MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - The purple No. 4 jerseys with “FAVRE” on the back were already in heavy circulation around the Twin Cities and it seemed almost inevitable that Brett Favre would end his second retirement to join the Minnesota Vikings.
Then Favre dropped the news that surprised many - inside the organization and out - when he called Vikings coach Brad Childress on Tuesday to tell him he was staying retired and would not be joining the Vikings for training camp.
“The writing on the wall was, as long as his arm was healthy he was going to play,” Vikings linebacker Ben Leber said. “I thought it was just a contractual deal that was taking so long and I really expected him to be at camp. So I was really surprised.”
Now the Vikings are left to pick up the pieces after their summer-long courtship of the future Hall of Fame quarterback ended with a phone call just two days before players are required to report to training camp in Mankato.
Set to turn 40 in October, Favre told Childress that he didn’t think his body could withstand a 19th season in the NFL. This after he retired for a second time, was granted his release from the New York Jets and had surgery to alleviate a torn biceps in his throwing arm, presumably to get him ready for one last run at a title.