Firsts at TCO Perfomance Center over the weekend

This past weekend was one of first with one not so fun and the second was a memory made never to forget.
Let’s get the not so fun over first and it was bound to happen because weather is out of all our control. Friday I headed up to TCO Performance Center for another day of camp. As I was heading north I noticed lightning yet nothing in Eagan until I got near camp and the rain began. I got to the parking lot and the guys running the lot said camp was closed until further notice so we were offered the chance to turn around. If camp does get cancelled your 10.00 fee will be refunded. I opted to stay and did if ever rain and even hailed. I sat for 45 minutes and saw clearing coming so sure enough we were allowed to come in the lot but not before our phone was scanned.
I finally parked and was eager to get into camp. I got out of my car and saw a line already formed I would guess 3-4 blocks long and growing. I waited almost an hour in line but before I finally got to the gate where you go through security and get your ticket scanned.
I was so excited until I looked up and saw massive amounts of people waiting again. I have never seen this much confusion and of course heard a few choice words. We were brought through so they could fit more people in. We waited there almost 30 minutes before getting in Training Camp.
It’s funny because as much bad talk I heard of unorganization and Mankato would never be like this I saw a ton of smiling faces as I walked around camp waiting for practice.
The autograph line has been run the same as Mankato except on Friday fans that got in before the storm stated were cleared out of camp as they closed for a while. Fans that were in line were given wrist bands so when camp would re-open these fans would be guaranteed their spot.
My question to myself was yes fans were given wrist bands but would they be the same number when they re-entered? I never could find an answer.
I came upon another difference from Mankato on Friday and that was if rain occurs and the team opts to practice inside no fans would be allowed to come in and watch unless you had a pass from the Vikes. In years past in Mankato fans were allowed to come in the building where the indoor track and other track use used to watch. The one thing though was no flash photography or talking had to be held to a minimal as the team had the right to ask fans to leave who were not following the rules.
The afternoon practice was in better weather with a little on the hot side but I did get to watch practice.
It seems the same report about Kirk Cousins and his arm strength along with the connection with the recievers.
I am concerned about the Offensive line still especially with the injury bug hitting as Nick Easton, Mike Remmers and Pat Elflein all on the sideline with various issues so O Line will be hard to be judged with so many different combos.
The defense is unbelievable to watch as I have loved watching Linval Joseph and Sheldon Richardson work the middle.
The big story in camp is Anthony Barr and will he or won’t he be part of the 3 man roster. No one knows so I will leave that one alone.
The man who every day thus far who has shown me the most is Marcus Sherels. It is a true pleasure to watch his hustle and determination.
Saturday night I was so eagerly awaiting as it was the inaugural night pasing scrimmage starting at 7.
Last year in Mankato was about 12,000 the crowd was decent size but looking around a lot of empty seasts. I read later that night they felt crowd size was down a little with the weather threat of rain.
It was so exciting to be there and one of my first questions was where would the players enter the field? Answer came quickly as in the northwest corner of the steps was players coming into the stadium by way of the steps. This field is lower so all camp seems to be the same height except for this stadium. My concern as a fan was what if they fell down the steps.
The srimmage really is a lot of position group work and special teams as well as each kicker, Kai Forbath and Daniel Carlson were perfect from 23,35,45 and 53. My gut and only feeling as it is tough watching practice from kickers is Carlson seemingly to have the stronger leg of the 2 and of cousrse I could be wrong in my feeling.
Kirk Cousins continues to impress me with his arm strength and hitting the receivers. One of my favorite batttles in Xavier Rhodes vs Stefon Diggs in one on ones. Sefton has won quite a few but Rhodes is making his share of plays.
My stand out defensive players of the night was Eric Wilson jumping a pass at the line of scrimmage and taking it for 6. The other one is a repeat of all week and that is Marcus Sherels. Ths guy is playing beast mode every practice I have seen abd I pray he makes the 53 man squad because he earns everything he gets by his work ethic.
The scriammge ended at 9 and with that came the Voice of The Vikings and introduced each player in camp. These player each thew up 2-3 autographed balls into the frenzied crowd. Itr is quiet a site to see this in person.
The player intros ended and with ttan came an announcemrnt that a fireworks show wouls start soon and so it did with 20-25 minutes of an awesome display.
It was a historial weekend and one I will never forget.
Thanks for reading
Purplestick

Early thoughts on TCO Performance along and Vikes practices

2018 Training Camp has begun and I have made it the last 3 days feeling like I lived m Eagan. It was Saturday night when I didn’t sleep well with so much anticipation of a new experience in a new city.

I have gone to Mankato the last 24 years so I as anxious to compare which may not be fair and I understand that but I am human with maybe too many emotions.

I got to Eagan TCO facility and my first thought was how impressed I am with the parking of cars organization as I took a left to the parking lot I was met by many workers who had directing sticks pointing where I should park. The first thing I should say is everything at the new facility s on my Vikes app. I had to make sure the bar code was ready for the parking lot so I as scanned and proceeded.

