Brett Favre Stays Retired
Brett Favre Stays Retired After almost three months of deliberation, Brett Favre has decided to stay retired.

In what Favre described as as intense and often emotional soul-searching, he has decided to remain retired from the NFL rather than become the Minnesota Vikings' starting quarterback.

"It was the hardest decision I've ever made," Favre said. "I didn't feel like physically I could play at a level that was acceptable. I would like to thank everyone, including the Packers, Jets and Vikings; but, most importantly, the fans."

Favre had shoulder surgery in May. During his private workouts in Mississippi, he experienced soreness in both ankles and his left knee. according to Favre, the pain would not subside and worsened as he continued to prepare for a potential 19th NFL season.

"I had to be careful not to commit for the wrong reasons," Favre said. "They were telling me, 'You went through all this, you had the surgery and you've
got to finish it off.' But I have legitimate reasons for my decision. I'm 39 with a lot of sacks to my name."

Favre and the Vikings had previously negotiated one-year, $10 million contract, but he had reportedly rejected Minnesota coaches on more than one occasion in the past week.

In the wake of Favre's final rejection, Vikings head coach Brad Childress issued a statement.

"It was a rare and unique opportunity to consider adding not only a future Hall of Fame quarterback but one that is very familiar with our system and division. That does not detract from the team that we have. As we have consistently communicated, we feel good about our team and they have put forth a tremendous effort this offseason preparing for the season ahead. With this behind us, we look forward to getting to Mankato and getting training camp underway."

Vikings players will begin arriving in Mankato for training camp on Wednesday, with a mandatory reporting day of Thursday and the first practice on Friday.