Green Bay Packers coach Mike McCarthy says a potential marketing contract for Brett Favre could benefit the star quarterback and the team. More importantly, it also could resolve their standoff over Favre’s retirement.
The marketing deal, worth a reported US$20 million over 10 years, might end Favre’s bid to return just months after retiring, and presumably keep him from reporting to Packers training camp when the team is not planning for him to start. Favre confirmed he was considering the marketing deal to ESPN Thursday.
“Brett needs to stay a part of football,” McCarthy said after practice this morning. “Obviously, he’s a part of the Green Bay Packers. This is really something that’s been out there all along.”
McCarthy said the deal, which was interpreted by some as a last-minute bribe to keep Favre away from camp, actually has been on the table for months. McCarthy said he first heard about it at Favre’s retirement news conference in March.
Despite that tearful goodbye, Favre now is considering a comeback. Green Bay hasn’t been eager to have him, but also don’t want to release him, suspecting he would immediately sign with division rival Minnesota.
Team president and CEO Mark Murphy flew to Mississippi to meet with Favre and his agent on Wednesday. That meeting apparently rekindled talks about the marketing agreement.
Favre said in a text message to ESPN Thursday night that the marketing deal might be the best solution.
“There isn’t a perfect solution to this, but Mark Murphy is at least trying,” Favre told ESPN. “We know what they want and where I stand. His solution, although awkward and unsettling for most, may be the best in the end.”
