This morning the sports media outlets have all jumped on the Favre retirement bandwagon. And at the outset it seems it might be true. I'm not so sure it is.
According to the Biloxi Sun Herald, a family source said this afternoon that Minnesota Vikings QB Brett Favre has made no decision regarding a 20th season in the NFL. “Brett has not made a commitment to play or a decision to return at this point,” the family source said.
His coach seems unaware of such news: "I'm not aware of any of those reports," Brad Childress said, "If and when something does happen, one way or the other, I'm sure he'll communicate that with me."
One of Favre's closest friends and teammate, kicker Ryan Longwell knows nothing of Favre's impending retirement either. “I don’t know where the reports came from, but he certainly hasn’t said that to me,” Longwell said. “We talk a lot. We’ve talked a lot this week. Obviously he’s wondering how the team is doing and stuff and asking about the guys – concerned about his teammates.”
Favre's favorite redzone target in 2009, Visanthe Shiancoe said of the retirement news; "What I'm hearing is it is true, he did decide to retire. Until I hear it from his mouth, I'm going to leave it at that."
That seems to be the feeling every one has. This Favre is retiring dance has taken place one too many times to simply take it at face value.
Even Favre's rival's aren't buying it. Chicago Bears linebacker Lance Briggs told ESPN.com, “I won’t believe it until I see Tarvaris Jackson starting against us.”
As long as #4 can still play which we know he can, and as long as the Minnesota Vikings still need him which we know they do, there's still a strong likelihood that he'll lace 'em up for the Vikings this season, no matter what we see and hear between now and week one.
Favre still has one year left and $13 million due on his two year deal with the Vikings. I still believe it's more likely we will see him on the field this season than not.
So Vikings fans, take it with a grain of salt. Favre told the Vikings last year that he was retiring, but he ended up joining the team at training camp.
Favre had a spectacular year in 2009, throwing for 4,202 yards with 33 touchdowns and only seven interceptions. He's not done.
