The Favre Drama: Our Fault, or His?

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The halfway point of the NFL season is preparing to be a faded afterthought for most NFL fans, and as we begin to usher in the latter half, media outlets are still being inundated with article, after article regarding Favre, and the drama that has become synonymous with the old graybeard gunslinger.

Whether you’re a Viking fan basking in his unheralded talent to lead a team—any team it sometimes seems—to victory, or a Packers fan seething at his departure, and coined “betrayal”— classic—or if you’re just an innocent NFL bystander caught up in the melee centralized mainly in the NFC North, the all too familiar news of Favre has become a bit overwhelming.

But who is to blame.

Sure, Favre appeared to dupe everyone with the press conference show of tears the first time around, as well as the comments made about Thompson.

Then there was the curious cell phone calls to not only Childress, but also Mangini, that eventually landed him in the big apple.

And of course, for those of you with a short memory, the last minute acquisition by the Vikings neatly presented to the public with a nifty limo escort to the practice field.

But although all of these things warrant a great deal of questions, and even jaded emotions, are they enough to justify the ever apparent obsession? Is all of this truly his fault?

To me, this isn’t about betrayal, or a shady character getting over on—not only the NFL fans but the entire NFL—or even a bitter, Wrangler jean wearing, old timer from the south.

Favre’s constant departure, and re-emergence into the NFL has been about what he loves to do most—play football.

The Packers thought it was time to move on, and give their QB of the future a chance, yes they may have interfered with Favre going to a rival team—something we won’t ever truly know—but that leaves him without fault in the matter, should those allegations really be true.

The Jets had already committed to bringing in Sanchez if they found him available in the draft, and with all the other moves in personnel, and Favre’s injury, the situation was handled in a gossamer type fashion that left Favre the odd man out.

All of this is popularly considered to be hi in to finally getting to Minnesota to exact revenge against the Packers, and TT.

Really? A professional football player that is already enshrined in the HOF for all intents and purposes, an individual who has shattered every record available to break, a man of his level of leadership went back home, and sat at his kitchen table drawing up Phase Three of his diabolical vengeance mission?

C’mon.

The drama that surrounds Favre, and the continuance of his “saga” rest within the countless articles being ushered out over, and over again by the same people who write more about him than any other topic looking to increase read count.

It is this type of topic that is even creating full blown arguments—watch there’s bound to be one here I’m sure.

As true football fans, we should realize that the man simply wants to play football, nothing more, and it is us who should let him play. His offseason antics are a thing of the past, Aaron Rodgers is the man in Green Bay, which means Favre needs to be let go, and the drama that surrounds him is something we all must remember is a creation by us more than it is by him .

I know this will be the last article of this type regarding Favre I ever write, and it was only my second, what about you?

Read more Minnesota Vikings news on BleacherReport.com

A Season To Remember for Vikings Fans: Will It Continue?

Brett Favre has beaten all 32 NFL teams. The Vikings are 5-0 for the first time since 2003. The defense still has yet to allow a single 100-yard rusher (that’s now 28 straight games, for those counting) not to mention a rushing touchdown this season.

The Vikes won their 400th franchise victory in Week Five, and Baltimore basically comes limping to the barn in an attempt to put a stop to the Vikings' success.

And to think, it’s only Week Six.

Minnesota has very quietly been putting together one of its best seasons thus far that I can remember, not only with milestone after milestone being achieved, but taking care of business on both sides of the ball—a familiarity Vikings’ fans are not used to having.

For the Vikings and their fans, it has always been one or the other.

Whether it was a great rushing attack but horrible passing, great run defense but terrible coverage, all of the loose ends have come together in a nifty little package that has Vikings fans racing to the couch every Sunday and thinking deep postseason run or even—dare I say it—Super Bowl!

So here we are, near the halfway point, and on the horizon is the Baltimore Ravens—a team once known for their own dominant defense and currently known for their newfound offensive prowess, much like the Vikings; the similarity is eerie.

But there are a couple of key separations, aren’t there?

Not to take anything away from Joe Flacco, but he is no Favre. Not to take anything away from the Ravens’ backfield, but they aren’t the gruesome two-some of Adrian Peterson and Chester Taylor—remember him, Baltimore?

