Will Brett Favre Leave The Minnesota Vikings Or The League For Good?

Is Brett Favre retiring, or will he just be excluded from playing this upcoming season?

According to multiple reports, Favre announced that he will not return to the Minnesota Vikings for a second season. For fans of the NFL Vikings, this could be the end of what many felt was just the beginning of his career in Minnesota. The three-time MVP Quarterback calls it quits after signing with the Vikings last season in efforts of helping the team win the Superbowl.

According to League sources, Favre sent text messages to his teammates saying “this is it” and told others that he would retire after one of the team’s practices. Still, there is not enough information to disperse to the public because no one knows where his head is at.

While many fans are in disbelief, others aren’t convinced. Remember, Favre began texting Vikings players and coaches in July 2009 with the news that he would retire. He told coach Brad Childress the same thing on the eve of training camp, and within days he was sending texts Vikings players and asking them how camp was going. Maybe I’m just in denial, but this could be the third announcement and the third season that he’ll change his mind.

Because I’m new to the world of sports other than basketball, I was unaware of Favre’s phenomenal skills on the field and how much he’s contributed the NFL. This 11-time Pro Bowler has 18 straight 3,000 yard seasons and 12 consecutive years of 20 or more touchdown passes. As stated in an ESPN article, he had one of his best seasons last year, with career bests in percentage (68.4), quarterback rating (107.2) and fewest interceptions (7), while throwing for 33 TDs and 4,202 yards to lead the Vikings to an NFC North conference title.

If he’s this good then why retire now? The issue of whether prominent professional athletes should continue to play while injured is a touchy matter. In the NFC Championship game loss to the New Orleans Saints, Favre injured his left ankle and has undergone arthroscopic surgery in May.

Well health may be the reason for a great player to leave, but money is usually one of the factors of why they stay. The Star Tribune has reported that the Vikings have offered to increase Favre's salary to $16 million -- $3 million more than he was scheduled to make this season, plus another $4 million in incentives that could potentially pay Favre $20 million total for the 2010 season.

Honestly, money can’t buy health and it doesn’t matter how good someone can play. If a player’s heart is not at a particular team, then maybe this might not be the best place for Favre. Or it could just be another false alarm.