Thank God Brett’s Back!

I just thanked the lord and did the happy dance when I found out today that Brett Favre is officially back in action.

 

I have since been overwhelmed by the public backlash that has stemmed from this latest chapter of “As the Brett Favre Turns”.

 

I even heard a caller to an NFL radio show state with absolute authority and certainty that this signing was a knife in the back of Ted Thompson and that as a result, Brett Favre will never be inducted into the Packer ring of honor or go into the hall of fame as a Green Bay Packer.

 

I had to laugh.

 

In response to that ludicrous statement, let me state with utmost authority and certainty that five years after Mr. Favre retires (if that day ever comes) he will be a first ballot Hall of Famer and go in as a Green Bay Packer.

 

The NFL takes a much more pragmatic stance on these issues than the average obsessed fan does.

 

Also, even a die hard Packer fan has to admit, there will be much more interest and emotion surrounding the two Vikings/Packers games this year.  Isn’t that what an entertaining football game is all about?

 

And the sportswriters who are just incredulous that Old Man Favre toyed with their emotions again make me laugh.

 

Isn’t your job to write about football and present interesting stories involving the sport?  Doesn’t the return of Brett Favre make your job a hell of a lot easier?

 

Between Favre and Vick stories many football opinion writers have already met their quota of stories for the season.

 

Old schoolers may blab about the purity of the game, but at heart, the modern NFL is about putting forth the most entertaining product possible.

 

The addition of the Brett Favre saga makes this season much more entertaining.  If he succeeds and leads the Vikes deep into the playoffs, it will be a great story.  If he falls flat on his butt, it will be a great story.

 

If he crushes the Packers, it will be a great story.  If he gets humiliated at Lambeau, it will be a great story.

 

It is certainly must see TV!

 

Maybe I have this opinion because I don’t have an emotional tie to either team.  Maybe I have studied NFL history and know that in 99 percent of cases team ownership uses players to their own benefit. 

 

Therefore, I am not upset when a player finally gains the status where he is able to use team owners in the same way.

 

Whatever my reasons are for my opinions, there is one thing that I think is undeniable.  The return of Brett Favre is the biggest storyline in football today and increases public interest in football.

 

That can only benefit the NFL.  They should pray that he does the same thing next year.

Minnesota Vikings: Put Up or Shut Up Time

The season is upon us and it is time to put up or shut up.

What do we have in store for us this year?  Another early hole to fight out of?  A late season swan song? Or how about being a place mat in the playoffs?

We all know what the history of the Vikings has been over recent years.  I would like to Present a different perspective on our upcoming season.  I am eager to see what we have in store for those of us whom bleed purple and gold each Sunday.

I know that we have the playmakers.  It is a given.  Adrian Peterson, Bernard Berrian, Percy Harvin, Jared Allen, the Williams Wall, Chad Greenway, and the rest of the impressive defense.  I want to know one thing this year, will the Vikings put up of shut up?

Yes that is right, I am calling out the Minnesota Vikings this year.  Some by name, and others by association.  I have no apologies either.  I want no explanations or excuses, just results.

Major questions for this year…

1. Obvious point of interest: QB situation.  I don’t care who is the QB, it won’t matter if the line can do it’s job of protecting.  That’s right, I said it.  The success of the QB (Jackson, Sage, Booty, the guy in row 13 seat 12) is dependant on the line.

The left side of the line is one of the best in the game.  Mr. Loadholt can you solidify a shaky right side?  Mr. Sullivan can you make the calls needed during the game? 

The Vikings have the talent behind the line, can the line play up to their talent level?  Put up of shut up!

2. Coaching call-out: Childress can you live up to your own expectations.

OK so you have got the talent (except maybe at QB) to produce some spectacular plays on offense.  Childress will you finally get out of your predictable play-calling that has been your forte’ during your head coaching tenure?  Coach Murphy can you impact a dismal special teams unit from a year ago?  Coach Frazier can you finally get the ball hawking DB’s that your defensive system thrives upon?  It is time, the “Tice” era is over and there are a minimal of hold overs.  Coaches, put up or shut up.

3. Player production: Are you worth you pay checks?

Defense:

Cedric Griffin – Can you produce to the level you are expected?  You are one of the best up and coming corners in the game.  Can you elevate your game to include more interceptions?  Your counterpart has proved to be a shut down corner.  Can you do the same?

Tyrell Johnson – Can you prove to me that it was worth letting Darren Sharper leave via free agency?  Your rookie year you played very well.  Are you going to regress into the second-year slump?  Can you and Madieu Williams prove to be the deep middle that was envisioned when you were drafted?

