Will revenge drive Brett Favre to return for a 20th NFL season? Favre is trying to stay mum, although he seemed to drop a strong hint about his future Thursday.
The Minnesota Vikings quarterback told the *Biloxi Sun Herald* that "I would love to go beat the Saints," who ended his 2009 season after intercepting one of his passes in the NFC Championship Game. The teams are scheduled to meet again in the 2010 season opener in New Orleans.
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"I know I can still play at a high level," Favre said. "Last year was a great year, but it could have been better. When (Vikings coach Brad) Childress came to my home (in Hattiesburg, Miss.) a few weeks ago, he told me to take my time (in deciding whether or not to play). But the team would need to know at some point."
Favre, who went on an 8-mile bicycle ride as rehabilitation after last month's ankle surgery, told the Sun Herald that his recovery is on schedule. However, he hasn't decided if he will return to Minnesota.
"If my body was a wreck, the decision would be made," Favre said. "But that is not the case. I know they (Vikings) want to know. Hell, I want to know. But I am not going to press it.
"If I do not play, it does not cost the Vikings a dime," Favre added. "They keep the $13 million. I know they have confidence in the players they have."
The Vikings, who also have Tarvaris Jackson and Sage Rosenfels at quarterback, declined comment to The Associated Press on Thursday. However, NFL.com's Vic Carucci reported last week that the majority of Minnesota's players, coaches and officials expect Favre to return. Desire for payback against the Saints is one reason for that belief, although Favre tried to downplay it Thursday.
"People tell me all the time to go beat the Saints and redeem yourself," Favre said. "People said the same thing with Green Bay the year before. It was, 'You have to go back and beat Green Bay.' I don't want to be in my 20th year and hear people say, 'You have to redeem yourself.' Like I said, I would love to go beat the Saints. But what if that doesn't happen?
"I do know when it's over, it's over," added Favre, who said his indecision has made him reluctant to publicly discuss his situation this offseason. "I can't play forever. It's not like being a dentist or playing golf. I can't play football forever."
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
