purchasing pink Packer hat after Packer hat, giving to her organizations, the outpouring of support for her and the family. All of the tradgedies that befell teh Favre family betweeen the loss of family memebrs and the suffering of his family during hurricane Katrina, again, the fans were completely supportive.

When Favre and the packers parted ways the Favre family pulled up stakes and made it clear that they never wanted to have to "suffer" through living in a place like Green Bay again. For those of you not from Green Bay you may find it hard to believe but we treat the Packer players like family. Favre could walk into any establishment in town and enjoy his privacy becasue people respected that with him.

Bottom line, the fans gave him everything, and in return he gave them everything. We understand that business is business, and we are not for the most part bitter about him coming back and playing elswhere. Vince Lombardi, hallowed be thy name, left Green Bay and went to the Giants, he is still loved. Reggie White came back from retirement and played for Jacksonville, and when he passed the city/state was devastated. We have had player after player that left the team and has come back for programs that they have started here for the communities and they are welcomed back with open arsm, because when they left they did it with grace. We are not bitter about him retiring, we are bitter about HOW he retired.

Favre having a beef with the Packers admin is one thing, Favre saying he wants to "stick it to them" is another. Favre's beef with Thomson spilled over into wanting to screw the Packer organization, and in turn screwing the fans. THAT is why people are bitter in Green Bay about him, not for wearing another teams jersey.

Why does Warner get a bunch of media love? He's just about as old.

Because Warner has yet to retire, then come back, then retire again, then want to come back and whine like a 6 year old when his old team tells him they've moved on, then retire again, then re-affirm that he is staying retired, then 3 weeks later say he's coming back. It's not his age, it's not his proclivity for INT's, that is getting him the negative press. It's his apparent attitude that every team in the league should stop what they're doing and hold a roster spot open just in case the Great Brett Favre decides he wants to play again. It's called integrity - something I used to think he had in spades, but now feel he is sorely lacking.

The biggest joke was when they "enshrined" his locker. Pulease! You guys in GB really need to get a life. I've been there many times and the only thing you got is the Packers. You guys made him into the monster he is today. Before you start. No, I'm not a Bears fan or a Vikings fan. Just an observer. The best one is listening to female Packer fans cheering on the packers in the fourth quarter of the last preseason game like it's the Super Bowl. Yeah, go Pack. Cheering on a bunch of slugs that will never make the team. You betcha!

Sven, Packer fans LOVE their team. I mean, the are really pretty obsessed. But, there really isn't alot to do in the winter on a Sunday afternoon in Green Bay or in Minnesota when it is 10 below.

I lived in the Midwest for decades. I was obsessed with the Vikings and every year I was sure that it would be "the year" that the Vikings would win the super bowl. Year after year after year after year (you get the picture) I kept my hopes up only to be disappointed every year. I finally gave up on them and I am really glad that I did. I live in Arizona now and I have converted into a Cardinal fan. They almost pulled off one of the biggest upsets in Super Bowl history. I went to the Vikings/Cards game last year. The Vikings fans were so obnoxious. They won, but the Cards got the last laugh. I knew that the Vikings were going to fail again, and they did.

As far as Brett Favre is concerned, yeah, I can't stand the athletes that go in and out of retirement. The Vikings should spend their money on younger talent. Not that it is going to help them much. (Sorry Vikings fans).

I've been there many times and the only thing you got is the Packers.

Well, in comparison with Minnesota, there are all those trophies...

That's true, jtallon. But Minnesota has more lakes! I know what's next. Wisconsin's got more cheese. Dang, I hated those "Cheddar Head" things the Packer fans wear!

Minnesota may have more lakes, but unfortunately, they're usually full of Minnesotans, completely spoiling any benefit from them!

Actually I've lived in both places, and liked both. It should be a friendly rivalry as both places have a lot going for them.

Well, except for the trophies part.. ;)

jtallon, LOL! The trophies and the cheese!

I say walk away while you can still walk.

Good for him, if he can get those idiots in the football league to keep giving him money to play football well go for it. It beats the hell out of giving 130+ million to a low life scumbag that fights dogs for entertainment and sport! Farve actually wants to play football. Seems to me money would be better spend on him then allowing that creaton Michael (I am so remorseful) Vick back in the game.

I lived in Green Bay for 45 years. It is definitely not the cradle of civilization. The residents there are mostly rednecks, alcoholics and dirt bags. It is no wonder that most of the ex-Packers players get the hell out of that city as fast as they can. I hated Green Bay. It was different when Vince Lombardi was coach, but after that, Packers' players got into trouble with the law and drug use was rampant.

florina,

I lived there for 35 years, you should have tried hanging out with a better class of people. One can only see what they surround themselves with.

Florina -

The residents there are mostly rednecks, alcoholics and dirt bags

Ouch again. I've lived here for about 4 years, and I have not found the above statement to be true overall. There are rednecks, alcoholics and dirt bags in every part of the country - and I have lived in a lot of different places. I don't think GB has any more than most places. They just really like their football here. The best time to go shopping is during a home game.

