Green Bay, WI -- (Sports Network) - The Green Bay Packers responded to Brett Favre's request for a release on Friday.

The team issued the statement in an effort to stem growing media scrutiny after numerous reports of Favre asking the team to release his rights, so the veteran could make a comeback with another organization.

"The Green Bay Packers are aware of the latest developments regarding Brett Favre," the statement said.

"Brett earned and exercised the right to retire on his terms. We wanted him to return and welcomed him back on more than one occasion.

"Brett's press conference and subsequent conversations in the following weeks illustrated his commitment to retirement.

"The finality of his decision to retire was accepted by the organization. At that point, the Green Bay Packers made the commitment to move forward with our football team.

"As a retired player, Brett has the option to apply for reinstatement with commissioner (Roger) Goodell. If that were to occur, he would become an active member of the Green Bay Packers. As always, the Packers will do what's right and in the best interest of the team.

"As with all Packers greats, Brett's legacy will always be celebrated by our fans and the organization, regardless of any change in his personal intentions.

Brett and Deanna (Favre) will always be a part of the Packers family."

Favre held a candid, tear-filled press conference to announce his retirement in March. He was set to leave the game as the NFL's all-time record holder in several categories, including wins by a starting quarterback, passing yards, touchdowns and consecutive games started.

Last season, Favre led the Packers to the NFC Championship game after throwing for 4,155 yards and 28 touchdowns and compiling a 95.7 passer rating.

During the press conference, Favre said several times that he could still play, however, and as the 2008 season approaches Favre, who has flirted with retirement over the last several years, seems to have changed his mind.

Favre and his agent Bus Cook floated the idea of coming back to the Packers in recent days but were met with a tepid response by the Packers, who seem content to move on and hand the reins of the franchise over to Aaron Rodgers.