From ESPN- http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3980747

"The Green Bay Packers will retire Brett Favre's No. 4 jersey at some point, and team president and CEO Mark Murphy envisions a day when Favre is once again part of the family.

But given the messy divorce between Favre and the Packers last year, the reconciliation -- and the ceremony -- probably won't happen this year.

"I don't anticipate it this season," Murphy said Saturday, speaking to reporters at the team's annual "fan fest" at Lambeau Field. "Obviously we will do it. We've made that commitment. He deserves to have his number retired. I just think both sides need some time."

Besides, Murphy joked, who's to say Favre won't change his mind yet again?

"Quite honestly, from a practical standpoint, we had to cancel one retirement ceremony already," Murphy said, laughing. "I think it's smart to make sure that he is retired, rather than going through a situation like that again."

All kidding and past acrimony aside, Murphy said Favre will be welcomed back when both sides decide that the time is right.

"He'll be a member of our family long-term," Murphy said. "Most players go through a period of time and I think when you're away from it for a while, I think it'll be meaningful for him and for us when he does come back."

Favre announced his retirement from the Packers last March, but continued to deliberate on his football future in private. He told team officials he wanted to come back a few weeks after announcing his retirement, and they were prepared to take him back -- only to have him change his mind again and stay retired.

By the time Favre had his mind firmly set on a comeback in July, Packers management had decided to move forward without him. Tensions mounted and turned the Packers' training camp into a circus, and Favre was traded to the New York Jets.

Favre got off to a rousing start with his new team but faltered down the stretch and the Jets missed the playoffs. He retired again in February.

Assuming Favre really stays retired this time, there's a possibility that a future reconciliation with the Packers could include a financial arrangement.

In the middle of Favre's unretirement saga, the Packers offered him a multimillion-dollar marketing deal -- a move interpreted by some as a bribe for Favre to stay retired, a charge the team rebuked.

Favre turned it down at the time, but it was widely assumed that the two sides would reach a similar agreement once Favre retired for good.

"I think we'll determine that with time," Murphy said. "And obviously it can't just be us, it's got to be him. Both sides will look at it. But I think now is not the right time to have those discussions."



I wonder if Ted Thompson will still be here when it's retired?

according to the tour guide for the lambeau tour I took a couple weeks ago said the marketing deal is still on the table for when ever Favre wants it. If TT does do well and gets this team back into the playoffs that would buy TT at least a few more season and if by some chance the Packers get to the SB when Favre might have to wait quite a while for TT to leave if thats what he is wanting to doo.

I don't think it will be as long as I originally thought after last summers fiasco went on. Time really does heal all wounds. I could see 2010, with no number 4 being issued to any new players this year.

Well all Favre has to do is pick up the phone call Murphy and pick a date.

I don't know I just think putting it off for a full year after his playing days were over for good would be about right, don't you?

So to sum it up, Favre's number will be retired sooner than later.

Who knows. I was just thinking of the night the Bears retired Butkus and Sayers #'s . That monsoon game back in about 95 when The Pack was really good. They pounded the Bears that night. That was well over 20 yrs since those players retirement. Although Butkus did have a bitter falling out with their orginization after his retirement that lasted through out the '70's Regardless it was a couple of decades.

It will happen eventually. I am critical of Bretts actions throughout the past year, JMO, but he did some great things for the Pack and deserves to get his number retired.

There is no reason not to have the deal still on the table.

My guess is the #4 retirement ceremony will happen in 2 years, with or without Thompson present.

IMO, the only bad thing about the monsoon game was how it screwed up the Butkus/Sayers ceremony.

It was one of my favorite Packer games of all time. But it was sad to see two all-time greats like that be reduced to being largely ignored in the mud and rain. Especially given how both of them, particularly Butkus in his old man's walk, clearly showed the toll that NFL playing took on their bodies.

That was a great game!

The Blizzard Bowl of 1985 ranks up there as well!

Smart. Very smart.

Let the Jets retire his jersey / number!

I won't be shocked if they do that. Look at the Panther's they retired White's number even though he was there only 1 season.

He was the best ever to play the position of D.E. I rank Favre at #2 best of all time behind Elway at the QB position.

The only retired # the Panthers have is #51 and that is Sam Mills.

I swore I heard after reggie died that the Packers, Eagles, and Panthers all retired number 92

I did a search for retired Panthers #s and 4 or 5 different links only had Sam Mills. I know Pilly and GB did though.

They probably did what the Lions are doing this year with Cory Smith and # 93. They are "retiring" it for one year out of respect for his passing, but next year, it will be re-issued as the teams move on.

I was a big fan of Favre, but he isn't the second best QB of all time. He isn't even the best who ever played in GB! That gentleman is Bart Starr. But I'd put BF in the top 10 easy!

[edit]

Really shouldn't have that conversation in here.

Everyone has an opinion on who was the best. Pugger doesn't feel Favre was, apparently Ed does.