UPDATED Friday, August 8 --- 5:30pm

GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) -- Brett Favre may no longer be in Green Bay, but Aaron Rodgers knows he's still going to feel pressure.

Favre's successor says there's pressure just to be a starting quarterback in the NFL. He says he's still following Brett's legacy, regardless of whether No. 4 is in camp, retired or in New York.

Today was the first day that fans who showed up to watch training camp practice gave Rodgers a break. There were no "Save Brett" signs and were as many Rodgers jerseys as Favre jerseys.

Rodgers and the rest of the offense looked crisp, too. Wide receiver Greg Jennings made a nifty one-handed grab for a touchdown during a no-huddle drill.

Rodgers says the trade had nothing to do with the offense's sudden improvement in practice. But he says it's good to have the whole quarterback situation finally resolved.

Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.

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UPDATED Friday, August 8, 2008 --- 9:05 a.m.

UNDATED (AP) -- Green Bay Packers president Mark Murphy says parting with Brett Favre is like a no-fault divorce. But the big winner in the deal is the New York Jets, who are gaining custody of three-time MVP quarterback for a conditional draft pick.

Favre says he knows exactly why he was acquired by the Jets, who stumbled to a 4-and-12 record a year ago. Favre says, "I'm here to help the Jets win."

It's unclear when Favre will be ready to play. But Farve is hinting it will be soon.

Favre is coming off one of his most productive seasons. Last year he passed for 4,155 yards, his most since 1998. He threw 28 TDs with 15 interceptions.

UNDATED (AP) -- Some other nuggets from the Brett Favre trade:

-- Tampa Bay GM Bruce Allen says the Buccaneers were never really close to a deal for Favre. He says the Packers did not want to trade Favre to an NFC team.

-- The arrival of Favre means the end of Chad Pennington's career with the Jets. He was cut.

-- There is no generation gap between Favre and his new coach. Eric Mangini is one year younger than the 38-year-old Favre.

-- Favre was unimpressed that 3,000 new Jets jerseys with Favre's old number "4" were sold online in the first day. He joked: "That's all?"

-- The Jets won their preseason opener by rallying with 14 points in the fourth quarter to beat Cleveland 24-20 in an exhibition game delayed an hour by lightning. Favre tossed a football on the sidelines in pre-game but was not in uniform and did not play.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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UPDATED Thursday, August 7 --- 1:15pm

GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) -- Green Bay Packers general manager Ted Thompson admits he's not comfortable that he will, historically, be known as the man who traded away Brett Favre.

Thompson says he, in fact, didn't want to be the one who signed the trade papers when they arrived at the Green Bay Packers' offices, but knew he had to.

President Mark Murphy and coach Mike McCarthy joined Thompson at a news conference today in Green Bay.

Murphy says if Favre wanted to come back to the Packers, they would have welcomed him. McCarthy says the Packers would have let Favre compete for the quarterback position, but it never got to that point.

Murphy says Packer executives had to do what was in the long-term best interest of the organization. He says Favre wasn't sure he wanted to return to the Green Bay Packers.

McCarthy and Thompson both say the communication between the two sides could have been better.

Meanwhile, not all Packers fans are happy about today's news.

Don Harvey, of Ashwaubenon, was carrying a life-size cutout of Brett Favre and said he was so disgusted with management he planned to sell his season tickets.

Todd Brown, of Green Bay, held up a "Bring Brett back" sign.

Brown said he was disappointed with the way Favre was treated by Packers management and urged coach Mike McCarthy to apologize to Favre.

AP

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UPDATED Thursday, August 7 --- 11:30am

NEW YORK (AP) -- The New York Jets say Brett Favre will be at a news conference later today in Cleveland where the Jets are playing the Browns in a preseason game.

The Green Bay Packers have also scheduled a news conference. Packers president Mark Murphy, general manager Ted Thompson and coach Mike McCarthy will talk about the Favre trade to the Jets at a noon news conference in Green Bay.

Favre is scheduled to leave Hattiesburg, Mississippi this morning. The news conference in Cleveland is scheduled for this afternoon.

The Green Bay Packers traded their three-time MVP and Super Bowl-winning quarterback to the Jets last night.

Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.

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UPDATED Thursday, August 7, 2008 --- 9:50 a.m.

Packers.com reports there will be a 12:00 pm press conference. NBC 15 will carry it live.

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UPDATED Thursday, August 7, 2008 --- 12:00 am

The Green Bay Packers have reached an agreement to trade quarterback Brett Favre to the New York Jets, the team announced late tonight.

Terms of the trade weren't immediately available.

The Packers had been talking with the Jets and Tampa Bay Buccaneers since deciding earlier this week that the team and the three-time MVP couldn't co-exist.

The Packers decided to move forward with Aaron Rodgers as their starter after Favre announced his retirement in March.

Favre's agent, James "Bus" Cook, confirmed the deal in a text message to The Associated Press late tonight.

