ESPN - Vikings In Talks With Donovan McNabb

With the NFL lockout now over there is chatter coming from ESPN that the Minnesota Vikings are in talks with Redskins quarterback,  Donovan McNabb. The Vikings are reportedly in serious talks with the Redskins trying to work a deal to bring the veteran quarterback to Minnesota for the 2011 - 2012 season.  McNabb turns 35 this November and was benched twice last season by the Washington Redskins in their 6-10 season.  Most would agree that McNabb still has a year or two of good football left in him.

Is this a good indication that Frazier will definitely bring in a veteran quarterback this year?

If the Vikes bring in McNabb is he the right fit to mentor Christian Ponder and Joe Webb, or does he simply give the Vikings their best chance to win this year and at the same time giving the young quarterbacks time to learn?

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Brett Favre's agent on rumors: 'He's retired - 07-25-2011

Brett Favre's agent on rumors: 'He's retired - 07-25-2011


"Hattiesburg sports agent Bus Cook, tired of rumors about his most famous client, called The Clarion-Ledger this morning to "set the record straight."
Said Cook: "Brett Favre retired in January. He has not talked to any teams, including Carolina Panthers, Philadelphia Eagles, the Arizona Cardinals and the Seattle Seahawks. He has not talked to anyone about playing football. He's retired, period."
Last week, Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Michael Vick tweeted, "I would be honored to have Brett Farve as a backup. That will be amazing learning how to toy with defenses the way he did his whole career."
That tweet set off another round of rumors about Favre's return to football. Cook insists the rumors have no substance."


Article 7/25 prosportsdaily.com

St. Paul balks at stadium tax - 07-06-2011

St. Paul balks at stadium tax - 07-06-2011


"The St. Paul City Council appears set to unanimously vote Wednesday against a Ramsey County sales tax increase for a proposed Minnesota Vikings stadium in Arden Hills.
Although numerous council members had expressed reservations about the tax, the vote will be their first public stance. The resolution is a formal statement of the council's position in the ongoing political battle but doesn't carry the weight of an ordinance.
Council President Kathy Lantry said it was time for the council to take a stand. "The rumor we've heard is a deal is imminent so we want to make sure our voice is heard," she said. "I love the Vikings, but ... if they're a statewide asset, then there ought to be a statewide solution."
County Commissioner Tony Bennett, a sponsor of the Vikings proposal to build in Arden Hills, said it's easy to vote against the sales tax. "I don't want to vote for the sales tax either, but what other choice do we have?" he said.
Six of the City Council members signed on as sponsors to the one-page resolution opposing the half-cent sales tax increase. Council Member Melvin Carter, who isn't a sponsor, said he "absolutely" supports the resolution.
Bennett and Ramsey County Commissioner Rafael Ortega have proposed using the tax increase to raise $350 million as the county contribution toward the Vikings stadium. The stadium is expected to cost $1 billion, with $407 million coming from the Vikings and $300 million from the state.
"Whether the stadium is the right thing to do or not, it's just too steep a price for St. Paul and Ramsey County taxpayers," said Russ Stark, a City Council member.
Carter said, "The proposal on the table is counting on a tax increase from the people we represent. We owe it to them to be very clearly on the record."
Lantry questioned why the county would raise a sales tax for the Vikings, but not for other services it provides, including the sheriff's protection, jails, solid waste removal and an array of human services. "That would help people 365 days a year," Lantry said."
Article per ProSportsDaily.com & StarTribune.com

Vikings will offer refund with interest if games are cancelled

Zygi Wilf and his brother Mark have sent a letter to season ticket holders of the Minnesota Vikings and the club will offer interest on refunds if the NFL’s work stoppage causes games to be cancelled this season.
Fans can choose to have a refund or have money applied to future games. In the event they request a refund, interest calculated at an annual rate of 1 percent will be paid. The interest will be calculated from the date a game is cancelled through the date which a refund is processed, so we’re talking about small change here. Still, it’s the right gesture for the organization to make, especially for an organization desperately seeking funding for a new stadium.

