Favre hits field with prep team in Mississippi

HATTIESBURG, Miss. (AP) -- Brett Favre is back -- at Oak Grove High School.

Oak Grove coach Nevil Barr said the Minnesota Vikings quarterback has started throwing the ball at practice with the Oak Grove receivers -- something he's done the past few seasons.

"(Favre) has been hit-and-miss with coming to practice," Barr said. "But lately he's been there about every time we go out. Most of the time he doesn't stay for the whole practice, but he usually drops by for at least an hour or so."

The three-time NFL MVP is considering returning to the Vikings for a 20th NL season after leading Minnesota to the NFC championship game last season. He threw for 33 touchdowns and just seven interceptions in one of his best seasons, but the Vikings lost 31-28 to the Saints after Favre threw an interception while scrambling as time ran down.

Favre did not return a phone message left Thursday afternoon.

The 40-year-old quarterback has not told the Vikings whether he will return, but the first sign he is considering it came in May when he had arthroscopic surgery on his left ankle to remove scar tissue and bone spurs.

Barr said Favre seems to be enjoying working out with the players, but he can tell he's also trying to stay in shape.

"I think it's a combination of both," Barr said. "He enjoys helping them and teaching them about football. He enjoys being around the kids and they enjoy having him around."

The Vikings have said they will give Favre all the time he needs to make a decision. He's due a salary of $13 million if he returns.

Barr thinks his decision will be more about his desire than his ankle or arm.

"He can still throw it," Barr said. "There shouldn't be any question about whether he can still sling it, because he can."