GREEN BAY, Wis. - Brett Favre is like a kid having so much fun he doesn't want to come inside for dinner.
In an interview with The Associated Press, the 34-year-old quarterback hinted for the first time that he wants to play for the Green Bay Packers (news) next season rather than retire.
He said nothing is set in stone, but he would love to be on the field in 2004 — if not beyond.
"It's fun leading this offense. I don't think we've hit our peak," Favre said. "And I don't know if it's going to be this year, next year. I mean, I still think there's a lot left out there for us and a lot left out there for me."
Favre, preparing to start his NFL-record 199th straight game Monday night against Philadelphia, is in the midst of one of the best stretches of his career.
He needs four touchdown passes to tie Dan Marino's record of at least 20 TDs in 10 straight seasons. Favre is tied for the league lead with 16 in 2003 despite playing with a broken right thumb the last three weeks for the Packers (4-4).
"As productive as we are right now, I think we all can see how much more we can do, and we can take it to a different level," Favre said. "And to me, that's a tremendous challenge that I want to be a part of."
Favre began pondering retirement a couple of years ago after a series of injuries, and speculation about the end of his career has dominated recent Packers offseasons.
The three-time NFL MVP led Green Bay to the 1997 Super Bowl title and an appearance in the next year's championship game.
He figures the final decision on when to quit will be made for him, either because of an injury or a choice by the team to find a younger starting quarterback.
"Do I think either of those will happen? No one ever does," Favre said. "But I really believe this team has a lot of potential — whether it's this year or in years to come, I don't know.
"There's a lot of talent, there's a lot of character, there's a lot of good guys. I think that's shown in these first eight games. Now, the record is not a big indication of that, but I see a lot of potential here, and I'm having a lot of fun."
Coach and general manager Mike Sherman wasn't available Friday but has said he believes Favre will play beyond this season. Still, this was Favre's strongest suggestion yet that he's not going to stop anytime soon.
"That's good. That's a good, strong statement," offensive coordinator Tom Rossley said.
Favre's teammates were thrilled about his remarks.
"I always say if you're having fun and you're having success, you love the game," guard Marco Rivera said. "Right now, Brett is having fun. You have fun, you stay young, and you want to keep playing."
Backup quarterback Doug Pederson said Favre's play and passion are at a high.
"The way things are going and with comments like that, it just leads you to believe he'll be back next year and the next year," Pederson said.
It's easy to see why Favre is enjoying himself so much.
The Packers are averaging 32 points in the five games since Rossley agreed to Favre's plea to allow him to roam outside the pocket more.
This is the best offensive line Favre has played behind. It has allowed just seven sacks and paved the way for Ahman Green to lead the league in yards from scrimmage, giving the Packers a 1-2 punch like never before.
Favre said his skills haven't eroded, and he thinks he might be playing his best football ever. He's completed 67 percent of his passes, which would be a career high and quite a feat considering no one in NFL history has thrown as many passes (6,245) more accurately (61.2 percent) over a career than Favre.
At his current pace, Favre will move past Fran Tarkenton (342) for second on the NFL career touchdown pass list and trail only Marino (420).
Yet statistics don't drive Favre; he insists he won't stick around just to chase records. If it were to all end tomorrow, Favre said he'd be satisfied with his place in history.
"Believe me, I have achieved way more than I ever set out to. I've already satisfied every hunger I've ever had — and then some," Favre said. "But I know I can still play, and I know I can still help this team win. With the young group that we've got, the sky's the limit. I really want to be a part of it."
:::>^..^<::: ~*~The Journey is more important than the end or the start~*~ :::>^..^<:::
Retire? never! but even when he does, i'll always have the years of great memories. and although i do love favre, a quarterback does not a team make. i'm a packer fan first and foremost. however, having favre on the table is like having a big ole piece of pecan pie.
Larke, I agree with you... even when they retire, we remember them forever. I am that way with Joe Montana. But, he was NOT the team, he was a part of the team.
:::>^..^<::: ~*~The Journey is more important than the end or the start~*~ :::>^..^<:::
weird factoid: (Not positive, but I think I learned this somewhere)
Warren moon, pushing 40 years old, averaged more yards per game with the Vikings than did Joe Montana in ANY year of his entire career. It was Joe's savvy pin point accuracy and intelligence that made him great. (Having Jerry Rice couldn't hurt either)...
Back to the issue at hand: If Favre can destroy the Vikings with a so-so O-Line and a BROKEN THUMB on his passing hand, he can play till he's 50. He better not retire until he's using a cane out there or I'll throw cheese at him.
By the way, the dude's got a career in acting after the NFL! Ever see There's Something about Mary?
Please pardon my pseudo-intellectuaphilisophicalismysiticality.
Favre will probably come back next year, unless he gets knocked down really good. A concussion will end his career, period. If he has to sit a game, he'll think about walking away. He's tough, but he's tired. He body hurts. And, he wants to be with his family. Favre is great, but I say enjoy him now, he'll be gone soon.
Ummmmmmmmm, sayzak, will that be cheddar, american, swiss, provolone, feta, bleu, etc... I mean, the impact of the cheese at 75 mph could make a difference depending on what you use.
:::>^..^<::: ~*~The Journey is more important than the end or the start~*~ :::>^..^<:::
Awe, so sorry, Larke. Cheer up, buddy... and allow me to give you a little something. It isn't cheese, but kinda resembles it. <--- see, doesn't that look like a walking piece of cheese? Go ahead, hug it! Squeeze it!!! Love on your cheese.
:::>^..^<::: ~*~The Journey is more important than the end or the start~*~ :::>^..^<:::
Wait... this is better. Just for you, Larke. Now you have to know that you're special!
It's not just anyone that I would go and do something like this for. But, I like ya!
:::>^..^<::: ~*~The Journey is more important than the end or the start~*~ :::>^..^<:::
thanks KJ. i love spongebob. and that animated gif (or should i say gift) is great! i feel better already. "ah, the power of cheese"
i copied it to my hard drive. no packer fan should be without a gif like that.
Oooooh, Who lives in a pineapple under the sea? Spongebob Squarepants
Absorbant and yellow and porous is he! Spongebob Squarepants
If nautical nonsense be something you wish Spongebob Squarepants
Then drop on the deck and flop like a fish Spongebob Squarepants
11-08-2003 10:15 PM
Hey, that's a great idea... we can throw cheese pieces at the Pack!! 
this monday night the larke is sad
<--- see, doesn't that look like a walking piece of cheese? 
