Brett Favre To Remain Retired; Will Not Return To Play For Vikings

NFL News - July 28th, 2009 - Written by Jimmy

After months of speculation, Brett Favre has announced that he plans to stay retired from playing professional football. In a conversation with Vikings Head Coach, Brad Childress, Favre confirmed that he would not be joining the Minnesota Vikings franchise.

Originally after being released from the New York Jets, speculation arose that Brett Favre would attempt to make a comeback, and things only fired up more once Brett Favre had surgery to repair a torn biceps tendon.

Supporters of the 39 year old Favre, as well as Minnesota Vikings fans hoped that the future Hall of Fame QB would return for one more season, however it is apparent now that will not come to fruition. Leading up to this point, media, fans, and the Vikings all wondered what Brett Favre's next step would be, and now we know, though speculation of this news preceded the actual announcement.

Being that Favre is in the twilight of his career, it was no surprise that the 3 time NFL MVP Quarterback was quoted saying to ESPN's Ed Werder "It was the hardest decision I've ever made. I didn't feel like physically I could play at a level that was acceptable."

As many know, the NFL season is a brutal test of 16 regular season games, over the course of 17 weeks, not including the playoffs. Favre was feeling the pull both ways, to return and stay retired, but opted for the later, after considering the grind that the NFL schedule can put on a player.

Now, the Minnesota Vikings must prepare for the 2009 NFL Season without what was supposed to be their starting QB. Instead, the Minnesota Vikings will be forced to turn to Tavaris Jackson, and Sage Rosenfels, neither of which are considered to be among premier NFL Quarterbacks. It appears as though the Vikings will once again lean upon a heavy dose of the run, and a stingy defense, should they want to return to the NFL playoffs. The Vikings training camp will begin on July 31st and the team must clear this distraction and come ready to put in the work to get ready for a long NFL season.

For Favre, the future is uncertain, but is sure to be a comfortable. Surrounded by family, and close friends Favre will be supported in whatever he does, even if it is just riding his tractor in Mississippi. Though Favre has never made mention of it, some would speculate that Favre would eventually return to football, in some form, as a coach. Either way, Brett Favre will be remembered for his gunslinger mentality, strong arm, and unbridled passion on the field, something that all aspiring NFL QBs should possess to be successful for years to come.