Three days after a conference call with Packers team officials in which quarterback Brett Favre vehemently expressed his desire to play in 2008, on Friday Favre officially asked by letter for his unconditional contractual release, a source close to Favre and the team said. Favre, expressed a desire to have an friendly parting, as the Packers have been hesitant to embrace his return. Favre has three years left on his contract at a total of $39 million. He currently is on the reserve-retired list.

Brett Favre is the only three-time AP MVP (1995-97) in NFL history and has led the Packers to two Super Bowls. Favre announced his retirement this year, ending a 17-year career.

The Green Bay Packers will retire Brett Favre’s No. 4 during the opener against the Vikings on Sept. 8. Packers president and CEO Mark Murphy said the quarterback’s number would be retired in a ceremony at Lambeau Field during the Monday night game, joining the No. 14 of wide receiver Don Hutson, fullback Tony Canadeo’s No. 3, quarterback Bart Starr’s No. 15, linebacker Ray Nitschke’s No. 66 and defensive end Reggie White’s No. 92.