Not to say the Ravens wide receivers are underproducing, but they surely aren’t up to the level of Sidney Rice, Bernard Berrian, and Visanthe Shiancoe.

But with all this said, the true mark of a Championship team is, well, quite frankly, to ignore such things. It is far easier to ride the wave of emotion that is synonymous with a 5-0 start; it is even easier to fall victim to overconfidence when you're king of the NFC mountain (or, in this case, splitting a time share with New York and New Orleans).

Championship teams turn a blind eye and a deaf ear to such frivolities, and the Vikings would be wise to do the same, and I think they will.

This team looks different, it acts different, it plays with a purpose, and it plays well. The Vikings are beginning to show themselves —and, vicariously through themselves, their fans—that they have finally grown up, that they have maturated into a quality team bound for greatness this year and not “down the road.”

But it’s been a long time coming for Vikings fans.

Since 2003—even as far back as 1998, some would say—the Vikings organization, and its loyal fan base, has been waiting to see the ascent of a team superior to the previous ones that found their way into the postseason only to come up short.

Gone are the days of Leroy Hoard, Robert Smith, Cris Carter, Jake Reed, John Randal, Randal McDaniel, and Randal Cunningham; here are the days of new thanks to Adrian Peterson, Chester Taylor, Sidney Rice, Bernard Berrian, Ray Edwards, Jared Allen, and Brett Favre.

You decide which team is better, or just wait until the end of the season.

But, as I said before, there is something that is just different about this group of guys in comparison to any other team in the past.

Is it the magic of Favre at the helm? Is it the imposing and often unstoppable Adrian Peterson? Is it the unrelenting motor of the defensive line? Is it the record upon record being shattered as the season progresses?

No, it’s none of these things.

This team posses that one extra little factor that we as football fans just simply know exists. You don’t speak of it in definition, you probably can’t explain it, but you know it to be truth. It’s that little something extra you feel in your bones when you watch your team play week in and week out.

Peterson has been shut down, but he keeps on coming; Favre was sacked nine times in the first three games, but the O-line has seemingly fixed that; the defense has been soft in covering when blitzing, but has made up for it in the pass rush—no matter how many guys you have blocking, they still get to the quarterback.

But this will all be for naught if the Vikes can’t continue their newfound success.

The Vikings are on a path of change and enlightenment, one that shows what they are capable of doing with a little glimpse into what can be.

They have all the right weapons, they have all the proper ethic and technique, they have Pro Bowl players all over the place, and everything is wrapped up nicely in a little package with a little extra something inside that, in time, will be the deciding factor between a great team and greatness!

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Check out Vikings Vindication for a full game preview of the upcoming Ravens matchup and show some love!

Read more Minnesota Vikings news on BleacherReport.com

Baby Steps Turn Into Leaps And Bounds for Vikings: Is A 5-0 Start Next?

Since Frazier arrived and overhauled the defense in ’06, it’s been nothing short of sheer success with two and half years of being rated number one against the run.

Since the arrival and cultivation of Adrian Peterson, the Vikings running game has turned from pretty good, to the top rushing attack in the NFC.

Since Brett Favre arrived, the Vikings total offense went from a one sided attack to team nobody wants to face.

A couple of years ago, most Vikings fans would’ve never imagined that their team would be one of the best in the NFC let alone the NFL, but here we are in 2009 and that reality is not only showing itself to be truth, but glaring back at the rest of the league as if to say” Oh yeah, we’re the real deal!”

On Sunday, the Vikings put a couple of monumental records on the line as they face a Rams team that is viewed as the worst or the worst, but this is precisely the type of situation that defines a team.

The Rams are 0-4 and the Vikings are 4-0 which lends itself to the “oh so common” NFL upset of the week.

Too often do we hear that familiar story—after the game, of course, right?—of a team that got too complacent and overly confident in themselves; so much that it blinded them from the actual task at hand—winning.

But the impending upset is worth more than most realize in that, a Vikings’ victory after the emotional roller coaster game last week vs. the Pack, and the physically demanding brawl with the 49ers two weeks ago, will solidify their status as an elite team in the NFL and prove to the naysayers that yes, this team has finally maturated into a series contender.

