OWATONNA, MINN. -- Vikings president Mark Wilf said today the franchise has gotten the spark it was looking for when it signed quarterback Brett Favre in August and made it clear Favre would be welcomed back in 2010 to play the second season of the two-year contract he signed.

That comes as no surprise considering the Vikings are 8-1 and atop the NFC North in large part thanks to the 40-year-old Favre. The future Hall of Famer has an NFL leading 107.5 passer rating and has thrown 17 touchdowns and only three interceptions.

"When we signed Brett we were hoping he would give us a spark," said Wilf, an owner of the franchise along with his brother, Zygi. "He's got that great track record and so far, so good. We're all excited about the season."

Wilf said that Favre's contribution to the Vikings has been more than just on the field -- and we're not talking about the fact he's good for business when it comes to television ratings and merchandise sales. "Sure there is the on-the-field part of it but he brings a great football IQ and really a Hall of Fame career behind him," Wilf said. "So that brings a lot. Also, he adds levity to the whole team and he makes it fun. He loves football. He's passionate about it and from that standpoint I think it's infectious."

Wilf spoke today in Owatonna while on one of the Vikings' "You Made the Team" community tour stops that visits areas outside of the Twin Cities. Also in town are team executives and offensive linemen Phil Loadholt and Bryant McKinnie. The group made a stop at Willow Creek Intermediate School and is now at the V.F.W. for a luncheon.

Obviously, it's far more pleasant for Wilf and Co. to be visiting when the Vikings have swept the Green Bay Packers and are sitting in excellent position to win their second consecutive NFC North title.

"[There is] tremendous excitement but saying all that this is something we've built with the whole organization here," Wilf said. "Whether it's from coach [Brad Childress] or from [vice president of player personnel] Rick Spielman. The whole organization. We've been building this for a long time now. We have a talented group but there is still a lot of work ahead of us. Our ultimate goal, obviously, is still ahead of us."

With Childress in the fourth season of a five-year contract, there has been speculation he will soon receive an extension. Wilf said there is nothing new to report on that front. "But again," Wilf added, "we feel really solid about the entire team. From Brad on down we feel very solid and confident in the type of people we have in our organization right now." Asked if he was confident something will get done with Childress, Wilf said: "I'll leave it at that," meaning his earlier comments. As for Favre returning for a 20th NFL season in 2010, Wilf said: "That is the hope. You'd have to ask him down the road. I'm sure that's a topic that will come up now and again."