The agreement first was reported by Fox Sports on its Web site.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

* * * * *

Packers President/CEO Mark Murphy and Executive Vice President, General Manager and Director of Football Operations Ted Thompson issued the following joint statement:

“Brett has had a long and storied career in Green Bay, and the Packers owe him a tremendous debt of gratitude for everything he accomplished on the field and for the impact he made in the state. It is with some sadness that we make this announcement, but also with the desire for certainty that will allow us to move the team and organization forward in the most positive way possible.

“We respect Brett’s decision that he could no longer remain here as a Packer. But there were certain things we were not willing to do because they were not in the best interest of the team. We were not going to release him nor trade him to a team within the division. When Brett ultimately decided that he still wanted to play football, but not in Green Bay, we told him that we would work to find the best solution for all parties involved. We wish Brett and his family well.

“We appreciate the tremendous passion shown by our fans. We, like them, always will see Brett Favre as a Green Bay Packer and our respect for him never will change. Moving forward, we are dedicated to delivering a successful 2008 season for all Packers fans.”

Favre leaves Green Bay as the NFL’s all-time leader in most major passing categories – touchdowns (442), yards (61,655), completions (5,377) and attempts (8,758) – and his 253-game starting streak intact. By playing 16 seasons in a Packers uniform (1992-2007), he matches Bart Starr (1956-71) for the longest tenure in team history among his 30 team records.

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UPDATED Wednesday, August 6, 2008 --- 11:00 p.m.

From the smallest market in pro football to the biggest: Foxsports.com's Jay Glazer first reported Brett Favre has been traded to the New York Jets. ESPN confirmed the news a short time later.

Glazer's report says the exact compensation is not immediately known, but it is believed to be a single draft pick that increases in value depending upon how the Jets perform during the 2008 season.

The report also says that the Jets will likely release a quarterback... with signs pointing to Chad Pennington because the team will need to free up cap room to fit Favre's contract under the salary cap.

Glazer: "The Jets were much more aggressive than the Bucs in their pursuit of Favre all along. The bigger issue was getting Favre on the same page as the Packers front office as far as the Jets were concerned.

Finally, late Tuesday, Favre talked to Jets head coach Eric Mangini and others in the organization for the first time as they tried to convince Favre he would be a good fit in New York."

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UPDATED Wednesday, August 5, 2008 --- 1:50 p.m.

Courtesy of Rachel Nichols, ESPN:

Brett Favre left Green Bay on a private plane bound for Hattiesburg
around 12:20pm CDT. He told Nichols no trade is done yet, and that it is
not certain he would go to the Bucs, that the Jets are still a possibility.

"I just want to get on the field and get going - I'm 38 years old," he said.

As for the situation with the Packers, he told me "it's clear how
everyone feels, and how they feel about me - this is something that
should have been resolved a long time ago."

I asked Favre what it was like leaving Green Bay, most likely for the
last time as a Packer. He said, "Well, I already retired once," and laughed.

Then he said, "Did I wake up this morning and feel I should be at
practice over there? No. I watched that scrimmage Sunday night and it
didn't seem so strange that I wasn't out there, so maybe the writing was
on the wall then."

Favre added that he was hoping to work out in Hattiesburg later today. Nichols also spoke with Brett's wife, Deanna. She said it's been a very
emotional few days for the family, that the girls are calling several
times a day not knowing what's going on.

She also told Nichols there was a group of fans outside their house this
morning with signs asking Brett not to leave, and that was difficult,
because she and Brett feel very close to the community.

____________________________________________________

UPDATED Wednesday, August 5, 2008 --- 11:30 a.m.

This morning's press conference by Packers GM Ted Thompson has been postponed until later today. Stay with NBC 15 for updates.

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UPDATED Wednesday, August 5 --- 11:30am

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (AP) -- Brett Favre to Tampa Bay? Buccaneers coach Jon Gruden isn't hinting one way or the other.

Gruden refused to address speculation that the defending NFC South champions were on the verge of a deal Wednesday to acquire the Green Bay Packers quarterback as a replacement for Jeff Garcia.

The coach repeatedly dodged questions about the state of talks with the Packers about Favre, who retired in March but had second thoughts and was granted reinstatement to the NFL this week.

The Bucs have yet to confirm publicly that they are interested in Favre, however Gruden conceded that Favre's situation is "unprecedented" and acknowledged that he's always willing to explore ways to improve his team.

Garcia was brought in as a free agent last year and led Tampa Bay to a division title. He was selected to play in the Pro Bowl for the fourth time.

Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.

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UPDATED Tuesday, August 5 --- 7:00pm

GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) -- The bond between Brett Favre and the Green Bay Packers appears to be broken beyond repair.

Packers coach Mike McCarthy said Tuesday evening that after approximately six hours of what he called "brutally honest" conversations with Favre over the past two days, the three-time MVP just isn't in the right mind-set to be part of the team.

Even with the chance to win his starting job back potentially on the table, McCarthy said Favre couldn't seem to get past emotional wounds that were opened as tensions mounted in recent weeks.

"The football team's moving forward," McCarthy said. "The train has left the station, whatever analogy you want. He needs to jump on the train and let's go. Or, if we can't get past things that have happened, I have to keep the train moving."

