As decisive as Brett Favre is on the field, he's a vacillating mess off it. But Favre must force the issue of returning to the field now if he truly wants to come back, and all indications are that he does despite his claims to the contrary. The Packers will not make it easy on him. They have already rebuffed his interest in returning. They have moved on.

Favre has plenty of leverage though if he doesn't care about his "legacy," which I suspect isn't his first priority. He can simply say, "I am coming back." Then GM Ted Thompson has to decide whether to keep him, release him, or trade him. Any choice is difficult.

If you have any doubt whether Favre wants to come back, read the excellent stories in the Green Bay papers this morning. The Gazette says that Favre was ready to un-retire in May if Thompson had just asked. Really? A legend needs to feel loved to make a commitment like that?

Thompson's frosty relationship with Favre was also in the cross-hairs in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Bonita Favre, Brett's mom, says what we all suspected: Favre didn't feel "wanted" enough by the Packers front office the last few years. That apparently affected his decision to finally quit.

Favre never formally retired with the league. It's certainly not too late to return. But he has to make a decision now. Does he care about protecting his legacy? Or does he just want to play football?