I parked and made my way to camp but first I was greeted by a few employees who were willing to take pictures of people before they entered camp. I then walked downhill to the entrance where I had to put my valuables in a bowl then walk through the metal detector and once through I had to make sure my phone had the Vikes app open to my ticket bar code where once I got scanned I was free to walk farther into camp.

I made my way and I was simply in awe as it was so open and not congested I felt no pressure trying to get through people. As you walk you see a Viking Locker Room which was packed and I understand that. This pace even does customized jerseys. I found going out the back of the Vikes Locker Room and hall way with bathroom and then the Vikings Museum which was 20.00 and worth every penny. I did not do that until Day 2 but so worth it.

I could sit and write trying to describe everything at camp but feel I would miss telling you things. I feel the pricing of food is very reasonable as example bottle of water was 1.00 just as an example.

I also feel there are plenty of bathrooms all over camp. I also thought the idea of bringing your own water bottle in was awesome. The bag policy is this, there is no size not allowed however the bag is subject to search.

When you first walk in there is a stadium to the right which has bleachers that I believe are not as steep as Blakeslee Field which is good.

This stadium for the time being is set up for kids to do things such as football toss, flag football, kicking field goals and obstacle course to name a few. I was there 3 days and will say it did not seem over crowded for the kids. It is early so maybe as time goes on it will be busier. I know Saturday night is the night scrimmage and that will be played in the stadium with player introduction and fireworks after the night session.

We keep walking west and go up steps and you encounter 3 more fields with 2 going North and south and one going East and west.

There are bleachers for general admission as well as grass you can sit on and watch practice. The first practice is 10:30-11:30 which is the walk through and then 2:45-5:15 with the players starting to wear pads on Monday and Tuesday and I will assume the rest of camp.

If you then look west you will see blue bleachers which are the Kwik Trip seats and they are 20.00 which you must purchase ahead. The parking, general admission and the Kwik Trip seats all must be pre purchased which is one disadvantage from MSU days for Training Camp which you could decide to last minute go and you could buy parking passes same day. It is a difference but I will say again the Eagan facility is extremely organized.

The autograph lines each day are still intact with different position players each day. Tuesday was Running Back day and was that ever packed.

It has been a tremendous experience in Eagan and perhaps better than I expected. The one thing I truly miss is the interaction with players after practice against the old fence lines in Mankato. Maybe one day that will change in Eagan. I have not heard many people complaining about that which is good but for 24 years of my life I miss it. In the same breath I offer up it’s just great to watch football.

As for players in 3 days I have really seen an improved Laquon Treadwell catching all thrown his way which truly will be needed. Kirk Cousins throws the football maybe harder than I have ever seen but also throw out it doesn’t seem to bother the receivers as they seem to have worked with Cousins there whole career. Stefon Diggs and Adam Thielen just continue to impress.

Dalvin Cook looks as he was never hurt watching him run without a brace and yet I must caution myself because yes I understand its practice vs game days with the speed increasing.

The defensive side of the ball is filled with so many defenders of name but the one guy making a name for himself again is Marcus Sherels with 2 interceptions in 2 days. I have also enjoyed watching first round pick, Mike Hughes step up not looking like a rookie at least so far.

That’s all for now from Eagan’s TCO Center at Vikes Training Camp

Thanks for reading

Purplestick

SKOL!!!!

A look at first round picks facing the Vikes in 2018

The schedule was released and the draft is over so let’s look at who will see from the first round face the Vikes

Preseason

Week 1 at Denver who drafted DE Brandon Chubbs at Pick 5

Week 2 home vs Jacksonville who drafted DT Tavon Bryan at pick 29

Week 3 home vs Seattle who drafted Rashaad Peny RB at pick 27

Week 4 at Tennessee who drafted Rashaan Evens LB at pick 2

Regular Season

Week 1 home vs San Francisco who drafted Mike McGlinchey OT at pick 9

Week 2 at Green Bay who drafted Jaire Alexander DB at pick 18

Week 3 home vs Buffalo who drafted both Josh Allen QB at pick 7 and Tremaine Edwards at pick 16

Week 4 at LA Rams who had no first round pick

Week 5 at Philadelphia who traded out of first round

Week 6 home vs Arizona who drafted Josh Rosen at pick 10

Week 7- home vs NY Jets who drafted Sam Darnold at pick 3

Week 8-home vs New Orleans who drafted Marcus Davenport DE at pick 14

Week 9- home vs Detroit who drafted Frank Ragnow C at pick 20

Week 10-Bye

Week 11- at Chicago who drafted Raquon Smith LB at pick 8

Week 12- home vs Green Bay who drafted Jaire Alexander at pick 18

Week 13- at New England who drafted Sony Michel RB at pick 31

Week 14- at Seattle who drafted Rashaad Penny RB at pick 27

Week 15- home vs Miami who drafted Minkah Fitzpatrick S at pick 11

Week 16- at Detroit who drafted Frank Ragnow at pick 20

Week 17- home vs Chicago who drafted Raquon Smoth LB at pick 8

Vikes see picks 3,8,9,10,11.14.16.18,20,31

What a great bchance to see how other teams first round picks fare and we get to see # 3 overall and 10 quarterbacks potentially depending on Tyron Taylor and Sam Bradford

Thanks for reading

Purpelstick

2018 NFL DRAFT- A one with incedible storylines and fun

The draft goes 3 days as well know and each pick is so highly anticipated by thousands of fans and with all the radio and TV coverage I think this year’s draft might go down as one of the best I have ever seen but all the storylines that developed.