Offense:

John Sullivan – This is the NFL.  You have been given a chance to prove that you are capable of replacing a pro-bowl caliber player.  Prove to me that you deserve such a chance over a 16+ game season.  Gym rats are great but that won’t translate into wins on Sunday.  The QB behind you won’t be making the protection calls, that is up to you.  A lot of faith has been laid upon you, can the “golden dome” on your shoulders provide solace in your abilities?

Sidney Rice – Injuries aside, will you be able to produce like the “next rising star” you were expected to be last year?  Can you warrant man coverage on ]third down?  Will you be able to read the zone and allow yourself a chance to help convert and make plays?

Special Teams:

Chris Kluwe – Can you mature enough to embrace a new philosophy for your punting?  Last year you had difficulty directionally punting, this year will you be able to punt within your TEAM’s coverage abilities?  Having a great distance on your punts is great for an individual achievement but when you punt beyond your coverage the TEAM is hurt by big returns.

Coverage units – T-A-C-K-L-E the ball carriers. What more do I need to say?

Percy Harvin/Jaymer Johnson – Both of you have the raw talent that can change a game in an instant.  Can you do that on a consistent basis?  There won’t be a wedge to run behind anymore, can you provide your own seam and make teams respect the “field position” angle a little more?

Organization:

The Wilfs – How long will you tolerate being in the middle of the pack?  I applaud you for changing the atmosphere surrounding the team after Culpepper and company had their little cruise.  Tice is gone and so are many of those associated with his regime, good eggs and bad.  Childress has righted the ship, now is the time to gain speed.  You have brought in great players and made interesting personnel moves.  How long does Childress get to “snow-ball” you about Tavaris Jackson? 

This team clearly has what it takes to make a deep playoff run.  The Super Bowl should be the outlook, not just the NFC Championship game.  Childress has (I can’t believe I am saying this) made this team perform the way the fans have expected for years.  However, my patience is thinner than ice fishing shanty side walls when it comes to under performing during the playoffs.  Childress has gotten the team to the playoff only to allow a visiting team use the field turf as a door mat. 

 

The time has come.  Minnesota Vikings players, coaches, owners….

 

PUT UP or SHUT UP!!

 

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!

The Non Stop History Of The Brett Favre Saga [Humor]

I read an article from Norman Chad about the on going Brett Favre saga. I found it quite humorous, and I think you will to.

It’s about how reporters and Favre won’t give up. The news keeps coming and coming. Here’s the long history of reports we’ve been getting from day one.

• Favre tearfully announces his retirement at Green Bay press conference.

• Favre says a possible comeback is all “rumor.”

• Favre calls Packers coach Mike McCarthy and tells him he will stay retired.

• Favre sees NBC’s Peter King at Starbucks, buys him a grande caffe mocha and tells him he definitely is retiring.

• Favre wants to come to Packers training camp.

• Favre is traded to the New York Jets.

• Favre calls NBC’s Peter King during halftime of the Jets-Bills game and tells him he will retire at the end of the third quarter.

• Favre completes season with the Jets, then announces retirement again.

• Favre asks Jets to release him just in case he wants to sign with another team.

• Favre calls NBC’s Peter King and tells him he’s retiring for at least five days, maybe longer.

• Favre gets arthroscopic surgery on his right shoulder while looking at carpet swatches for his pool room.

• Favre walks into CVS and buys Ben Gay.

• Scrambling for a parking spot at Home Depot, Favre throws his car up for grabs.

• ESPN’s Ed Werder reports Favre was rubbing his right arm while dining at Applebee’s in Clinton, Miss.

• Favre walks onto the set of “SportsCenter” and tells Neil Everett he can retire again that evening if they are having a slow news day.

• ESPN’s John Clayton reports Favre has six fingers on his right (throwing) hand and five fingers on his left (non-throwing) hand.

• ESPN’s Ed Werder reports Favre has five fingers on his right (throwing) hand and six fingers on his left (non-throwing) hand.

• Favre goes on HBO’s “Joe Buck Live” and shows he has five fingers on each hand, but says he hasn’t thrown a football in four months.

• ESPN’s John Clayton reports that Ed Werder was on the phone with Sal Paolantonio while he was leaving a voice mail for Favre.

• ESPN’s Chris Mortensen confirms Charles Lindbergh‘s baby has been kidnapped. Favre, house-hunting in Eden Prairie, runs into one of his errant passes from December ’03 Packers-at-Vikings game.

