The day has finally come as I was making my way north on 35
to MOA Field with a feeling of just not knowing. Will the Vikings keep 1 of the
2 first round picks, neither and move down, or trade up? So many questions and
only time will tell.
I got into the dome and saw fans dressed in purple walking
the concourse making me feel right at home with my family.
We made our way down the steps and witnessed a field full of
fans. It was the most awesome sight to see a field packed with fans. I did not
know what to expect but always hope many will show. The 10-6 season and a
playoff game maybe helped.
The figure I heard was around 6,000 fans which wrong or
right it was just a beautiful sight of purple.
The Vikings ship was inflated in its normal corner. It was
this day in which the new Vikings uniform was unveiled. It was done so well
with Christian Ponder, Kyle Rudolph, Jerome Felton and Everson Griffen doing
the modeling. They were introduced one at a time as they came running through
the ship with fans lined on each sight.
Vikings announcer, Paul Allen emceed throughout the entire
party had these 4 guys come up to show the jerseys and also was able to
interview them.
I was the most impressed by Griffen who just seemed to have
a lot of energy this night. He told the crowd he became a father for the first
time in January. The smile on his face was priceless. This is also a contract
year so I really look for big things out of this 2010 4th round
pick.
The field had mannequins set up in different places with the
new look jersey so fans could see up close. I am a big fan of the purple pants.
I really like the new look helmet. It seems to be a duller purple which looks
sharp along with a black facemask. The numbers on the jerseys also have a neat
look to them. It is hard to describe but if you go to KFAN.com you can see the
pictures and make up your own mind on which jersey you like the best, White
jersey, purple pants, Purple jersey, and white pants.
I found one mannequin dressed up as Adrian Peterson who was
in game action. It was amazing to see the fans posing with this figure. I even
saw a couple guys poising in trying to tackle AP. Oh the dreams people have.
The rest of the night was concentrating on the draft as PA
had a fun panel to listen. Ben Leber, Pete Bercich, Paul Charchian did a great
job of breaking down the nights action.
One guest who made an appearance was Pat Williams. I knew he
was in town to sign a one day contract and retire as a Viking. It was my hope
he would make an appearance. It was awesome to see one of my favorites being part
of the Williams Wall. Teams could not run on these guys making it a pleasure to
see how many teams thought they could.
Pat was given a Williams framed jersey. The smile on his
face was just another part of fun sights to see. He got the crowd laughing when
asked if the Vikings flew him in. He responded, “No, I had to buy my own,” and
started to laugh when saying this.
The time for the Vikings pick was getting closer as the
Chicago Bears were on the clock at number 20. Fans were anxious to see if they
would take Manti Te’o. Commissioner Goodell made the announcement and it was
not Te’o. I really thought Vikings fans were getting nervous the Vikes would take Manti.
PA’s next did a crowd poll asking fans who they want. He
mentioned Te’o and with the crowd in unison it was one huge boo. I was not sure
what the Vikes were going to take.
The whole draft was strange with all the players I thought
would already be taken still on the board. I could feel my heart beating
faster. We have a choice to get a huge impact player with 23.
The announcement of Shariff Floyd I absolutely loved and
could not be happier. We have a big man who can play next to Kevin and be the
future anchor of the Vikes D-Line. My grade A+. I think I have seen a million
mock drafts that the majority of them saying Floyd will be a top 5 player taken
in the draft.
The Vikes then get 25 in which I hoped Cordarrelle Patterson
wide receiver next. The call was made and no Patterson instead Xavier Rhodes
was taken at 25. The Vikes have now got 2 guys that can help the defense
immediately, I did want Patterson but after doing more reading I saw why
Spielman thought highly enough of Rhodes. My grade A+
The 6000 fans after Rhodes had been picked began to leave.
We were just sitting and watching, when PA says he is hearing rumblings that
the Vikes traded back to the first round.
What, this is awesome I thought!!!! The fans that were left I believe all had
hoped Patterson was the man. The
announcement came and with that the jubilation begin as my heart was pounding a
million times a minute with my fists pumping.
Grade A++++
What a night 3 first round picks. It is the first time since
1967 the Vikes have taken 3 guys in the first round.
Mike Mayock also from NFL Network I read in his pre draft
top 5 by position he had as follows: Floyd (# 1 DT) Rhodes (#2 CB) and
Patterson (# 1 WR).
The most exciting draft party I have been a part we ending
staying so late we had to find someone to let us out of the dome
WHAT A NIGHT!!!!!!
Thanks for reading
Purplestick
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