McCarthy said he and Favre made plans to speak later Tuesday evening, but McCarthy didn't seem to allow for the possibility that anything significant would change.

A trade could be coming next, with Tampa Bay re-emerging as a potential destination after seemingly being eliminated from consideration in recent weeks.

Packers officials have believed throughout the past month that Favre's preference is to play for the Minnesota Vikings, but Favre could reconsider a trade to Tampa Bay — or elsewhere — if Green Bay holds firm in its commitment not to trade him to a division rival.

McCarthy wouldn't address trade talks, but did say a quick resolution to the situation is important to the rest of his players.

"Absolutely," McCarthy said. "The players, they want it resolved. Even talk to Brett about it — he feels bad about it. It's time for them to talk about somebody else."

Favre left Lambeau Field just before Packers practice Tuesday afternoon, taking a right turn out of the stadium's back gate and heading away from the field where the rest of his teammates were assembling for drills.

Favre emerged from the stadium's loading dock exit at 2:34 p.m. EDT Tuesday, hugging Packers senior security advisor Jerry Parins before getting in his SUV and driving away. Shortly after, an SUV driven by Packers general manager Ted Thompson left the gate heading in the same direction.

"We're at a stalemate," Favre told ESPN Tuesday morning. "Mike and I both agreed last night that me being out there is a distraction and will continue to be a distraction. We all know the reason I'm here is because the commissioner reinstated me so we have a lot of things to figure out. It's simple and complicated, both at the same time."

McCarthy said Favre was excused from practice Tuesday, adding that he wouldn't have practiced with the team anyway because of an abdominal strain found in his physical examination Monday. McCarthy did not say whether Favre would be fined if he stayed away from camp starting Wednesday.

Favre told ESPN he doesn't have a problem with competing with Rodgers for the starting job, and can "truly understand" why McCarthy would make Rodgers the starter. But Favre also said a competition "probably isn't going to work" and that "the problem is that there's been a lot of damage done and I can't forget it."

Did Favre not feel wanted or welcome enough by the Packers?

"That's part of the issue with him, quite frankly," McCarthy said. "And listening to him talk about that, you respect his opinion. And frankly, I told him, I said, 'I'll take responsibility because I have a voice in the building.' I never thought he truly was going to play. I thought he was emotionally driven for other reasons."

McCarthy said Favre was "very convincing" in their conversations about his desire to play Monday night and Tuesday. But McCarthy still seemed to have reservations about Favre's commitment to preparation.

Would Favre continue to stay at Lambeau late at night to study film, a major factor in his success last season?

"That was a very good question for him," McCarthy said. "He's in a tough spot right now."

McCarthy also didn't seem convinced that Favre was thinking clearly about his future.

"He has a lot going through his head, and I think he's emotional," McCarthy said. "And just talking to him, he's in a tough spot."

So, of course, are McCarthy and Thompson. Correctly or not, they might end up being seen by fans as the men who drove Favre out of Green Bay.

"That's not a good feeling, but I don't view it that way," McCarthy said. "I can only trust the truth. I've been part of a lot of conversations, and I don't feel that's the case."

Rodgers, meanwhile, stuck to his mantra of not worrying about things he can't control.

"I just know we were out at practice today, and he wasn't there, and I'm the starter," Rodgers said. "So that's where we're going right now."

Speaking to reporters after Tuesday's practice, Rodgers stood just a few feet away from a locker with a "FAVRE" nameplate above it, stocked with shoulderpads and other equipment. It hadn't been used — and now might never be.

Cornerback Charles Woodson had a hard time imagining the Packers trading such an iconic player.

"Everything went kind of sour a few weeks or a month back, but you never felt like it would get to the point or to the talks of him actually being traded," Woodson said. "I felt once he stepped back in here, he would be the quarterback. Him not being here today, I guess management has a different route. So at that point, we've got to go out and do our job."

Copyright 2008 The Associated Press.

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UPDATED Tuesday, August 5 --- 5:50pm

GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) - Brett Favre left Lambeau Field just before Green Bay practiced Tuesday afternoon, and coach Mike McCarthy says the 3-time MVP isn't in the "proper mindset" to be part of the Packers.

McCarthy talked to reporters about the standoff over Favre's retirement after practice.

The coach said he and Favre had "a ton of conversations" over the last couple of days about the quarterback's desire to come back and play in the NFL, but McCarthy wasn't convinced that Favre wants to be part of the Packers.

"I have to keep the train moving," McCarthy said.

McCarthy said that when he asked Favre whether he was committed to playing for Green Bay, "that's not where he was."

Copyright 2008 The Associated Press.

________________________________________________________

UPDATED Tuesday, August 5, 2008 --- 3 p.m.

Packers head coach Mike McCarthy will address the media at approximately 4:35 pm CT on Tuesday following the team's practice.

NBC 15 will be carrying the press conference live.

________________________________________________________

UPDATED Tuesday, August 5, 2008 --- 12:25 a.m.