But it is that proverbial hump that most teams never prevail over, relegating them to years of mediocrity and speculation.

A victory over the Rams would do several things:

1. Stopping Steven Jackson would be nice, and it would prove the run D is legit; keeping Jackson under 100 rushing yards would extend an impressive 26-game streak of not allowing any one rusher over 100 yards to 27—an unprecedented achievement.

2. Beating the Rams would lift the Vikings to 5-0—the first 5-0 start since 2003—and again would prove to themselves, more importantly, that they are now a complete package with a solid D and an explosive O.

3. The victory would surely begin the process of separation from the rest of the competition, leaving only the Saints as a true test of their metal.

But all of this rests on whether or not the Vikings can actually achieve such great feats; this guys thinks it’s more of a possibility than ever before.

On Sunday, for Vikings’ fans, there is going to be a great deal of unrest combined with anticipation that will be nothing like they have ever experienced before.

When the day is through, there will be more Vikings’ fans sleeping with smiles on their faces than all the children in the world on Christmas Eve.

For a game preview and total Vikings coverage, visit my column Vikings Vindication.

Read more Minnesota Vikings news on BleacherReport.com

Vikings vs. 49ers: Brett Favre Stuns San Francisco with Comeback

For those of you still debating whether or not Favre still has it: apparently, he does.

With no less than two seconds left on the clock in a heated battle with San Francisco, the Vikings—led by Favre, not Peterson—cemented their 3-0 start with a stellar pass from Favre to Greg Lewis, who "cat-walked" his way to a TD.

Driving down the field against a stout zone coverage package that wreaked havoc on Favre all day, the master of the comeback did it yet again, threading the proverbial needle as only Favre can.

San Francisco did—literally—everything they could to stave off a Vikings victory. The 49ers created disruption up front, and they stifled the run just enough so that it was ineffective, but in the end, it was Favre’s uncanny ability to take a team—any team—on one helluva pinch drive to victory.

In the victory Favre became the first Viking to pass for over 300 yards since Dante Culpepper, who is now tending to a boo-boo on his toe in Detroit.

There has been a lot of speculation as to whether or not Favre could still “be the man” so to speak, and lead a team into the throngs of a two minute or less drill to the end zone—a speculation that should be put to rest today.

Peterson was average, surmounting 85 yards with a 4.5 yards-per-carry average, and the receiving corps really starred despite low expectations.

This victory, and the fashion in which it was achieved, set up a huge stage for next week’s match-up between the Packers and Vikings. Clearly, both teams still have some issues to deal with on defense, but Favre’s last minute heroics prove that the Pack will have their hands full.

The Vikings defense did, however, have a terrible time stopping the 49ers’ exploitation of the zone coverage—and San Francisco's biggest playmaker was Vernon Davis. Minnesota should have a tougher time with a Packers team that employs multiple receivers and looks, setting up this game as the one to watch next week.

But for now, the Vikings and Favre are going to relish in a little magic—which was the main reason for bringing him to Minnesota in the first place.

The question is, can Green Bay stop the magician next week, or will the Vikes roll to a seemingly unstoppable 4-0 start.

Read more Minnesota Vikings news on BleacherReport.com

Fantasy Football Playbook: Seeing the Field for What Could Be

 

The drafts are alive and well. The Fantasy articles for football are coming at us in a torrent pace, and in just under four weeks the regular season will open up, ushering in a new season filled with hopes and promises—both of which are on the plate of coaches and Fantasy managers.

As we get set, week one will introduce some interesting matchups that will surely have the advantage of yielding a great start out of the gate. Conversely, there are some other matchups that may be worthwhile staying clear of.

The first week of football is always the hardest. It is a time that is shrouded in more guess work than actual stats since it is…well, the first game of the year.

Let’s take a look at some games that could, or could not, be advantageous.

 

Minnesota @ Cleveland: Advantageous

The high powered rushing attack of the Vikings will start the year against Cleveland’s 26th ranked defense of last year. The Browns made some adjustments in the offseason but to think they are at the caliber of play to handle Minnesota’s myriad of weapons would be giving the Browns way too much credit.

