Brett, Please stay Retired

On a slow day in sports, somehow the rumor of Brett Favre returning to the NFL emerged again. While I don't foresee Favre throwing another pass for the Packers, I would give the plea for him to stay retired. For a point of reference on Favre's potential retirement, let's refer to two other elite athletes in other sports.

We couldn't talk about a failed retirement return if we didn't talk about Michael Jordan. Jordan's first return was a complete success. Other than the ugly playoff loss to Orlando just weeks after his initial comeback, MJ led the Bulls to another three-peat of NBA Championships. However, what is most remembered is Jordan's failed second return from retirement. Two failed seasons with the Washington Wizards while watching an overweight Jordan struggle to motivate his young, less talented and lazy teammates was truly hard to watch.

Another failed return was that of Roger Clemens. Clemens never missed a season to retirement as Jordan did, but things are turning out even worse for him. Had Clemens left after his great 2005 season in Houston where he led the majors with a 1.87 ERA. However, Clemens was tempted out of retirement in 2006 with a huge contract and has to be regretting it today as he finds himself neck deep in steroid allegations and legal proceedings, all after a disappointing 6-6 season with the Yankees.

So while I don't believe a word of the rumors/reports that Brett Favre is considering a return to the NFL, my advice to him, as demonstrated by the failed multi-retirement career endings of other elite athletes, is to let it go and go out on top. There is nothing wrong with leaving the money on the table in favor of maintaining your dignity.

Anyone else hoping Steve Young follows Keyshawn Johnson back to the gridiron from the broadcast studio?