Favre issues statement to fans

Quarterback Brett Favre didn’t give any indication of his future plans, but he took time to thank fans with a statement on his web site.

The speculation over the future of Brett Favre got a little cryptic Thursday – on the one-year anniversary of his retirement from the New York Jets. On his official website (www.officialbrettfavre.com), he said that he had one of the most enjoyable seasons of his career in his 19th NFL season.

“I want to thank all of my fans for a memorable season,” Favre wrote. “While the season didn’t end in Miami as we had all hoped, I couldn’t have enjoyed this season any more than I did.”

He went on to say that he came to the Vikings with “some trepidation” since the Vikings were the sworn enemies of the Packers. But he added that he was happy he made the decision to join the purple and gold.

“I couldn’t be happier about my decision,” Favre said. “The coaches, staff and especially teammates who joined me in this season’s journey are true professionals and, better yet, friends. I felt completely comfortable from day one as a member of the Minnesota Vikings and it’s a tribute to the entire organization that accepted me with open arms. It was truly an amazing experience to be a part of the Minnesota Vikings this past season.

He also addressed the fan support he received, saying, “And to the fans – those in Minnesota, in Wisconsin and across the country – I want to express my heartfelt thanks for all of the support and goodwill that you’ve show me, Deanna and the girls throughout the season. It’s truly humbling to know that so many of you are pulling for us.”

He remained elusive about his future plans, but that doesn’t really surprise too many people. He closed his statement by saying, “Regardless of what the future holds, I want everyone to know that I will cherish the memories of the past year for the rest of my life.”

Does that mean he isn’t coming back? Stay tuned. The soap opera likely will have a long run throughout the spring and summer.

FRIDAY NOTES

In an interesting sub-plot to the Favre story was another entry on his website. It linked to a story that essentially said if Favre plays another season, he could put most if not all of the major career passing records out of reach of the Colts’ Peyton Manning. While an interesting story, it begs the question “why?” Manning said following the Super Bowl that he doesn’t plan to play until he’s 40, which makes sense from the story angle, but interesting that it was linked to Favre’s official site.

Antoine Winfield met with a foot specialist Thursday and was told he would not need surgery, according to the Pioneer Press. The doctor, Robert Anderson of North Carolina, said rest will be the key to his rehabilitation.

The Vikings may have to settle for players that have been released by teams prior to the start of the free agency if they’re looking for help in the offseason, thanks to a crippling clause in the expiring CBA that precludes teams that advanced to the conference championship games from signing free agents until they lose one of their own. As a result, Thursday’s release of Antonio Pierce by the Giants may be of interest to the team, who may be without E.J. Henderson to start the 2010 season. Pierce was cut loose Thursday after five seasons with the Giants.

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John Holler has been writing about the Vikings for more than a decade for Viking Update. Follow Viking Update on Twitter and discuss this topic on our message boards. To become a subscriber to the Viking Update web site or magazine, click here.

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