The host city Dallas I think got blindsided by all the roasting of the players who announced their teams picks.

Let’s starts with Philadelphia Eagles, Davis Akers who I give an A + for his effort and I actually worried about his safety after he was done with his roasting. I am not nor will ever be an Eagle fan but I still must give props for his speech.

I loved 49er’s Merton Hanks announcing to the thousands of booing fans the fact as I held his hand up looking at his fingers stating the 49ers were the first ever team to win 5 rings.

Falcon Michael Vick telling the booing fans he never lost to the Dallas Cowboys, Giants’ Justin Tuck talking about his version of the best city, New York. I loved watching all of this and kudos to each speaker.

The story lines that went down seeing 2 brothers for the first time in the NFL draft history get drafted in the first round with the Edmund Brothers with one to Buffalo and one to Pittsburgh so 2 AFC teams. It will be fun for the family when Buffalo plays Pittsburgh.

The story of all stories and I will never forget as Seattle picked with the 141^st pick, Shaqueem Griffin so he is reunited with his brother on the Seahawks. It’s a story that is on one of so many reasons I love sports. It proves once again anyone can do anything any time they want as long as you put your mind to it.

As a Vikings fan I loved the way the 4^th round pick, Jayln Holmes was announced as the USA Gold Medal team curled the card all the way down to the center and when it center the card was taken off and was read. I give an A ++++ for the creativity for this way the pick was done.

The hours of watching mock drafts and the draft are over but that doesn’t go without saying I truly enjoyed the whole weekend.

Thank you NFL

Thank you for reading

Purplestick

Looking at the 2018 Viking draft

The 2018 NFL draft is complete and in the books and now we see how these players develop and see if they can make the 53 man roster later in August.

I have seen draft experts give the Vikes anywhere from an A to a C- and I have also seen plenty of fan speak again people who either like or love the picks and I have also heard people with their dislike. I read Sunday an article with Vikes GM, Rick Spielman say he had fellow GM’s congratulate the team on the picks.

Does anyone really know how these players will do? All the mock drafts and fan wants are finally done.

I know I wanted an Offensive lineman with the first pick and that did not happen and instead at pick 30 the team took a cornerback.

I will admit the entire first round players drafted in the NFL I have heard of and even some of the 2^nd but honestly the rest a very small percent I have ever heard of.

I love football so much and IU honestly don’t read book but when it comes to drafts I enjoy reading bios from different sources and after reading I am excited as I am every year to see the now 2018 Vikings draft class.

Let’s start with Mike Hughes, first round pick 30 comes out of Central Florida and I found he went to school there in 2017 after transferring from another school. Central Florida ended last year undefeated and Hughes was a big part of it. Mike had 44 tackles and 4 interceptions in 2017 and he also is a talented kick returner with 20 returns for 635 yards and 2 TD’s and punt return he had 13 for 233 and 1 TD. His big thing here is versatility and  I look for him to compete for the Nickelback and compete with Mackenzie Alexander and Terrance Newman who is 39 still is awesome but how many more years does he have in him?

2^nd round the team took Brian O’Neil with the 62^nd pick out of Pittsburgh University. Brian came to Pitt as a tight end and was converted to Offensive tackle and played there the last 3 yards. O’’Neil is 6’7” and 297 and with that comes the statement that Brian is extremely quick and athletic. O’Neil ran the 40 in 4.82 in the combine which was the fastest amongst all O-Linemen. Brian only allowed 1 sack in his last 2 years and can play right or left tackle.

4th round the team drafted out of Ohio State at pick 102, Jalyn Holmes who is 6’5” and 283 pounds. Holmes had 84 tackles of which 40 were solo, also had 5 sacks, 14 tackles for loss, 3 forced fumbles, and 2 fumble recoveries. Jalyn is the 12^th Buckeye drafted by the Vikes in their history. I was really hoping for additional depth on both lines and with O’Neil and now Holmes we have 2 more to compete.

5^th round Tyler Conklin was taken at pick 157 coming out of Central Michigan and is 6’7” and weighs 240. I loved the highlights I saw on him and his big asset id his athleticism. The Vikes have added another tight end weapon to join Kyle Rudolph and Davis Morgan. Conklin had 83 catches, 1159 yards and 11 TD’s in his career. Tyler is his senior year came up huge with 35 catches, 504 yards and 5 TD’s.

5^th round saw the team trade up and take at pick 167, Kicker, Daniel Carlson who is 6’5 “ and 213. The last tall kicker I remember in purple was Steven Hauschka who was in camp when Ryan Longwell was here.  Daniel is the highest drafted kicker by the Vikes in their history. Carlson kicked for Auburn University had 480 career points, was 92-114 in FG and 198-198 in extra points. Carlson was a 3 time Lou Groza award finalist,2 time SEC scoring champ, 2 time SEC first team All-conference. He was also Special team’s player of the year in the SEC both 2016 and 2017.