Are you KIDDING???? This is EGO and nothing more. Past prime, not agile, avoiding "old age", NOT willing to accept diminished skills and capability.

Time to go. Get injured and SO WHAT? Farve pushed, no crumpled the envelope.

WHO CARES? He will not carry any team to the Super Bowl or win it. HE IS TOAST!

WHO CARES? He will not carry any team to the Super Bowl or win it. HE IS TOAST!

Kurt Warner who is also old, more immobile (Favre can scramble, he's always proven that over his career), led his team to a superbowl. And nearly won as well.

But Kurt Warner has never retired TWICE only then to renege on it & come back after whining about how terrible he was treated. Warner is a class act, something Brett Favre will never ever be. You want to play fine, but don't continue on this "I'm retiring for good" crap only then to "well...." a few months later. Just say I'm not sure, but Brett loves doing this gunk cause it keeps his name in the papers & the focus on him, because after all, according to Brett Favre, is is the sole center of the universe & god's gift to football, so it has to be all about him.

Here's hoping the Vikings have a horrific season, & a multitude of interceptions for Mr. Brett Favre. I would never wish a physical injury on anyone, but enough interceptions & sacks will be enough, so hopefully this infantile egomaniac will go away for good.

Again....So what? How is this affecting you?? If you're not a fan then you still won't be a fan...If you never like Favre then you still won't...If you still cry in your wheaties then you always will...You people act like your lives are changing based on whether he plays or not....Stop taking it so personal...

I have a feeling that Favre does this just to jerk the chains of the sports media which reminds me of a bunch of gossiping old ladies. If I were Farve I'd do the same just for the giggles.

If it doesn't work out what's been lost??

What will have been lost? Just another slice of his dignity. After all these games he will be remembered for something, however it will not be his stats. He could have walked away with a little pride but it is doubtful after these shenanigans.

Nicey -- Did you say Favre can scramble?! Oh My God....that is one of the funniest things I've ever read. Unless you're talking about some high school kid named "Favre" who can actually scramble, then maybe you're right, but I know you're not talking about Brett Favre.

"Favre can scramble" ... Now I know I've read it all!!! Favre is one of the worst scramblers in the game. In fact, when the line breaks down, he does NOT scramble. He just chucks the ball out there, most often into the other team's defenders' hands.

I have no use for this self-serving, immature, prima donna. I'm just glad he's some other team's problem now.

Oh, and what's all this talk about Brett Favre and Super Bowls? By my recollection, the last time he took a team to a Super Bowl was well over a decade ago.

For the record, I'm a Packer fan and not a Favre nuthugger. The guy's disgraced his legacy and himself.

It's amazing to see a 40-year-old man act like a middle-school girl with his pathetic grudges.

Warner is a class act, something Brett Favre will never ever be

Wow.

It's shocking how much the media can turn people against other people by personal opinion. A lot of what's being talked about is conjecture. None of us really know what meetings were and were not taking place, what was said, etc.

The fact is that the media 2 years ago would have said 100% unanimously that Brett Favre was a class act.

I still like the guy...is it really that important to be bitter over? He's a pretty good guy in real life. As opposed to other guys who fight dogs.

Nicey -- Did you say Favre can scramble?! Oh My God....that is one of the funniest things I've ever read. Unless you're talking about some high school kid named "Favre" who can actually scramble, then maybe you're right, but I know you're not talking about Brett Favre.

Very much has always reminded me of McNabb, the ability to keep a play alive. I can't help it if you don't want to be objective.

"Favre can scramble" ... Now I know I've read it all!!! Favre is one of the worst scramblers in the game. In fact, when the line breaks down, he does NOT scramble. He just chucks the ball out there, most often into the other team's defenders' hands.

He has a lifetime QB rating better than many career QBs. I'm not saying he didn't throw a lot of picks.

Oh, and what's all this talk about Brett Favre and Super Bowls? By my recollection, the last time he took a team to a Super Bowl was well over a decade ago.

They were in the NFC championship game multiple times this decade.

Next thing I know you'll be telling me how much Peyton Manning sucks because he only has 1 superbowl.

Biggest difference between Manning and Favre at this point is that Manning can still get it done. Manning doesn't let his ego stand over the team, like Favre does both in thinking that the Packers, as an organization, should put everything on hold because King Brett wants to return (in spite of his having announced his retirement for the first time), then last year insisting on playing in spite of being a liability to his team.

The guy cares not about the game, not about his team or teammates, and only about himself (apparently not his legacy either anymore).

Don't tell me about being "objective." You claim you don't see leadership in Rodgers, but you see a "good scrambler" in Favre? OK, maybe you are being "objective" and your perceptions are just skewed.

And let's compare Favre's Super Bowl appearance to Favres: Manning: 2007 Favre: TEN YEARS BEFORE THAT (and only once since then).

I used to be objective, but then Brett had to pull his petty whining all last season, while making it rather clear that he wasn't a good teammate on the Jets, then this off season, plays the same stupid game again, and comes back to the Vikings to try to "stick it to the Packers." And then, to make things worse, you have this cult of Favre nuthuggers who completely ignore Rodgers' performance last season, blaming him and Ted Thompson for their 6-10 record, while completely ignoring the fact that a) their defense was decimated, and b) when King Brett did manage to get the Packers to the Super Bowl, he also had Reggie White on defense.

