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The retirement of Brett Favre is becoming an annual rite of the NFL preseason, and this year is no different. A few months after retiring from football after playing last season with the New York Jets, The Gunslinger is back in the NFL and will play for the Minnesota Vikings.

The retirement of Brett Favre is becoming an annual rite of the NFL preseason, and this year is no different. A few months after retiring from football after playing last season with the New York Jets, The Gunslinger is back in the NFL and will play for the Minnesota Vikings.

Favre made his announcement at a Tuesday press conference where he spoke of the decision to come back for another NFL season:

"I felt I did everything I possibly could do to get where I need to be. You're 39, your arm may not feel like it did at 21. But the pieces are in place that you don't have to do that much and I agree with that. If they were willing to take that chance, I was, too. I don't know how I'll feel a year from now, five years from now, but I didn't want to say what if.

The Vikings will pay Favre $12 million this season and $13 million next season. If his level of play isn't up to par, or should he get injured in training camp the Vikings are still on the hook for $6 million.

Favres mother Bonita Favre was asked for her comment by the Biloxi, MS newspaper:

"I have mixed emotions, but I have always loved to watch him play. This time, however, I thought he would stay retired and stay home. I guess he could not do it. They Minnesota seem to have a good team in place, and he liked that. I guess I need to get a Vikings jersey now."

Favre initially decided to not return to the NFL due to a torn rotator cuff suffered last season. After consulting with noted sports physician James Andrews, he had a change of heart:

"I just kept thinking I didn't want to go through what I did last year. Between three weeks ago and the phone conversation yesterday [with Vikings coach Brad Childress], I talked to Dr. [James] Andrews and he assured me it wouldn't be an issue. I felt if everyone was going to take that chance, I was to. As friends and family has told me, you never know until you take the chance,"

Favre said that he's optimistic that the Vikings can make a deep run in the NFL playoffs:

"I felt from my standpoint that I could offer some experience and leadership, and I have to admit through this whole process after I said no three weeks ago, sometimes I was OK with it, and other times I said. I can really help this team."

Favre will wear his iconic #4, thanks to Vikings fourth string QB Josh David Booty who graciously gave up the number. Booty will wear #9. Viking QBs Sage Rosenfels and Tarvaris Jackson who were competing for the starting job will now be relegated to backup status.