enlarge The Associated Press

Randy Moss, left, stands behind Stacey James, New England vice president of media relations, and waits his turn at the podium on Wednesday. Once he got there, Moss told the media he would be happy to retire as a member of the Patriots.

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Randy Moss listened closely to what the Green Bay Packers were saying. And he didn't like what he heard.

It was last April and the Packers were interested in bringing Moss to Green Bay. Maybe. Moss got the impression that "Brett Favre wanted me, but I really didn't feel the Packers wanted me."

The New England Patriots, on the other hand, wanted Moss. And after considering what that team could do for him, Moss really wanted to be a Patriot.

The result was a rejuvenating season, as Moss caught 98 passes for 1,493 yards and an NFL-record 23 touchdowns. It was his best season since 2003, when he caught 111 balls.

So it's no surprise that Moss wants to stay close to quarterback Tom Brady. Moss, who will be a free agent as soon as Super Bowl XLII ends Sunday night, said he wants to come back to New England.

During the team's interview session at the Westin Kierland Resort & Spa, Moss said he "would love to retire a Patriot."

Moss said he enjoyed everything about this season, even the games when his numbers were down, such as the two playoff games. He said the team embraced him and allowed him to be himself.

He said he got a quick taste of what this organization is about when the team went in unison to the funeral of Marquise Hill, the defensive end who drowned last May 28.

"That was something that overwhelmed me because I knew this team was together and from that day forward I started believing and understanding who they really were," he said.

And now he doesn't want to leave.

"I'm still loving what I do and being here, being a New England Patriot," he said. "I think this is where I do want to be. Hopefully we can work something out after this season is over. The sky is the limit.

"I really don't know if I'm going to be a New England Patriot but ... I would love to retire a Patriot, yes."

PLAXICO BURRESS, the New York Giants' sometimes brash wide receiver, has made some headlines by predicting a Giants victory, by the score of 23-17.

Informed of this boast -- and the score -- Brady laughed and said, "We're only going to score 17 points? Is Plax playing defense?"

The Patriots use comments such as Burress' prediction as fuel for their games. Remember Pittsburgh defensive back Anthony Smith guaranteeing a Steeler victory at Gillette Stadium? Then Smith got torched for two long touchdown passes by Brady, who got into Smith's face? But Brady suggested that Burress should feel confident.

"They should have confidence, they're the NFC champs," he said.

But 23-17?

"I wish he had said 45-42 or something like that," said Brady. "At least he'd give us credit for scoring a few points."

Moss was less amused by the prediction.

"He's entitled to say anything," said Moss. "But the only thing about a prediction is that you have got to make it happen. I think the pressure is more on them now since they've guaranteed this victory."

THIS NOTE from TicketsNow.com. Super Bowl tickets are more expensive this year than last. The average selling price for a ticket to Super Bowl XLII between the Patriots and Giants on Sunday is $4,525.

Boston fans have purchased 26 percent of the tickets, while New York fans have purchased 16 percent.

The most expensive ticket sold thus far has been $13,905, while the least expensive has been for $1,770.

MIKE CAREY, an NFL official for 18 years, has been named the head referee for Super Bowl XLII.

This will the 14th career playoff game for Carey, who was the referee in the regular-season game between the Patriots and Giants, won by New England 38-35 on Dec. 29.

The officiating crew will include Tony Michalek (umpire), Gary Slaughter (head linesman), Carl Johnson (line judge), Boris Cheek (field judge), Larry Rose (side judge) and Scott Helverson (back judge). The...