Peterson should have a field day against a rather mediocre Cleveland D-line, and considering whomever is the starting QB for the Vikes you can bet Peterson will be utilized both on the ground and out of the backfield to help ease in either Sage or Tavaris in week one.

 

Detroit @ New Orleans: Advantageous

I think it is important to mention that Detroit’s defense was ranked 12th overall and they really weren’t all that bad. It is also worth mentioning that Drew freaking Brees is passing the ball—nuff said.

One of the other points to this matchup could be the points garnered from the Saints’ defense. Their defense will be significantly better, and considering last year’s collapse down the stretch this team is going to be playing with a chip on their shoulder and Detroit will be the first unlucky victim.

 

Tennessee @ Pittsburgh: Disadvantageous

This has all the markings of a low scoring non-productive contest for Fantasy owners straight across the board. The Steelers were the No. 1 ranked defense; the Titans No. 7.

Last year the Titans held the Steelers to just 73 yards on the ground and stole two picks from Big Ben. The Steelers held Johnson to a measly 69 yards rushing while grabbing a pick of their own in route to a  31-14 victory.

The offensive side of this lopsided score were primarily due to goal line scoring; something that won’t be as easy this time around against Pittsburgh.

 

San Diego @ Oakland: Advantageous

Rivers is healthy, Gates is healthy and the word out of camp is that L.T. has his mojo back. If you add in Jackson, Sproles, and the Charger defense that is sure to be far better than a year ago, fantasy managers who own anyone with a Charger jersey are sure to reap some benefits in this matchup.

The Raiders, on the other hand, were at the bottom of the ranking barrel last year and the Chargers beat up on them pretty good in both contests—par for the course this year.

 

Chicago @ Green Bay: Chance

The last time these two teams opened the season the Packers were blanked 26-0 by the Bears; that was 2006.

Last year, the Packers gained 487 yards in the air and 265 on the ground in two combined meetings.

The Bears gained 444 yards in the air and 287 on the ground in two meetings.

Green Bay has a new defensive system that they think will pay dividends, and the Bears have a new quarterback, Cutler, who they think will give the team a better edge.

Cutler is 0-1 vs. Green Bay and the season series at Lambeau is tied 37-37-4.

I don’t see the ground game doing anything special for either team and if anything at all Rodgers may have a good game. This one is a pick, take your chances if you’re feeling lucky.

 

Other Points of Interest for September:

Kyle Orton has the best opportunity in September to post big numbers in the air as his Broncos will face the Bengals, Browns, and Raiders in the month.

Adrian Peterson has the best opportunity in September to post big numbers on the ground as the Vikings will face the Browns, Lions, and 49ers in the month.

Kevin Boss should see plenty of endzone TDs against Washington, Dallas, and Tampa considering the receivers will still be adjusting.

The Vikings, Chargers, and Steelers all have favorable games in September for managers looking to generate points for the defensive side of the ball.

The Dolphins, Panthers, and Rams will have their hands full in September so start any players you have from those teams cautiously.

 

 

 

 

Fantasy Football Playbook: Seeing the Field for What Could Be

 

The drafts are alive and well. The Fantasy articles for football are coming at us in a torrent pace, and in just under four weeks the regular season will open up, ushering in a new season filled with hopes and promises—both of which are on the plate of coaches and Fantasy managers.

As we get set, week one will introduce some interesting matchups that will surely have the advantage of yielding a great start out of the gate. Conversely, there are some other matchups that may be worthwhile staying clear of.

The first week of football is always the hardest. It is a time that is shrouded in more guess work than actual stats since it is…well, the first game of the year.

Let’s take a look at some games that could, or could not, be advantageous.

 

Minnesota @ Cleveland: Advantageous

The high powered rushing attack of the Vikings will start the year against Cleveland’s 26th ranked defense of last year. The Browns made some adjustments in the offseason but to think they are at the caliber of play to handle Minnesota’s myriad of weapons would be giving the Browns way too much credit.

