BILOXI, Miss. — Retired NFL quarterback Brett Favre responded quickly Wednesday to an ESPN report about a possible return to play for the Green Bay Packers this season, saying: “It’s all rumor.”
When queried about a possible media firestorm, Favre text messaged, “No reason for it.”
Earlier, ESPN reported a Packers source said Favre, 38, told Green Bay coach Mike McCarthy that the quarterback has the itch to play again.
The report also said, according to a source, the Packers would be reluctant to open the door for Favre because, “Brett retired for the right reasons, even though I know his family is tugging on him (to play).”
An unnamed source told the Wisconsin State Journal that Favre, or his agent Bus Cook on Favre’s behalf, contacted the Packers “within the past couple of weeks” about a possible return. The conversation ended with Favre asking for his release and the Packers refusing to give it to him.
The story also speculated the reason Favre asked for his release because the team was moving on with Aaron Rodgers as the starter and didn’t want Favre back. Another theory was that the team was gauging the seriousness of his request.
“The Packers have no reaction,” team spokesman Jeff Blumb said.
There’s obvious pressure to follow a legend and Rodgers is in the daunting position of taking Favre’s place. But Rodgers in a recent Sports Illustrated article said he didn’t feel pressure to connect with fans the way Favre did.
“I don’t feel I need to sell myself to the fans,” he said. “They need to get on board now or keep their mouths shut.”
Favre retired March 6 after a 17-year career.
Cornerback Al Harris said on ESPN’s “NFL Live” that Favre made similar comments to him.
“I know he has the itch to come back and play,” Harris said. “If he will or not, I don’t know.”
