GREEN BAY, Wis. -- Brett Favre is leaning toward returning for another season with the Green Bay Packers, according to comments he made to his hometown newspaper.
In a story posted on the Web site of the Biloxi (Miss.) Sun-Herald, the record-setting quarterback says he isn't approaching Saturday's playoff game against the Seattle Seahawks like it will be his final game in Green Bay. "Each week, I bring more stress on myself wondering if this is too good to be true," Favre told the Sun-Herald. "I want to continue the streak and winning. When I talk about the streak, it's not the [consecutive] starts; it's the hot streak we are on. Then, I ask what can I do better?
"I am trying to enjoy it because this could be my last game in Green Bay," he said. "For the first time in three years, I haven't thought this could be my last game. I would like to continue longer." At least two members of Favre's family don't want him to retire: his daughters, Brittany, a freshman at Charleston Southern, and Breleigh.
"Brittany was up here [in Green Bay last weekend] and drove to get ice cream," Favre told the Sun-Herald. "It was like pulling teeth to get Brittany and Breleigh to get out of the car to get the ice cream. But we didn't argue about it being my last game like we have in the past. We talked about Brittany coming back in this weekend from Charleston Southern for what could be my last game. "Breleigh then spoke up and said, 'Dad, don't retire.' And Brittany said, 'Dad, I think you need to play one more year," Favre told the newspaper.
While it has been widely assumed that Favre would come back to play next season after having one of the best years of his career, both he and Packers coach Mike McCarthy have said the future Hall of Famer would wait until after the season to address the issue. In his 17th season, Favre led the Packers to a 13-3 record with 28 touchdowns, 4,155 passing yards and a quarterback rating of 95.7, his best in 11 seasons. For his career, Favre has 442 TD passes, 61,655 passing yards and 5,377 pass completions.
Favre's now-annual flirtation with retirement has taken on a life of its own in Wisconsin. He has taken weeks and even months in recent years to make up his mind. "I have a lot to think about. It's been a fun year and winning has made it a good year," Favre told the newspaper. "For the first time in a couple of years, at this point, my focus is solely on Seattle and winning a playoff game at home."
Favre's favorite receiver, Donald Driver, said Wednesday he hoped Favre would return. "Oh, yeah. Of course," Driver said. "I hope so. ... But I don't know. I hope he comes back, but if not, he had a great career. I'm happy for that, and I'm glad I'm a part of it."
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.
~ kudos to Mary Torretta for giving me this wonderful report found online at ESPN