• Brett Favre’s Steakhouse in Green Bay changes its menu for the third time in 16 months.

• Favre switches from DirecTV to Dish TV.

• Favre, casting out for walleye in Little Sioux, Iowa, overthrows lake.

• Favre calls John Madden and tries to talk him out of retirement.

• Fox’s Jay Glazer reports Favre is lifting weights that Glazer gave him.

• NBC’s Peter King spills coffee on his notes from his most recent phone conversation with Favre.

• Favre tells a close friend he doesn’t think he wants to wear pants any more.

• Favre walks away from Wrangler, begins discreet talks with Dockers.

• At monthly Retirees Anonymous meeting, Favre aggravates arm injury exchanging playful punches with Sugar Ray Leonard.

• ESPN reports Favre is talking to the Dalai Lama about a consulting position.

• Favre practices Hamlet’s Act Three, Scene 1 soliloquy.

• Favre calls Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, asks operator if players can be inducted while still active.

• Favre fills out application for Greenpeace.

• Favre cancels life insurance, gambling he might live forever.

• Favre and wife Deanna discuss renewing vows, but he puts its off until shoulder is fully healed.

• Vikings officials watch Favre throw for 15 minutes at local high school.

• Vikings officials watch Favre parallel park for five minutes at local barbershop.

• Vikings officials watch Favre throw off the media for 45 minutes.

• Favre spurns Vikings, signs deal to split time between L.A. Galaxy and AC Milan.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/norman_chad/07/26/couch.slouch/

That is what we’re basically hearing 24-7 about Favre. This isn’t even close to the end.

I think that the whole thing is annoying and we should only hear one report and that is when he’s actually coming back.

But for more on Favre, ESPN will happy to give you an update whenever he’s ready for more attention.

Thanks for reading!

Should Minnesota Vikings Fans Be Excited About the Upcoming Season?

Before I begin this article, I would like to state, for the record, that I’m a die-hard Vikings fan and will continue to follow, support, cheer for the team, etc. for the rest of my life.

It’s been a pretty tough decade for Vikings fans, but things seem to be taking turn for the better, right? Hopefully. Because of the course of events in recent seasons, it’s been really difficult for fans to get excited.

Most recently, the team has been having trouble selling out it’s home games (although they haven’t been blacked out locally since 1997). However, almost every season this decade had some reason for the average fan to just get giddy about only to have those feelings crushed by the sad reality that the team underachieved.

I’m not suggesting that the 2009 season will be one of those seasons (I, personally, am very excited about it), but, unfortunately, I do have some reasons why Vikings fans should be skeptical instead of optimistic.

2000: I would not be listing this season if it weren’t for the final game. The vikings had a great year going 11-5 and winning the division. Daunte Culpepper put up pro-bowl numbers in his first full season and the team seemed pretty strong.

After beating New Orleans in the playoffs, the team played the New York Giants in the NFC Championship. The result of that game: The team fell apart and lost 41-0 in the worst loss in team history.

2001: The previous season was successful for the most-part and there was plenty of reasons for optimism heading into the season before tragedy struck. Korey Stringer collapsed during training training camp and passed away.

Throughout the season, the team fell apart. Daunte Culpepper had a very subpar season as he was nagged by injuries and team chemistry was nowhere to be seen. The team went 5-11 and did not win any of their road games.

They lost their season opener to the Carolina Panthers, who did not win another game the rest of that season, and later, they gave the 0-12 Lions their first win of that season. Head Coach Dennis Green resigned with one game left to play, leaving assistant Mike Tice to coach the final game.

2002: This season was an exception because the team had a new coach and had lost Cris Carter, one of the greatest wide receivers in NFL history. Overall, the 2002 season was kind of a chance to start over.

The Vikings had some embarrassing losses, but a couple of impressive wins, including their first road victory in over a year. The team finished 6-10 after winning its final three games.

2003: This was easily the most disappointing season since 1998 (If you don’t know about the ’98 vikings, don’t look them up). The team began the season 6-0 and everything seemed to click. Daunte Culpepper returned to form and even became a finalist for league MVP.

Then there were a couple of losses and it didn’t seem so bad. The Vikings had a commanding lead in the division and seemed destined for the playoffs. The there were a couple more losses and reasons to get concerned. The division lead slipped as the Green Bay Packers surged after a slow start.

It all came down to the last game of the season. All the Vikings had to do was beat the 3-12 Arizona Cardinals and the division title was theirs. After leading the entire game, the team gave up a touchdown on the final play and their season ended.

