Jets release Favre, who reiterates he's retired

The Green Bay Packers made sure Brett Favre didn't get his wish last year when the future Hall of Fame quarterback decided he didn't want to retire after all and attempted to force his way to the archrival Vikings.

But this year there will be nothing to stop Favre from wearing purple -- if that's what he truly wants. The New York Jets, who acquired Favre from the Packers last year, released him off the reserve/retired list on Tuesday. The 39-year-old Favre retired, again, after last season and in a statement issued by the Jets on Tuesday said he doesn't plan on coming back. For now.

"[My agent] Bus [Cook] and Mike [Tannenbaum, the Jets general manager] have been talking about this for a while," Favre said. "Nothing has changed. At this time, I am retired and have no intention of returning to football."

Of course, Favre never explains why he then asked for his release, and it's interesting the move comes days after the Vikings drafted playmaking wide receiver Percy Harvin in the first round.

Tannenbaum issued a statement in which he said: "Brett requested his release some time ago. He has not indicated any desire to return to football and he remains retired. We wish him the best."

Favre was slowed by a torn right biceps tendon last season and seemed convincing when he announced in February that after 18 seasons, this time he was done.

However, considering Favre's past, perhaps the key to his statement is "at this time."

Favre appeared retired, at least publicly, at this time a year ago, and his possible return didn't gain momentum until the summer months. When the Packers traded Favre to the Jets, a clause was put into the deal that New York would have to give up three first-round picks if it traded Favre to the Vikings or any other NFC North team.

But now Favre is free to sign with any team he wants, if he once again decides retirement doesn't agree with him.