Minnesota Vikings quarterback Christian Ponder found success off the field Monday when he and ESPN sideline reporter Samantha Steele were married at the St. Croix County Courthouse in Hudson, Wisconsin.
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

Well, the headline may be a bit misleading – Minnesota Vikings quarterback Christian Ponder wasn’t literally married in my backyard, but having grown up just a hop, skip and a poorly thrown Ponder pass from Hudson, Wisconsin, Ponder did indeed figuratively get married in my backyard.

According to the Eau Claire Leader-Telegram, Ponder and his bride-to-be, ESPN sideline reporter Samantha Steele, stole across the border Monday to Hudson and were married surreptitiously in the St. Croix County Courthouse by Court Commissioner Stephen Dunlap. Coincidentally, my Dad was the St. Croix County Court Commissioner many, many years ago – and he was a huge Vikings fan, too. Unfortunately, he didn’t have the opportunity to marry any Vikings players.

But I digress.

We all know that Ponder is the worst quarterback in the league – at least Jimmy Johnson thinks so and so do thousands of Minnesota Vikings fans. The question is this: Will being married make him any better under center? Only time will tell as the Vikings only have two games left – the final one being against the NFC North Division Champion Green Bay Packers.

No doubt, he will continue to be very good at handing off to Adrian Peterson, but we are uncertain if his passing completion percentages will go up. At least his pass to Steele hit home.

We wish him the best of luck off the field and, of course, the worst of luck on it.

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The improvements to Lambeau Field have been supported by the vast majority of Packers fans. Raymond T. Rivard photograph

In Wisconsin, we’re fighting over who should be governor. In Minnesota, they’re fighting to keep their professional football team.

Considering where we’re at, some may say we’re crazy here, but considering where the Minnesotans are at, we could say the same about them. So, who are we to give them advice.

Well, when it comes to politics, we may not be the brightest, but when it comes to Professional Football, we believe we know a thing or two.

For one, we know how to support our team. Recent history shows that … when it came to renovating Lambeau Field in the late 90s, the people of Brown County came through in support of a plan to recreate the granddaddy of all NFL stadiums. When it came time again this past year to take another step in improving the facility, Packers fans bought “worthless” pieces of paper stock because they loved the team. Fans realize that without the Packers in Green Bay, the hole would simply be too big to fill. The entire state would suffer, the economy would take a huge hit.

That’s why there is a team in Green Bay with 13 all-time NFL Championships and four Super Bowl titles … commitment.

Now consider what is occurring in Minnesota. The Vikings need a stadium – they need it badly. Playing in probably the worst venue in all of the National Football League, the Vikings call the Metrodome home. Whether it’s the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome or the Mall of America Dome, it’s a horrible stadium. The Twins left there years ago for a reason. The Vikings need to follow suit.

But they can’t.

Why?

Because politicians have got their gloms on their future and they have an owner who seemingly would be in Los Angeles than in Minnesota and doesn’t want to shell out the dough to keep the team in the North Division.

The fans are going crazy – you’ve got the fiscally conservative who understand the importance in keeping the team inMinnesota, but don’t want any kind of increase in taxes. On the opposite side of the aisle you’ve got those who feel building a stadium will bring much-needed jobs to the state while keeping the Vikings at home for decades to come.

The team’s fate lies in the hands of plodding politicians who seem to endorse a new plan with each passing day. The most recent plan negotiated by the governor, key lawmakers, the Minneapolis mayor and the team, according to the Associated Press, would have the Vikings cover about $427 million of the construction costs, or about 44%. The state would pay $398 million, with the money coming from an expansion of gambling. The city of Minneapolis would kick in $150 million by redirecting an existing hospitality tax.

But almost every aspect of the deal was being tested today on the House floor. A major amendment proposed in the House would cap the state’s share at $293 million, while requiring the team to come up with $532 million from private funds.

And this is just one of many proposed amendments that have been floated over the past few weeks, with more to come. While the most recent version of the bill limped through the House last night, it must also make it through the Senate with an ultimate compromise between both houses far, far from reality.

So, you see, the Vikings franchise is in deep trouble … so deep that maybe it’s time for the Packers to come forward. After all, what would the NFC North Division be without a Packers vs. Vikings rivalry? While all rivalries in the North are important, take away the Vikings and the entire league would suffer. Yes, Packers vs. Lions and Packers vs. Bears are huge, but there is a unique history of Packers vs. Vikings that would be sorely missed if Minnesota isn’t able to come together on a workable solution to bring about a new stadium.