It’s a critical time for the Vikings. New coach Leslie Frazier is in the process of trying to reshape one of the oldest rosters in the league. Minnesota doesn’t have a quarterback and trying to build a young team around a new and potentially young quarterback is challenging under normal circumstances.
“The Vikings ownership group, coaches and front office staff are working extremely hard this offseason to return the Minnesota Vikings to the top of the NFC North and compete for a Super Bowl, as well as build upon the pride and passion you have for this organization,” the letter states.
Here is a full look at the letter:
Dear Vikings Season Ticket Owners,

Due to the expiration of the NFL's Collective Bargaining Agreement and the breakdown in mediated negotiations between the National Football League and the players, it is the sincere commitment of the Minnesota Vikings to keep our most important stakeholders in this franchise, our Season Ticket Owners, as informed as possible throughout the process. We wanted to write to you today in an effort to keep you informed on how the expiration of the NFL's Collective Bargaining Agreement may impact the 2011 NFL season.

The NFL is working hard to reach a new agreement with the players' union, and we hope the negotiation process does not disrupt the 2011 season. In the event any games are cancelled, we want to remind you of the Vikings Season Ticket Owner refund policy for your 2011 season tickets. The specifics of the policy are as follows:

1. We will provide you with a full refund for any cancelled preseason or regular-season home games.

2. You may choose to receive your refund either in the form that you paid for your tickets (e.g., cash, credit card) or in the form of credits toward future games with this credit applied to your season ticket account.

3. Simple interest, calculated at an annual rate of 1%, will be paid on refunds. Interest will be calculated for the period beginning on the date that a game is cancelled through the date that the refund is processed. You will be entitled to interest only if you have paid for your season tickets in full by the final season ticket payment deadline of May 23, 2011.

4. For any cancelled games, refunds will be paid no later than 30 days after final determination of how many games will be played during the 2011 season.
5. You may also click here to review the Vikings Season Ticket Owner refund policy that accompanied your 2011 invoice.

The Vikings ownership group, coaches and front office staff are working extremely hard this offseason to return the Minnesota Vikings to the top of the NFC North and compete for a Super Bowl, as well as build upon the pride and passion you have for this organization. We greatly appreciate your support of the Minnesota Vikings and will continue to keep you informed of our plans for the 2011 season. If you have any questions about the refund policy, or any other matter, please feel free to contact the Vikings Ticket Office at (612) 33-VIKES. Also, please feel free to read a letter sent last night from NFL Commissioner Goodell to all NFL fans at vikings.com or follow the latest on the NFL labor situation at NFLLabor.com.

Thank you for your patience and understanding. We look forward to helping the Minnesota Vikings return to the top of the NFC North and then achieving our ultimate goal of winning a Super Bowl.
Sincerely,

Zygi and Mark Wilf

Article Via Yahoo Sports

Pat Williams May Return To Vikings

Pat Williams may still return to Vikings - 06-20-2011

"Vikings NT Pat Williams put the chances of him returning to the team at 50-50 after it appeared the two sides would part ways. Williams said he worked some things out with head coach Leslie Frazier during the window when the lockout briefly was lifted in late April, and the team still has a need at defensive tackle, so a reunion can't be ruled out completely."

Info. via prosportsdaily.com

Brett Favre: 'I can still throw the ball as well as I ever have'

Brett Favre: 'I can still throw the ball as - 06-15-2011

Brett Favre insists he can still sling the rock.
But the retired quarterback reiterated what we already know – he has no desire to put his body through the rigors of another NFL season.
Favre is holding a 7-on-7 passing camp at Southern Mississippi and the Biloxi Sun Herald caught up with him.
“I don’t want to put my body through that anymore,” Favre said. “I’ve been beat up enough.”