Peterson should have a field day against a rather mediocre Cleveland D-line, and considering whomever is the starting QB for the Vikes you can bet Peterson will be utilized both on the ground and out of the backfield to help ease in either Sage or Tavaris in week one.

 

Detroit @ New Orleans: Advantageous

I think it is important to mention that Detroit’s defense was ranked 12th overall and they really weren’t all that bad. It is also worth mentioning that Drew freaking Brees is passing the ball—nuff said.

One of the other points to this matchup could be the points garnered from the Saints’ defense. Their defense will be significantly better, and considering last year’s collapse down the stretch this team is going to be playing with a chip on their shoulder and Detroit will be the first unlucky victim.

 

Tennessee @ Pittsburgh: Disadvantageous

This has all the markings of a low scoring non-productive contest for Fantasy owners straight across the board. The Steelers were the No. 1 ranked defense; the Titans No. 7.

Last year the Titans held the Steelers to just 73 yards on the ground and stole two picks from Big Ben. The Steelers held Johnson to a measly 69 yards rushing while grabbing a pick of their own in route to a  31-14 victory.

The offensive side of this lopsided score were primarily due to goal line scoring; something that won’t be as easy this time around against Pittsburgh.

 

San Diego @ Oakland: Advantageous

Rivers is healthy, Gates is healthy and the word out of camp is that L.T. has his mojo back. If you add in Jackson, Sproles, and the Charger defense that is sure to be far better than a year ago, fantasy managers who own anyone with a Charger jersey are sure to reap some benefits in this matchup.

The Raiders, on the other hand, were at the bottom of the ranking barrel last year and the Chargers beat up on them pretty good in both contests—par for the course this year.

 

Chicago @ Green Bay: Chance

The last time these two teams opened the season the Packers were blanked 26-0 by the Bears; that was 2006.

Last year, the Packers gained 487 yards in the air and 265 on the ground in two combined meetings.

The Bears gained 444 yards in the air and 287 on the ground in two meetings.

Green Bay has a new defensive system that they think will pay dividends, and the Bears have a new quarterback, Cutler, who they think will give the team a better edge.

Cutler is 0-1 vs. Green Bay and the season series at Lambeau is tied 37-37-4.

I don’t see the ground game doing anything special for either team and if anything at all Rodgers may have a good game. This one is a pick, take your chances if you’re feeling lucky.

 

Other Points of Interest for September:

Kyle Orton has the best opportunity in September to post big numbers in the air as his Broncos will face the Bengals, Browns, and Raiders in the month.

Adrian Peterson has the best opportunity in September to post big numbers on the ground as the Vikings will face the Browns, Lions, and 49ers in the month.

Kevin Boss should see plenty of endzone TDs against Washington, Dallas, and Tampa considering the receivers will still be adjusting.

The Vikings, Chargers, and Steelers all have favorable games in September for managers looking to generate points for the defensive side of the ball.

The Dolphins, Panthers, and Rams will have their hands full in September so start any players you have from those teams cautiously.

 

 

 

 

Randall McDaniel: A Football Hall Of Famer; A Life Already Enshrined.

“ …I am a Viking, I will always be a Viking, everyone knows that.” the soft words spoken by the gentle giant who was paramount for the Vikings organization, and fanbase, for 14 years.

Meet Randall McDaniel.

McDaniel is a soft spoken giant who hails from the desert region of Arizona only to ironically make a home in the tundra of Minnesota.

A low key player who refuted the limelight yet rather let his actions, leadership, and tenacity speak the volumes it did for the consummate pro.

An individual who, aside from football, put the community and his time with children first throughout his long career, and then made those children his new career after his time on the field.

Professionally, there are few that have come along and played Guard with as much speed, agility and tenacity as McDaniels did; there are fewer that achieved the monumental accomplishments McDaniels did.

All Rookie in 1988, 12 Pro Bowl selections AND starts, seven-time First Team All-Pro, as well as 202 consecutive starts between the years 1990 to 2001 without a single missed practice during the same time period.

In 1994 McDaniel’s forged line held opponents to one sack every 22.7 pass attempt.

