Brett Favre Still Working Out, Despite Reportedly "Staying Retired"

Despite reports from the Minneapolis Star Tribune and ESPN that Brett Favre is staying retired, NFL Network's Scott Hanson is reporting that Favre will continue throwing and working out, just in case he gets "the itch" to play again.

Well, that might be the first logical thing we've seen out of this whole fiasco.

Okay, so it's obvious that Favre isn't simply conflicted. The dude has flat-out worries. He knows his arm is fine and roaring to go after surgery and training, but after recent ankle and knee issues after work-outs, he's beginning to doubt his body's ability to hold-up over a 16-game schedule.

Go figure.

The guy is almost 40 years old, and now he's starting to wonder if the hundreds of sacks he's endured in the last couple of decades will affect him in 2009.

Even if the government rebuilds Favre, those hits are still going to haunt him. Probably even until the day he dies. That's just the way it is.

But at least he's conflicted for the right reasons.

Favre is reportedly weary about a return not because of money, or because he feels bad about "betraying" the Packers or his fans, but because he respects the game, and isn't 100-percent positive he can pull this off.

But several NFL players would agree, and some have even told him personally, "ya think?"

It'd be crazy for any NFL player to step into a season without any doubts or concerns about injury or poor play, especially after a season in which they had just endured both.

However, Favre—as usual—is pulling the trigger a bit too early. And perhaps, this is why he's leaving the door open by continuing work-outs. And so it seems, Brad Childress agrees.

While there had been reports out of ProFootballTalk.com that the Vikings (and everyone else in the football world) were moving on, head coach Brad Childress (who's opinion actually matters) has not set a date, and would still welcome Favre to Minnesota with open arms.

It's true, Favre has been "adamant" about retiring for good this time after speaking with prestigious and reliable reporters Ed Werder and Peter King. However, in a recent conversation with friend, mentor, and former coach Steve Mariucci, Favre was again unsure of his decision.

There's a shocker.

After Mariucci asked Favre how he would feel the next morning about his decision, Favre replied, "I'm wondering that myself."

But before you add to the pile of criticism that is already on Favre's legend, take a step back and think about what he's actually doing.

He's telling the team that his been courting him all summer (Minnesota), that right now he cannot commit. He's not holding them hostage. He's not demanding anything. And he can't make any promises.

He's merely stating the obvious, and being completely candid. The guy is 39, has been beaten up, and despite feeling able and strong enough to still play in the NFL, he just doesn't want to show up for 11 games again...and then ruin another team's season with a horrible five-game stretch.

And can you blame him?

Well, some will, and some won't.

But either way, this isn't about Favre necessarily being indecisive anymore. It's more about doing what's right at the moment, and then making a concrete decision before the season kicks off.

There are still other variables in place that Favre could be pondering.

Perhaps Minnesota isn't the only team he's interested in playing for?

Maybe he's just saying no for now, and he has a behind-doors agreement with Childress that he will return to the league at a future, set time.

Maybe, and maybe not.

Still, the latest reports from ProFootballTalk.com are now saying that many players on the team "are convinced" that Favre will return, and his delayed un-retirement is due to soreness, and all sides not wanting to put him through a rigorous training camp.

Considering his legend, his healing arm, and his age, can you really argue against that? I can't. Especially not if Minnesota (or some other team) fully intends on having him around for a full 16 games.

Regardless of your take on Favre or Minnesota, I am happily sad to inform you: the Favre Saga is far from over.

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Information, quotes, and names can be credited to Rotoworld.com, Minneapolis Star tribune, ProFootballTalk.com, and ESPN.