The 41-year-old Favre played his last game for the Minnesota Vikings last Dec. 20 when he was knocked out of the game at TCF Bank Stadium on the campus of the University of Minnesota following a sack by rookie Corey Wootton. One day, that will be a good trivia question for a bar bet. The game was moved to the college after the Metrodome roof collapsed.
But could he still play?
“I can still throw the ball as well as I ever have,” Favre said. “No question about that.”
Don’t expect another comeback.
** Article From NationFootballPost.com

Christian Ponder Review

1

12(12)

Christian Ponder

QB

Florida State

What he brings: Ponder has had problems staying healthy and there are concerns about his durability going forward, but he has had the opportunity to show his toughness and there is a lot to like about his willingness to play through pain. He doesn't have the strongest arm and will have some trouble driving the ball downfield, but he does an excellent job of anticipating and delivering the ball in stride on short-to-intermediate routes. He is also light on his feet and can buy time within the pocket. Video analysis: Todd McShay How he fits: One of the big questions regarding the Vikings was whether they would go the veteran QB route or bite the bullet and start over with a rookie -- and we still don't know the answer, despite this pick. Right now, with Tarvaris Jackson and Brett Favre gone and Joe Webb unproven this is an offense that simply can't line up at QB. Is Ponder the immediate answer? Will the Vikings still go out and try to get a veteran to bridge the gap? Bill Musgrave is the new coordinator and he will run a West Coast offense that emphasizes the run with Adrian Peterson and his philosophy will emphasize rollouts, bootlegs, half reads and play-action -- all things Ponder can do well.  ....................... Review Per Insider.Espn.Go.com

#NFLDraft - Did You Know: Cam Newton - Heisman, National Cham... on Twitpic

#NFLDraft - Did You Know: Cam Newton - Heisman, National Cham... on Twitpic

SportsCenter April 27, 2011

#NFLDraft - Did You Know: Cam Newton - Heisman, National Champ & 1st overall draft pick in same academic year?

2011 Minnesota Vikings Unrestricted Free Agents

2011 Minnesota Vikings Unrestricted Free Agents

Ray Edwards
Brett Favre
Ben Leber
Ryan Longwell
Ryan Moats
Sidney Rice
Pat Williams
Patrick Ramsey
Hank Baskett
Frank Walker

Vikings Linebacker Chad Greenway Signs One-Year Tender

The Vikings chose to put the "Franchise Tag" on Pro Bowl lineback Chad Greenway instead of Sidney Rice.  On March 1st, Greenway signed a one-year tender with the Mn Vikings and by doing so Greenway is guaranteed around $10 Million if there is a 2011 NFL season.  The Vikings' likely goal is to sign Greenway to a long term deal. We should expect to see Greenway's talents grow and mature further under the coaching of Hall Of Fame Lineback Mike Singletary.

The decision for the Vikings to put the franchise tag on Greenway rather than Sidney Rice was a decision that caused much grumbling among Vikings fans and long time Vikings ticket holders.  We all want Sidney Rice back, but with the Vikings young defense in 2011 Greenway's leadership will be priceless.

Either way it was a tough decision.  What if the Vikings fail to fill the quarterback position, chose to franchise Rice and loose Greenway to free agency?  Then, we would have a top paid receiver with nobody qualified to throw him the ball.  With the given circumstances, Greenway was the right choice for the Vikings.

Metrodome Roof To Be Replaced

Its has been two months since the Metrodome roof collapsed from an overload of snow, ice and wind.  Today the Metropolitan Sports Facility Commission decided that they would take the recommendations from Engineers, who completed over 900 tests, and replace the entire roof of the Metrodome.  Another less expensive and less time consuming "patching" option was considered, but the Engineers assesment was that the entire roof needed to be replaced.  