From ESPN.com:

Green Bay Packers quarterback Brett Favre went into a meeting Tuesday morning acknowledging that he was at a "stalemate" with the team and believed the "best thing for this team is for us to part ways."

Consequently, Favre is unlikely to take the field for practice Tuesday afternoon, pending his second meeting with coach Mike McCarthy.

"We're at a stalemate," Favre said. "Mike and I both agreed last night that me being out there is a distraction and will continue to be a distraction. We all know the reason I'm here is because the commissioner [Roger Goodell] reinstated me so we have a lot of things to figure out. It's simple and complicated, both at the same time."

Favre said the team once again rejected his request to talk to teams about a trade within the NFC North, preferably to the Minnesota Vikings or possibly the Chicago Bears.

Favre clarified reports that he and the Packers have backpedaled on the premise that there would be an open competition with Aaron Rodgers for the starting job.

"Mike told me, hey, we're a better team with you on it but wanted to know if I have a problem with an open competition," Favre said. "I don't have a problem with competing -- you know that, but Aaron should be the starter right now because he's been out here all this time. This is more than about an open competition and I can do that, absolutely, but this is going to be mass confusion and that's not good for this team.

"I'll practice my butt off, if it comes to that, and I think we all know what the end result will be, but this probably isn't going to work. And I truly understand that if I was in Mike's shoes, I'd see it basically the same way he sees it, I'm sure. And I think if he was in my shoes, he'd see it my way. I think we both agree on that.

"They want to know if I'm committed but I want to know if they're 100 percent committed. The problem is that there's been a lot of damage done and I can't forget it. Stuff has been said, stories planted, that just aren't true. Can I get over all that? I doubt it."

Favre, who officially returned from retirement Sunday, met with McCarthy for 5½ hours on Monday night without reaching a resolution. The meeting went long enough that McCarthy had to postpone a planned briefing with the media.

Favre announced his retirement on March 6, and the Packers moved ahead with Rodgers, Favre's former understudy, as the team's new starting quarterback. But Favre, still under contract with the Packers, then followed through on hints that he was interested in a return to the NFL.

The Packers have attempted to work out a trade outside the NFC North, with the New York Jets and Tampa Bay Buccaneers reported as likely suitors, but to no avail. And last week, team president Mark Murphy flew to Mississippi to discuss a marketing deal for Favre worth a reported $25 million. Favre has not accepted that deal, either.

Asked what stories have been "planted," Favre alluded to the reports that said he waffled on un-retiring in late March or early April. He said that's "just not the way it went down, at all."

He also expressed anger with the stories that alleged he had a team-issued cell phone that showed the Vikings were tampering with him.

"Again, that was bull on both parts," he said.

"Then," Favre said, "they tried to buy me off to stay retired."

He added, "So they can say they welcome me back but, come on, the way they've treated me tells you the truth. They don't want me back, so let's move on. I don't know where it's headed. We'll see."

__________________________________________________________

UPDATED Tuesday, August 5, 2008 --- 11:45am

Still no press conference scheduled by Packers Head Coach Mike McCarthy.

From ESPN.com:
Packers quarterback Brett Favre was told not to report to training camp Tuesday until 2 p.m. when the team is scheduled to practice, and is not likely to take part in that practice, sources told ESPN's Ed Werder.

That follows a five-hour meeting Monday between Favre and Packers coach Mike McCarthy, during which McCarthy told Favre he did not want him on the practice field unless he is satisfied with and committed to the team's new direction at quarterback -- namely, with Favre's former understudy Aaron Rogers as the starter, Werder reported.

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UPDATED Tuesday, August 5, 2008 --- 7:50 a.m.

GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) -- No parade, no motorcade, and no photo opportunity in Green Bay.

It was hardly the way you'd expect Brett Favre to return to the Packers after spending most of the past month as the league's longest-running daytime drama.

Favre reported to the Packers as expected yesterday, but none of the fans and media members staking out several entrances to Lambeau Field managed to catch a glimpse of him.

A team security official told a few hundred fans gathered near the entrance to the players' parking lot that Favre already was in the building shortly after he was expected to report.

The team announced yesterday afternoon that Favre had been reinstated and returned to the Packers' active roster, as was expected.

To make room for Favre, the team placed cornerback Condrew Allen on injured reserve with a knee injury.

An evening news conference by Packers coach Mike McCarthy was also postponed and the two left Lambeau Field separately in their SUVs shortly before midnight.

AP

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UPDATED Monday, August 4 --- 8:45pm

Breaking News from NBC15 News: Brett Favre and Packers Head Coach Mike McCarthy are still meeting at this hour about Favre's future with the team.

Tonight's press conference has now been delayed until tomorrow.

Stay with NBC15 and NBC15.com for continuing coverage on this story.

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UPDATED Monday, August 4 --- 4:45pm

Note: Head Coach Mike McCarthy Press Conference tonight at approx. 8:15pm. You can watch it LIVE on NBC15.

NEW YORK (AP) -- NFL commissioner Roger Goodell has ruled that the Minnesota Vikings did not tamper with Brett Favre in trying to get the quarterback to sign with them.