Though it’s highly unlikely the Packers brass would come through in a financial manner for the Vikings in much the same way that George Halas did way back several decades ago when he pitched in to help a slumping Packers franchise. In this day and age, something like that would never happen. But in these days of grassroots supporters raising issues of importance, maybe it’s time for Packers fans to march on the State Capitol in St. Paul. Maybe it’s time to join arm in arm with those Vikings fans to show solidarity.

The only way to get politicians to act is hit them where it hurts them most – at the ballot box. Though we can’t vote in Minnesota, we’ve got to show Vikings fans that they’ve got to use their political power to bring about action.

In addition, they’ve got to show resolve and commitment for their team. Much like Packers fans have done through the years, Vikings fans have got to emulate what has been so successful here in Wisconsin.

They need our support, they need our attitude, they need our help.

If they don’t light a fire under their representatives and do it soon, there won’t be any need … the Vikings will be history.

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Could Jared Allen and the Minnesota Vikings be eyeing a move west?

On the same week that the Green Bay Packers announced the details of a stock sale to raise funds for a major stadium improvement, the Minnesota Vikings suffered a setback in their attempt to build a replacement for the Metrodome.

The Vikings were unable to persuade the state government to vote on funding/plans for a new stadium during a special session of the Legislature.

Meanwhile, Los Angeles, thought to be where the Chargers will end up, is back in the picture for the Vikings.

As a Packers fan, I don’t care much about the Vikings. But I do care about how a Vikings move would affect the Packers.

Let’s examine the ways:

1. Would a Vikings move to LA force the NFL to realign the NFC Divisions?

Yes, I believe that the Vikings would no longer be part of the NFC North. The Packers would lose a passion-filled rivalry that has only intensified in recent years (see B. Favre). It doesn’t make sense for the Vikings to fly six-plus hours to play a divisional game. The most logical move would be to swap the St. Louis Rams from the NFC West and Vikings. I wouldn’t call St. Louis “North” but that’s the simplest change.

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Take, for instance, this morning’s column by Tom Powers of the Pioneer Press (see below). It pretty much says it all about his feelings toward the team, its coaching staff and the team’s upper management for which he has much disdain.

He talks about the team’s decision to start rookie Christian Ponder against the world champions and its possible long-term ramifications.

Below is a quote about what he thinks about the rookie’s talents.

One thing we can be absolutely certain of is that we will see a frenetic, helter-skelter game when Ponder is on the field. He is all over the place running, jumping, ducking, throwing and tumbling. The few times we’ve been able to watch him to date, including exhibition games, Ponder has displayed a frantic, almost playground style.

To get the full feeling of Powers’ message, see the link below.

But before you do that, be sure to Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

Clipped from: www.twincities.com (share this clip)

Will Vikings coach Leslie Frasier go with Donovan McNabb as his starting quarterback or make the move to rookie Christian Ponder for Sunday's game against the Packers?

Vikings vs. Packers – The Minnesota Vikings want to beat the Green Bay Packers. It’s a division game, it’s the hated rival from the east, it’s the unbeaten Super Bowl champions coming to town.

But head coach Leslie Frasier has a conundrum. Does he go with the veteran McNabb who has brought the team one win to date or does he do the inevitable and start first round draft pick Christian Ponder?

According to Pro Football Weekly, the Vikings will make a decision Wednesday, which will be good on two fronts: It will give the Vikings plenty of time to give whomever is going to start the vote of confidence and enough snaps to prepare for the Packers; but on the other front, it also gives the Packers a clear view on who to expect to start and for whom to prepare.

“We are going to talk about a lot of things,” Frasier was quoted as saying yesterday. “But the primary point will be what’s best for our team going forward as we prepare for our next opponent.  That will be the determining factor.”

When asked about the possibility that the Vikings may play rookie Christian Ponder, McCarthy said that the team will prepare for both quarterbacks … they may have to go back to preseason tape to watch Ponder, but that didn’t seem to bother the head coach. “That’s all part of the preparation. We’ll be prepared either way.”
McNabb and Ponder both played in last Sunday’s shellacking in Chicago and neither did much to give the Vikings faithful much hope at this point. While McNabb was pretty accurate (19-24) and connected for decent yardage (177), Ponder wasn’t so accurate (9-17) and couldn’t quite crack the century mark in about one quarter of play (99).

The Vikings (1-5) reached the end zone just once in the 39-10 loss to the Bears (3-3).

Of course, with Adrian Peterson touching the ball just 12 times for 39 yards didn’t help the passing game either.

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According to Vikings defensive end Brian Robison, the Vikings are going to kick the crap out of the Packers twice this year and hopefully meet up with them again in the playoffs where they will do the same. Raymond T. Rivard photograph

So, just who the hell is Brian  Robison?

Well, Packers fans and especially the Packers players and coaches should take note of this yahoo.

