And so it begins.

Here we are on August 3 marking the start of what is now known as the annual “Brett Favre Retirement Watch,” the always tedious, always maddening period when the whole football world is caught in the grasp of sitting and waiting for Favre to tell us whether he’s really, really retiring for real this time, or just jerking our chain until he’s good and ready (and training camp is over) to spread the good word that yes, he is indeed, coming back for another season with the Vikings.

I don’t know about you all, but I just threw up a little in my mouth.

Earlier in the day it was reported that Favre was texting his Minnesota teammates, informing them of his decision to retire. Could this be true? Could the whole “Brett Favre Retirement Watch” come to a quick and painless ending before it really got ramped into a frenzy? Could this be the year that Brett finally decides to ride off into the sunset, back to his Hattiesburg, Miss. ranch, with a future side trip to Canton?

His age (40 going on 85) combined with yet another ankle surgery, and the fact that he’s now a grandfather, gave some validity to the report that Favre was finally hanging up the cleats. I’m sure there’s a ton of folks that believe that Favre’s retirement is imminent, and that a soon-to-be called press conference is coming in the very near future.

For those people who think Brett Favre’s done with football, think again.

Let’s look at the facts—first off, the man himself has yet to comment either way. I mean, not a word has come from Favre regarding the text messaging rumors. Then there’s Vikings coach Brad Childress’ statement that the ageless quarterback has not informed him of his retirement, even though Childress spoke with Favre within the last 24 hours. Sure the two could be playing coy with the fans and the media…wouldn’t be the first time.

There’s also 13 million reasons that Favre might be inclined to tough out another season under center–it has been reported that the Vikings are willing to increase Favre’s salary to $13 million for next season, and accommodate his every whim, up to and including skipping out of training camp (Favre is notorious for his dislike of training camp.)

Finally comes word from a family source, via the Sun Herald, that Favre hasn’t made his decision, at this time, whether or not he plans to play again this year.

Want to know what I think? I think that despite the giddiness that a lot of people felt when news broke today of Favre’s retirement, it’s a lock he’s coming back–for the money, for payback against the Saints for the beating they administered in the NFC title game, but most of all, for his ego the glory.

The dance continues.