NFL: Favre a help or hindrance?

Brett Favre arrived back in Green Bay Monday, but will the Future Hall of Fame quarterback help the Packers or will the media circus surrounding him become a distraction?

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The almost 39-year-old continued his month-long soap opera, officially coming out of retirement when Commissioner Roger Goodell reinstated the Mississippi native prior to his arrival at training camp.

Despite the return of the nine-time Pro Bowler, the Packers’ odds to win the NFC North remain at 2:1 as it’s not known whether Favre will be the starting quarterback or even be with the team on opening day. Green Bay is 9:1 to win the NFC Championship and oddsmakers have set their regular season win total at 8 ½-games.

If you believe what the Packers are saying, the quarterback battle between Favre and 24-year-old Aaron Rodgers is underway. The Packers have stated that it’s an open competition for the Week 1 starter’s job but some fans think that the job is Brett’s now that he’s back in camp, while others think the job still belongs to Rodgers.

Rodgers was handed the starting job when Favre, who had contemplated retirement for several seasons, announced his retirement in March. The Packers, who had a lengthy wait to hear that Favre would join the team in 2006, were clearly fed up with the superstar’s on-off switch when it came to playing.

The 16 years spent in Green Bay had resulted in Favre turning into a real drama queen, as he cried on television multiple times while suggesting retirements over the past few seasons. It’s that reason why the Packers organization was finally glad to have what they thought was his last retirement decision behind them. It’s also why they weren’t exactly welcoming when he stated he was interested in coming out of retirement last month.

The Packers suggested Favre remain home or return as the No. 2 QB behind Rodgers. They also tried to trade the former nine-time Pro Bowler who asked for his release so he could play elsewhere. Finally, they offered him $20 million to stay home and take part in a marketing deal with the franchise.

Green Bay coaches obviously believe that last year’s 4,155 passing yards along with 28 touchdowns to only 18 interceptions was the last good season Favre had in him. In the previous two seasons, Favre had thrown for just under 3,900 yards a season and had as many interceptions at touchdown passes. In fact, he threw 29 interceptions to 20 touchdowns as the team went 4-12 in 2005.

Only time will tell if the grey-haired QB has it in him to lead the Packers to another playoffs. He did lead this team to a 13-3 season last year and to within a point of the Super Bowl but it was his throw that was picked off by New York Giants’ Corey Webster that sent the Pack packing on a frigid day in Lambeau.