"I will wonder if I made the wrong decision," said retired Packers quarterback Brett Favre during his retirement statement on March 6.
"I'm sure on Sundays, I will say, 'I could be doing that, I should be doing that.' "
A report from ESPN says he now 'has the itch' to do that, and that he even told Packers coach Mike McCarthy those words. Another report from the Biloxi Sun-Herald says, directly, "it's all rumor."
"I think they have talked," said Scott Favre, Brett's Brother. "I know they talked a lot. I don't know how recent it's been."
"It's that time of year. He may be getting the itch. I can't confirm anything. I have not talked to him. I don't know how true that is.
"I think it's 50-50. He can play. He's in good shape. He's working out. We know he can still play, he's still healthy. If he did, it wouldn't surprise me."
More of this story below these series of links.
Analysis: Brett, the Sun Rising in the East, and Supposedly Apparent Reported Rumors
Audio from Sports Central with Bill MIchaels:
• Biloxi Sun-Herald Reporter Al Jones
• 620WTMJ Packers Voice Wayne Larrivee
• Packers Radio Network/Today's TMJ4's Lance Allan
Brett's Retirement Coverage:
• Favre: It's Over"
Retirement News Conference:
• Audio: Part 1 | Part 2
• More Audio at Packers.com
"It's All Rumor"
That's the direct quote from Biloxi Sun-Herald reporter Al Jones, a longtime friend of Favre's, to Newsradio 620 WTMJ's Bill Michaels. He says he received a text message from Favre with those exact words.
Jones believes Favre genuinely wants to play, but he feels forced out by Packers GM Ted Thompson.
"Between us, I know he would like to play," said Jones on 620WTMJ's Sports Central. "He is working out a little bit, but I think when it's all said and done, Ted Thompson is the man to blame on this."
Favre reportedly believed that since becoming general manager, Thompson had not done enough to stock him with the offensive weapons he preferred to have in his arsenal, such as now-Patriots wide receiver Randy Moss. There were even reports that Favre was asking for a trade after Thompson wouldn't pull the trigger on Moss in 2007 and again in 2008.
Thompson even publicly stated that one player's wishes would not force his hand on his personnel decisions.
"It all comes down to Ted Thompson," said Jones about Favre's return. "The man has shown no respect to perhaps the greatest player in that franchise's history.
"Brett feels a little disappointed. He knows he can still play."
Thompson and Coach Mike McCarthy could not be reached, as they are on vacation.
Al Jones: "He Pulled The Trigger On It Too Quick"
When asked by Michaels whether he thought Favre would come back for the 2008 season, Jones gave, based on conversations with Favre, an hedging but affirmative answer - and even the possibility that Favre might wear another uniform in 2008.
"I do. I really do, if certain things work out. I saw him Sunday and a couple times before that, and he wants to retire and he will retire as a Green Bay Packer, but I don't know if his legacy would be tarnished if he were to play somewhere else based on being forced out by Ted Thompson."
"Did he pull the trigger, so to speak, too early? When he has to ask me that question. or he has to answer my question with that question back to me, then I think that's a resounding 'yes,' that he pulled the trigger on it too quick."
What Now, Aaron Rodgers?
The Packers plan to use Aaron Rodgers as their starting quarterback for the upcoming season, and he's been leading the team through organized team activities and minicamp.
Rodgers has been groomed to take over for Favre since being selected in the first round in 2005, but has played sparingly.
"Aaron is our quarterback," Harris said. "Brett's retired. But if he wanted to come back, there would be some guys who wouldn't mind it. I would welcome him back with open arms."
Favre has two years left on his contract at an average of about $12.5 million per season. The Packers placed him on the reserve-retired list in the spring so his salary does not now count toward the cap.
Favre's commitment to retirement has been questioned since his announcement. That talk resumed in mid-June when Favre withdrew from the American Century Celebrity Golf Championship at Lake Tahoe, scheduled for July 11-13.
Tournament spokesman Steve Griffith said then that Favre had to miss the event because of a scheduling conflict.
When he retired, a teary Favre said, "I've given everything I possibly could give to this organization, the game of football, and I don't think I've got anything left to give And that's it. I know I can play. But I don't think I want to."
But less than two months later, he told reporters he might be open to returning if Rodgers was injured.
Favre, a three-time MVP, leads the league with 442 touchdown passes, 61,655 yards passing and 160 career victories. He started 253 consecutive regular-season games, more than any other quarterback in history. Including the playoffs, his streak stands at 275.
Rodgers, meanwhile, has stirred up controversy himself this week. In a Sports Illustrated article, the quarterback said he didn't feel pressure to connect with fans the way Favre did.
"I don't feel I need to sell myself to the fans," he said in the article. "They need to get on board now or keep their mouths shut."
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
