Brett Favre went on television Monday night and attempted to explain why he announced his retirement in March and now wants to unretire.

Finally, he said: "I hope people are hearing this and saying, 'OK, that clears it up.'"

It doesn't, but that really doesn't matter.

What matters is that Favre has decided he wants to play football.

And if that's what he wants, that is what he should do.

But Favre has been driving his tractor too long under a hot Mississippi sun if he thinks the Green Bay Packers are going to release him and wish him well.

The Packers aren't going to let Favre play for the Minnesota Vikings, who are a good quarterback away from being a playoff team.

They aren't going to let him play for the Chicago Bears or the Detroit Lions, both NFC North division rivals.

It would be the height of insanity to have Favre return to Lambeau Field in another uniform.

It would be the height of stupidity to put Favre in position to beat the Packers in a regular-season game or, even worse, a playoff game.

The Packers must send Favre as far away from Green Bay as possible. Somewhere in the AFC would be ideal.

Favre always has been a stand-up quarterback, someone who, when he said something, that's what he did.

His Hamlet routine is understandable, though. Imagine how difficult it is to walk away from fame, adulation, adoration and riches when you know you're still better than most in your chosen profession.

There is nothing in the way Favre plays, acts or talks that indicates he's going to retire on his own. Someone is going to have to tell him he's done.

And let's dispense with the notion that playing for another team will tarnish Favre's legacy. These things happen.

After 17 years with the blue and white of the Baltimore Colts, with the horseshoe on the side of his helmet, John Unitas finished his career in San Diego.

Who now thinks of Unitas' days with a lightning bolt on his helmet?

Joe Namath, a man born to play in New York, the quarterback who guaranteed a Jets victory in Super Bowl III, finished his career with the Los Angeles Rams.

Namath's legacy, though, is all about the Jets.

Joe Montana finished his career in Kansas City - playing well, by the way. Yet he always will be remembered for his Super Bowls with the San Francisco 49ers.

The Chiefs and the 49ers benefited from Montana's uniform change.

Let's also dispense with the idea that the Packers are doing Favre wrong.

He didn't spend the past 16 years as an underpaid laborer, giving the Packers far more than they paid for. His tenure was mutually rewarding.

Favre had his chance to play in Green Bay this season. He chose to retire, even if he felt pressure from the Packers.

He's Brett Favre, for goodness' sake. He could have taken as long as he wanted to mull his future. The Packers owed him that much.

All the Packers need to do is find Favre a new home. The sooner the better.
Contact Paul Woody at (804) 649-6444 or pwoody@timesdispatch.com.