Childress spoke to reporters on Sunday at a charity event for former Vikings center Matt Birk. He told the Star Tribune of Minneapolis that he has not spoken to Favre in a couple of weeks.
The coach has watched video of Favre working out in Mississippi and says, "I liked his throwing motion, the little bit that I saw on tape."
Hall of Fame receiver Jerry Rice, however, is skeptical about Favre's latest potential comeback. In an interview with the Star Tribune, Rice said the move could "backfire" on the Vikings.
"You have to look at the scenario that happened in New York," Rice said. "If he pretty much distances himself completely from the players, then all of a sudden you're going to divide the players because a lot of the players are going to say, 'Hey, Hey, Tarvaris Jackson should be in here or Sage [Rosenfels].' You don't want this to divide the team. So this could really backfire."
Rice told the newspaper that he's not sure Favre can play at a high level for an entire NFL season at age 40.
"I know towards the latter part of my career, even though I still wanted to be out on that football field, it was like things became a little bit more difficult," Rice said. "But my job was different. It consisted of a lot of running and stuff like that.
"With Brett, the thing for him is dropping back, planting himself and throwing the ball downfield so it might be a little bit different for him," Rice added. "But he's a competitor. I think if he still wants to play, I think he should. But I really thought this team would be moving and looking down the road instead of trying to look for the one-year miracle."
Favre told The Associated Press last week that he is still testing his surgically repaired throwing arm, but expects to give the Vikings an answer on playing for them by July 30. That's the day the Vikings report for training camp in Mankato, and many expect the 39-year-old quarterback to be there with them.
Favre and the Vikings have spoken openly about a potential deal for most of the summer. He had surgery on his biceps tendon in May and has been throwing to kids at Oak Grove High School in Hattiesburg, Miss., while he works his way back into shape.
Childress said on Sunday that he has not been told directly of any deadline for a decision by Favre.
"I've said all the way along, he's going to let us know when [he's ready]," Childress said. "It's not like we're doing anything but being on vacation right now."
But he was aware of the comments and said team athletic trainer Eric Sugarman and offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell gave Childress favorable reports upon their return from a visit with Favre.
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