Whether Brett Favre will play a 20th season in the NFL is still up in the air.

Following an early morning workout on Thursday that included an 8-mile bike ride near his Hattiesburg home with his wife, Deanna, the future Hall of Famer quarterback hinted that a return to Minnesota is possible.

The 40-year also hinted that retirement is also possible.“I know I can still play at a high level,” Favre said. “Last year was a great year, but it could have been better (losing NFC Championship). When (Brad) Childress (Vikings coach) came to my home a few weeks ago, he told me to take my time. But the team would need to know at some point.”

In his first season with Minnesota, Favre guided the Vikings to a 12-4 record. The Vikings lost to New Orleans in the NFC Championship Game in which Favre threw a costly last-minute interception.

Minnesota opens the season on Sept. 9 at the Superdome against the defending Super Bowl champs.

“I would love to go beat the Saints,” Favre said. “I want to win every game that I play. People tell me all the time to go beat the Saints and redeem yourself.

“People said the same thing with Green Bay the year before. It was, ‘You have to go back and beat Green Bay.’ I don’t want to be in my 20th year and hear people say, ‘You have to redeem yourself.’ Like I said, I would love to go beat the Saints. But what if that doesn’t happen?”

The NFC title defeat was the downside for a year as Favre threw for 4,202 yards and seven interceptions. Against New Orleans, Favre suffered an ankle injury, which was surgically repaired last month by Dr. James Andrews.

“It was my best season,” he said. “I’ve had three MVP and that was not one of them. I know I can still play at a high level. I know I still love to play the game.

“I do know when it’s over, it’s over. I can’t play forever. It’s not like being a dentist or playing golf, I can’t play football forever.”

Favre won’t reveal if he’s close to retiring.

“I’m not saying that,’’ Favre said. ‘‘I just don’t know. I do not want to stir the pot. If it (comment) comes from me, it’s a big deal. At my age, all surgeries are major. The three I’ve had on the same ankle were considered minor, but major to me. It feels fine now.

“If my body was a wreck, the decision would be made. But that is not the case. I know they (Vikings) want to know.

‘‘Hell, I want to know. But I am not going to press it. If I do not play, it does not cost the Vikings a dime. They keep the $13 million. I know they have confidence in the players they have. They had a chance to draft (Jimmy) Clausen (Notre Dame quarterback) in the first round, but they didn’t want one.”

Favre also doesn’t know his immediate football plans?

“That is why I am staying quiet at this time,’’ Favre said. “I have people telling me all the time that the NFL is better when I play. That is a big compliment and it makes me feel good.”