NEW YORK (AP) — Brett Favre will know in several weeks whether his surgically repaired arm will allow him to come out of retirement again.
The quarterback made his first public comments since retiring from the New York Jets in February in an interview Monday night on “Joe Buck Live.” He said the only team he has spoken to is the Minnesota Vikings, who would be a perfect fit because he’s familiar with their offense.
The three-time NFL MVP said Dr. James Andrews performed the surgery 2 weeks ago on his throwing arm. Andrews told him he would know in 4-5 weeks if he’ll be able to make all the throws he needs to.
“If it ever gets to the point it feels like it did before it started hurting, then the biggest question mark is out of the way,” Favre said.
Favre said Vikings coach Brad Childress wanted him to attend Minnesota’s recent organized team activities, but he declined.
“I figured there would be a media frenzy if I was there,” Favre said.
HBO said Favre agreed in April to appear on the show at the request of Buck, the longtime baseball and football announcer. That was before his release from the Jets, which prompted Minnesota’s pursuit of the NFL’s career leader in touchdown passes.
Asked by Buck if he would play this season, Favre replied, “Um … ” After a pause, he said, “Maybe.”
“I know people are tired of it, really,” Favre said earlier of the drama that accompanies his annual waffling over retirement. “My intention, though it’s good for you, isn’t to create controversy.”
The Vikings were a presumed suitor last summer when Favre renounced his retirement from the Packers and was told Green Bay was going with Aaron Rodgers at quarterback. But the Packers weren’t going to let him go to their NFC North rivals, and after a messy divorce with Green Bay, Favre was shipped to the Jets.
He threw 22 touchdown passes and 22 interceptions last season. The team finished out 1-4, as Favre was bothered by a torn biceps tendon, and missed the playoffs.
The Vikings won their division without him, but have been unsettled at the sport’s most important position for the past three-plus years. Quarterback continues to be viewed as one of the team’s few weak spots on an otherwise talent-laden roster.
Quarterbacks Tarvaris Jackson and Sage Rosenfels have gone through an offseason of uncertainty as rumors swirl about Favre. The Vikings report to training camp in just over six weeks.
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