Brett Favre formally asked Friday for his contractual release from the Packers, ESPN reported.

According to the sports network, Favre made the request in a letter that was sent by the quarterback's agent, James "Bus" Cook, overnight on Thursday. It reportedly arrived at the Packers facility Friday morning.

ESPN reported that Cook, on behalf of Favre, expressed that the quarterback wants to leave the Packers on good terms.

Green Bay has been reluctant to embrace Favre's comeback as speculation about his return has grown over the past few weeks.

According to ESPN, Favre, General Manager Ted Thompson and coach Mike McCarthy spoke via conference call on Tuesday, and neither McCarthy nor Thompson were fully open to Favre coming back to the Packers.

Earlier this week, Murphy said he didn't think Favre would come back and play.

"It's a very delicate situation, because (Favre) has such a special place in Packers history," Packers President and CEO Mark Murphy told the Green Bay Press-Gazette on Tuesday.

On Monday, SI.com's Peter King wrote that Favre told McCarthy that he wants to return.

Favre denied rumors July 2 that he was returning, telling his hometown newspaper's Web site, SunHerald.com, that "it's all rumor."

The paper reported that Favre sent a text message saying there's "no reason" for a media frenzy.

Favre retired in March, after saying he was "tired." His number was set to be retired at Lambeau Field during the Packers' home opener Sept. 8 against the Minnesota Vikings.

Aaron Rodgers is expected to start at quarterback for the Packers. The Packers also drafted quarterbacks Brian Brohm and Matt Flynn in the 2008 NFL Draft.

Milwaukee television station WISN talked with former Favre teammate Mark Chmura Friday afternoon who said he thought "it was unfortunate the way things had to go down."

"I would not be surprised to see him play for another team," Chmura said. "It's a sad day. I'd like to see him finish his career with Green Bay."

Favre is the league's all-time record holder in several categories, including wins by a starting quarterback, passing yards, touchdowns and consecutive games started.

A three-time NFL MVP, seven-time All-Pro and nine-time Pro Bowl selection, Favre completed 61.4 percent of his passes for 61,655 yards and 442 TDs over 17 NFL seasons, the last 16 of which were played in Green Bay after the Packers acquired him from the Atlanta Falcons.