The Engineers reports concluded that 60% of the Metrodome roof pannels were questionable and each pannel would need to be replaced because if one pannel fails, the entire roof will come down.  The new roof will reportatly cost about $19 million and the bidding for the job will start immediatly.  Construction on the new roof is planned to start in March and be completed by August 11, 2011.  This way the Vikings can play their pre-season football games in the Dome.  With this plan in place Vikings fans can feel more relaxed about buying their Minnesota Vikings Tickets, at least for 2011.

MINNESOTA VIKINGS REACTION:  ".. Is Not A Long Term Stadium Solution And Does Not Change The Urgency To Build A New Mult-Purpose Stadium For The State And The Vikings."  (Per FOX 9 News)

More On The Metrodome Roof Story, With Videos, From Fox 9 http://www.myfoxtwincities.com/dpp/money/next-48-hours-critical-for-dome-roof-feb-9-2011

Leslie Frazier & The Minnesota Vikings Hire James Saxon As Running Backs Coach

Leslie Frazier has chosen James Saxon to head his running back unit for the Mn Vikings.  The Mn Vikings have arguably the best running back in the NFL in  Adrian Peterson and Toby Gerhart is an impressive back as well. Saxon spent eight years as a player in the NFL and was most an assistant coach for the Miami Dolphins for the past three years.  Before that Saxon was an assistant coach for the Kansas City Chiefs from 2001 to 2007. 

(PER ESPN)  More From ESPN Here

The Minnesota Vikings Hire Mike Singletary As The Linebacker Coach / Assistant Head Coach

Leslie Frazier and the Mn Vikings have hired Mike Singletary as the Vikings Linebacker/Assistant Head Coach.  This is a great move.  Mike Singletary, or "The Minister Of Defense" as he is referred to since he is an ordained Minister, couldn't be more of a polar opposite than Leslie Frazier.  Frazier's calm cool attitude in the face of adversity and challenges are why the Vikings hired him as their head coach and also why Singletary's style is the perfect compliment.

Mike Singletary, aka "The Minister Of Defense", "Samurai Mike" or "Iron Mike", has a very intense personality.  He carried this intensity and  passion with him both as a player in the NFL and as a coach.  Singletary played 12 years in the NFL for Mike Ditka and the Chicago Bears, only missed two games, and the reason Sigletary has been given more than one nickname is his intensity and style of play.  Singletary intimidated his NFL rivals with his aggressive, in your face, smash mouth football style!

Singletary was most recently the head coach of the San Francisco 49ers, until he was fired after the 49ers were eliminated from playoff contention in 2010.  He spent three years as the 49ers head coach, and  head coach isn't where Singletary belongs - he is "The Minister Of Defense."

Singletary's intensity is welcomed in Minnesota and we look forward to his leadership that the Mn Vikings defense will need next year and beyond.

Who Are The Vikings Going To Draft With The 12th Pick?

The Minnesota Vikings have the 12th pick in the 2011 NFL Draft.  With a disappointing 2010 season record of 6-10 the Vikes have many... many holes to fill.  The Vikings filled arguably their biggest hole by getting rid of Childress and replacing him with Leslie Frazier.  So what direction should the Vikes go? 

The Brett Favre era ends (Wikipedia.com actually refers to 2009 to present the "Brett Favre Era") but the Vikings do have this (young) guy named Joe Webb....  Draft a QB?
 
Our offensive line was horrible and Favre got his ass kicked as bad as any QB in the league this year.  If we do keep Joe Webb at QB he is going to need all the time in the world back there to figure out what is going on... Draft an O-Lineman?

Our defensive line was terrible and the fact that Ray Edwards and Pat Williams probably won't be back next year, The Vikings D-Line personel decisions are a top priority... Draft a D-Lineman?

A first round draft choice in the top 15 picks is a decision that warrants careful consideration and has the potential to benefit a franchise for years to come.  I guess so does a 3rd round draft pick... right Brad Childress?  

Joe Webb Has "Freaky" Athletic Talent

This clip was taken while Vikings QB, Joe Webb, was training for the NFL Combine.

