In several public appearances since announcing his retirement two months ago, Brett Favre has fueled speculation about the possibility of playing again.
While on one hand reaffirming his intention to retire, Favre also has invited doubts.
He told the Biloxi (Miss.) Sun-Herald that an injury to Aaron Rodgers might lead to a change of heart. He told David Letterman that "something's bound to happen" once training camp nears.
Despite his cryptic comments, I remain convinced Favre is finished. Anyone who witnessed his retirement press conference saw it on his face and heard it in his voice. The 17-year veteran has nothing left.
However, as long as Favre refuses to slam the retirement door shut, turn the dead-bolt latch and throw away the key, there will be rumors of his impending return.
Green Bay Packers General Manager Ted Thompson said he doesn't anticipate Favre coming out of retirement, but added: "You can never say never. … There's always what ifs — anything can happen."
But Thompson's actions can't hide his intentions. Besides grooming Aaron Rodgers for the past three years to serve as Favre's successor, the Packers drafted quarterbacks Brian Brohm and Matt Flynn last month. The team is moving on.
"We have to deal with the present," Thompson said after the draft. "We have to deal with getting our team ready to play and fortifying the quarterback position."
Favre knows the Packers are looking forward, so if he gets the itch to play again, it likely would be for a team desperate for a quarterback and willing to make Thompson a tempting trade offer.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers might be just such a team. The Bucs were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs last season, so adding Favre could push them to Super Bowl-contending status. It doesn't hurt that Bucs coach Jon Gruden worked with Favre as an offensive assistant in Green Bay, or that Tampa Bay's offense would be somewhat familiar.
Would Thompson be willing to endure the public relations fallout? Then again, would Thompson be doing his job properly if he was offered a first-round draft choice and didn't seriously consider it?
Thompson repeatedly has said he places the Packers' long-term future above public sentiment, but that philosophy would be severely tested.
Trading Favre could incite an angry mob, yet stranger things have happened.
No one thought Vince Lombardi would leave the Packers to become head coach of the Redskins, but he did. No one envisioned Packers all-time leading rusher and Pro Football Hall of Famer Jim Taylor suiting up for the expansion Saints, but he did. No one believed Joe Montana would play for any other team than the San Francisco 49ers, but he did.
There's little room for sentimentality in the NFL, even for a larger-than-life figure like Favre.
Original Story:
http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/apps....
While on one hand reaffirming his intention to retire, Favre also has invited doubts.
He told the Biloxi (Miss.) Sun-Herald that an injury to Aaron Rodgers might lead to a change of heart. He told David Letterman that "something's bound to happen" once training camp nears.
Despite his cryptic comments, I remain convinced Favre is finished. Anyone who witnessed his retirement press conference saw it on his face and heard it in his voice. The 17-year veteran has nothing left.
However, as long as Favre refuses to slam the retirement door shut, turn the dead-bolt latch and throw away the key, there will be rumors of his impending return.
Green Bay Packers General Manager Ted Thompson said he doesn't anticipate Favre coming out of retirement, but added: "You can never say never. … There's always what ifs — anything can happen."
But Thompson's actions can't hide his intentions. Besides grooming Aaron Rodgers for the past three years to serve as Favre's successor, the Packers drafted quarterbacks Brian Brohm and Matt Flynn last month. The team is moving on.
"We have to deal with the present," Thompson said after the draft. "We have to deal with getting our team ready to play and fortifying the quarterback position."
Favre knows the Packers are looking forward, so if he gets the itch to play again, it likely would be for a team desperate for a quarterback and willing to make Thompson a tempting trade offer.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers might be just such a team. The Bucs were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs last season, so adding Favre could push them to Super Bowl-contending status. It doesn't hurt that Bucs coach Jon Gruden worked with Favre as an offensive assistant in Green Bay, or that Tampa Bay's offense would be somewhat familiar.
Would Thompson be willing to endure the public relations fallout? Then again, would Thompson be doing his job properly if he was offered a first-round draft choice and didn't seriously consider it?
Thompson repeatedly has said he places the Packers' long-term future above public sentiment, but that philosophy would be severely tested.
Trading Favre could incite an angry mob, yet stranger things have happened.
No one thought Vince Lombardi would leave the Packers to become head coach of the Redskins, but he did. No one envisioned Packers all-time leading rusher and Pro Football Hall of Famer Jim Taylor suiting up for the expansion Saints, but he did. No one believed Joe Montana would play for any other team than the San Francisco 49ers, but he did.
There's little room for sentimentality in the NFL, even for a larger-than-life figure like Favre.
Original Story:
http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/apps....
Vote this post up or down:
