Brett Favre Staying Retired........

[FishFanInPA]

In early May, Rick Schwartz of Yahoo! Sports created a major stir by reporting that quarterback Brett Favre called Vikings coach Brad Childress and said that the long-time signal-caller would stay retired.

Schwartz, as it turns out, is a man ahead of his time.

According to Judd Zulgad of the Minneapolis Star Tribune, Favre called Childress and said that the long-time signal-caller will stay retired.

The daily physical and mental grind was cited as part of the reason for the decision.

"I just think it was a rare opportunity to explore a Hall of Fame quarterback who had background in the NFC and in this division," Childress told Zulgad. "He knows our system inside out. . . . This doesn't change anything about how I feel about our football team."

And so it's back to Tarvaris Jackson and Sage Rosenfels.

Unless the Vikings do the really smart thing and pursue Mike Vick.

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2009/07/28/decision-made-we-think-favre-staying-retired/

Odds this doesnt stick?

[m26555]

I really think he's for real this time.

[Omar]

God, I hope so.

[pdub858]

About time.

[marlins02]

now:

"In an interview posted on Sports Illustrated's Web site, Favre added another subtle twist to this endlessly open-ended story: "I truly, truly believe it's over. But if someone calls Nov. 1, who knows?"

prick

[Metes]

Somebody loves attention

[Fritz]

Brett Hilton

[MiamiHomer]

Sportscenter just said that Favre might be rethinking his decision and there is a chance he signed with the Vikings :fip.

Jay Glazer came out with this a hour ago.

If I were a betting man, I'd swear Brett Favre would be joining the Vikings in the next few weeks, or at least attempt to join the team in that time frame.

Wait a minute, I am a betting man.

Now, first off, this is not one of those "FOXSports.com has learned ..." news scoops. Instead, it's a picture that has been painted for me and a prediction I'm making after spending my time with Zygi Wilf's squad. My prediction couldn't be more emphatic.

After visiting the Vikings for two days, I am convinced — positively convinced — that Brett Favre will soon have talks with the Vikings to return to the team and could be joining them for this season after all. If my instincts are correct, all those purple Favre jerseys will have a home on Minnesota store shelves.

Granted, my camp stop occurred before Sage Rosenfels lit up the Colts in the preseason opener to the tune of 10-of-13 passing for 91 yards. And if Rosenfels can continue like this, he could squash this prediction as the preseason continues.

But until I see it more consistently, I'm absolutely convinced. Why? For starters, because everyone else on the Vikings seems to be convinced of the same thing. I mean damn near everybody!

During my two days in Mankato, nearly everyone I talked to within the team talked about Favre joining not as an "if" but rather a "when."

Players, coaches, team employees ... you name it, they seem to believe it. The case for a Favre-Vikings marriage seems more likely than not when we look at the overall picture of clues.

Exhibit A) Acceptance within the team that it's pretty much already done.

When I say nearly everyone I talked to on the team is convinced he's coming, that is not an exaggeration. People from all walks of life within the organization talk about it as if it's no secret, almost an afterthought.

"I'm telling you it's already done," said one Viking. "Right after the Indy game (first preseason game). I don't think anyone here doesn't think that."

Another Viking said, "I don't know if it's done, but I think he'll be in by the third preseason game."

If it happens, when is a good question. While the one source says he thinks it will happen this week, I don't. If it happens, getting him in by the third preseason game would have been ideal, but waiting until the season starts to see if the Vikings starting quarterback falters could be another route. That way Favre can come riding in on his white horse.

Our humbled host of FOX NFL Sunday Curt Menefee also made the trip to camp when I did, and upon our exodus from Mankato, Menefee brought up how matter-of-fact the issue seemed to be around the club. Everyone acted as if they already knew something (even if they didn't) and even Menefee said he was floored by how open it seemed and how accepted it was as more than an opinion.

