The Rhinelander Daily News - Online news and information for the Rhinelander, Wisconsin region

Retired Green Bay Packers quarterback Brett Favre told the team Thursday he is planning to return to the team and report to training camp this weekend, NFL.com and the NFL Network reported on Friday.

According to Adam Scheffer, of the NFL Network, Favre informed the team Thursday during a telephone conversation with General Manager Ted Thompson.

An NFL source confirmed the report, adding that the Packers are expecting Favre to submit a letter seeking reinstatement to the NFL as early as today.

The Packers report to camp on Sunday and begin practice on Monday.

Earlier Friday, ESPN.com reported that Favre was talking to the team about trade possibilities.

The ESPN.com story says the Packers made phone calls on Tuesday to several teams after being encouraged by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell to resolve the controversy before training camp begins.

Favre apparently also has spoken with Goodell, sources say, with the commissioner offering to assist in the process.

Several teams in the AFC and NFC confirmed they have been contacted by the Packers.

Yahoo! Sports reported earlier Friday that a deal involving Favre may be close after the sides talked about possible destinations earlier this week.

In his interview with Fox News Channel's Greta Van Susteren, Favre said he wouldn't report to camp just to cause problems for the Packers, who have anointed Aaron Rodgers their new starter at quarterback.

If Favre does return to the team, he'll have to beat out Rodgers.

With a base salary of $12 million, Favre could become the most expensive backup in the history of football.

Asked by Van Susteren if being a backup - as the Packers have suggested - is unacceptable to him, Favre replied, "I think so, I've had a lot of people (say), 'Go back and hold them to it.' I don't see it that way.

It's tempting just to - because everyone's (saying), 'Call their bluff' or whatever. I think it's going to be circus in itself already, whether I go there (or not). I don't want to make it any worse than it is.

"Do I play somewhere else? (That) remains to be seen. But I don't want to go back there just to stick it to 'em."

In 2007, Favre threw 28 touchdowns, 15 interceptions, was voted a Pro Bowl starter, received NFL MVP votes and was the Packers team MVP. At 38, Favre has shown few, if any, signs of slipping.

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Comments »

bdog wrote on Jul 25, 2008 6:11 PM:

" I wish everyone would quit getting on Favre's back. We have all made decisions we have regretted and then changed our minds. The guy's a competitor and wants to come back. He didn't go about it in the best way, but so what-He just wants to play football! "

Gary wrote on Jul 25, 2008 5:45 PM:

" Come on Brett, enough is enough. Its time to move on and let the team build from where they are. If Brett goes back and becomes a starter, how is that going to make Aaron Rogers feel especially after he gave the sob story of retiring. It will demoralize him to no end. It will only hurt the team if he goes back. Brett loves the media and this is all for attention. Thanks for the years Brett but retire and let someone else at the helm. "

Kevin Ehnert wrote on Jul 25, 2008 5:13 PM:

" Send him Packing to the Jets. He'll love New York in the fall! "

The comments above are from readers. In no way do they represent the views of the Rhinelander Daily News.