Packers To Favre: Here's $20,000,000 Please Don't Come Back.

[Teacher Mark 53]

Brett Favre has reportedly gone cold on the idea of joining the New York Jets and is thought to be considering an offer of approximately US 20 million over 10 years from the Green Bay Packers to stay retired - a stunning development given that the nine-time Pro Bowler has spent the past two weeks pleading with Green Bay management to give him his release.

Late on Thursday night, ESPNews reported that Favre is mulling the Packers' hefty offer, which was presented to him shortly after his retirement and again in a day-long meeting Wednesday between team CEO and president Mark Murphy, Favre and the quarterback's agent James 'Bus' Cook in Hattiesburg, Mississippi.

"There isn't a perfect solution to this, but Mark Murphy is at least trying," Favre told the network via a text message.

"We know what they want and where I stand. His solution, although awkward and unsettling for most, may be the best in the end."

It represents a curious change of heart by Favre, who initially dismissed the offer from Murphy on Wednesday.

"We're going to do whatever Brett wants to do," Cook told the Hattiesburg American after the meeting.

"And right now, his intention is to go back to Green Bay and play football."

Favre also reiterated in the text message to ESPNews that it was his intention to play, preferably in the NFC North and with the Minnesota Vikings.

"If they won't let me play in Green Bay, let me play against you. That's where I am," Favre said.

The State Journal of Wisconsin, citing a source, said the offer was for a long-term marketing and licensing agreement between the team and Favre and should not be construed as a "bribe" to keep Favre sidelined and out of the hands of a bitter division rival.

"In no way were they trying to bribe Brett or buy their way out of the situation," the source told the State Journal. "That's just not something they'd do. They started talking to (the Favres) about this shortly after he retired."

Multiple outlets are reporting that the Packers' offer is on the table regardless of whether Favre returns to play.

Earlier on Thursday, Favre was set to board a chartered plane in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, that was bound for Green Bay.

However, there were multiple delays and the flight finally was cancelled.

It appears the reason the flight - and Favre - was grounded was because NFL commissioner Roger Goodell elected to wait another day to act on Favre's petition for reinstatement, which was filed on Tuesday.

"The Packers and Brett Favre are continuing their discussions," NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said on Thursday.

"The commissioner preferred to let those discussions continue rather than act on the reinstatement petition today."

Cook acknowledged to ESPN the circus atmosphere that awaits Favre if he reports to the team's training camp.

"Once he's reinstated, Brett's going in, and once that happens Packerland becomes Disneyland - although that's not what Brett wants for his team-mates," Cook told ESPN.

"He wants them to be successful and do well. But that's what happens if this thing doesn't get resolved, and he decides to report."

Packers general manager Ted Thompson steadfastly has said that trading Favre to a division rival was not an option, although the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel reported that the team's hierarchy was reconsidering a deal to either the Vikings or fellow NFC North rival Chicago Bears.

A source close to Favre told the State Journal that a deal to the Vikings is "closer (to happening) than anyone thinks".

Favre, who has two years remaining on his contract, announced his retirement in March but approached the Packers earlier this month about returning. However, the team told him it has moved on without him and coach Mike McCarthy already has tabbed Aaron Rodgers as his starting quarterback.

Favre then asked to be released, something Thompson has said the team would not do.

The Packers had given the Jets and Tampa Bay Buccaneers permission to speak with Favre about a trade, but the league's only three-time Most Valuable Player showed no interest in playing for either club.

Although the Press-Gazette characterised talks between the Jets and Cook as "serious," a source told New York's Newsday on Thursday night that such reports of a possible deal are "exaggerated somewhat".

The Packers did not practice on Thursday, meaning the earliest Favre could show up at training camp is Friday.

http://www.sportinglife.com/football/news/...Favre_Lead.html

He could use the money to open a chain of Mr. Waffles! Lord knows he's become the king.

Edited August 1, 2008 by WideAwakeInTheUSA

[pedroh 21]

Brett Favre ftw

[almaty 19]

favre is a chopf##k #######..i hope he gets his arms broken and both knees ripped apart..........

outside of that, he is one of my favorite players

[Teacher Mark 53]

favre is a chopf##k #######..i hope he gets his arms broken and both knees ripped apart..........

outside of that, he is one of my favorite players

I used to despise Jamal Lewis. Now that he's one of the Browns my attitude has changed a bit!

[Dave_Thao 0]

favre is a chopf##k #######..i hope he gets his arms broken and both knees ripped apart..........

outside of that, he is one of my favorite players

Sounds like a Viking fan!

[almaty 19]

favre is a chopf##k #######..i hope he gets his arms broken and both knees ripped apart..........

outside of that, he is one of my favorite players

Sounds like a Viking fan!

Farve will be playing for the Vikings this year...not the Packers..

and i like the Rams, and am just tired of that me first attention #######, farve

[pedroh 21]

i thought he was going to the JEts

[Teacher Mark 53]

favre is a chopf##k #######..i hope he gets his arms broken and both knees ripped apart..........

outside of that, he is one of my favorite players

Sounds like a Viking fan!

Farve will be playing for the Vikings this year...not the Packers..

and i like the Rams, and am just tired of that me first attention #######, farve

He's going to take the money. The latest report puts it at $25 million.

i thought he was going to the JEts

Waffled.

[almaty 19]

if he does, he is indeed a smart intelligent man and pimped the packers, big time....just to stay at home

[Nagishkaw 510]

Go on , take the money and run. Woooo hooooo hoooooo.....

[Sassy1natl 0]

$20 million over 10 years, but if he forces his contract with the Pats....he can make $12 million in 6 months, AND not have to be on the starting lineup...Wut wut!!

Bring on the sports threads...Yay!!

Edited August 1, 2008 by Sassy1natl