"It was crazy, it was like it was accepted as fact ... by everybody," said Menefee during a conversation while we were en route to the airport. "It wasn't even like it was a secret. I've never seen anything like it."

Exhibit B) Favre has not closed the door on his decision.

Those close to Favre told FOXSports.com he is still contemplating what he wants to do and is still eliciting advice from people he trusts regarding his decision. Those sources say his decision either way is far from set in stone.

Favre is still working out (at least according to what he's told others) and is still keeping in touch with members of the Vikings via text. If Favre wasn't planning to keep the door open or planning a full-on return, why would he have indicated that he would continue to throw and work out? Was that simply to make sure we all keep wondering and talking about a potential return?

Exhibit C) Best available option.

Neither Sage Rosenfels nor Tarvaris Jackson has done anything to make the Vikings feel either is the answer at quarterback. Jackson had been hurt this summer, but even when healthy he and Rosenfels have actually been outplayed during training camp by third-stringer John David Booty.

To listen to Brad Childress, one would think an open door to Favre would be in order. While I was at camp, Childress was quoted as being unhappy with the passing game. While he wanted more out of that phase of the offense, he was quick to point out that the receivers were doing well. So if the receivers are doing well but the passing game is struggling ... hmmm, who does that leave?

Exhibit D) Favre hates camp.

It's far from a secret that the NFL's version of Lou Gehrig dreads the rigors of living at a college campus, working out in the stifling sun with a bunch of kids who won't be in the league in three weeks. If he could miss camp, he would. In this case if the Vikings would take him back after camp, Favre gets his wish.

I think any NFL jury would award the verdict to a Favre return. However, while I may be completely convinced he will at least attempt to join the team now that camp has broken, the question that now arises: Will owner Zygi Wilf give Favre the go-ahead despite previously being spurned?

Some Vikings people vehemently attempted to convince me that the Vikings' ship has sailed to other waters. Childress has said they are fine with what the Vikings have. But until the final game of this season is played with no sign of No. 4 in sight, I'm not going to buy it.

The Vikings know they would be a better team with Favre at the helm. But some inside the organization believe the Wilfs could have been put off by how Favre Fiasco '09 unfolded. It dragged on past soap opera drama levels and in the end, they were left jilted at a very public altar.

However, I've got to believe that if Rosenfels and Jackson do nothing to conjure images of Fran Tarkenton, having Favre ride his mower up to the Twin Cities will begin to look awfully tempting to the Wilfs.

Again, I'm a betting man and if I had to lay a bet down right now ... I'd be willing to bet my farm.

The vibe at Vikings camp: Favre could come back (http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/9922912/The-vibe-at-Vikings-camp:-Favre-could-come-back)

[PitchingWinsGames]

Definitely worthy of a :fip

[Metes]

It must be nice for sportswriters to always have the Favre card to pull out on a slow news day.

[Party]

I don't follow the NFL and I can't stand watching this guy. :fist

[FishFanInPA]

A high-level source with the Minnesota Vikings tells WCCO-TV's Mark Rosen that quarterback Brett Favre is expected to sign with the team Tuesday.

Favre is on currently on his way to Minneapolis and is expected to sign with the team this afternoon, the source said.

WCCO-TV spoke with an official at the Hattiesburg, Miss., airport, who saw an airplane with the Vikings logo leave the airport Tuesday morning. The flight number for that plane has been blocked from tracking systems.

Speculation that Favre would be joining the Vikings roster abruptly ended in late July when head coach Brad Childress said the quarterback would remain in retirement.

On July 28, Childress said that he received a phone call from Favre and announced the quarterback would remain retired, though now it appears that declaration was perhaps a bit premature.

Favre originally retired from the Green Bay Packers on March 4, 2008.

That same July, he sought release from his contract so that he could play for another team and the Packers accused the Vikings of tampering by talking to Favre. Though they did talk, the Vikings were ultimately cleared of the tampering charge.

Favre then reported to Packers training camp, but was traded to the New York Jets in August.