Goodell said that while there were conversations between then-retired Favre and Vikings coaches, that none of the conversations suggested Favre was soliciting a job or that anyone was soliciting his services.

The Packers had filed the charges, based at least in part between records of phone conversations between Favre and Darrell Bevell, Minnesota's offensive coordinator. Bevell is a former Green Bay assistant and a friend of Favre's.

Favre unretired and was scheduled to report to the Packers' training camp Monday.

AP
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UPDATED Monday, August 4 --- 4:30pm

MANKATO, Minn. (AP) -- Minnesota Vikings coach Brad Childress says his team has not had contact with the Green Bay Packers regarding a potential trade for quarterback Brett Favre.

Childress dismissed a report in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel that said the Packers have made preliminary contact with the Vikings about Favre. He was reinstated on Monday.

Green Bay has filed tampering charges against the Vikings for alleged inappropriate contact between the Vikings coaching staff and Favre this summer. Childress says he had no update on the outcome of that investigation.

Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.

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UPDATED Monday, August 4 --- 1:30pm

GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) -- The speculation continues now that Brett Favrehas officially returned to the Green Bay Packers.

Favre's reinstatement took effect earlier today, but it could be days or weeks before the Packers actually decide what to do with him. Favre returned to Green Bay last night after the Packers failed to come to a financial agreement that would have made the quarterback happy while staying retired.

Packers coach Mike McCarthy had been adamant since Favre's original retirement announcement that Aaron Rodgers would be his starting quarterback in 2008. McCarthy pulled back on that endorsement yesterday, saying he wants to talk to Favre today before he makes any decision on opening the job up to competition.

A trade remains a possibility. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported on its Web site late last night that the Packers have had preliminary contact with the Vikings on a potential trade for Favre.

Favre could practice with the Packers as early as tomorrow.

AP

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UPDATED Monday, August 4 --- 8:00am

GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) -- Brett Favre is set join the active roster of the Green Bay Packers today. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell made the announcement yesterday.

Goodell had held off on granting Favre's request for reinstatement for nearly a week, hoping Favre and the team could resolve their standoff.

Team president and CEO Mark Murphy says the team welcomes Favre back and hopes to turn the situation to its advantage.

The reinstatement will become effective at noon central time, when Favre will be added to the Packers' active roster.

Earlier this week, the team offered Favre a long-term, multimillion-dollar marketing agreement that likely would have kept him retired. But Favre's decision to report to camp makes such an agreement less likely.

A trade remains a possibility.

AP

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UPDATED: Sunday, August 3, 2008 -- 9:30pm

Brett Favre is back. It remains to be seen whether he'll still be the leader of the Pack.

The Green Bay Packers are reluctantly embracing Favre's forced return to the football field. This comes after the team failed to reach a financial agreement that would manage to make Favre happy while staying retired.

The NFL announced that Favre will be reinstated and added to the Packers' active roster on Monday.

Packers president and CEO Mark Murphy says of Favre: "We will welcome him back and turn this situation to our advantage."

A private plane carrying Favre, wife Deanna and agent James "Bus" Cook arrived in Green Bay Sunday night. Favre could be on the practice field Tuesday. The Packers already elevated Aaron Rodgers to Number-1 on their depth chart, but Murphy hinted that could be temporary with Favre back.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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POSTED: Sunday, August 3, 2008 -- 3:40pm

*STATEMENT BY PACKERS PRESIDENT/CEO MARK MURPHY*

Sixteen years after Brett Favre came to the Packers, he is returning for a seventeenth season. He has had a great career with our organization and although we built this year around the assumption that Brett meant what he said about retiring, Brett is coming back. We will welcome him back and turn this situation to our advantage.

Frankly, Brett’s change of mind put us in a very difficult spot. We now will revise many actions and assumptions about our long-term future, all predicated on Brett’s decision last March to retire. As a result of his decision, we invested considerably in a new and different future without Brett and we were obviously moving in that direction. That’s why this wasn’t easy. Having crossed the Rubicon once when Brett decided to retire, it’s very difficult to reorient our plans and cross it again in the opposite direction – but we’ll put this to our advantage.

Brett will be in camp tomorrow. Although there has been uncertainty regarding Brett’s return, Ted Thompson and Coach McCarthy had previously discussed this and have had a plan in place. Coach McCarthy will talk to the team and the quarterbacks about the plan moving forward, and after he has done that we will share it publicly.

No matter what, I look forward to another successful season for the Packers and our fans. This has been a tough situation, but the Packers will make the most of it.

________________________________________________________

UPDATED Sunday, August 3 --- 3:00pm

GREEN BAY, Wisconsin (AP) -- Brett Favre will be reinstated and added to the Green Bay Packers' active roster Monday, creating an uncomfortable standoff between the team and its legendary quarterback who has reneged on his decision to retire.

The NFL announced the move Sunday after commissioner Roger Goodell had held off on granting Favre's request for reinstatement for nearly a week, hoping Favre and the team could find a solution to their dispute.