The 2003 Vikings went 9-7; 4 of those losses coming against teams that would end the season 4-12 (which happened to be the worst record of any team in the NFL that season).

2004: This season wasn’t all that bad. The team started strong and ended up backing into the playoffs with an 8-8 record. After surprisingly beating Green Bay in the wild card round, the team traveled to Philadelphia to play the Eagles.

Needless to say, Andy Reid out-coached Mike Tice and the team lost in a rather embarrassing fashion. During the off season, the team had a little overhaul.

Randy Moss was traded. Darren Sharper was brought in to help bolster the pass defense, and the team was pretty high on their two first-round draft picks, Troy Williamson and Erasmus James. Once again, there was a feeling that the team could build off of the 2004 season.

2005: In my opinion, 2005 was the most unexciting winning season by any team in NFL history. It started off slow with a couple of losses, and then Culpepper injured his knee and in came Brad Johnson in his second stint with the team.

Johnson ended up winning games for the team as they went 9-7, but missed the playoffs. Mike Tice was fired after the season and Daunte Culpepper was traded and it was time to start over with Brad Childress as coach.

From 2006 forward, the Vikings have improved consistently each year. They have gone from 6-10 to 8-8 to 10-6 and winning the division. Brad Childress, for the most part, has been a competent head coach, with the exception of not being able to settle on a solid starting quarterback.

Even so, the team has showed us that it is moving in the right direction. Owners Zygi and Mark Wilf have shown that they’re willing to spend the money to bring in players and the personnel have been very smart with the teams draft picks in recent years.

The Vikings currently have a good handful of All-Star caliber players and roster full of solid starters. If you’re a Vikings fan, you have reason to be excited for the upcoming season. Besides, after looking back at past seasons this decade, it can’t really get much worse.

Go ahead, be really excited; and if the team goes out and has a disappointing season, you probably never would’ve seen it coming.

When I Played for the Minnesota Vikings and Learned a Valubale Life Lesson

College girls are really dumb.

So I’m in Mankato, MN in the early ’90s—don’t ask why, I freely admit it was a bad choice as a whole.

So anyways, I’m in my early 20s and in charge of a construction crew made up of mostly local college kids from Mankato State U. Hello! College party invites! So of course I attend them as often as I can.

Well, as the months go by and summer fast approaches, I find out much to my excitement that Mankato State U. is also the summer camp for the MN Vikings and my ‘boys’ have a plan. (Not sure where the Vikings camp now, and don’t care.)

You with me so far? Lol, well if you are, you guessed it. That’s right we are all going to become football players. Hey, we’re young and in shape. I live two blocks from the field. It’s a no brainer, isn’t it?

Well how do we plan to do this you ask? Get down to the football field and try to walk on? NO way. That’s a long shot. Try to run into one of the coaches while he is at dinner? Nah, that would just be rude.

Maybe have a pick up game right in front of where the coaches come out to the field and show off our football skill? Lol We’re in living in Mankato for a reason, and it isn’t because we have skills.

No, see, the thing is we don’t want to actually play football. We live in the city with the only action, girls, for as far as the eye can see. This is MN. It’s all cornfields to the horizon as soon as you get to the city limits.

We just want to meet hot college chicks. How better to do it then go to the local clubs and tell them we are all players for the MN Vikings?

So we all gear up, Vikings hat here, Vikings T-shirt there and off we go to the clubs. (We kind of knew the bouncers at the hottest spot and had them in on it (He-he).) Yup, right to the front of the line to get in. HEY, we’re VIP, man, we can’t be hanging back with the lowlifes. LOL

That was it. We were all set from there. Looked the part, got the recognition going in. Ladies please allow me to introduce you to Richard Hugh Mong the 1991 69th overall pick for the Vikings. “Hi I’m Tracy”, LOL. I couldn’t believe it. We were surrounded by women, young dumb college women. Life is good sometimes, life is really, really good sometimes.

The best part, the drunker they get, the more they believe.

I love Mankato for that reason and that reason alone. Thank you MN Vikings, thank you for allowing me to be part of your team. I will always love you guys.

Hey maybe I’ll tell you guys sometime how I played for the Boston Bruins and didn’t even know it. Hey Squeens think you can let me know next time when your spreading rumors for me? Lol

Oh and if you liked this piece, look up there, right there to the upper right. You can read some more of my twisted humor. Heck even if you didn’t like it give my other stuff a shot. You might find something that makes you want to find me and do evil things.