Favre was released by the New York Jets earlier in May, clearing the way for him to sign with any team willing to take him. Talks between Favre and the Vikings about him joining that team began almost immediately.

Speculation flew as doctors examined Favre's injured biceps tendon, which hampered Favre down the stretch the previous season.

http://wcco.com/vikings/brett.favre.minnesota.2.1133319.html

[Metes]

Eh, who cares about a legacy anyway

[Sandroimbuto]

He sucks now anyway. Throws more picks than TDs. Don't put your money on the Vikes making the playoffs.

[MiamiHomer]

Who needs a QB when you have that OL and Adrian Peterson?

[Ecpot]

He is a publicity whore, I can't stand him anymore. At least I'll enjoy him sucking.

[Beef]

Is he a publicity whore or is ESPN a Brett Favre whore?

[MiamiHomer]

Is he a publicity whore or is ESPN a Brett Favre whore?

Both?

[FishFanInPA]

I think ESPN feeds Favre's whoring.

[MiamiHomer]

So does John Madden come out of retirement too?

[Beef]

I think if ESPN didnt have a guy following Favre around like they had Pedro Gomez following Barry Bonds around during the BALCO shit none of this would have to be such a huge story. Who the fuck fucking cares? You all fucking talk about it and get angry by it, so maybe you care. I dont watch these stupid fucking channels with these stupid fucking shows and these stupid fucking Chris Mortensens. If he wants to cum back, fuck him make up your mind and dont hold your team hostage, whatevs, but he can do what he wants if some team is going to welcome him back. ESPN obviously fucking loves this shit and they always have certain things they love extra special. They love ARod, they love drugs and they love Brett Favre. They make the sports news because everyone takes what they report as fact and gospel, even though 60% of what they say about everything is 100% wrong, so they can do and say whatever the fuck they want and if they decide they can fill their coverage with this shit and make it breaking news and yalls gon watch and talk about it a lot, they gon do it. They gon talk about Brett Favre, Sox-Yanks, Tim Tebow and drugs. They arent very diverse and they arent very good at getting stuff right.

[Blackout Pact]

According to ESPN:
A source close to Brett Favre said the quarterback, pending a physical, will sign a contract with the Minnesota Vikings for between $10 million to $12 million, according to ESPN senior NFL analyst Chris Mortensen.

[BigGameFish]

Here we go again. This guy never goes away. Minnesota is very good now.

[FishFanInPA]

Meh, Favre will throw as many if not more picks then Jackson/Rosenfels would have anyways

[Beef]

But perhaps he will also throw more TDs than they would have and complete a higher percentage of passes and so on?

Gaby Sanchez probably would have hit more homeruns than Emilio Bonifacio this year anyway

[wanks1212]

At this point in this career, Favre's not any better of an option than Rosenfels.

This will sell tons of tickets, though, and the Vikings do need help in that department.

[BigGameFish]

Farve more INTs than any QB last year. But you cant argue that Sage/Jackson would be better. 2 average QBs who would probably be battling for the starting job throughout the season. Farve brings consistency.
--------------------
At this point in this career, Favre's not any better of an option than Rosenfels.

This will sell tons of tickets, though, and the Vikings do need help in that department.

Rosenfels? Former 3rd string QB for the Dolphins better than a first ballot, all-time HOF? Even at 40-whatever Farve is still a great QB.

[Ecpot]

I think that this will be a mistake, because I just heard that Favre has a slight tear in his rotator cuff.

[wanks1212]

Farve more INTs than any QB last year. But you cant argue that Sage/Jackson would be better. 2 average QBs who would probably be battling for the starting job throughout the season. Farve brings consistency.
--------------------


Rosenfels? Former 3rd string QB for the Dolphins better than a first ballot, all-time HOF? Even at 40-whatever Farve is still a great QB.

:lol:lol:lol

The only consistency Favre brings is consistent mediocrity.