In 1998, while playing for the incredibly explosive Viking Offense that registered a team record 556 points, McDaniels led the way for the gruesome two-some rushing attack of Leroy Hoard and Robert Smith, and it was that year the tandem combined for 1,666 yards.

Trust me, anyone who watched that line with those two guys will instantly recall McDaniel’s contribution both as a blocker, and as a fullback; something the Vikings also utilized with the endlessly talented McDaniels.

That 1998 season was the pinnacle of McDaniel’s career; he defined that O-line and paved the way for the explosive attack of the Vikings while working in unison with his fellow lineman to make getting to the quarterback as easy as breaking through a brick wall with a rubber mallet.

The O-line that year gave up no more than 20 sacks; they helped paved the way for a team total 1,936 yards on the ground and 17 rushing touchdowns.

He afforded Cunningham a crystal clear path to see the field and a cavernous pocket to relax in that allowed the passing game to yield 61 touchdowns in addition to 4,492 passing yards out of 533 attempts; a 61.4 percent completion rate.

McDaniels shared the field with some of the biggest names in Vikings history:

Cris Carter, Jake Reed, Gary Zimmerman, Randal Cunningham, Warren Moon, John Randle, Robert Griffith, Randy Moss, and Andrew Glover; this list literally could go on for miles.

In addition, McDaniels enjoyed incredible company in the trenches with five players that were all household names in the snowy landscape of Minnesota.

Todd Steussie, Jeff Christy, Korey Stringer, John Gerak and Dave Dixon who eventually replaced Gerak in 1997.

McDaniels had the absolute pleasure of working with some of the greatest Viking players to come along during his time; but  there were other people McDaniels worked with that were just as equally special to him—children.

In the offseason, McDaniels would regularly spend time with the elementary children in his community.

 McDaniels would spend an immeasurable amount of time taking the children on literary journeys as he read line after line of the pages of countless books.

 He found a great appreciation and love with his time spent with his littlest fans, and it was this discovery, this passion and budding relationship that led McDaniels to a new path after his exodus from football.

No more than a single day after his retirement, McDaniels obtained a license to work in elementary education, and today he works with the disadvantaged children within that system.

Interestingly enough, the low profile existence McDaniels insisted upon as a professional football player, is also the same approach he now assumes in his work within the elementary school system of Minnesota.

By the time he arrived at Westonka School District, Mr. McDaniels as he is known today, had figured that only the parents may remember him, but as the word got out, the children quickly became familiar with McDaniels as a football player.

In addition to his work with the students and acting as a guide in the realm of education, McDaniels also takes time out of his life to work with his wife Marianne. Together they plan and coordinate community service outings; a busy individual who selflessly dedicates his time to everyone else.

The ceremonies at the HOF this weekend will serve as a reminder of McDaniel’s accomplishments as a selfless player, a tried and tested leader, and an inspirational trench soldier who never quit for a single moment.

But it is his perpetual contribution to his community; to the children throughout Minnesota, and the countless lives he has touched and inspired that is the greatest example of just what it means to be enshrined in the game of life.

Congratulations Mr. McDaniel!

Randall McDaniel: A Football Hall Of Famer; A Life Already Enshrined.

“ …I am a Viking, I will always be a Vikings, everyone knows that.” the soft words spoken by the gentle giant who was paramount for the Vikings organization, and fanbase, for 14 years.

Meet Randall McDaniel.

McDaniel is a soft spoken giant who hails from the desert region of Arizona only to ironically make a home in the tundra of Minnesota.

A low key player who refuted the limelight yet rather let his actions, leadership, and tenacity speak the volumes it did for the consummate pro.

An individual who, aside from football, put the community and his time with children first throughout his long career, and then made those children his new career after his time on the field.

Professionally, there are few that have come along and played Guard with as much speed, agility and tenacity as McDaniels did; there are fewer that achieved the monumental accomplishments McDaniels did.

All Rookie in 1988, 12 Pro Bowl selections AND starts, seven-time First Team All-Pro, as well as 202 consecutive starts between the years 1990 to 2001 without a single missed practice during the same time period.

In 1994 McDaniel’s forged line held opponents to one sack every 22.7 pass attempt.

