MILWAUKEE (May 14, 2005) -- Green Bay Packers receiver Javon Walker has no hard feelings toward Brett Favre, who criticized him for holding out of a mandatory minicamp last month.
Even though Walker has two years left on the contract he signed as a first-round draft pick in 2002, he wants a new deal after a breakout 2004. Walker had 89 catches for 1,382 yards and 12 touchdowns and was selected to the Pro Bowl for the first time last season.
Walker said he is unsure whether he will be at the Packers next minicamp in June, but is confident he and the Packers can work out a deal before training camp begins in July.
"I consider myself one of the best," said Walker, who made his comments before participating in a charity softball game at Miller Park. "I'm comfortable with my talent, to where if I did get a contract extension or whatnot, or renegotiation, I would live up to the ability of what they would give me."
Favre, who was excused by coach Mike Sherman from the minicamp, told the Green Bay Press-Gazette earlier this month Walker was wrong to skip the minicamp.
"If Javon wants to know what his quarterback thinks, and I would think he might, I'd tell him he's going about this the wrong way," Favre said. "I sure hope the Packers don't give in to him."
The quarterback repeated his stance at the Brett Favre Celebrity Golf Tournament in Gulfport, Miss.
"Just because you have one good year, doesn't give you the right to hold out," Favre told reporters. "Javon Walker's on my team. I wouldn't say I'm pro-management, I wouldn't say I'm anti-management.
"But when you're under contract, I think it's a different situation. I think you have to honor that contract and work with the team maybe on a renegotiation."
Walker said Favre was entitled to his opinion.
"I have no hard feelings against anybody or with what Brett said," Walker said. "Everybody has their own opinion. If we all worried about what other people say, none of us would be here today. When I do go back to the Packers, I'll welcome them just like I hope they'll welcome me."
Walker's new agent, Drew Rosenhaus, stood by Walker as he addressed reporters and was asked to comment on the negotiations.
"It's really not appropriate for me to talk about Javon's contract at this time," Rosenhaus said. "I'm here supporting Javon and his function. There will be another time down the road when we can talk about this."
Some other top players Rosenhaus represents are receivers Terrell Owens of Philadelphia and Anquan Boldin of Arizona, both of whom are demanding a pay increase this offseason. Owens also skipped the Eagles' first mandatory minicamp practice earlier this month.
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