The 6^th round saw Colby Gossett and was the 213 pick out of Appalachian State. Once again the team got some more offensive line help. Gossett was called by Mel Kuiper Jr an “under the radar gem.” He played right guard in college but played left guard in the Senior Bowl. This man is incredibly strong as at the combine he did 32 reps of 225 pounds.

The 6^th round saw Ade Aruna at pick 218 out of Tulane University stands 6’5 and weighs 262. This man is extremely talented as he played basketball for many years including AAU where he guarded Timberwolve, Andrew Wiggins and held him to 11 points. Ade started playing football his senior year in high school and the off to college. Ade has 12 sacks in his 4 years at Tulane. The combine saw him with a 38.5 vertical jump and broad jump 10’8” which is the best amongst all best defensive linemen at the combine. Ade trained with former Vike, the great Keith Millard.

The last draft pick came in the 7^th round was Devante Downs with pick 225 out of the University of California. Downs is 6’3”and weighs 245. He played linebacker for the Golden Bears. Downs was hurt his Senior year but before that had 84 tackles in his Junior year.

The Philadelphia Eagles had depth at lines sending wave after wave of defensive lineman and with the Vikes draft I was happy to see the team address this.

I said to start no one truly knows the future but after reading the bios I am happy at least on paper so only time will tell.

Thank you for reading

Purplestick

Credit- Vikings PR for some of the info.

2018 Vikings Draft Party and more

The 2018 NFL draft was finally here and all my waiting to go to US Bank Stadium for the Vikings draft party was finally over we just had to wait to 6:00 when the gates opened and when they did the sight to see hundreds of people wearing their Viking jerseys was a sight I just will never stop smiling. The only negative of the crowd was a fan that had his Eagles Carson Wentz jersey on but I thought Minnesota fans did a nice job of being Minnesota nice.

The draft as you know did not actually start to 7:00 so it was a great time to go down to the ground of US Bank Stadium and walk around and see all they had to offer. The turf was not down so instead was a plastic like flooring and my night turned out electric not literally but everything I touched I got a shock. It was good for a laugh and finally the shock went away.

As we walked around and looked we found your overpriced food vendors but it is part of what we are used to. I did have a brat for 8.00 and my wife had a hot dog for 6 so this was the cheapest we could find as we found a cheeseburger for 11.00.

The experience I have had in the past draft parties is you will see an occasional player walking around and Thursday night we ran into Dalvin Cook who was very nice in taking pictures with fans including my wife and myself. We also ran into former Vike, Ben Leber and Vikes play by play guy, Paul Allen who were also very gracious in stopping.

We continued exploring and found an autograph zone so I asked how much and they said free as 200 wrist bands were to be had free and if you got a wrist band you were guaranteed to get in a line. There were 3 sessions so you pick which session which had 2 players each. You could only pick 1 session so we took the 7:00-8:00 session which had Latavius Murray and Randall McDaniel so we got in line at 7 and met the guys.

We then went over and got a seat to watch the NFL draft. This is one of the best features of going to the party because we have KFAN show with Paul Allen, Pete Bercich and Paul Charchian live and an occasional guest like Dalvin Cook, Latavius Murray and Andrew Sendejo. The guys are live and talking to the crowd but behind them is a huge screen TV that is showing the draft so when the Pick is In shows up on TV the talk show stops and the TV is turned up so we can all hear Commissioner Roger Goodell and all his fans booing him announce the teams pick.

We were at the draft party and when your team is pick 30 you know its going to be a long wait unless they trade up so when pick 29 by Jacksonville was called we all saw whether you were at home or at the party you saw on TV the words Vikes on the clock you hope or at least I had hoped they do not trade. We have waited 4 hours with eager anticipation when the Skol chant breaks out and then silence and then the words I love to see appear on the screen, THE PICK IS IN!!!! I have been predicting offensive line and I saw a summary of 8 NFL experts who all had the Vikes take O Line so when the Goodell announced the Vikes take Central Florida’s Mike Hughes, defensive back I think the crowd was a little shocked including myself.

I honestly didn’t know much about Hughes but as the night went on I listened and read I really like this pick and with an already top ranked defense another guy in the fold makes them just that much better.

The draft itself as I look at it saw a lot of things I like and a few surprises. I would like to start with the way the draft started as Commissioner Goodell comes out and with that a huge chorus of booing as he was joined by Troy Aikman, Jason Witten and Roger Staubauch. I personally feel Roger enjoys the booing but this night I credit him with him starting out by saying I can’t believe you are booing these Cowboy players.

One of the greatest stories of the draft came with pick 28 by the Steelers and the man who announced it was Ryan Shazier. The scene of him walking slowly out with a cane and then seeing the people at the draft in tears was amazing and a true tribute to Ryan for staying strong.

I am a big fan of the first 2 picks seeing Baker Mayfield go to the Browns and Sequon Barkley going to the Giants.

It was an historic night with all 5 quarterbacks in Dallas going in the first round. I will say the players outfits were different as pick 32 Lamar Jackson and his green suit.

It was a great night to see 2 brothers go in the first round for a first ever with brothers ass Tremaine Edmunds went 16 to Buffalo and 28^th pick Terrell Edmunds going to the Steelers.

