Packers’ Favre isn’t talking about retiring

The quarterback doesn’t think this will be his last game in Green Bay

GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) — Remember when Brett Favre teared up on television at the end of last season, leading many to believe he was set on retiring? He came back to play anyway.

So you’ll have to forgive Green Bay Packers coach Mike McCarthy if he isn’t convinced Favre’s comments to his hometown newspaper Thursday — indicating that he was leaning toward coming back and playing another season — amounted to an official decision on his future.

Instead, McCarthy seemed to brush it off as just the latest episode in the Brett Favre retirement speculation saga, an annual rite that has become as much a part of winters in Wisconsin as snow shovels and ice scrapers.

And, by the way, McCarthy has a playoff game against Seattle to coach Saturday.

“I’m trying not to laugh, but I have not been part of any conversation with Brett on that topic,” McCarthy said. “And I think we need to just move on and focus on Seattle, because that’s what we are focused on. I’m sure that’s what he’s focused on.”

In a story posted on the Web site of the Biloxi (Miss.) Sun Herald Thursday, Favre said he isn’t approaching Saturday’s playoff game against Seattle as if it will be his final game in Green Bay. He seemed more optimistic than in years past about returning.

Still, he didn’t say anything definitive.

“For the first time in three years, I haven’t thought this could be my last game,” Favre told the newspaper. “I would like to continue longer.”

Favre has taken weeks and even months to make his decision after recent seasons, with Packers’ fans hanging on his every word as his football future hangs in the balance.

Favre’s Thursday comments sent premature shock waves across the state — all the way up to the governor’s office, where the political version of a false start was committed.

“Like all Packer fans, I am thrilled that Brett Favre will return to action next year for the green and gold,” Gov. Jim Doyle said in a statement.

Favre’s favorite receiver, Donald Driver, said that while he hasn’t discussed the topic with Favre, he expected the three-time MVP to return.

“I think he’s going to come back,” Driver said. “I wouldn’t be surprised if he comes back. He’s having a great year, so it’d be great to see him come back if he decides to.”