Favre, who holds most major NFL passing records, announced his retirement in March, only to change his mind last month. The Packers, however, said they are moving on with former backup Aaron Rodgers as their new starting quarterback, and have refused to release Favre to rival teams.

By reinstating Favre, Goodell is following through on a recent promise to force action.

Favre's agent, James "Bus" Cook, confirmed that Favre plans to fly to Green Bay on Sunday and report to the Packers on Monday.

"That's the plan," Cook said in an e-mail to The Associated Press on Sunday.

Favre could be on the field as early as Tuesday.

It is not clear whether Favre's reinstatement indicates that he has rejected a long-term, multimillion-dollar marketing agreement offered by the team. Reinstatement could force the Packers to increase their offer to Favre in hopes that he remains retired and avoids turning their training camp into a media circus this week.

Team officials publicly have ruled out releasing Favre, fearing he would immediately sign with division rival Minnesota. The Packers could still also trade him.

The team has a scrimmage at Lambeau Field on Sunday night, then does not have another scheduled public practice until Tuesday morning.

Favre's arrival in training camp could cause a major disruption to the team, although he would not likely begin practicing with the Packers right away.

Coach Mike McCarthy has said the Packers have a plan in place should Favre report to camp. He first would have to pass a physical exam and a conditioning test, then would likely be limited to individual drills.

Goodell told the NFL Network on Saturday that he thinks the situation has lingered long enough.

"I think we have to force it," Goodell said. "I think it's come to the point where there need to be some decisions made on behalf of the Packers, on behalf of Brett, on behalf of all the fans."

Copyright 2008 The Associated Press.

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UPDATED Sunday, August 3 --- 10:00am

ESPN is reporting that Brett Favre has been reinstated by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. Favre told ESPN's Ed Werder that he will be flying to Green Bay today.

ESPN is also reporting that Favre's plane will touch down in Green Bay at 5:30 pm tonight. Favre will not be a part of Family Night at Lambeau Field, but he is due to report to training camp at noon on Monday. It's expected that the Packers will announce by then that they've reached some sort of deal with Favre.

Stay with NBC15.com for updates throughout the day.

________________________________________________________

UPDATED Saturday, August 2 --- 7:00am

GREEN BAY, Wisconsin (AP) -- Brett Favre's reinstatement to the NFL was held up again Friday as the three-time MVP mulled getting paid not to play through a marketing deal with the Green Bay Packers that could resolve the standoff over his retirement.

The potential agreement, worth a reported $20 million over 10 years, might end Favre's bid to return just months after retiring. It also would likely keep him from reporting to Packers training camp and a team that is not planning to start him at quarterback for the first time since 1992.

After talking to Packers president and CEO Mark Murphy about the marketing deal Wednesday, Favre confirmed he was considering it to ESPN on Thursday.

Packers coach Mike McCarthy made it clear Friday that, from the team's perspective, the agreement would be more than a buyout to make an awkward situation go away. In fact, it's been in the works for months. He first heard about it at Favre's retirement news conference in March.

"I know Mark Murphy talked to me about it in the past, how important it was for Brett to continue to be part of the organization after he was done playing," McCarthy said after practice Friday morning. "And frankly, it's good for Brett. Brett needs to stay a part of football. Obviously, he's a part of the Green Bay Packers."

Meanwhile, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell sat on Favre's reinstatement letter for the fourth straight day, giving the two sides more time to resolve the situation.

"The commissioner will take no action today on Brett Favre's reinstatement request. Discussions are continuing between the Packers and Brett," league officials said in a statement issued by NFL spokesman Greg Aiello.

After a tearful farewell to football, Favre changed course and began considering a comeback.

The problem is that Green Bay isn't eager to bring him back, with Aaron Rodgers taking over the starter's role. The Packers also don't want to release Favre, suspecting he would immediately sign with division rival Minnesota.

The Packers hold Favre's rights until his current contract expires after the 2010 season.

Tensions have built between Favre and the team over the past several weeks. Earlier this week, Favre sent the letter to Goodell requesting to be reinstated from the team's reserve/retired list.

Goodell has held off approving the request, hoping the two sides could resolve their differences. Murphy flew to Mississippi to meet with Favre and his agent, James "Bus" Cook, on Wednesday. That meeting apparently rekindled talks about the marketing agreement.

Favre said in a text message to ESPN reporter Ed Werder on Thursday night that the marketing deal might be the best idea.

"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."

Packers linebacker A.J. Hawk chuckled at the thought of being paid $20 million not to play.

"You could hand me a billion dollars, and I'm still going to be on the field," Hawk said. "It doesn't matter to me. But everyone has different situations, has different views on money. Money is not more important than football to me right now."

If the deal can't be worked out, Favre could be reinstated and report to camp, presumably forcing the team to trade him or reconsider releasing him.

Cook told The Associated Press on Thursday that Favre understands he would be walking into a media frenzy by showing up for camp, but he's willing to handle that it if that's the only way he can force his way back into football.

"He's prepared to deal with it," Cook said. "He's ready to go back, but he can't go back until the commissioner reinstates him."