In 1998, while playing for the incredibly explosive Viking Offense that registered a team record 556 points, McDaniels led the way for the gruesome two-some rushing attack of Leroy Hoard and Robert Smith, and it was that year the tandem combined for 1,666 yards.

Trust me, anyone who watched that line with those two guys will instantly recall McDaniel’s contribution both as a blocker, and as a fullback; something the Vikings also utilized with the endlessly talented McDaniels.

That 1998 season was the pinnacle of McDaniel’s career; he defined that O-line and paved the way for the explosive attack of the Vikings while working in unison with his fellow lineman to make getting to the quarterback as easy as breaking through a brick wall with a rubber mallet.

The O-line that year gave up no more than 20 sacks; they helped paved the way for a team total 1,936 yards on the ground and 17 rushing touchdowns.

He afforded Cunningham a crystal clear path to see the field and a cavernous pocket to relax in that allowed the passing game to yield 61 touchdowns in addition to 4,492 passing yards out of 533 attempts; a 61.4 percent completion rate.

McDaniels shared the field with some of the biggest names in Vikings history:

Cris Carter, Jake Reed, Gary Zimmerman, Randal Cunningham, Warren Moon, John Randle, Robert Griffith, Randy Moss, and Andrew Glover; this list literally could go on for miles.

In addition, McDaniels enjoyed incredible company in the trenches with five players that were all household names in the snowy landscape of Minnesota.

Todd Steussie, Jeff Christy, Korey Stringer, John Gerak and Dave Dixon who eventually replaced Gerak in 1997.

McDaniels had the absolute pleasure of working with some of the greatest Viking players to come along during his time; but it there were  other people McDaniels worked with that were just as equally special to him—children.

In the offseason, McDaniels would regularly spend time with the elementary children in his community.

 McDaniels would spend an immeasurable amount of time taking the children on literary journeys as he read line after line of the pages of countless books.

 He found a great appreciation and love with his time spent with his littlest fans, and it was this discovery, this passion and budding relationship that led McDaniels to a new path after his exodus from football.

No more than a single day after his retirement, McDaniels obtained a license to work in elementary education, and today he works with the disadvantaged children within that system.

Interestingly enough, the low profile existence McDaniels insisted upon as a professional football player, is also the same approach he now assumes in his work within the elementary school system of Minnesota.

By the time he arrived at Westonka School District, Mr. McDaniels as he is known today, had figured that only the parents may remember him, but as the word got out, the children quickly became familiar with McDaniels as a football player.

In addition to his work with the students and acting as a guide in the realm of education, McDaniels also takes time out of his life to work with his wife Marianne. Together they plan and coordinate community service outings; a busy individual who selflessly dedicates his time to everyone else.

The ceremonies at the HOF this weekend will serve as a reminder of McDaniel’s accomplishments as a selfless player, a tried and tested leader, and an inspirational trench soldier who never quit for a single moment.

But it is his perpetual contribution to his community; to the children throughout Minnesota, and the countless lives he has touched and inspired that is the greatest example of just what it means to be enshrined in the game of life.

Congratulations Mr. McDaniel!

Kenechi Udeze: Saying Goodbye Is Never Easy.

The Minnesota Vikings have announced the retirement of defensive end Kenechi Udeze, ending his bid for a comeback this year with the club.

In February of 2008, Udeze was diagnosed with leukemia. And despite receiving a bone marrow transplant and being able, initially, to participate in OTAs, Udeze’s decision was mainly due to side effects associated with the treatment which hindered his progress.

The first-round draft pick by the Vikings was enjoying what was building up to be a rather impressive campaign with the club. Udeze recorded 117 tackles and 11 sacks in 47 starts as a Viking.

His current bout with leukemia, which is in remission, was not the first time in his career he has faced adversity—nor was it ever a reason to quit.

Udeze battled weight problems before entering USC’s program coming out of high school—a challenge he overcame.

In 2003, Udeze returned to action for the Trojans after undergoing arthroscopic surgery on his knee only to be a part of the 2004 Rose Bowl team.

Udeze will never be known as a quitter—that much is for certain.