Columnist Calls Favre ‘Diva-Like’

Perhaps one of the worst insults an NFL player could receive would be for a “local media and political” commentator to venture into sports and use an effeminate phrase to describe a tough guy.

Yet that is exactly what David Brauer of MinnPost.com did while writing about the StarTribune.com’s new Favre Web page on its Web site.

Both newspapers cover the Minneapolis/St. Paul area.

“Even if you loathe the diva-like signal-caller, this is a big story right now and it only helps readers to aggregate their ongoing coverage somewhere,” Brauer wrote.

In fairness, Brauer may be a big sports fan, or perhaps he isn’t.

It doesn’t matter because he is a media commentator, but how often do you have a non-sports writer calling a future Hall-of-Famer diva-like?

It’s priceless, but so telling in Favre’s case.

Both news organizations cover sports, but that is where today’s Web sites’ similarities end.

Favre-worshipping fans of any jersey, who expect a future Super Bowl, can only be generously described as suffering delusions of grandeur.

Realizing a way to build readership, the StarTribune has taken the mind-numbing Favre retirement-unretirement odyssey to its ultimate insanity.

Here are some of the headlines and links devoted to a quarterback who will turn 40 during the season:

• “Childress says he is willing to wait for Favre”
• “More confirmation Favre will wear purple”
• “Judd Zulgad blogs that the chances of Favre joining the Vikings are ’99.9 percent’ after his comments today”
• “Coordinator Bevell visited Favre with trainer”
• “Darrell Bevell made that trip along with a trainer, and he’s the first coach to see the QB throw. Decision time remains uncertain.”
• “Friends, family of No. 4 know it’s Favre from over”
• “… Favre is often depicted as a prima donna. …” {Really?}
• “Green Bay’s Jennings doesn’t care what Favre does”
• “Burning bridges between Favre and Packers fan”

My head is spinning, like an out-of-control ego.

Brauer’s newspaper had a rather dull sports page today, as noted by these headlines:

• “Our rich cycling culture: Getting to know the pedal pushers”
• “Biking basics: Rules of the road in Minnesota”
• “Bike trek: Tour of Twin Cities bike trails”
• “Poker players relieved as Minnesota backs off effort to block gaming sites”
• “Minnesota paradox: ‘Hotbed for poker talent’ is a leader in opposing online gaming”

Yawn.

Perhaps MinnPost.com could start a Web page that features the disaster wrought by the 1989 Minnesota-Dallas trade.

Remember Herschel Walker?

It’s the trade that delivered catastrophe and failure to Minnesota, rather than NFL glory and a Super Bowl, or two.

It’s the trade that propelled Dallas to a near dynasty in the early 1990s primarily through a remarkable draft that made Cowboys out of Russell Maryland, Emmitt Smith, Kevin Smith, and Darren Woodson.

Remember, all the Vikings needed back then was a proven running back, yet the coaching staff never really utilized this great runner.

The StarTribune is the same newspaper that came up with the unfair-to-Walker “Herschel the Turkey” label for Minnesota sports figures who do not live up to expectations or who aren’t of the good character that law-abiding Minnesotans expect.

Now the same news organization is featuring a Brett Favre page?

Although draft choices and money are not an issue with Favre, my point is that signing him will be as catastrophic in terms of team cohesion and Minnesota’s future as the Walker trade.

Remember, Minnesota’s coaches never really utilized Walker or warmed up to him. The trade ruined team chemistry.

And what if this high-risk gamble by the Vikings doesn’t pan out, what will be named for Favre?

The chicken or dumplings?

Best Defensive Linemen Not In the Pro Football Hall of Fame

Our position-by-position look at the best eligible players not in the Pro Football Hall of Fame now shifts from offense to defense as we look at the best defensive linemen who have not yet earned a bust in Canton.

From Art Donovan, Deacon Jones and Ben Davidson to Bubba Smith, Mark Gastineau, and Michael Strahan, NFL history is filled with charismatic defensive linemen who were recognized not just for their talent, but also for their showmanship and flamboyance.

Defensive line units have also regularly been fan favorites with names such as “Doomsday”, “The Fearsome Foursome”, “The Purple Gang” and “The Steel Curtain.”

Defensive linemen have also been well respected by Hall of Fame voters, as the position is second only to the offensive line in the number of modern era players enshrined in the Hall.

However, much like offensive linemen, because statistics are inconsistent and tell only a part of the story, ensuring that the most deserving defensive linemen are inducted is a tough challenge.

