Vikings Go Down !

I would have to say that my one, true team is the Minnesota Vikings. I don't know exactly why, but I've been wearing funny looking, purple items since I was in second grade. So to watch what went on in New Orleans on Jan. 24th was tough. They came within a 5 yard penalty, a turnover here, an interception there and a field goal attempt that never materialized, from going to their 5th Super Bowl. But then again, maybe I never expected it to really happen.

It's been a loooooooong time since they've been to the Super Bowl. 1977 to be exact. I know, still not has painful as the Browns' dry spell, but for me, pretty much a lifetime ago. Sure, I share in the successes of the Buckeyes as of late, but the Vikings have been my team ever since I was old enough to enjoy football. For the record, the Vikes are 0 for 4 in Super Bowls. Super Bowl 4 was beyond my memory. But 8, 9 and 11 continue to haunt my mind. However, the legendary players of those teams have a special place with me forever. The leader, Scramblin' Fran Tarkenton and Chuck Foreman on offense, Alan Page, Jim Marshall and Carl Eller on defense. The Purple Gang, The Purple People Eaters !

I suppose I was asking too much of the football gods to humor me one more time with a Super Bowl appearance, led by the Ageless Wonder, Brett Favre. How intriguing the match up would've been, Favre vs. Manning. That would've been too much fun for me. I suppose that's what keeps you coming back, that's what keeps you hungry. There's always next season. Oh, did I mention I was an Indians fan too?