I really think some of these teams hit home runs as I love Brandon Chubbs going to Denver Broncos, the  Bears taking Raquon Smith and look how the Bears have had successful linebackers.

The pick by Atlanta Calvin Ridley out of Alabama now joins for Crimson Tide player Julio Jones as Atlanta made their wide outs scarier.

How about the Patriots taking Sony Michel running back out of Georgia as I feel this kid has a dream team to play on.

The surprises to me to name a few was: Cleveland Browns having a chance to take Chubbs take Denzel Ward out of Ohio State. The Saints trading up 12 picks to the Green Bay Packers and see the Saints take Marcus Davenport out of UTSA. The speculation I heard was the reason they went up this far was to take QB, Lamar Jackson. The Buffalo Bills make a trade which is fine but they gave up way too much and then they take Josh Allen when most felt Josh Rosen would be the Bills quarterback.

The storyline of 2 former Vikes quarterbacks, Sam Bradford goes to Arizona for massive money and the Cardinals pick QB, Josh Rosen. How about the New York Jets sign Teddy Bridgewater and the Jets take with the 3^rd pick QB, Sam Darnold. The Jets would not take a QB at 3 if they wanted Teddy to be the man. I guess I feel bad for both Bradford and Bridgewater but I guess time will tell.

It’s only the first day with so many storylines with Friday and Saturday to come. As a huge Vikings/NFL fan I can’t wait.

Thanks for reading

Purplestick

2018 Vikes schedule full of great challenges

The 2017 season ended not the way I wanted but looking at the record and seeing just how good it was including winning the NFC North title the next season will reflect on the previous year and thus you are given a first place schedule.

The speculation for as long as I can remember was the first game of the year would be a Thursday night trip to Philadelphia which made logical sense to me but when I watched the NFL schedule reveal show it did show in fact the rumor was wrong. I will admit I saw most of the afternoon on twitter that the first game was leaked so I had a hunch.

Yes,Week 1 the home opener vs the up and coming San Francisco 49ers and we as Viking fans will see the return of Jerick McKinnon.

The first month we see 2 home and 2 away games and all 4 games are going to be extremely tough because after facing the 49ers the team gets to go to Lambeau and face a hungry Aaron Rodgers and company. What an early showdown this will be.

The next 2 sees the purple play at home vs the Buffalo Bills and then head west to face 2017 surprise playoff team although the way the Rams played last season the playoff was well earned. This is a very scary team as we have seen the Rams dump a lot of money in free agency to better the defense and I believe they succeeded. The game is also magnified even more as it is a Thursday night prime time game.

The month of October again sees 2 home and 2 away and the first away game of the month? None other than the Super Bowl champion, Philadelphia Eagles. Are we going to hear a lot more of horrifying fans stories and this game is a 3:25 Fox National TV game so I believe there will be tv viewer records shattered with this game.

The end of September saw the Vikes go west to face the Rams and the next week fly out east for the big rematch vs the Eagles. Can you say frequent flyer miles?

The team will come home after the Eagles game and face Sam Bradford and the Arizona Cardinals. I would love to see Sam do great in 2018 except vs the Vikings. I am also wondering if this will be the last year for Super Star Wide Receiver, Larry Fitzgerald?

The Vikes get to fly east again as they go play the New York Jets and for the 2^nd week in a row face a quarterback on last year’s roster in Teddy Bridgewater. I have no idea if he will be the starter but just know he will be on the Jets roster.

The team comes back home to end the month of October and who do they face? The New Orleans Saints with this game I believe will be the most intense home game of the 2018 campaign knowing the last home game of 2017 with the Minneapolis Miracle catch by Stefon Diggs. I feel very secure in saying the Saints will have not forgotten losing a game on a miracle play.

The month of November sees only 3 games as the Vikes will have a bye in Week 10. The month starts out with a home game vs the Detroit Lions so this will be the 2nd home game in a row following the Saints game.

The bye follows and then it’s off to the Windy City and face the tough Bears in their own stadium. It’s hard to get a win there although last season the Vikes pulled off a Monday night win.

The next week another NFC North team comes to US Bank for a Sunday night National TV game as we see the Green Bay Packers come back to the scene where Aaron Rodgers got hurt and ended his season very early on. I can’t even imagine the 2 fan bases and just how loud it will be as I can only imagine.

The last month of the season sees 5 games with 2 home and 3 away with the first one at New England for a 3:25 tilt. The next week sees the team flies west again for a Monday night game at Seattle in the stadium with the 12^th man. The team then comes back and faces the Miami Dolphins then goes to Detroit before closing out the 2018 regular season campaign with the Chicago Bears once again for like the 100^th time in a row. I love NFC North battles but honestly can’t the NFL change the last week opponent just one time?

Overall it is great to get 2 out 3 at home to start the season and 2 out of 3 at home to end the season.

The draft is next weekend and each of these teams will be adding draft choices but I just wanted to speculate about the potentials.

Football is a sport I just can’t get enough of and when I have a chance to wrote my thoughts I want to take full advantage.

