The ugly person in my basement

     I am a Die Hard Minnesota Vikings fan.  I may not show it on the outside due to my location, but believe me I have been a fan as long as I can remember.  During gametime I find myself secluded away from my family, My wife, daughter and dogs do not want to be part of my yelling shenanigans, and are nowhere to be found.  I grew up in Mankato, MN which every year hosts the Vikings training camp.  I remember going to see Chris Carter, Anthony Carter, Robert Smith and other legends of the purple squad.  

     My father's fanhood made me look like a rookie.  After his death I felt the responsibility of being a very annoying Viking fan in Cheese Hell.  He showed me so much about the game and his childlike attitude towards the game ended up lighting  a flame in me.  He would get autographs and letters from players and his favorite was Chris Carter.

     Today's Vikings would really irritate my Dad.  The coach Brad Childress is not a very popular man his fan approval rating is a mere 8% which is the worst in the league.  I remember a quote that put "the final nail in the coffin." he was talking to a running back and said"be patient." what the hell?  This is football not chess you cannot be patient in a timed sport.

     Watching Brad Childress coach is like watching two monkeys fondle a football.  He is always waiting to see the other team act and react.  I hope and dream they give him a pink slip in purple writing, there are some great coaches who are now "analysts" I am sure if the right deal comes along they would be more than willing to direct a team with such talent that is hidden in the rough.