Former QB Brett Favre unlikely to make planned Packers return
Former Green Bay Packers quarterback Brett Favre told ESPN that he's unlikely to make his planned return to Lambeau Field due to fellow former quarterback Bart Starr's health problems.
Though details hadn't yet been finalized, Favre came up with the idea to have both he and Starr appear on the field at Green Bay's Nov. 9 night game against the Chicago Bears, with the two potentially serving as honorary captains and participating in the pregame coin toss.
But Starr is still recovering from an ischemic stroke, hemorrhagic stroke and mild heart attack from early September as well as subsequent seizures, meaning he likely wouldn't be able to participate in the event.
Favre said he doesn't think he would want to participate alone.
When asked why he and the Packers wouldn't proceed with Favre making the appearance alone, Favre replied, "I'm sure they could, but it was my idea to do it, and now that Bart can't, I just don't think I will.''
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Starr typically attends team-related events and at least one Packers game every season. It's unclear if he'd be able to return for a game later this season or if Favre's return will be pushed back until next season due to Starr's health.
While tension surrounded Favre and the Packers since the quarterback's separation from the team in 2008, the two sides have seen their relationship improve recently, with the team announcing in August it would induct Favre into its Hall of Fame and retire his jersey next July.
Current Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who himself had a somewhat contentious relationship with Favre when the two were teammates, helped initiate the renewal of Favre's relationship with the franchise.
Favre played 16 seasons for the Packers and 20 seasons overall. He's the NFL's all-time leader in passing yards and completions and was the all-time leader in passing touchdowns until Sunday, when Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning broke his record of 508 touchdowns.
Favre tweeted his congratulations to Manning after the record-breaking pass in the second quarter of Denver's win over the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday night.
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Starr played his entire 16-year career with the Packers and helped the team win five NFL titles and the first two Super Bowls.
- Ben Estes
