Back in April, team president Mark Murphy revealed that the long-awaited reunion between Brett Favre and the Green Bay Packerswould have occurred in 2013 if not for the former quarterback's commitment to coaching Oak Grove High School's football program.
Although Murphy isn't ruling out a Lambeau Field appearance from Favre this season, the Packers have no plans to retire the three-time MVP's jersey in 2014.
Why the delay? Murphy suggested a negative crowd reaction remains a factor.
"That is an issue," Murphy said, per ESPN Wisconsin's Jason Wilde. "He doesn't want it, and neither do we. He wouldn't want to come back and get booed. You can't control 80,750 people. I really think as time goes on, every year that passes, it's less likely that he would get booed, but that is an issue."
Favre's good friend and former Packers kicker Ryan Longwell was booed upon signing a ceremonial one-year contract at Lambeau last season.
His transgression? Per Wilde, it was leaving Green Bay for Minnesota and joking that the Twin Cities have better restaurant options.
Former Packers tight end Mark Chmura, another friend of Favre's, confirmed on his radio show last month that Favre was indeed reluctant to return for fear of getting booed.
It shouldn't be much longer until the hard feelings toward Favre fade away.
He has conceded that he was at fault for the "bad blood" that developed in the aftermath of his controversial breakup with the organization.
Aaron Rodgers also has called on the team to retire Favre's number and welcome the legend back into the Packers' family.
If it doesn't happen this season, Favre likely will have a bust in Canton before his number is retired in Green Bay.
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