McCarthy has said the team has a plan in place should Favre report to camp. He'd have to pass a physical exam and a conditioning test, then likely would be limited to individual drills at first.

"He's not a part of our 80-man roster right now," McCarthy said. "And if or when he is, we'll deal with that then. And I think our team has done a great job of just staying focused."

Copyright 2008 The Associated Press.

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UPDATED Friday, August 1 --- 3:45pm

GREEN BAY, Wisc. (AP) — Green Bay Packers coach Mike McCarthy has confirmed the team has made a lucrative marketing offer to quarterback Brett Favre.

McCarthy says the reported 10-year, 20-million-dollar deal would benefit the star quarterback and the team. The offer might end Favre's bid to return just months after retiring, and presumably would keep him from reporting to Packers training camp when the team is not planning for him to start.

The deal initially was interpreted by some as a last-minute bribe to keep Favre away from camp. But McCarthy says the package actually has been on the table for months.

AP

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UPDATED Friday, August 1 --- 8:00am

HATTIIESBURG, Miss. (AP) — Brett Favre's agent says the quarterback knows he'd be walking into a media frenzy if he reports to the Green Bay Packers training camp. But Bus Cook has told The Associated Press that Favre is willing to do that rather than have retirment forced on him.

Favre and the Packers are still at a stalemate over his desire to un-retire. But there are reportedly two possible solutions to the impasse.

The Wisconsin State Journal and ESPN are reporting the Packers have offered Favre a 10-year, 20-million-dollar marketing deal if he stays retired.

The Green Bay Press-Gazette is reporting that Cook and the Packers are in serious discussion with the New York Jets about a trade.

Copyright 2008 The Associated Press.

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UPDATED Friday, August 1, 2008 --- 2:00am

HATTIIESBURG, Miss. (AP) -- Brett Favre's agent says the quarterback knows he'd be walking into a media frenzy if he reports to the Green Bay Packers training camp. But Bus Cook has told the Associated Press that Favre is willing to do that rather than have retirement forced on him.

Favre and the Packers are still at a stalemate over his desire to un-retire. But there are reportedly two possible solutions to the impasse.

The Wisconsin State Journal and ESPN are reporting the Packers have offered Favre a 10-year, $20 million marketing deal if he stays retired.

The Green Bay Press-Gazette is reporting that Cook and the Packers are in serious discussion with the New York Jets about a trade.

Meanwhile, NFL commission Roger Goodell delayed his approval of Favre's reinstatement request for a day to try to give him and the Packers time to work things out.

Copyright 2008 The Associated Press.

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UPDATED Thursday, July 31, 2008 --- 3:28 p.m.

NFL.com's Adam Schefter reports Brett Favre has chartered a flight to Green Bay. The plane is due into the city sometime tonight.

The report says it is unlikely league commissioner Roger Goodell will complete Favre's reinstatement today, but that Favre would only return to Green Bay with some kind of assurance that reinstatement is a formality at this point.

Favre needs to be reinstated before participating in training camp.

Schefter says Goodell talked with Favre, and the Packers, as recently as last night.

Green Bay has two practices Friday -- one at 8:45 a.m. and the other at 6:45 p.m.

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UPDATED Thursday, July 31, 2008 --- 10:30 a.m.

According to ESPN:

The Green Bay Packers, unable so far to trade Brett Favre and facing his arrival at training camp, are reportedly considering taking a step they desperately wanted to avoid: dealing him to a division rival.

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, citing a source close to the situation, on Wednesday reported the Packers were considering seeking a deal with one of their rivals, most likely the Minnesota Vikings or Chicago Bears, if all else fails.

That follows reports that the Packers on Wednesday offered Favre a substantial sum of money -- as much as $20 million over several years -- to stay retired.

On Monday, Packers general manager Ted Thompson said the Packers would not trade Favre within the NFC North. Favre, who has asked the NFL to be reinstated, is reportedly interested in playing for the Vikings, who play the Packers to open their season on Monday Night Football on Sept. 8.

The Packers are committed to Aaron Rodgers as their quarterback of the future and are not considering Favre, who tearfully retired March 6th, returning to Green Bay as the starter.

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UPDATED Wednesday, July 30 --- 8:00pm

GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) -- Green Bay Packers president Mark Murphy traveled to Mississippi to meet with quarterback Brett Favre and his agent James "Bus" Cook on Wednesday, in an apparent attempt to talk Favre out of reporting to camp later this week.

Meanwhile, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell took no action on Favre's request for reinstatement Wednesday — giving the sides more time to work out a resolution.

"The commissioner is taking no action today," league officials said in a statement issued by NFL spokesman Greg Aiello. "He wants to give both the Packers and Brett an appropriate amount of time to make decisions, including decisions impacting the team's roster and salary cap. When Brett is reinstated by the commissioner, we will announce it."

Cook told reporters outside his office in Hattiesburg, Miss., that Favre, who has been throwing to players at a nearby high school to stay in shape, could be in Green Bay on Friday.