"Joe Webb qb/ reciever from UAB jumps over 7 dummies while training for the NFL combine at Competitive Edge Sports in Atlanta."

More On Mn Vikings Coach Leslie Frazier

Leslie Frazier has spent 18 years in the NFL, 12 as an assistant coach and six as a player and also owns a couple Super Bowl Rings. Frazier has the support of the Vikings players, fans & the Wilf family.

"It would mean the world to these guys in here," linebacker Ben Leber told the Tribune. "Everybody respects him and just to have some solidarity and cohesiveness going into the offseason."

Coach Frazier showed great temperament with all the adversity that he was challenged with during the time as the interim coach and this must have solidified the decision for the Wilf family to make Leslie Frazier the head coach of the Vikings.

Mn Vikings Sign Leslie Frazier As Head Coach

The Minnesota Vikings announced today, that Leslie Frazier will officially be their head coach moving forward.  Exact terms of Frazier's contract have not yet been disclosed.  The Vikings have many personnel issues to address this off-season and announcing Frazier as the head coach before the end of the season has to be refreshing for the players (and fans).  Frazier has a firm hold of the players in the locker room and many of the players have been very outspoken about the fact that they want Frazier back.

Antoine Winfield, who will be the biggest leader in the Vikings defensive backfield in 2011, was very outspoken about wanting Frazier back as the coach in his post game interview after the Vikings beat the Philadelphia Eagles on December 28th.

Quotes from Frazier & Owner/Chairman Zygi Wilf on the announcement that Frazier will be the new head coach:

"I could not have asked for a better opportunity in the National Football League," Frazier said in the team's statement.
"We are thrilled that Leslie Frazier will continue to lead this football team," Owner/Chairman Zygi Wilf said in the statement.

Will The Vikings Play Outside In 2011?

There have been various reports from sources such as ESPN & Twin Cities News Stations that say the Mn Vikings may be playing outdoors in TCF Bank Stadium for the 2011 season.  With the Metrodome (Mall Of America Field) lease ending in 2011 and without a viable new stadium plan, fans in the Twin Cities have been talking about this possibility all year (with mixed opinions).  Mn Vikings fans are excited about the opportunity to play in the new TCF Bank Stadium outdoor facility, but at the same time have many concerns.

TCF Bank Stadium Pros: New facility in the heart of the University Of Minnesota Campus with excellent site lines from all seats. 

TCF Bank Stadium Cons:  Most common quibble among fans is with TCF being an alcohol free stadium.  What would a Vikes game be like without a nice plastic bottle of suds?  Other fan comments are that the size of the TCF Stadium being too small and designed for a college football experience, not an NFL Football game.    Another gripe is that Parking at the stadium is minimal and many fans are forced to take shuttles to and from their parking lots.  I can remember parking anywhere from 5 - 10 blocks from the dome and it didn't bother me too much.       

Bottom Line:  Sounds like the Mn Vikings Fans think TCF Bank Stadium is an excellent (second) option to the Vikings playing in their very own first rate NFL Football Stadium.

Mn Vikings vs Eagles Game Postponed Until 12/28/10

With a blizzard dumping snow on to Philadelphia, the NFL decided to postpone the Vikings vs Eagles game until 12/28/10 at 8:20 PM.  It was reported that the weather was not the concern of the players, but that league official's #1 concern was the safety of the fans. "The No. 1 issue absolutely all along was public safety and the safety of the fans, workers, vendors, suppliers and really everybody," Eagles Chief Operating Officer Don Smolenski said.

"Because in addition to 70,000 [fans], there are 3,000 workers, and trying to have people come down in those conditions that are out there now and what they were calling for -- near blizzard-like, blowing wind, white-out conditions, 50 mile an-hour winds -- that just wasn't safe.

"The discussions with the league were all about public safety, and that was paramount and in the end is what drove the decision." csnphilly.com