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| In this Jan. 20, 2008 file photo, Green Bay Packers quarterback Brett Favre drops back to pass during the NFC Championship football game against the New York Giants in Green Bay, Wis. Green Bay Packers coach Mike McCarthy says a potential marketing contract for Brett Favre could benefit the star quarterback and the team. More important, it also could solve their standoff over Favre's retirement. |
GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) -- Brett Favre will be reinstated and added to the Green Bay Packers' active roster Monday.
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 resolve their standoff. By reinstating Favre, Goodell is following through on a recent promise to force action.
The reinstatement will become effective at 1 p.m. EDT on Monday.
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.
Favre retired in March but has been having second thoughts. Team officials have insisted they are moving on with Aaron Rodgers, though, causing tensions to rise between Favre and the team.
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."
