Reports: Favre may not return, but still no decision

By late morning Tuesday, reports circulated that Brett Favre had told the Vikings that he was ready to retire after 19 NFL seasons.

By late afternoon, the word from Favre's family members was that no decision had been made. And then late word that Favre had texted teammates and told them he planned to retire.

And Favre's comments about his potential retirement? Mum's the word.

The Minneapolis Star-Tribune and FOXSports.com reported Tuesday morning that Favre had told the Vikings he would not be returning this season, citing lingering problems from a recent ankle surgery and the physical and emotional grind of the NFL season.

Vikings coach Brad Childress told reporters he had not heard anything about Favre's retirement, and even said the two had spoken in the previous 24 hours. "I'm not a big hearsay person," Childress said. "I've got to hear it from the horse's mouth."

By late afternoon, the Sun Herald in Mississippi reported on its website that Favre had not yet made a definitive decision about his status for the upcoming season.

"Brett has not made a commitment to play or a decision to return at this time," the paper quoted a family source.

The paper also said that Favre's brother, Scott, had not heard from Brett about his plans. "I have heard no truth to that [retirement]," Scott Favre told the paper. "I know he can still play and I want him to keep playing."

A person with knowledge of the situation told The Associated Press that Favre called Childress and texted some players and team officials to say his injured left ankle is not responding as well to surgery and rehabilitation as he had hoped.

Vikings tight end Visanthe Shiancoe said he learned of the text messages by talking to several teammates Tuesday, but he had not received one.

Vikings kicker Ryan Longwell, Favre's former teammate in Green Bay, said he spoke to the quarterback between practices and said Favre had told him he had not made a decision.

Favre, 40, could not be reached for comment, and many of his teammates deflected speculation.

"I plead the fifth on everything," defensive end Jared Allen said. "I love Brett, and he deserves the right to do what he wants. We'd love to have him back. But until it's official, I'll believe it when I see it."

Favre has actually waffled on retirement since 2002, and he eventually announced a tearful departure from the Packers shortly after the 2008 season. But within weeks, speculation arose that Favre wanted to play again. He eventually was traded from the Packers to the Jets in August. Favre led the Jets to a 9-7 record in 2008, but failed to make the playoffs after experiencing arm problems late in the season.

Favre told the Jets after the season he did not plan to return, nor was he asked to come back by new coach Rex Ryan. Favre asked for and received permission to be released from his contract, and wound up signing a two-year, $25 million deal with the Vikings. He made $12 million last year and was scheduled to earn $13 million this season.

Favre called the 2009 season his best in the NFL. He had the highest rating of his career (107.2) and had 33 touchdowns and a career-low seven interceptions. He led the Vikings to the NFC Championship Game, where they lost to the eventual Super Bowl champion Saints.