Support for Favre muted as Pack shareholders meet

And at this point, a trade might be the best option for everyone involved.

Thompson has said he has no plans to grant Favre's request to be released. The Packers have filed tampering charges against the Minnesota Vikings, suspecting that interest from their division rival was the main reason Favre suddenly changed his mind on retirement.

Favre's rights belong to the Packers until his contract expires after the 2010 season. He would have to be released or put back on the Packers' roster if he applies to NFL commissioner Roger Goodell for reinstatement. But Murphy said Favre has yet to do so.

If Favre came back to the Packers, Murphy reiterated Thompson's position that it would be in "a different role." With Favre unlikely to return as a backup or in competition with Aaron Rodgers, he could be traded, although Murphy did not directly address that possibility.

That is, assuming Favre really wants to play in 2008 -- something the three-time MVP still hasn't unequivocally said, despite three weeks' worth of fussing about his future.

"That's the big question. I don't know," Murphy said. "I think that's really something that only Brett can answer."

While the team generally appears to have support from its fans, there were a handful of awkward moments Thursday. As Murphy mingled with shareholders, a man sporting a Favre jersey and a ponytail began bellowing, "Bring Brett back!"

A few others picked up Appleton native Shane Keddell's chant, but it died out after about a minute as Murphy continued to sign autographs.

Thompson also mingled with shareholders after the meeting. Most offered words of encouragement, but a woman in a gold Favre jersey at the edge of the crowd shouted, "Brett Favre deserves more respect than he got!"

A man responded, "He retired. Get over it."

Among the group surrounding Thompson was former Madison East high school football coach Lee Ackley, who said most fans understand that Favre's constant waffling on his football future left the team in a tough spot.

"It's to the point where it's really not doing the franchise any good, and it's really not doing Favre's legend any good," Ackley said. "It's really kind of sad. You can see both sides. I mean, I can see where the Packers are coming from. The guy said, 'I'm done. I'd like to come back. I'm done. I'd like to come back, let's talk.' ... I'm sure they'd have loved to have had him, but there's a point where you have to put the mark in the sand and say, 'Hey, we're moving on.'"