Though some recognition was given to the sack as far back as the 1960s and sack leaders were printed on Topps football cards in the 1970s, the sack wasn’t recognized as an official statistic until 1982.

This provides a challenge for some of the best defensive linemen of the 1960s and 1970s who were known for their pass-rushing ability, but don’t have the same “numbers” to show for their prowess as players of the last three decades.

There are, of course, also great defensive linemen who were primarily run stuffers and didn’t have impressive stat totals, regardless of whether they played prior to or after the sack became a recognized stat.

In selecting the best defensive linemen not in the Hall of Fame, I looked at the individual statistics of post-1982 candidates, but also looked at overall team defensive prowess for players from all eras.

I also analyzed how each candidate compared to players of their own era in regard to Pro Bowl and All-Pro selections.

Selecting the top 10, and event the best 25, was quite a challenge as there are many great defensive linemen who have yet to receive the call from Canton, but who were regular participants in the Pro Bowl or key performers on championship teams.

One player who ended up being ranked much lower on the list than one might expect is former Viking Jim Marshall.

At the time of his retirement, Marshall had played in more games than any other player in NFL history. On the famous “Purple Gang” that included Hall of Famers Carl Eller and Alan Page, Marshall was generally considered to be equal to those two greats.

However, when comparing his credentials with those of other similar defenders, Marshall surprisingly didn’t stack up. He participated in only two Pro Bowls and was never an All-Pro.

In addition, Marshall famously was man handled by a variety of offensive linemen in the four Super Bowl appearances for the Vikings.

Despite being eligible for the HOF for 25 years, Marshall has been a finalist only once, in 2004.

So, here is my list of the top 10 eligible defensive linemen not in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. I look forward to your comments, discussion, and disagreements.

Clinton Portis is Apparently too “One Dimensional” for Marshall Faulk

As I’m watching NFL Network, I tune in to see who Marshall Faulk considers to be the top-five running backs in the National Football League. While I didn’t exactly agree with his list, I’ve certainly seen worse.

I’m not saying that Clinton Portis is a top-five running back but when Steve Wyche asked Marshall Faulk why Portis didn’t make the list, I found his response to be most disturbing.

Marshall simply said that Portis was too “one dimensional” and would like to see him do more in the receiving game. Faulk then went on to say that even Adrian Peterson (the running back he ranked at No. 1) has done some work in the screen-game.

Now while I’ve never thought of Clinton Portis as being one of the greatest receiving running backs, I was curious to see if Marshall Faulk’s statement had an validity.

I looked up the receiving statistics of Adrian Peterson (the player whom Faulk claims has done good work in this area) and Clinton Portis (the back who Faulk felt is too one-dimensional and need to improve his work in the receiving game.

 

Adrian Peterson: 21 receptions for 125 yards (6.0 YPC) and zero touchdowns.

Clinton Portis: 28 receptions for 218 yards (7.8 YPC) and zero touchdowns.

 

While neither back produced to an exceptional degree in the receiving game, one does clearly stand out has having been more proficient in this one area that Faulk had questionable feelings about.

Portis clearly caught more passes, gained more yards and averaged more yards per-reception than the running back that Faulk went out of his way to praise. I’m not even going to touch on the fact that he caught 47 passes in 2007.

I personally do not feel that Clinton Portis is a better overall running back than Adrian Peterson, but if nothing else, he doesn’t appear to be performing below Adrian Peterson’s level of receiving production.

This might not seem like a big deal to most people but it is.

NFL Network is the official television network of the National Football League. When they hire analysts to provide people with an intelligent perspective, they need to make sure that these analysts know what they’re talking about.

Marshall Faulk was a great player and is no idiot by any means. This looks to me more like a situation where Faulk formed an opinion about Portis without watching much film or doing much research.

That would be a fine statement to make by the water-cooler, but not on NFL Network where your professional opinion is reflective of your overall comprehension of the game.

In this instance, Marshall Faulk appears to simply be dead wrong when comparing the receiving contributions of one player to another.

He decided to praise the more popular player while knocking the less popular player. The issue is, the less popular player has done more than the one whom he praised in the specific area of discussion.

I imagine that these analysts prepare for when the camera’s start to roll.

For Marshall Faulk to have made such a claim without providing any degree of evidence to substantiate it and to later learn that it was Portis who has done more than Peterson is troubling to say the least.

NFL Network should be about the “expert analysis” they advertise, not the generic opinions of retired players who don’t appear to take the time to research things before they formulate their own so-called professional perspectives.

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