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AFEW MONTHS back, I wrote a column here singing the praises of one of my favorite athletes of all time, Green Bay Packers quarterback Brett Favre. At the time, I felt that he had probably retired too early. Even at 38, he had plenty left in the tank--something you usually can't say of athletes that age.

If it hadn't been for a Lawrence Tynes field goal in overtime when the Packers played the New York Giants last January, Green Bay might have gone to the Super Bowl. Even though it was a Favre interception that set up that field goal, it was still one of his best seasons as a professional. There is something to be said for going out on top.

Favre had left a great legacy that would forever live in Packer lore. But now, I fear, that legacy is in danger of being tarnished. Just three months after retiring, Favre told reporters that he was determined to play again. He called Packers general manager Ted Thompson and asked for his job back.

This put the team in a very difficult position. If they let Favre come back as the starter, they risked alienating young quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who was drafted in 2005 and has spent every season since then learning from Favre and preparing to be his successor. No doubt, Rodgers would hate having the rug pulled out from under him just as he was getting his chance. And worst of all, Rodgers' contract expires in 2009. If they brought Favre back, they shouldn't count on Rodgers sticking around. He can't wait forever. Granted, Green Bay recently did draft two backup quarterbacks--Louisville's Brian Brohm and LSU's Matt Flynn--and could develop them. But both of them are bigger risks than Rodgers.