Commentary: It's time for Favre to just shut up.

AUSTIN, Texas — Brett Favre is front-page news right now.

But it's time for him to be less seen. And even less heard.

This guy is starting to resemble the pro-wrestling fan favorite whose every deed is cheered for years by an adoring public. But now he's turned heel, and his fans are conflicted.

Their quandary: Do we still blindly cheer for The Swashbuckler even if he is starting to plummet into the recognizable cavern of self-indulgence we always hated in others? Or do we turn the page on this aging former hero and thrust our full support behind the arrogant yet approachable Aaron Rodgers, he of the strong, yet unproven, arm?

Green Bay fans and management are conflicted, but they shouldn't be. Favre wants out. Let him go. Easier said than done. The brass must get something for Favre, preferably in a trade, and avoid the disaster of having him sign with a team in the NFC.

Amid the ill-timed, I-want-to-come-back announcement and the two-part interview with Greta Van what's-her-name, Favre is starting to lose some of his dignity. He was somewhat of a sympathetic figure when the news of his change of heart broke earlier this month, but now he has taken the offensive.

A quick recap, in case you were out of the country:

The Packers won't say it, but it's evident they want to move on with Rodgers as starting quarterback. They told Favre he could report to minicamp, but only in the role of the backup.

Favre told general manager Ted Thompson he wants to be released so he can play elsewhere. His agent just said there are no immediate plans to apply for reinstatement and that Favre may wait until the sixth week of the regular season to make his decision.

Along the way, Favre has basically called Thompson a liar and is well on his way to splitting a locker room once unified under him. He reportedly even had the gall to tell the St. Petersburg Times that Tampa Bay was too warm for him and that he would rather play in a colder climate. Now FoxSports.com is reporting the Packers have filed tampering charges with the league against their division rival, the Minnesota Vikings, claiming Minnesota offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell had an inappropriate conversation with Favre, who is a friend.

The only thing we're missing is a signed contract for a Texas Death Match between Favre and Thompson, with the Hulkster appearing as the guest referee.

Favre has made his point. And now it's time for him to be quiet.

It's time for him to go back to being the lovable bubba whom national analysts likened to a pass-throwing Peter Pan when he played well, only to turn a blind eye when he threw ill-advised ducks into the arms of giddy defensive backs.

With all the drama swirling around the Packers' organization, Favre should do us all a favor and go underground for a little while. If he wants to come back, he needs to apply for reinstatement, beat out Rodgers if he can and end his career in Green Bay. Not Minnesota.

Favre isn't the first NFL legend to waffle about retirement. He's just the first to hold a franchise hostage for two years and counting.

Former Giant Michael Strahan, like Favre, is a first-ballot Hall of Famer. He flirted with retirement the last two seasons but didn't present nearly as big a distraction as Favre. That's because defensive ends don't attract as much attention as quarterbacks.

By the way, Strahan returned last season, won a Super Bowl and got outta Dodge.

But Favre knows he is bigger than the present-day Packers. He is what Marino was to the Dolphins. What Montana was to the 49ers. An iconic presence. The most important figure in his team's recent history.

Favre can make this process really easy on himself (and his fans). And he can do it in three easy steps:

1. Apply for reinstatement.

2. Go to training camp.

3. Shut up.

Cedric Golden writes for the