Thanks for reading

Purplestick

Super Bowl week memories keep on forming

As Super Bowl week is now upon us and the Vikes have to wait another year I am too big of football fan not to want to take everything I can on this. My mindset is I have no idea if the big game will be back in Minnesota my lifetime so the time is now to do everything I can with no regrets.

Yes last Saturday my wife took in the Super Bowl experience at the Minneapolis Convention Center for the price of 35.00 each.

This was one of the best things I have ever done in my life that was sports related other than Viking events. We stood in line 45 minutes and got to see and get a picture with the Lombardi Trophy. We visited a small sampling of Canton, Ohio and just took in NFL history left and right as the day goes down in my mind as unforgettable. I can’t speak highly enough of the day and so hope fans can get there before it’s all over.

I wanted also to get up to Mall of America and take in what’s known as radio row. I got to the Mall really not knowing what I was getting into as I went up escalators to the 3^rd floor food court and there it was, radio row.

Wow was my first initial taking in thought looking upon seeming less endless tables full of radio stations all in action. It at first was overwhelming trying to figure out where to stands and watch but as I watched people they seemed to keep moving all in one direction.

The line would stop as a former NFL player was spotted amongst the radio stations being interviewed. I was in jaw dropping awe as I saw Hall of Famer, Terell Davis being interviewed by ESPN’s Stephen A Smith. If this was not a perfect photo op I don’t know what is.

I kept walking and found the NFL access area and who was in there? I saw at times Kurt Warner, Brian Billick, and then Terrell Davis later.

You keep walking and I spot a CBS booth a little higher up and I see Jim Rome conducting an interview with Carolina Panther tight end, Greg Olson.

This was an event where I simply could not stand in one spot as the people watching was as intense as I can ever remember.

I looked through radio row and spot Charles Haley, Melvin Gordon, Matt Birk, Nate Burleson, Terrell Owens, Ronde Barber, Travis Kelce just to name a few players.

The radio best of the best were up and running with the best talk radio hosts from all over the US right here at MOA.

There were a few separate booths conducting interviews and I found Greg Jennings in action. I came back to the mob of tables known as radio row and saw on a higher perch the Doug Gotlieb show and there he was interviewing Michael Irvin.

There are signs all over that state no autographs and that is ok because I took more pictures than I could ever have dreamed of seeing NFL stars past and present.

I left for a while and took a walk and looked over a railing on the north side of MOA and saw Sirius radio set up in 3 different booths.

The thing about walking the MOA on a week like this is you must keep your eyes open at all time because who have no idea what celebrity you may or may not run into.

I was just walking and minding my own business when I see 5 or 6 security so I figured something was up and then I see Vikings player, Xavier Rhodes coming.

The same area I saw Rhodes I noticed a bunch of fans over in an area with a Patriots sign that said access media so the curious person I am went over to wait and see who is coming like everyone else that was waiting.

I then saw what the fans were looking for as I saw Bill Belichick heading back to his hotel area after his press conference. A little while later I saw Tom Brady heading to the media area so I tried to get a good picture but the good picture did not turn out as I hoped but oh well I did get a picture pf Brady. It seemed strange as Tom headed to the media in regular clothes and later his teammates were coming and they were in all their white jerseys. We could not get very close and that is ok I was just excited for my first time in my life to see a Super team in person during Super Bowl week.

The thing about this day is was a complete football day with just not the Vikings its was players and fans from teams all over the NFL. It was awesome to see Jaguar, Bengals, Steelers, Broncos fans to name a few teams.

I also had a great privilege to be interviewed by a TV station out of Jacksonville, Florida called Newsaction Jax. I had my Purple hoodie on that said Skol on it and the Jacksonville people wanted to talk to a Vikings fan to talk about how I handled the loss as their beloved Jaguars too fell to the Patriots so here we have 2 fan bases talking about our period of mourning which I thought was outstanding.

The radio row continues into the weekend so if you have time please by all means go up and take it in. It is a lifetime memory waiting to happen.

Thank you for reading

Purplestick

Go Patriots

Super Bowl Experince is a MUST GO

Minneapolis is hosting Super Bowl 52 and even though my beloved Vikings are not in it I still wanted to go to the Super Bowl Experience in Minneapolis.

We had bought tickets about 2 weeks ago online for 35.00 each and the site has you choose a date and time. We chose Saturday and we picked 12:00pm. You can pick any hour you want and I am guessing they do this to avoid massive amounts of fans all showing up at once. Don’t worry the every hour does not mean you have to leave in an hour after you get there you could stay all day if you want.

We parked and walked to the Convention Center and as we got there we went through security which was outside the Center but we went through and into the building we went having no idea really what would all be involved in the day.

We entered and to the right were all the NFL helmets on display except for the Vikings which was in front of us and there we found several found fans taking pictures by it.

We also found a huge display in which there was a Super Bowl countdown active as seconds, minutes and hours are ticking down so we got a picture in front of that.

We then entered a place where they scan your tickets and after that I felt as though I had died and found football heaven.