The Vikings’ defensive end certainly sent a verbal volley across the Packers bow this afternoon on KFAN, a Minnesota radio station.

As reported on Fansided’s The Viking Age, Robison was asked about the Packers winning the Super Bowl and he said he was “glad” the Pack won, but for all the wrong reasons, of course.

Asked why he answered as he did, here is what he said: (more…)

Donovan McNabb would bring his experience to Minnesota ... but will he bring some wins?

So, it looks like the ancient one is coming to Minnesota. The bearded man will come into camp as the starter; he will work with the younger ones, Joe Webb and Christian Ponder. He will be introduced to the thunderous roars and that obnoxious Vikings horn as the the team plays its final season in the Metrodome … He might even help the Vikings win a couple of games next season …

Wait a minute, haven’t we been here?

No the ancient one isn’t Brett Favre … it’s Donovan McNabb, the former Philadelphia Eagle via Washington Redskins. It appears that though the logistics for him signing with the Vikings are still being worked out. All McNabb has to do is sign his name to the bottom like, get over his seeming hurt feelings and get on a plane to the Twin Cities. (more…)

Could Zigi Wilf be thinking about that nice new stadium in L.A.? Raymond T. Rivard photograph

Because state legislators are trying to solve issues that have life and death implications for thousands of state residents who are dealing with issues such as  how to put meals on the table or how to pay the rent, trying to justify spending hundreds of millions to help a millionaire doesn’t make much sense.
In his report of the situation, Dan Zinski of The Viking Age said, “Through his spokesperson Katie Tinucci, Gov. Mark Dayton said he won’t consider a second special session to deal with the stadium until the fall. This after Zygi Wilf reportedly met with Dayton on Friday to force the issue.

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Would Ziggy Wilf, Vikings owner (right), pack the bus and move to L.A.? Raymond T. Rivard Photograph

By Daniel Sigl

All Minnesotans are aware of two things right now. First, the state government is shut down. Second, the Minnesota Vikings’ lease on the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome expires at the end of this coming season, and they want a new stadium. It is an inconvenience to say the least that the state must approve of a new stadium.

At the same time, Los Angeles wants an NFL team. There are plans in place for a stadium in the Los Angeles suburbs; the only thing missing is a team. Ladies and gentlemen, the Los Angeles Vikings are certainly not out of the question. This would not be the first time a Minnesota team left for Los Angeles. The Lakers moved there from Minneapolis in 1960. (more…)

Adrian Peterson has been beloved in Minnesota, but the author asks how he would look in green and gold. Raymond T. Rivard photograph

By Daniel Sigl

It is no secret that the Packers would benefit from a reliable running game, and it is difficult to say whether or not their current running backs can carry the load. In order to guarantee that the Packers have a consistent ground attack, as is almost required in the frozen tundra during the playoffs, they may want to get an all star running back. Adrian Peterson may be that guy.

Trading for Peterson would have two advantages. First, the Packers would have a running game to take some of the load off of Aaron Rodgers. Second, the Packers would not have to play against him twice (or more) every year. (more…)

Percy Harvin came out in support of the Vikings of the idea that the Vikings entertain the thought of pursuing a contract with Plaxico Burress. Raymond T. Rivard

This is just way too tempting to resist.

As if the Minnesota Vikings veterans haven’t learned their lesson from the Brett Favre saga … now they move on to another retread veteran to boost them to a Super Bowl … Plaxico Burress.

With Vikings veterans chiming in this week … a topic today of our colleague Dan Zinski’s over at The Viking Age … it seems the players in Minnesota are chiming in with a chorus of “yeah mans” to their wants and needs to get former inmate Plaxico Burris into their camp. (more…)

Brett Favre leaves Lambeau Field for the last time last October after the Packers defeated the Vikings. The loss was one last season that helped define the spiraling demise of a franchise. Raymond T. Rivard photograph

This week, Fansided Minnesota Vikings blogger Dan Zinski of The Viking Age reported his concern over the unstable status of that franchise and why recent developments could indicate that the Vikings’ 50-year tenure in the land of 10,000 lakes is in danger.
Zinski wrote in his blog this week:

“If billionaire Philip Anschutz has his way, Los Angeles will soon have a new NFL team. That team could end up being the Vikings.
“Tim Leiweke, president of the dreaded AEG, has confirmed Anschutz’s interest in purchasing majority stake in an existing franchise, with an eye toward installing that team in AEG’s proposed Farmers Field. Speaking to the Orange County Register, Leiweke named the five teams on his and Mr. Anschutz’s list of targets: Minnesota, St. Louis, Oakland, Jacksonville and San Diego.” (more…)