Life should never be rushed but when the month of July comes two things really stick out with one being Vikings Training Camp and two July is the month where I always hot to celebrate my dad’s birthday and after losing him in 2017 in a totally shocking event July makes me miss him extra more than I already due.
It was just last year I went to the new Vikings Training Camp in Eagan, Minnesota and I honestly went the first day really not wanting to give it a chance after going 25 straight years to Mankato.
I am a Vikings fan and where they go I go. I was pleasantly surprised how nice it was set up but admit it lost its Training Camp not being able to meet players like I had been accustomed to.
I like many of you saw and read the news that this year’s camp there will be autographs only for 18 and younger. I am ok with that as I have gotten my fair share of autographs in the past 25 years. The sting for me is not being able to meet players and get my picture with them. I have taken pictures with over 440 different players throughout the year with only one player saying no to me and that was Randy Moss. I was disappointed but also say he was nice about it and was not rude to me which I appreciated.
July brings Vikes Training Camp beginning late July and runs through August and with that I think of heat and humidity typically. The strange thing about this is I absolutely despise heat and humidity normally but Training Camp I learn to deal with it although it’s not fun to be soaked in sweat and pound the water. Life can be strange and in my case this is the strange but true fact. My house becomes my best friend during heat normally but the Vikes bring out the abnormality of my life. I will never forget the year Korey Stringer died and that camp heat index was in the hundreds. Why was I out there? It was dangerous and I remember most days not feeling good driving back to Owatonna but its Training Camp and I must be strong.
As for 2019 Camp again disappointing as we are only allowed two days which I already picked. I remember last year they tried the same thing but funny I was able to go seven or eight days. I am going Sunday July 28 and the next Saturday August 3rd which is family night which is year and year out the best night of camp as we see actual football players in pads and helmets and after players throw autographed footballs in the crowd and after that is a fire works display.
I am going to Eagan and make the most of it’s my 27th straight year of going to Training Camp. I feel like a kid in the candy store when I get to camp as I know it’s that much closer to the regular season.
I come in this year knowing the season will be tough with a very challenging schedule and health will be the most important in years. The NFC North will be very tough as I expect the Bears to be just a good as last year and the Packers as long as they have Aaron Rodgers at quarterback will always be tough.
I loved the Vikes draft because to make an obvious statement that the offensive line must be much better. Kirk Cousins can’t keep taking a beating and he must learn to get rid of the ball a little quicker. This camp along with the past mini camps will be crucial to get the line cohesive in working together.
The offense has so much talent with Dalvin Cook, Adam Thielen, Stefon Diggs and newly resigned Kyle Rudolph along with Kirk Cousins leading the way.
I have loved the defense every year since Mike Zimmer took over. I am curious to see how Everson Griffen bounces back and will Danielle Hunter have another monster year.
The linebacking corp is solid with Anthony Barr resigning after spurning the New York Jets and Eric “tackling machine” Kendricks leading the way. I would love to see one more step up on a consistent bases.
The offseason we saw Coach Zimmer challenge Xavier Rhodes on stepping up and all offseason the talk of Trae Waynes possibly leaving the Vikes. I am a huge fan of Harrison Smith so in summary I look for a huge year out of the defense.
It will be nice to see kicker Dan Bailey get a full camp especially with a new special teams coach. Was Mike Priefer the cause of all the kick mishaps?
There are so many questions and storylines coming into camp. How will Mike Hughes return after his season ending torn ACL surgery? Who will be the backup for Kirk Cousins? Will Laqoun Treadwell make the 53 man roster? Chad Beebe will be a player to watch as I loved his potential last year. How will Riley Reiff do a left tackle and who will be the right tackle? Will round pick Garrett Bradbury be the starting center and moving Pat Elflein to guard?
These are just some of the questions I have and want to follow in Eagan. The days are flying an soon Camp will be upon us and I for one can’t wait.
Thank you for reading
Purplestick