In spite of what you Favre worshippers think, and probably what Favre himself thinks, one player does not ever make a Super Bowl team. But since people like to bring it up about Brett, I'll gladly point out that he only made it to the game for a two-year stretch, and only won once.

I lost all respect for Favre when he laid down to let Strahan set the sack record. Then after he gets up he's got this smile on his face like "look what I just did?" Pathetic.

I was a die-hard Viking fan. I did quit. I couldn't take the abuse any more!

Pack....Is it YOUR dignity?? Why are you so worried about his?? As I said, nothing is lost by ttrying it....

Biggest difference between Manning and Favre at this point is that Manning can still get it done.

You were making an argument guaging Favres ability by his leadership to win Superbowls. I wasn't really comparing them as QBs, I was just using the logic of Superbowl leadership.

Don't tell me about being "objective." You claim you don't see leadership in Rodgers, but you see a "good scrambler" in Favre? OK, maybe you are being "objective" and your perceptions are just skewed.

Look at the 2007-2008 Seahawks playoff game. Underhanded shovel pass while falling and scrambling, one of the most ridiculous plays I've ever seen as a football fan. He could always "scramble" - Big Ben reminds me of a Young Brett Favre.

You're putting 1 season of Aaron Rogers work up for consideration. There's lots of QBs who are littered with 1 good season. Objectively, he has not yet shown leadership ability.

And let's compare Favre's Super Bowl appearance to Favres: Manning: 2007 Favre: TEN YEARS BEFORE THAT (and only once since then).

You can say what you want. But despite losing Reggie White and Mike Holgrum and all his staff, Favre pretty much led the Packers by force to 4 straight playoff appearance from 2001-2004. The year in which they lost to the Eagles (who eventually played New England) they had the better team.

I'm from Indianapolis originally. Huge Manning fan. I'm not really comparing them, I was comparing the judgement of his leadership based on Superbowls.

And then, to make things worse, you have this cult of Favre nuthuggers who completely ignore Rodgers' performance last season, blaming him and Ted Thompson for their 6-10 record, while completely ignoring the fact that a) their defense was decimated, and b) when King Brett did manage to get the Packers to the Super Bowl, he also had Reggie White on defense.

I didn't blame Rodgers at all. He had a pretty good season. But one season. If he repeats, we'll know if wasn't a fluke.

Like I said, Favre pretty much willed the Pack into the playoffs from 2001-2004 and stayed until that team was rebuilt in 2007. He could have left for greener pastures when Holgrum did.

In spite of what you Favre worshippers think, and probably what Favre himself thinks, one player does not ever make a Super Bowl team. But since people like to bring it up about Brett, I'll gladly point out that he only made it to the game for a two-year stretch, and only won once.

I didn't bring it up, you did:

Oh, and what's all this talk about Brett Favre and Super Bowls? By my recollection, the last time he took a team to a Super Bowl was well over a decade ago.

I'm not a Favre worshipper. It's just QBs are my favorite players and I appreciate how completely difficult the position is.

I especially like tough guys like Elway and Favre who both took a lot of damage in their careers but played injured, played with intensity, and were exciting to watch.

It had been 8 years since Warner took a team to the SB. That's not really a measure of performance, IMO. It's just evidence that guys who have gone before do have the leadership ability to do so again.

yet again! : )

Geeze...Did you wake up retarded or did that happen from a fall?? The Vikings have 3 backup QBs, none who are better than Favre....If that's the case I wonder if you'd take Tjoke or Rosebud over your starting QB right now?

Yeah...thought so....

Uh Edwin....He had a torn bicep...Tell you what..Go out...Tear your bicep and then throw a ball....Methinks you'd be crying like a baby...Hell go and try to throw one w/o and tell me if you can throw like Favre....

What is retirement now except perhaps the pro athlete's way to get out of a contract and into another one? For this guy, it's a game. I don't think he's playing it well as far as his legacy, though his pocketbook is doing okay as usual.

He's still gonna be first round hall of fame no matter what you or I say.

I always liked his style and his play. The NFC is wide open, apparently anyone can get thru, Giants then Cardinals. Great teams need not apply.

The Vikings are developing anyone key at QB, so if it's a 1 season gamble, so what?

I meant, and should have said, 'his legacy with Green Bay fans'. Clearly his Hall-of-Fame future and overall respect for his accomplishments is well intact.

RR - What are you smoking? Are you serious?!

March 6, 2008 - "I am officially retiring from the NFL..."

February 11, 2009 - "This time, it's for good..."

What about those statements do you not understand?

He said he was retiring....he never actually did. It was just talk.

That's the point. We have been watching this dance for years and years now. It is well beyond the point of being stupid.

Exactly.

The QB position is solid? I like Favre, but this isn't 2000. He's way beyond his prime...

JJd -- You hint at a good point: It's time for Brett to hit the links.