>> Eye on the Ball: Sports analysis and updates by J. P. Stroman FAVRE'S UN-RETIREMENT COULD MAR CONTROVERSY-FREE CAREER

July 31, 2008 4:25 am

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.

The Packers' options, then, are releasing Favre or trading him. If they release Favre, the Vikings and the Bears have shown great interest in him. Trouble is, those teams are division rivals that are largely viewed as being one quarterback away from challenging the Packers for the NFC North crown. I can't speak for all Packers fans, but I would probably vomit seeing Favre in purple or navy blue. And it would certainly diminish my respect for him.

If the Packers traded Favre, they would have more control over where he goes and would likely get a second-round draft pick out of the deal. But the fans would still have to deal with seeing him in a Jets uniform--or worst of all, a Bucs uniform. The Packers and Bucs also have a long history of rivalry, dating back to when they were both members of the NFC Central Division.

I think that Thompson was right to say that Favre is welcome to come back to the Packers as Aaron Rodgers' backup. I don't think he should feel obligated to release or trade him. Favre has seemed to hint that he was pushed into retiring by the Packers brass. Well, like it or not, Brett, you're a big boy. In the end, you made the decision to retire, and it is you who will have to deal with the consequences. I can't think of another profession in which a person can retire for three months, then decide to un-retire and immediately have his job back.

Brett, you need to stay retired, because you are one of the only athletes these days to have emerged from of the profession almost controversy-free. You have been a shining example of loyalty and character, and I do not want to see you stain that in even the smallest way.

J. P. Stroman is a student at the University of Virginia.