Minnesota Vikings Training Camp

Here are a few key dates for 2008 Vikings training camp courtesy of the Vikings’ web site:

July 23: Players report
July 25: First practice
Aug. 8: Preseason opener @ Dome: Minnesota Vikings vs. Seattle Seahawks Tickets <$10
Aug. 15: Camp breaks

The Minnesota Vikings will once again hold training camp at Minnesota State College in Mankato, Minnesota…where they have held training camp since 1966. Vikings Vixen would love to go some day before she dies.

Vikings Ranked in Top 10

Peter King from SI.com ranked the Minnesota Vikings 7th for the upcoming season – 7th! I think that is fantastic! Go Vikings Go! You can read his reasoning here . . . here is my favorite part:

“And though I don't love the Jared Allen signing for the long haul (too dangerous), I love it for 2008. Allen's quickness on the turf of the Metrodome ... scary. Maybe 20-sack scary.”

Yeah , baby! Sack ‘em! Round ‘em up Cowboy! I am excited for this Vikings season! We are due for a good year!

Vikings do what is right: Pay Udeze Salary for ‘08

The Minnesota Vikings placed Defensive End Kenechi Udeze on the non-football injury list, officially ruling him out for the 2008 Vikings season. Udeze, who announced his leukemia is in remission, can now spend the next year focusing on recovering from the cancer. Under NFL rules, the Vikings are not responsible for paying his 2008 salary because his “injury” is not football related. However, Brad Childress said today that the Vikings team will continue to pay Udeze his $807,500 salary this year.

“What he can do is focus on getting well,” Childress said. “He’s done a great job with that so far. He’s been positive. He’s been upbeat. What this does is obviously clear his mind of any financial issues, and the organizaton, particularly [owner Zygi Wilf and his family], have taken care of that.”

I am glad to see a wealthy business man do what is right for a change and not just what is right for the pocket book. This is better PR than when the Vikes fined Troy Williamson for going to his grandma’s funeral.

Vikings NFL Draft Grades

I was listening to the boys over on KFAN talk about the Vikings Draft success and they ranked it at about a B…I might say a B minus since they didn’t trade up to secure a stronger defensive tackle. When looking around on the Internet at other NFL draft comments regarding the Minnesota Vikings draft picks, this one from SI is my favorite.

Minnesota Vikings: Are you counting DE Jared Allen, the big-league pass rusher
who came from the Chiefs for draft choices? You are? Then I love their draft.
But only if they help him beat the drinking problem. One DUI and it's a bad
mistake. Two and it's a problem. QB John David Booty (fifth round) from USC is
an interesting choice since the position is far from locked up.

The Vikings NFL Draft, Jared Allen plus…

The Minnesota Vikings chose five players in last weekends 2008 NFL Draft. Only five. The fewest in Vikings history. I suppose if you add Jared Allen into the mix then its six players, and I think you should definitely include Jared Allen in the total draftees since we gave up three draft choices to get him. I think the Vikes did OK on their picks. I would have liked John Carlson in a Vikings uniform, but he got scooped up before we got to pick. Sad…Vikings Vixen sheds a tear.

So who did we get? a safety, a quarterback, a defensive tackle, a center and a punt returner. Oh, you want to know their names? Why? They probably won’t be starting any time soon, but I would like to see that QB start if T.J. slips up (and I am certain he will). Newest members of your Minnesota Vikings Roster: Safety Tyrell Johnson (Arkansas State), Quarterback John David Booty (Southern Cal), Defensive Tackle Letroy Guion (Florida State), Center John Sullivan (Notre Dame) and Receiver Jaymar Johnson (Jackson State).

My favorite…you guessed it John Booty – I just love to say his name.

Minnesota Vikings Jersey

I am willing to bet the number 69 Vikings jersey will be a top seller – I will keep my 28 Adrian Peterson jersey, but I am willing to bet the man in my life will find it essential he own a 69 jersey. Any thoughts Vikings fans?

"I couldn't be happier, and I think it's a great fit," Jared Allen said of his new team (and his new jersey.)

Jared Allen Minnesota Vikings Defensive End

The Minnesota Vikings made an investment in the present yesterday, a big investment, by securing Jared Allen from the Kansas City Chiefs. The Vikings paid 74 million dollars over six years AND gave up a first and 2 third round draft picks. Yikes! That is a high price for one player, but I think it sends the message to Vikings fans that the Minnesota Vikings want to be competitive this season; the Vikings are investing in the now and not in the future necessarily.

This big move signals that the Vikings organization thinks they are only one player away from being a Championship team. Vikings Vixen is glad to have Jared Allen and I know he will make a difference, but I don’t think the Minnesota Vikings are one player away from being a Super Bowl team. We definitely need help on the offense as well…quarterback, wide receiver….hello? You can’t win games if you don’t score any points and although I think Jared Allen is a key piece to the puzzle, I don’t think he is the center piece that completes the championship picture.

Vikings Schedule

The Minnesota Vikings Schedule is out! I love football!

Gus Frerotte back on Vikings Roster

A familiar name will be the back-up to Vikings quarterback Tarvaris Jackson this season (or perhaps Tarvaris will be his back-up), Gus Frerotte. The 36 year old 14-year NFL veteran signed a two-year, $3.75 million contract. I wonder if there are any Vikings fans that have a Vikings Frerotte jersey? Probably not, but he did appear on the Vikings roster in 2003 and 2004 as a back-up to Daunte Culpepper.

Vikings Vixen thinks Gus Frerotte is a solid guy and will be a good mentor to our young team (although he could use a hair cut). I had heard a while back that the Oakland Raiders were looking at him, but I am guessing the Vikings offered more money. It seems like a lot of dough for a back-up which is what leads me to believe if Tarvaris doesn’t look strong coming out of the gate, Frerotte will get a chance to start. Be afraid T.J., be very afraid.

Matt Birk Contract Issues still in Limelight

MatMatt Birk, Matt Birk, Matt Birk. I am so tired of hearing about Matt Birk, but I read this Matt Birk contract comment on the Star Trib yesterday and I just have to share it with everyone. It’s funny and very Minnesotan. I wish I would have thought of it myself!

fishin'
"Birk is fishin'for a new contract. Chilli is baiting the hook and Ziggy is driving the boat. This WILL work itself out before the season starts and Birk will be in purple. This NFL contract dance makes Dancing with the Stars look like a polka contest"
posted by Valpat on Apr 7, 08 at 3:47 pm