Favre is a Viking

MINNEAPOLIS, Aug. 18 (UPI) -- Like a vampire in a B-grade horror movie, quarterback Brett Favre's career refuses to die -- he signed with the Minnesota Vikings Tuesday.

Favre ended his second retirement when he signed an undisclosed contract after being checked out by doctors at the Vikings' training facility. He flew up to the Twin Cities from Hattiesburg, Miss.

"I am excited about the opportunity to join this football team," Favre said in a release issued by the team. "From ownership, to coaching, to the players, it is evident that everyone in the Vikings organization is committed to bringing the fans of Minnesota a championship. I am eager to join my new teammates and get to work towards that goal."

Coach Brad Childress called Favre's signing "a strong positive for this football team."

"As we have conveyed before, his unique knowledge of our system, the NFC North and his innate skills make this a rare opportunity," Childress said.

Just weeks ago, the three-time MVP told Childress he was not ready to resume the rigors of an NFL season.

The Vikings played their first pre-season game last weekend, beating the Indianapolis Colts 13-3 with Sage Rosenfels and Tarvaris Jackson at quarterback.

Favre, who turns 40 in October, spent last season with the New York Jets, then announced his retirement for a second time. He first retired as a Green Bay Packer following the 2007 season. He had off-season arthroscopic surgery to repair a torn biceps tendon in his throwing arm

For his career, Favre has completed 61.6 percent of his passes for 65,127 yards with 464 touchdowns and 310 interceptions. He led the Packers to two Super Bowls, winning one.