It’s Not Easy Being A Vikings Fan

We've got to be cursed, right?   After Blair Walsh's missed kick yesterday and our loss to the Seahawks, you can't help but be crushed.   I really thought we had a chance this year.  I let my guard down.  I let hope creep in that this could be the year.  We went into halftime with a narrow lead, but we were playing well.  Then the wheels came off, and I saw the ending coming an hour away.

But, I didn't give up hope.  I thought maybe we could still hold on.  Then it happened.  The missed snap play.  Russell Wilson  missed a snap and ran back 20 yards.  We thought we had him, and then he throws like a 40 yard pass putting them 1st and goal.  I knew right there the game was over, because I'm a Vikings fan and I've seen this before.

But still, I didn't give up hope.  I still had my heart invested in the game.  I knew they COULD win, if just something went right.  We needed something to go our way.

My blood pressure spiked up to about 200 when AP fumbled the football.  I had a little bit of a meltdown that my family was concerned about.  I looked around the room and saw that everyone had put distance between me and them.  I tried to calm myself, "It's just a game.  It's ok if we lose.  It's just a game."

I still didn't give up hope.  All we needed was a big play.  Then it hit me.  It's going to come down to a field goal, and Walsh will miss it.  Just like in 1998.  And trust me, as disappointed as I am, I don't blame Walsh.   It shouldn't have come down to a kick, and you can't expect to win a playoff game on field goals alone.  Come one guys.

Well I guess I really hate being right.  I fell to the floor in disbelief.  I didn't cry.  But I closed my eyes and did my "Vikings lose breathing exercises".  I started wondering which jerk of a packer friend that I have would call me first.   It didn't take long.

I placed myself in a 15 minute timeout, as I wasn't in the mood to be around anyone.  After I calmed down, I brushed it off and said, "maybe next year."  See, that's a true fan.  Someone who hasn't given up on their team even though year after year we are let down.  We take the good when we can and make it seem bigger than it was.  We did win the Division.  That's good.  See?  "We got something out of this."

Packers fans always say they are the better fans.  They've even won Forbes list of best team fans.  I can't imagine how easy it would be to be a packers fan.  It would have to be easy if you've won Superbowls.

I'm a Vikings fan.  I routinely brush it off year after year, and get back on that horse.  Maybe someday.  Maybe.