Brett Favre Staying Retired

MINNEAPOLIS -- Vikings coach Brad Childress says Brett Favre won't come out of retirement to play for Minnesota.

ESPN's Rachel Nichols confirmed the news with several Vikings players, including kicker Ryan Longwell who received a text message from Favre on Tuesday afternoon.

Longwell told Nichols the text read, "I had to decide against it, appreciate your support but I had to make a tough decision."

Pro Bowler Jared Allen told Nichols, "I didn't believe it at first, and that's why I called [Vikings coach]Brad [Childress]." Allen said Childress confirmed the news to him.

"I just think it was a rare opportunity to explore a Hall of Fame quarterback who had background in the NFC and in this division," Childress said in a statement. "He knows our system inside out ... This doesn't change anything about how I feel about our football team."

Favre came out of retirement last year to play for the New York Jets. He retired again after the 2008 season and had surgery in May to alleviate a torn biceps tendon.

"As we have consistently communicated, we feel good about our team and they have put forth a tremendous effort this offseason preparing for the season ahead," Childress said in a statement. "With this behind us, we look forward to getting to Mankato and getting training camp under way." - ESPN