Standard text messaging definitions apply.

So here's what Brett Favre seemed to be saying when asked if he would try to play football once again in 2009.

"NO," Favre told ESPN analyst and former NFL quarterback Trent Dilfer in an exchange of text messages.

NO. As in capital letters. As in no means no.

Absolutely.

Definitely

Ain't no doubt.

Until, of course, Favre changed his mind.

So the message got a little mixed this week. Favre is retired, but he's going to meet with Minnesota Vikings coach Brad Childress. They will not be discussing the high price of lutefisk. No, they will explore the possibility that we will see Favre in purple this year.

Welcome back, my friends, to the show that really should end. Favre needs to text himself one simple message - NO. Then end the call.

Now, if someone could put some cheap fuel in the time machine, grab the 1996 Favre and put him in a Minnesota Vikings uniform today, that would be a different story. Give us fans enough truth serum - or cheap schnapps if it happens to be handy - and we'd admit to a grudging admiration for the old Green Bay quarterback.

The Brett Favre of 2008-2009? No. He hurt his arm last year, faltered badly and failed to get the New York Jets into post-season play. Favre's teammates didn't seem to buy into his act, either.

At this point, a wounded 39-year-old former Packer would offer plenty of pain and not much gain in comparison to present Viking quarterbacks Sage Rosenfels and Tarvaris Jackson. Those two aren't going to the Hall of Fame. But Favre didn't give the Jets a performance worthy of Canton, either. Minnesota's younger quarterbacks may develop, may improve and may have better luck dodging a pass rush than a 40-something aging warrior.

History indicates that the law of diminishing returns can be hard on quarterbacks as they approach the end of their careers.

Consider the Hall of Fame and the huddle of men Favre will join in a few years. Take a look at the greats from the modern era, defined by the NFL as anyone who played the majority of their career after 1946.

There are now 23 quarterbacks from that time enshrined in Canton. Of that total, exactly two won an NFL championship at the age of 38 - Denver's John Elway in 1998 and Norm Van Brocklin of Philadephia 39 years ago. Otto Graham of Cleveland ended his career with a title in 1955, but he was only 34.

Not a single Hall of Fame quarterback has started in an NFL title game at 40 during the modern era. Favre reaches that milestone in October.

One of Favre's peers endured a very unhappy ending, and he didn't come close to the Super Bowl.

Dan Marino played his final season at 38. But his quarterback rating in 1999 plunged to 67.4, the lowest of his career. Yes, the Miami Dolphins reached the playoffs and won their first-round game. Then Marino and Miami enduring a 62-7 pounding against Jacksonville.

Not every quarterback staggers to the exit.

Roger Staubach enjoyed a great 1979 with Dallas, throwing for 27 touchdown passes and posting a 92.3 rating. Yet the Cowboys lost to the Los Angeles Rams in the first round of the post-season. Staubach was Captain Comeback no more.

One more thing to consider. Staubach started every Dallas regular-season game in his farewell year. Fran Tarkenton of Minnesota did the same thing before retiring at the end of 1978. Those are the only two Hall of Famers to go 16-for-16 in their final seasons since the schedule expanded 31 years ago.

If he plays, Favre will be asked to break barriers that have stopped all others cold. Favre may defy the odds and the aging process. Perhaps. Or he may join the parade of once-great quarterbacks who turned gray before our eyes.

Admirers of Favre and Vikings fans should agree on one thing - NO really should mean no.

But, remember. it's Favre's call to make.