Dan Pompei

It really was inevitable wasn’t it?

Brett Favre racing through the tunnel at Lambeau Field during pregame introductions, pumping his fists, exalting his teammates, inciting the crowd.

Wearing purple.

And hearing thunderous boos from the crowd that once revered him.

It isn’t a certainty that Favre will become a Minnesota Viking just yet. But, put it this way — if I were a betting man, I’d be packing up the deed to my house and heading to Vegas to place a wager on the fact that it will happen at some point this year.

There are too many signs telling us it’s just a matter of time.

Why would a player who is intent on retiring ask for his release? Favre reportedly asked for his from the Jets twice. His only motivation would be contractual freedom so he could sign with another team.

It was pretty clear one year ago that Favre wanted to play for the Vikings. A source close to him has been telling people he is obsessed with getting back at the Packers for the way they treated him last year.

The Packers knew Favre wanted to play for the Vikings. Minnesota was even accused of tampering with Favre last year. That’s why the Packers included a clause in the deal when they traded him to the Jets that would have called for the Jets to give the Packers three first round picks if they traded Favre to an NFC North team.

Favre joins Vikings AP file   Video: Vikings are ‘the perfect fit,’ Favre says   Video: ‘I didn’t want to say ‘What if’ ’ Curran: Win-win for Favre and Vikings Celizic: Worst flip-flopper in sports history Newsweek: Let's give Favre a break Live vote: How will Vikings do with Favre Live vote: Does this hurt Favre's legacy? Packers not shocked by Favre's move   Slide show: Tracking QBs who couldn't quit Timeline of Favre's career  |    Slide show Fantasy impact: Favre not a huge get Vote: Top star in Minnesota sports history?

Believe nothing Favre’s agent, Bus Cook, says about the matter. Unless, that is, you are Vikings general manager Rick Spielman.

As for Favre, his actions are much more revealing than his words.

The Vikings, conveniently enough, have been keeping a position warm for Favre. They have had an unsettled quarterback situation, but they did not get involved with trying to trade for Jay Cutler or Matt Cassel. They did not sign Kurt Warner. They did not try to position themselves to draft Mark Sanchez or Josh Freeman.

Instead, they made a trade for a career backup in Sage Rosenfels, who will compete with Tarvaris Jackson for the starting job. At least until Favre gets to town.

The Vikings, remember, have an offense familiar to Favre. Offensive coordinator Darrell Bevel was Favre’s quarterbacks coach in Green Bay. Favre will be able to show up after training camp and catch up quickly. He can even take the first couple months of the season off and ride into the Metrodome on a white horse in October or November if he wants.

Put Favre on the Vikings, and they have the NFL's most talented offense on paper. They have dynamic playmakers in Adrian Peterson, Bernard Berrian and Percy Harvin. They have solid contributors in Visanthe Shianco, Chester Taylor and Bobby Wade. They have a dependable offensive line, though John Sullivan will have to prove he is capable of replacing Matt Birk at center.

Slideshow   Busted picks Tom Curran looks at 10 early-round draft picks who could struggle.

The only other position you could question on this unit is quarterback, and Favre’s presence would answer those questions.

Of course, you can question Favre at this point. He will be 40 years old in October, and he has worn down as each of the last two seasons have gone on. In December last year, he threw only two touchdown passes against eight interceptions. He also had a 53.3 passer rating and was unable to prevent the Jets from losing three of four games.

But despite the terrible finish, Favre finished tied for 10th in the NFL in victories, 21st in passer rating, fifth in completion percentage, 22nd in average yards per attempt, 11th in passing yards and ninth in touchdown passes.

Put him in an offense he is more familiar with, surround him with better talent and reduce the number of cold weather games he’ll be asked to play, and Favre could be a significantly more effective quarterback than he was a year ago.

It’s just going to take us awhile to get used to him with those funny horns on his helmet.

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