A Packers Fan in Vikings Territory

Well it hasn't always been easy. Actually let's be real, it's been pretty awesome being a Packers fan in Minnesota. I was born in 1990, so my entire life the Packers have enjoyed much success, at least when it comes to comparing things to the home town squad.

Yeah, the Minnesota Vikings enjoyed a few lucky seasons here and there, but for the most part the Vikings have been a failure. I tune in for all the Vikings games. While I do not cheer for them to lose, the pleasure I get in watching them do so is substantial, and in some cases even greater than a Green Bay Victory. I try to be humble, I try not to rub it in, but sometimes I just can't help but hop on Facebook and get a rise out of some Vikings fans. They just eat it up most the time and I love it.

Don't get me wrong, the Vikings have had some pretty darn good seasons. Trust me when I say this, I know when they had a good season because when they do, fans start coming out of the woodwork. You see purple jerseys everywhere; Social Media is going nuts with people I didn't even know were fans. When things aren't going well, you wouldn't even know there was a team in this town.

With that said let's give credit where credit is due. The Vikings started off the 2016 season hot. With a fancy new stadium and a defense on a roll, the 2016 Vikings seemed destined for playoff glory. Injuries mounted after already losing Teddy and A.P for the season, and they were just never able to recover.

This was all after coming off a strong 2015 season and a NFC North Title. Teddy Bridgewater improved and even put the Vikings in a spot to advance against the Seahawks in the Wild Card Round. Unfortunately for them, Blair Walsh was already thinking about the golf season as he sliced one much like my golf shot, left, wayy left.

NFL: NFC Wild Card-Seattle Seahawks at Minnesota Vikings

Then there was the 2012 campaign. Ponder appeared to finish up the Season on a high note beating the Packers to go to the Playoffs, where again they would face the Packers. However Ponder was a scratch with the elbow injury in what is known as the Joe Webb game. That was the end of Webb’s career as a QB and Ponder was never able to improve beyond that last victory despite glimpses of decent play.

No one forgets the 2009 season, one of the most entertaining seasons. I won’t ever forget the dramatic offseason which led to Favre joining a Vikings squad. In 2008 The Vikings were only a QB away from a deep playoff run after winning the Division and taking an early playoff exit with Tavaris Jackson at the Helm. Everyone knew if MN could find the guy at quarterback they would be a force. I was in shock when I heard the news. Favre in Purple just didn’t seem right. I honestly wasn’t mad. I knew it made for a great storyline. It sort of ended perfectly for me. Favre was always my favorite to watch, but I couldn’t stand the thought of the Vikings winning the Super Bowl. So losing in the 2009 NFC Championship game was great. I got to see one of the greatest of all time do his thing and nearly lead his team to the big game, but I also was able to avoid much of the pounding I would have taken from Vikings fans. That was all eased by the devastating loss in that game. It quieted Vikings fans long enough for the Packers to bounce back the Next Year with Aaron Rodgers turning the page and taking the Packers to Super Bowl glory.

Then there was the Mike Tice era. 2004 they knocked off the Division Champion Green Bay Packers before losing to Philly in the Divisional round. Do you remember anything about this season? I really can’t. What does resonate with me and my earlier years as a football fan was the Randy Moss/ Dennis Green Days. Glimpses of Jeff George, Randall Cunningham, and Dante Culpepper Chucking up bombs to Randy Moss and Chris Carter with his little sideling toe tapping. Those teams were fun to watch, but with no defense and a little help from Gary Anderson, the Vikings weren’t able to capitalize with one of the greatest offenses of all time. Not sure where the offense was in that 41-0 game though?

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Though the Vikings had some good squads in the late 90’s it was the mid 90’s that I began watching Favre and the Packers. The Back to Back Super Bowl appearances against the Patriots and the Bronco’s cemented my love for the Green and Gold and I was never able to be swayed to the Purple. I honestly may have come out the other way had the Vikings been able to come out on top I honestly will never know but one thing is for sure. I love football and I love this rivalry. Always excited for the next season and I will be posting much content in the near future as the 2017 Season slowy comes upon us.

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