We walked into an enormous room which had a great touch of purple lighting throughout it. I can’t even describe how big this room is. One of the main attractions in the room was the Lombardi Trophy on display to the public so we got in a line and waited about 45 minutes but we made it and saw the trophy and got our picture by it. It is cool because on the way up to the Lombardi Trophy is the NFC trophy in a display case and after the Lombardi Trophy is the AFC trophy in a display case. What else does this room have you ask? They have several NFL players lockers on display including Adam Thielen’s, Matthew Stafford, AJ Green, Tom Brady just to name a few.

There is also the Man of the Year Award in a display case with player pictures displayed with this year 32 finalist.  There is also a wall of all 32 teams’ helmets on display. In one corner all the Super Bowl Rings are on display. There is an area where all the Super Bowl tickets are on display hanging over the area and this is a place you can get your picture taken and then have any Super Bowl ticket you want as your background.

I also found an NFL access where you can make a video and they send it by way of email to you. The key to this and all things is make sure you get the Super Bowl app because you will find it is needed for so much In there.

I found the set where the NFL Network will be this week. We also walked around and all 32 team mannequins are on display with jersey and helmet so each fan of each team can get a picture with their respective mannequin.

We also found an area where the Wilson football is made as you watch step by step. This is so cool to see the process of just how a football is formed.

The  amount of things to do for kids is mind boggling as well with 40 yard dash, football throws, punting, kicking, and just fun things to do. You must realize everything has a line so if you don’t mind lines you are set to have a blast.

The Convetion Center has 3 floors of Super Bowl related things. There are so may photo ops wherever you look. We found so many cool things to do like go to the Canton, Ohio mini set up and you will see  8-9 busts including Cris Carter, Bud Grant, Alan Page, Brett Favre, and Curly Lambeau to name a few. We also waited in line there and went inside a dark room where you sit on a stool and you have your picture taken which they make into your own Hall of Fame bust in picture form.

We found an area where you can put a head set on and view a replay and listen how clear thet people are talking to you on their thoughts if the play is good or not. We also found a place where you can either put a helmet on a hold it up next to your ear and your partner can talk by way the NFL does calling the play into your headset.

When you are walking just keep your eyes open as there is so much to see as again we found a stage set up like the NFL draft so you go on stage hold up your favorite team jersey which all have # 1 on it and again the workers take a picture and it’s emailed to you by way of the Super Bowl App.

There are plenty of bathrooms available as well of choices of food as it’s up to you on what sounds good to you.

There are huge wall hangings all over the Convention Center which has so much fascinating Football history to read about.

We also found a pretty good size area where it’s an auction area where you can bid on NFL memorabilia.

This Convention Center has as much NFL history in it as you may ever find anywhere. I also thought as much stuff as they have in there it is really is pretty organized.

Oh yeah the people who enjoy the Autograph gig it’s free and again there are lines. I l know Saturday players such as Matt Birk, former Gopher and current Raven, Maxx Williams, Tar Waynes, Eric Kendrick. Jerick McKinnon, David Morgan were just some of the names autographing throughout the day.

If you are a football fan and can handle crowds I can’t be higher on recommending a day in Minneapolis or more. It’s got everything a football fan could ever want in one building.

I believe you could easily make it a day and if not head to Nicolet Avenue and more overwhelming sights such as a skating rink, a warming bench, live stage, ice sculptures, a small snow hill in the middle of the street and lots of food vendors along streets as well.

I ask of you to think of doing this because who knows when the next time Minnesota will host a Super Bowl. The ticket for the Convention Center is 35.00 and the Nicollet area is free to enter just costs if you buy anything.

Have a great Super Bowl week

Thanks for reading

Purplestick

Vikes magical run with much hope yet

I have been a Minnesota Vikings fan my whole life whether the team wins or loses. Have I had heartbreak? Absolutely!! My first year of season tickets was 1998 when I watched the Falcons do the Dirty Bird at the Metrodome. My wife and I flew to New Orleans for the 2010 NFC title game between the Vikes and Saints. It was just last year the team started out 5-0 and the talk of the media in their first season in US Bank Stadium and then we watched them win only 3 more games all year and finish 8-8.

The offseason comes and I look forward to the combine then the draft and I am pumped up again for another season and then when Training Camp comes I al overcome with hype and excitement created by myself.

I am 52 going on 53 in January but the number 52 has so much meaning as it was the 52^nd and last Training Camp ever in Mankato and Super Bowl in Minnesota is 52 and the retirement of 52, Chad Greenway.

This Training Camp was so emotional for me as  I had spent the last 24 years going to camp. I had met so many wonderful fans, watched hundreds of hours of practice in the Mankato heat, met and got pictures with over 400 different players through the years and the autographs and keepsakes made this camp so hard knowing this was it. I went to school at MSU-Mankato and have seen 2 of my daughters graduate from there so the ties and bond to this school just was extra full of emotion living through the nothing is forever is so real.

The home opener came on 9/11 and Adrian Peterson came back to US Bank with his New Orleans Saints in what was a major media hype game. What a storybook with long time Vikes, AP coming back to face his old teammates. The NFL had to love this storyline in hopes the viewership would sky rocket. Peterson’s first carry was good for 8 or 9 yards but after that is was Vikes defense shutting him down. It was strange but real hearing the boo birds every time Adrian’s name was mentioned over the PA system at US Bank. The Vikes took care of business and started the year out 1-0.

