By PFW staff
July 12, 2008

In the court of public opinion, Packers GM Ted Thompson is receiving more than a little heat at the moment.

Choosing to remain totally behind the scenes since Brett Favre’s pre-July 4 declaration that he was leaning toward ending his early-March retirement from pro football, Thompson has incurred increased wrath from critics both at the local and national level because of his lack of communication with Favre and his agent, Bus Cook, the last three months.

But Thompson has at least one person firmly in his corner — Packers team president Mark Murphy.

Asked to comment about the latest twist in the Brett Favre saga at a Tailgate Tour in Marinette, Wis., Friday that also included Green Bay players James Jones, Brandon Jackson and Jason Spitz, Murphy made it clear he was behind his beleaguered GM.

“Obviously, today there were developments in our situation with Brett Favre,” Murphy told the Green Bay Press Gazette. “The only other thing I can add (to the official statement by the team Friday afternoon reacting to Favre's request to be given his release) is that I’ve worked closely with Ted Thompson and (head coach) Mike McCarthy on this, and they have my full support.”

Spitz, meanwhile, said he doesn’t see Favre under center for the Packers in 2008. “As far as I know, Aaron Rodgers is going to be our quarterback,” he said.