I decided many years ago, when Sugar Ray Leonard kept retiring and coming back to boxing, that it isn’t my place to suggest that someone not try to keep playing. I may say its TIME to retire…some guys are just used up. But who am I to say whether or not an athlete SHOULD continue to play? If a team or a promoter wants him, it’s up to the athlete.

Sure, I respect guys like Mark McGwire, John Elway, Troy Aikman and Jim Brown…who retired with gas left in the tank and didn’t come back. But if the ultra-competitive flame still burns for guys like Reggie White, Michael Jordan, Eric Davis, Guy Lafluer or Pele, let them sow their oats.

If the Vikings believe Favre provides them their best chance to win, why shouldn’t they sign him? The NFL is a quarterback driven league, and if Favre can do for Minnesota what he did for Green Bay and New York over the span of 29 games prior to his last five of ’08, the Vikes could have something.

In 2007, Favre led the Packers to a 14-4 record and a trip to the NFC Championship game. Prior to a biceps injury in 2008, he had the Jets at 8-3 after back to back wins over New England and unbeaten Tennessee. In those 29 games, Favre was 638-940 (67.8%) for 7,025 yards, 53 touchdowns and 30 interceptions. His passer rating was 95.3.

After the apparent injury, Favre went 98-175 (56%) for 1,011 yards, two touchdowns and nine interceptions, for a passer rating of 55.2.

Are we to believe the 29 game body of work over two seasons or the month of play after his injury?

It doesn’t matter. It matters what Favre believes he can do, and what the Vikings believe he can do. It’s not for us to say.

I, for one, think a return to the NFL, in Minnesota, would be great theatre. Bring it on, Brett.