Former NFL receiver Jerry Rice doesn't have a lot of confidence that Brett Favre can succeed with the Minnesota Vikings this season -- if the quarterback decides to end his retirement and join the team.

Rice, the NFL's all-time in touchdowns, receptions and receiving yards, said the stress of a 16-game season might be too much for Favre, 39.

"Brett is a competitor. But I know towards the latter part of my career, even though I still wanted to be out on that football field, it was like things became a little bit more difficult," Rice told theMinneapolis Star-Tribune.

"But my job was different. It consisted of a lot of running and stuff like that. With Brett, the thing for him is dropping back, planting himself and throwing the ball downfield so it might be a little bit different for him. But he’s a competitor. I think if he still wants to play, I think he should. But I really thought this team would be moving and looking down the road instead of trying to look for the one-year miracle.

Favre recently underwent surgery to repair an injured right shoulder that dogged him down the stretch when he played for the Jets last season. He hasn't yet committed to playing for the Vikings, though he's said he's interested.

Rice suggested the Vikings might be better served choosing from one of the quarterbacks currently atop their depth chart,Tarvaris Jackson and Sage Rosenfels.

If Favre, who hasn't missed a game since earning the Packers' starting job in 1992, isn't able to sustain the full load of the season, the Vikings could see their season unravel, Rice said.

"Then everything backfires," he told the Star-Tribune. "You've got a major problem. Also you have to look at the scenario that happened in New York. If he pretty much distances himself completely from the players, then all of a sudden you’re going to divide the players because a lot of the players are going to say, ‘Hey, Tarvaris Jackson should be in here or Sage.’

"You don’t want this to divide the team. So this could really backfire.