Starr's health impacts Favre's return

Former Green Bay Packers quarterback Brett Favre told ESPN that the plan he initiated to make his first appearance at Lambeau Field since his retirement is now unlikely to happen because of Hall of Famer Bart Starr's health problems.

While the specifics of the plan still were being formalized, Favre intended for Starr to join him on the field for the Packers' Sunday night game Nov. 9 against the NFC North division rival Chicago Bears. But Starr is recovering from two strokes and a mild heart attack, and Favre is reluctant to continue with the plan until Starr can participate.

There were discussions about making them honorary captains and participating in the pregame coin toss.

When asked why he and the Packers wouldn't proceed with Favre making the appearance alone, Favre replied, "I'm sure they could, but it was my idea to do it, and now that Bart can't, I just don't think I will.''

Favre became the NFL's winningest and most prolific quarterback while playing for the Packers, but his career there ended in acrimony, and he was traded to the New York Jets before finishing his career with the Minnesota Vikings.

Favre and Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers have improved their relationship. Rodgers has been instrumental in advocating that the team and Favre resolve their differences so that the former quarterback can be a member of an organization that routinely honors its ex-players.