The Vikes traveled to Pittsburgh which I feel is a very tough place to play and what made it even harder is after watching Sam Bradford throw for 83 percent completion vs the Saints he was out this game and the beginning of Case Keenum’s taking over the quarterback duty. The Vikes lost and I guess I was ok knowing it was only 1 game with 14 left.

The Vikes had 3 losses on the season and maybe the most disappointing to me was the 14-7 loss to the Detroit Lions at home which was the team’s only home loss on the season. Yes, a loss to Carolina was tough to take but in that game just too many mistakes but in the Lions game I don’t remember seeing anything I liked in a totally flat game.

The Vikes faced a Bears team on Monday night football and we got the news the Bears would start the #2 overall pick, Mitchell Trubisky in  a Bears home game. I thought oh boy this is all we need.

The Bears game that night might have the most meaning to me all season for different reasons. I got a call on Friday October 6^th my dad had choked and was taken to the hospital so I headed up to St. Paul Region not knowing I was coming into. I got there and found him on life support and on Sunday October 8^th my dad passed away at the age of 74. He was a Bears fan but also a Vikings fan so to see him die the day before the Bears-Vikes game was extra emotional.

It was the craziest rest of the seasons for me seeing the team I love go on an incredible run only losing 1 game I may have ever been part of as a fan.

The road wins which I know the team does not typically have good luck on we saw different with road wins in Washington, Atlanta in their brand new stadium and the Lions on Thanksgiving Day. Is this our year?

I will never forget the touchdown celebrations by the team with the Leap Frog, Duck Duck Grey Duck, or how about the soccer slide by Thielen in London? I loved Stefon Diggs in the home game vs the Bears after he scored and reenacted Dorothy from Wizard of Oz clicking his heels 3 times, there is no place like home. I give an A plus for this fun in the end zone all 2017 season.

This whole season was next man up as we saw rookie sensation, Dalvin Cook go down for the year and see Latavius Murray and Jerick McKinnon take over and what a job. The turnovers we have seen in the past by running backs just did not happen this season.

The offensive line last season may be the worst I have ever seen in my life at any level and this 2017 season we see rookie center, Pat Eflein come in and anchor maybe one of the best Vikes OLines I have seen in some time.

How about the team losing their long snapper and tight end David Morgan step in never having snapped and did such a good job he got the game ball from Coach Zimmer.

Case Keenum I could not be happier for as he had an unreal regular season. His guiding the team to this incredible run thus far has been so fun to watch. I offer up the same as the running backs and that was the very few interceptions Keenum threw has to be complimented. I say this about Case and that is I don’t know if he would win a 100 yard dash but his asset to me is his quickness. The amount of times defenses got almost to him and with his quickness to escape a pass rush. He was almost like a version of Houdini with his disappearing acts on apparent sacks to be.

The year Adam Thielen has had thus far has to be a top 5 NFL story. A kid out of Detroit Lakes High School and onto Minnesota State University to make it on the team as an undrafted free agent and with his year his jersey sales were a top 5 in the NFL. He hauls in a career high 90 catches and breaks the 1000 yards mark being the first wide out since 2009 to do so when Sidney Rice did it.

The year Stefon Diggs has had thus far becoming the fast to reach the200 catch mark in his career with the Vikes taking only 40 games to do so with Randy Moss and Percy Harvin taking 42 catches. The receptions he made at times during the season in double coverages were jaw dropping. The incredible catches while getting pounded and yet hanging onto the ball leaves a fan speechless.

The defense I could write a 10 page or more on my thoughts on their performance this season. We saw Everson Griffen get a sack in 8 straight games and ended the regular season with 13. The performance by Linval Joseph all year has been awesome with opponents having very little success running up the middle.

The linebacker play by Anthony Barr and Eric Kedricks leaves me speechless at home games watching their pursuit all game sideline to sideline has been amazing.

The secondary has been incredible with Xavier “Rhodes closed” Rhodes game in and game out shutting down such guys as Julio Jones, AJ Green and whoever the Packers would put out there.

The man who needs my praise is Trae Waynes who has showed more and more each game why the Vikes thought so highly of him. I thought he may have played his best game of the season at home vs the Bears.

It’s stillhard to believe when the Vikes shutout the Packers at Lambeau was the first shutout in 24 seasons. I guess if it’s going to happen what better place to have it happen.

The Vikes finished the season #1 in the NFL in defense which I can’t speak highly enough of.  The home games with the crowd noise and the defense being so stifling makes me super excited to see the Purple take on anyone at US Bank. I say good luck to whoever comes here.

It’s been a magical year thus far and seeing so many national media predicting the Vikes will represent the NFL in the Super Bowl. Las Vegas has the Vikes with 2^nd best odds at 4:1 to win the Super Bowl behind the 2:1 Patriots.

Will the Vikes be the first team in NFL history to play in their own stadium in the Super Bowl? I hope so with all my heart. My hope id my dad will be looking over my shoulder in rooting on my team at US Bank.

Thanks for reading

Go Vikes

Purplestick

SKOL!!!!!