Since the dominating story in the NFL news cycle during the dog days of summer seems to be the impending return of Brett Favre from only 4 months of retirement, I explore the reasoning of his comeback and what could occur if he made his way to Philly and donned the NFL’s darker shade of green.

As of now, the Powers that Be in the NFL media circles are all but certain that Favre will announce his desire to return within the next two weeks. Peter King meticulously lists all the options available to both Favre and the Packers in his Sports Illustrated column. The possible outcomes consist of the Packers keeping Favre and benching an aggravated Aaron Rodgers, the Packers trading Favre to the suitor of their choice, or the Packers cutting Favre so that he can play wherever he wishes. I won’t examine all the details surrounding where Favre could or should play in 2008, but I will say that Green Bay’s best bet to avoid humiliation and win games is to keep Favre.

What I find most interesting about the ongoing tale of whether or not Favre will play football again is the quest to determine what spurred him to get back onto the field only months after he announced his retirement. I’ll share my thoughts with you. You see, Brett Favre is a member of a specific breed of human species that science has classified as “Good ‘ol Boy.” These creatures don’t make decisions based on logic and reasoning like the rest of us. Instead, guys like Favre think with their heart, not their head. Brain processes are secondary to what his body tells him, and by golly, if his body says “go”, then he better strap on that chinstrap and warm up that hand cannon for season number 18.

It’s only natural for any football fan to ponder what would happen if the owner of the NFL’s greatest passing records were to take the helm of their city’s pigskin squad. Sadly, if Favre were to find his way to Philadelphia via trade or free agency, his arrival would most certainly be followed by turbulence and turmoil in the City of Brotherly Love. First, there’s the obvious. No current NFL team could possibly possess two stars at the quarterback position. No way. No how. Not possible. With two stars at QB, comes two huge egos and confusion as to who’s the leader of the franchise. Donovan McNabb would be cut or traded for draft picks. McNabb’s departure would ruffle some feathers with his closest teammates and would cause dissension among the veteran core of the team. If Philly fans were lucky, they would get anywhere between one and three seasons out of an aging legend. The transition for Favre in Philly would not be easy. His receiving corps would change from Donald Driver, Greg Jennings, James Jones and Donald Lee to Reggie Brown, Kevin Curtis, Hank Baskett and L.J. Smith. Not exactly a confidence builder. Favre would also be joining a team with a defense that ranked considerably behind his Packers statistically in 2007.

On the optimistic side of the equation, Favre would be reunited with Andy Reid, his former Green Bay quarterback coach. The two formed a lasting relationship with their time together in Green Bay and Brett would be comfortable with the West Coast offense that Reid instilled here. Favre would also be privileged to play with Brian Westbrook, a running back who is far better than he’s played with in the past decade. Philadelphia would also welcome the difference of on-field staying power between McNabb and the NFL’s undisputed iron man. It’s been a while since this blue collar city had a quarterback that could tough it out through a complete 16 game season.

The most important aspect of this fantasy indulgence can’t be forgotten; a chance to finally win a championship. His presence here in Philly would be accompanied by fourth quarter comebacks, seemingly impossible Houdini escapes and that Favre magic that has been captured on film many a Sunday. It’s also worth noting that an interesting correlation exists between the Eagles and Packers regarding championships. In 1993, after he became Philadelphia’s all-time sack leader, the Eagles allowed Reggie White to become a free agent, where he was quickly signed by Green Bay. After only three seasons, White helped lead the Packers to their first championship in 29 years. I think it’s time they return the Favre…uhh, I mean favor.

In the end, what’s important is not merely that Favre wants to play, but that he’s a playmaker that wants to play. Guys like Favre are irreplaceable and a key component to any winning team. One lucky team will take advantage of that when they realize that this gunslinger still has a few rounds left in the chamber.