Mon Jul 14 22:34:57 2008

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Favre breaks silence about retirement controversy

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New York, NY (Sports Network) - In his first interview since his intent to return to the Green Bay Packers became public knowledge, record-setting quarterback Brett Favre admitted that he pulled the trigger on retirement too early and that he's ready to play in Green Bay this season, though his relationship with Packers management has become fractured.

Speaking with Greta Van Susteren on FOX News, Favre said that when Packers head coach Mike McCarthy and general manager Ted Thompson approached him about retirement in the offseason, the surefire Hall of Famer told them he'd prefer to wait until training camp in July to make his decision.

"It'd be nice if I could wait until training camp," Favre said.

However, Favre said that the Packers cited a need to know their position moving forward, specifically with Favre's backup, Aaron Rodgers, and wanted him to decide before the free agency period and the draft.

"I was not totally ready to commit," Favre said of his feelings on March 3, when he announced his retirement in a tear-filled press conference. "March 3, when I got in front of the podium, did I want to play? Yes. 100 percent? No.

"I sort of left the door open, but they wanted an answer. Am I mad at them for that? No. But, they wanted an answer."

The 38-year-old gunslinger also said he was "guilty of retiring early," and was intent on making a comeback and physically ready to play in the upcoming season. However, he was told by McCarthy in a conversation on June 20 that returning to the Packers was not an option.

"I was told that playing in Green Bay was not an option, and that's from up there," Favre said.

Last season, Favre led the Packers to the NFC Championship game after throwing for 4,155 yards and 28 touchdowns and compiling a 95.7 passer rating. The three-time league MVP said he has not signed any official retirement papers, and he asked from his release from the Packers last week.

"There's no way (the fans) can understand what I'm going through," he said.

Favre said that he couldn't envision himself playing anywhere else but Green Bay, where he has been under center since 1992.

"Either welcome me back, release me, or attempt to trade me," Favre said. "They told me, 'playing here is not an option, but we can't envision you playing with anyone else, either.'"

However, Favre also said that he was not interested in returning to back up Rodgers.

"They want to protect my legacy by bring me back and having me be a backup?" he said.