Favre will stir passion in the fan base. Some will love that he's signed. Others will crow that he's too old and hate it. Either way, he will sell tickets. And maybe his acquisition will make it easier to get state leaders and legislators thinking about funding a new stadium. Gov. Tim Pawlenty already sounds pumped about the possibility of seeing Favre in purple. From the business side of things, signing Favre is a no-brainer.

As for how successful Favre would be on the field, well, there still might be that issue with a torn biceps tendon. The word is, Favre hasn't tried throwing a Football. If his arm holds together, he'll likely play for the Vikings this season.

Then there's his age. He's pushing 40.

An aged Favre with an iffy arm still is more appealing than Tarvaris Jackson or Sage Rosenfels with every appendage in working order. Unlike Jackson and Rosenfels, Favre has shown he can handle the pressure of big games and has won a slew of them.

So what if he can't throw deep the way he once did?

Be honest: Who would you rather see handing the ball to Adrian Peterson and throwing short and midrange stuff to Peterson, Bernard Berrian, Percy Harvin and Visanthe Shiancoe? Favre or one of the other two?

After Brad Childress sweet talks Favre into joining the Vikings , it will become apparent during minicamps and training camp if Favre has anything left.

If he does, the Vikings become a tantalizing team.

And if he doesn't, he can retire yet again. And maybe this time it will be for good.