by Archie

Created on: August 18, 2010   Last Updated: August 19, 2010

The Minnesota Vikings got their man. Brett Favre reported to Mankato Tuesday, August 17th nearly a year to the day that he came out of retirement in 2009. The arrival of the veteran quarterback is not a surprise to Vikings fans or the media alike, as he is currently under contract to play this season. However, an ankle surgery in May has been speculated to be the cause of Favre's indecisiveness this summer as to whether or not he'll return for 2010.

Coincidentally, Favre had shoulder surgery prior to the 2009 season and 2009 was, statistically, the greatest of Favre's legendary football career. His numbers were incredible. He completed 68.4% of his pass attempts and gained over 4,000 yards while tossing 33 TD's and only 7 interceptions. The Vikings finished the regular season with a 12-4 record only to have their Super Bowl hopes dashed by the New Orleans Saints in the NFC Championship game. 

2010 is a new year and presents a new opportunity for a Vikings team that is returning with all the great pieces in place to make another deep playoff run. Adrian Peterson is perhaps the most talented running back in the NFL and is always a threat on the offensive side. Brett Favre loves the receiving core of players in Minnesota. Percy Harvin, Sidney Rice and Visanthe Shiancoe all had career-best years in 2009 and with Brett Favre returning they look ahead to having another great season in 2010. 

While Brett Favre on the depth chart adds instant offense to the Minnesota Vikings, the NFC North division is not the same as it was in 2009. Green Bay, Chicago, and Detroit are all improved this year and if the Vikings wish to repeat as Division champions they will need to win pivotal division match-ups against these teams. 

The Minnesota Vikings used every play in the book to convince Favre to return for this season. Head coach of the Vikings, Brad Childress, recently made a visit to Favre's estate in Hattiesburg, Mississippi in an effort to talk about the team's expectations for 2010. Upon coach Childress's return to MN, Favre had still not made a decision. Then, the Vikings put out all the stops. They offered to bump Favre's 2010 salary from $13 million to $20 million. Favre then argued is what not about the money. Finally, the Vikings sent three of Favre's favorite teammates and Minnesota saviors Ryan Longwell, Jared Allen, and Steve Hutchinson to Hattiesburg to convince Favre that the team needed him this year. 

And on Tuesday, August 17th 2010, Brett Favre took a purple and yellow private jet to Flying Cloud airport in Minnesota and arrived in Mankato just in time to suit up for the Vikings once again. The 2010 NFL championship is the only goal for the Minnesota Vikings. God speed, Minnesota. Skol Vikings!

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