I mean, if you want an NNY-like dissertation on why Favre is no longer a great QB, I can provide that, as can many other people. Or, you could just look here (http://www.footballoutsiders.com/stats/qb) for a cursory glance of why Favre's no longer anything close to great QB.

If you want to hitch your wagon to a guy who still makes awful decisions with the football,can't get away with forcing throws anymore because of his decreased arm strength, and is a very solid bet to fade down the stretch again, then go ahead.

Rosenfels, and even Jackson, are more likely to play within themselves and be the game manager the Vikings need to win the NFC. Minnesota doesn't need some asshole chucking up the ball into triple coverage in an effort to "make plays." They need someone who can avoid turnovers, get the ball to the WRs in a position where they're able to run after the catch and make plays, and let Adrian Peterson do the rest of the work on the ground.

Rosenfels may be too turnover-prone to effectively run the Vikings offense, but he's more likely to play within himself and not improvise on the belief he has some amazing physical gifts that he doesn't have. In Minnesota, Favre's going to be just like he was in New York: prone to poor decisions because he still plays like he did when he was in his prime, except that he can't make all the throws he did then. He'll have moments of glory, but they'll be fleeting.

[FishFF]

I think that this will be a mistake, because I just heard that Favre has a slight tear in his rotator cuff.

Dr. Andrews said it was not an issue.
--------------------
:lol:lol:lol

The only consistency Favre brings is consistent mediocrity.

I mean, if you want an NNY-like dissertation on why Favre is no longer a great QB, I can provide that, as can many other people. Or, you could just look here (http://www.footballoutsiders.com/stats/qb) for a cursory glance of why Favre's no longer anything close to great QB.

If you want to hitch your wagon to a guy who still makes awful decisions with the football,can't get away with forcing throws anymore because of his decreased arm strength, and is a very solid bet to fade down the stretch again, then go ahead.

Rosenfels, and even Jackson, are more likely to play within themselves and be the game manager the Vikings need to win the NFC. Minnesota doesn't need some asshole chucking up the ball into triple coverage in an effort to "make plays." They need someone who can avoid turnovers, get the ball to the WRs in a position where they're able to run after the catch and make plays, and let Adrian Peterson do the rest of the work on the ground.

Rosenfels may be too turnover-prone to effectively run the Vikings offense, but he's more likely to play within himself and not improvise on the belief he has some amazing physical gifts that he doesn't have. In Minnesota, Favre's going to be just like he was in New York: prone to poor decisions because he still plays like he did when he was in his prime, except that he can't make all the throws he did then. He'll have moments of glory, but they'll be fleeting.

Even with all that being somewhat true, I would still take him in Buffalo over Edwards. This is from a non Bills fans perspective who thinks Favre airing it out to T.O. and Evans would be cool.

[BigGameFish]

Farve had the 5th highest accuracy among all NFL QBs last year, throwing to nobody's. Yea he has 22 INTS, but he nearly took a below average team to the playoffs. The guy knows how to win, something that cant be overlooked especially with the other notorious losers the Vikings have at QB.

[Ramp]

Welcome back Brett!

[FishFF]

Farve had the 5th highest accuracy among all NFL QBs last year, throwing to nobody's. Yea he has 22 INTS, but he nearly took a below average team to the playoffs. The guy knows how to win, something that cant be overlooked especially with the other notorious losers the Vikings have at QB.

Cotchery and Coles are nobodies?

[BigGameFish]

Coles is a nobody at this point....

Well maybe not a "nobody" but its not like he is still running on fresh legs.

[The Hanram]

Farve had the 5th highest accuracy among all NFL QBs last year, throwing to nobody's. Yea he has 22 INTS, but he nearly took a below average team to the playoffs. The guy knows how to win, something that cant be overlooked especially with the other notorious losers the Vikings have at QB.



Actually, the Jets almost got to the playoffs in spite of Favre.