While playing for USC in 2001, the redshirt freshman garnered 35 tackles (nine for loss) and four sacks in only 10 games started. Udeze earned a spot on The Sporting News Freshman All-American Second Team and The Sporting News All-Pac 10 First Team, as well as USC’s Co-Lifter Award.

Udeze enjoyed a very successful 2002 campaign as well.

He was named Defensive Lineman of the Year, was an All-Pac 10 Second Team selection, and shared the Pac-10 lead with six forced fumbles, which was a USC record.

In total, Udeze boasted 135 tackles (51 for a loss) and 28 sacks—a school record as well—in addition to 14 forced fumbles as a Trojan.

As with any severe illness, people and players often find themselves having to make difficult decisions that are often never truly understood by others.

In Udeze’s case, his penchant for never quitting anything only amplifies the obvious disheartening nature this had to yield.

In football, the opportunity to come out of retirement is always a reality, and there is never a true way of knowing what the future holds for Udeze going forward—a notion that holds a bit of optimism in the football realm for himself, for his fans, and the Minnesota Vikings.

The most positive aspect of all of this is that Udeze feels healthy, his leukemia is in remission, and the road to recovery, albeit daunting, is ready for the taking.

And you can surely bet Udeze, and the spirit that has become synonymous with him and his endeavors, will be ready for the challenge with his best foot forward at all times.

Here’s to a speedy recovery and a positive outcome to an otherwise unfortunate turn of events for Udeze and his family.

EXCLUSIVE: Vikings Hire John Randle to Coaching Staff [HUMOR]

Amidst talks and rumors of the possibility of Brett Favre coming to play for the Vikings, the organization announced yet another stunning move today: The hiring of longtime defensive tackle and fan favorite, John Randle.

Randle could not be immediately reached for comment at the time of this ”article.”

A spokesperson speaking on the condition of anonymity out of fear of being sacked by the organization said Randle was being brought in to “handle” some things and tie up some “loose ends.”

It is speculated that Brad Childress has been under watch coming into this year.

Between his failure last season to overcome the Eagles in the playoffs, and his incredibly odd and over-exercised faith in Tarvaris Jackson, to his dead average record of 24-24 in three years, it is widely believed that the club was looking for something (or someone) to add another dimension to the up and coming year.

Randle certainly fits the bill.

Randle is remembered for his tenacity and ferocity on the field, his ability to wreak havoc on opposing quarterbacks, and his penchant for spewing trash talk during each and every down; not to mention one of the most feared DTs in all of football.

“I’m just a dude who’s gonna come in here and take care of things…..just call me Randle the Handle.”

The Viking players were asked about the front office move and whether they felt it was a sound decision on their part:

“He’s a man who can get things done, period!” one player said.

“I personally don’t know him, but I loved his face painting skills.” answered another.

“Does this mean he’s just gonna chase Favre around if BOTH become members of the team?” inquired a third.

Riveting responses.

Brad Childress was also not available for comment, but has been under fire as fans continually wonder whether he will in fact put this thing together in 2009; Favre or no Favre.

Randle’s ability to motivate and scare the begeesus into anyone he comes in contact with has been thought of to be that final motivational ingredient the team has been missing.

Among spending time on the field while helping to coach better fundamentals and techniques, Randle has opened several off-field activities to help solidify the team’s continuity. These activities include, but are not limited to:

·         The Art of Face Painting: How to Paint with Class.

·         Talk Smack The Randle Way: An Overview of Proper Trash Talking.

·         Big John’s Ho-Down BBQ Fiasco Night featured every Tuesday.

Randle has also incorporated support groups for team morale such as: With or Without Favre; a nightly roundtable support group for players who are sick and tired of answering questions regarding whether the media darling will join the team.

High spirits seem to be surrounding the team as of late, though, regardless of Randle’s presence.

The team is enjoying the on-going maturation of one of the league’s top backs Adrian Peterson, the solid and unified play of their ferocious defensive line, and their newest sensation Percy Harvin and his flair and athleticism on the field.

High expectations are sure to be hanging over the heads of the Vikings this year, but with the level of talent this team has to offer, and Randle the Handle taking care of business, the Vikings will have a lot of room to move as they make their way to the top of the NFC!