Favre responded yesterday to the ESPN report by telling his hometown newspaper Web site, SunHerald.com in Gulfport, Miss., that "it's all rumor."

The paper reported that Favre sent a text message saying there's "no reason" for a media frenzy.

ESPN reported that an unidentified Packers source said the 38-year-old Favre told coach Mike McCarthy in the past 2 weeks that he has the itch to play.

"The Packers have no reaction," team spokesman Jeff Blumb told the Associated Press.

Favre's agent, James "Bus" Cook, didn't return a message seeking comment. Packers general manager Ted Thompson and McCarthy were on vacation.

Favre retired March 6 after a 17-year career.

Cornerback Al Harris said on ESPN's "NFL Live" that Favre made similar comments to him.

"I know he has the itch to come back and play," Harris said. "If he will or not, I don't know."

The Packers plan to use Aaron Rodgers as their starting quarterback for the upcoming season, and he's been leading the team through organized team activities and minicamp.

Rodgers has been groomed to take over for Favre since being selected in the first round in 2005, but has played sparingly.

"Aaron is our quarterback," Harris said. "Brett's retired. But if he wanted to come back, there would be some guys who wouldn't mind it. I would welcome him back with open arms."

Favre has 2 years left on his contract at an average of about $12.5 million per season. The Packers placed him on the reserve-retired list in the spring so his salary does not now count toward the cap.

Noteworthy

 

* Former San Diego linebacker Steve Foley has agreed to settle his lawsuit against a then off-duty Coronado, Calif., police officer who shot him 2 years ago and ended his pro football career.

Foley's attorney, Harvey Levine, said financial terms of the settlement were confidential.

Foley was shot in his leg, hip and hand in September 2006 after a police officer followed his car home on suspicion the driver was drunk. Foley pleaded guilty in 2007 to misdemeanor drunken driving. *