Turnovers effectively killed the entire season for them. And it felt so good for the Dolphins to put the nail in the coffin. :mischief

[Ramp]

http://www.vikingsfanshop.com/cart.php?m=product_detail&p=829&catID=167

[MiamiHomer]

It is now official.

[Bobbob1313]

brettfavrebrettfavrebrettfavrebrettfavrebrettfavre brettfavrebrettfavrebrettfavrebrettfavrebrettfavre brettfavrebrettfavrebrettfavrebrettfavrebrettfavre brettfavrebrettfavrebrettfavrebrettfavrebrettfavre brettfavrebrettfavrebrettfavrebrettfavre

[MiamiHomer]

brettfavrebrettfavrebrettfavrebrettfavrebrettfavre brettfavrebrettfavrebrettfavrebrettfavrebrettfavre brettfavrebrettfavrebrettfavrebrettfavrebrettfavre brettfavrebrettfavrebrettfavrebrettfavrebrettfavre brettfavrebrettfavrebrettfavrebrettfavre

You now must make at least one Brett Favre reference during your FIU football commentary.

[Branch]

Mark Schlereth says the Vikes gon miss the playoffs. Mark is a pretty smart guy, one of the few ESPNers who says things that are right. I'm gonna agree with Mark on this one.

Fuck Brett Favre.
--------------------
Loving Schlereth right now. "This whole thing has been disingenuous."

[Namaste]

brettfavrebrettfavrebrettfavrebrettfavrebrettfavre brettfavrebrettfavrebrettfavrebrettfavrebrettfavre brettfavrebrettfavrebrettfavrebrettfavrebrettfavre brettfavrebrettfavrebrettfavrebrettfavrebrettfavre brettfavrebrettfavrebrettfavrebrettfavre


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MX0nuEuuKIk&feature=related

[Fish and Chips]

you know what might be a cool idea, if brett favre retires..and here's the kicker, stays retire

[nny]

Brett Farve is becoming a kicker?
--------------------
Who's saying what?

[wanks1212]

Even with all that being somewhat true, I would still take him in Buffalo over Edwards. This is from a non Bills fans perspective who thinks Favre airing it out to T.O. and Evans would be cool.

What does this have to do with anything?

If I were a Dolphins fan, I'd love to see Favre in Buffalo, too. The Bills are running a no-huddle offense that emphasizes quick decisions, throwing on time, and accuracy in the short to intermediate passing game. Favre's strengths are not those things.

[Chewford]

AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!! What a frickin joke.

"I'm retiring, cry, cry, cry, cry, cry"

"J-E-T-S! JETS! JETS! Oops I suck! Go ahead and have Chad Pennington and make the playoffs, Miami!"

"I'm retiring."

"I might unretire again"

"jk, lol. I'm staying retired."

"Lulz, pysc! I can has Percy Harvin?"

[Metes]

you know what might be a cool idea, if brett favre retires..and here's the kicker, stays retire

I think I get what you're saying, but work on that a little bit for next time.

[Mainge]

Farve had the 5th highest accuracy among all NFL QBs last year, throwing to nobody's. Yea he has 22 INTS, but he nearly took a below average team to the playoffs. The guy knows how to win, something that cant be overlooked especially with the other notorious losers the Vikings have at QB.

Below average? It's a fucking joke that team didn't make the playoffs last year. After September Favre threw 10 TD's and 18 picks. If he would've been even average, they could have had 11-12 wins. They were ranked 9th in rushing offense and defense. How the fuck is that below average?

And throwing to nobodies?!? Lolwut? Jerricho Cothery, Laverneous Coles, Dustin Keller, and Leon Washington nobodies?!?! Not to mention the weapon that Brad Smith is.

And I CANT STAND THE FUCKING JETS! But to call them untalented and below average and to say Brett nearly led them to the playoffs is asinine and borderline retarded.

[nny]

Wheels of fury

[PitchingWinsGames]

Flawless Victory