"He would love to go back in Green Bay," Cook said, in comments broadcast by ESPNEWS. "I mean, that's why he started working out. But right now, it looks like he'll be the quarterback at Oak Grove High School."

Murphy was expected back in Green Bay on Wednesday night, but planned to huddle with other members of the Packers' front office before speaking to reporters.

Packers coach Mike McCarthy would not discuss the nature of the talks between Murphy and the Favre camp after practice Wednesday morning.

"I really don't have any thoughts as far as Mark Murphy going to Mississippi," McCarthy said. "That's something you're going to have to ask Mark about. I'm not involved in the specifics of it. I really have no information for you."

The Green Bay Press-Gazette reported on its Web site Tuesday night that Murphy flew to Mississippi in hopes of talking Favre out of reporting to camp, a situation with the potential to cause a major distraction to a team that committed to moving on after Favre retired in March. Murphy declined comment to a Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reporter at the Green Bay airport before his flight left for Mississippi.

Nearly five months after his tearful retirement news conference in March, Favre filed for reinstatement with the NFL on Tuesday. He now is awaiting approval from Goodell.

Once he is reinstated, the Packers will have 24 hours to release him or return him to their active roster. The team has ruled out releasing Favre, fearing he would immediately sign with division rival Minnesota.

The Packers also could trade Favre, although no deal appeared imminent. The Packers hold Favre's rights until his contract expires after the 2010 season.

Despite the apparent purpose of Murphy's trip, McCarthy reiterated Wednesday that Favre "absolutely" was still welcome in Packers camp. Team officials have made it clear, both publicly and to Favre, that he would no longer be the starter if he returned to the team.

"I've said it, and I'll just say it again: He was a big part of our history, and he can reinstate, come here and be part of our future," McCarthy said.

Wide receiver Donald Driver, one of Favre's few remaining close friends on a roster full of young players, seemed skeptical that Favre's position with the team would really be much different.

"He's going to have the same role he's always had," Driver said. "He's always been a leader in this locker room, so I don't think that's going to change. Like I said, you guys are worried more about the issue than we are. We know what he's going to come in and do. He's always been a leader in the locker room, he's going to continue being the leader."

McCarthy acknowledged that the ongoing saga puts Aaron Rodgers in a unique situation, but said Rodgers is handling the situation well. Rodgers has been solid in his first few days of camp, although the Packers' defense seems to be ahead of the offense in the first week of camp.

Packers defensive end Aaron Kampman, Rodgers' close friend and the quarterback's roommate in training camp, said Rodgers is a "tough guy" who will only get tougher under scrutiny.

"He's a grown man," Kampman said. "He's handling it very well. He's done tremendous. I think he continues to validate he's got some special stuff inside of him."

Kampman wasn't sure if Favre really would show up later this week, but he knew one thing for sure: It's time for the drama to end.

"I guess the question is not so much, would he be welcome, but will he come back? We don't know that yet," Kampman said. "Again, it's kind of speculative on our part. The day is Friday, so we'll see what happens when that comes. The big picture is, really, I think both parties want to move forward, both parties want a resolution. This is getting very drawn out, from both sides, and quite frankly I think everyone wants it to be over."

Copyright 2008 The Associated Press.

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UPDATED Wednesday, July 30 --- 5:40pm

GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) -- Green Bay Packers president Mark Murphy has been in Mississippi today meeting with quarterback Brett Favre and his agent James "Bus" Cook, in an apparent attempt to talk Favre out of reporting to camp later this week.

Meanwhile, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell didn't take any action today on Favre's request for reinstatement -- giving the two sides more time to work out a resolution.

AP

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UPDATED Wednesday, July 30 --- 5:30pm

GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) -- Green Bay Packers president Mark Murphy is in Mississippi meeting with quarterback Brett Favre and his agent, James "Bus" Cook.

Packers coach Mike McCarthy would not discuss the nature of the discussions this morning.

Favre said he was retiring in March but filed for reinstatement with the NFL yesterday. He is awaiting approval from commissioner Roger Goodell which could come as early as today.

Once Favre is reinstated, the Packers will have 24 hours to decide what to do with him. They have three options: release him, trade him, or allow him to report to camp.

If Goodell reinstates Favre today, he could join Green Bay for practice Friday. The Packers can wait a day to put Favre back on their active roster and they don't have a scheduled public practice tomorrow.

Packers officials have said that Favre has the option of rejoining the team, but that Aaron Rodgers would be the starter.

AP

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UPDATED Tuesday, July 29 --- 4:06 pm

ESPN.com reports Brett Favre faxed his reinstatement letter to the NFL today.

Once NFL commissioner Roger Goodell reinstates Favre--which he has indicated several times he intends to do--Favre will become an active member of the Packers roster. Given the current standoff between Favre and the team, general manager Ted Thompson will be forced to make a decision whether to trade him, release him or let him into training camp with Green Bay.

Favre told ESPN's Chris Mortensen on Sunday that the GM had pleaded with the quarterback not to show up at camp on Sunday, so that the situation could be resolved.