We got him.
Just whispering the words to most Green Bay Packers fans can bring about head shakes, glares and outrageous comparisons of Aaron Rodgers to Joe Montana. Most Packers fans won’t admit how tight their teeth clench when the subject comes up, but Vikings fans can relate to the feeling when the Packers were courting Randy Moss a few years back.
Except this situation is times 400 (had to fit a “4” in there somewhere).
Every athlete, business professional, sales associate and anyone who’s ever been on a team with a rival can relate to Monday night’s game. Nobody likes the rival’s best player when you’re going against them, but you would welcome them on your team more times than not. There are obvious exceptions to this notion, but considering Favre doesn’t fall in the Terrell Owens-type category of “super talent, super cancer,” then he’s game to join my team anytime.
Welcome to the current Vikings-Packers rivalry.
Throw in the fact Favre is the most beloved Packer ever — or was — and an early-season Monday Night Football game, and you have a recipe with historic potential. So much, in fact, that a local sports editor doesn’t even have tickets to the game but plans to arrive around the Metrodome at 1 p.m. Monday when the parking lots open up for tail ... I mean, Favregating.
Don’t kid yourself, Favre to the Vikings is equivalent to Derek Jeter to the Red Sox. This game has been talked about since Brad Childress picked up Favre at the airport, will be talked about 40 years from now (another “4” drop) and has the potential to be the most-watched MNF game of all time.
There’s still the drama that will surround Favre when he returns to Lambeau Field on Nov. 1 — if he’s still healthy — but this is it for now.
And local sports fans have chimed in. Every local connection surveyed has an athletic tie to the Borderland area, and not surprisingly, most are Vikings fans.
So what will happen? Nobody knows, but one thing is for sure: We got him.
Jim Johnson
Who will win Monday night?
Vikings 78-7
Why are you watching?
To justify owning more Vikings apparel/memorabilia than a small country.
What will you cheer for?
A Vikings victory and a stellar performance from Adrian Peterson, the leader of my fantasy football team.
What’s the worst thing that could happen Monday night?
Favre trips and hurts himself during introductions and doesn’t play.
Don Rolando
FHS athletic/activities director
Who will win Monday night?
Vikings 24-14
Why are you watching?
I’ve been a life-long Vikings fan.
What will you cheer for?
I think it would be a big kick in the shorts to every Packer fan to have Brett Favre beat them in a Viking uniform.
What’s the worst thing that could happen Monday night?
Is for the Vikings to lose on a turnover, like an interception pick-6.
Chris Bachmeier
L-BF athletic/activities director
Who will win Monday night?
Vikings 27-21
Why are you watching?
My wife is a huge Vikings fan.
What will you cheer for?
Donald Driver scoring at least one touchdown (I own him in fantasy football).
What’s the worst thing that could happen Monday night?
The Cincinnati Bengals could be 2-2 and be recovering from a loss to the Browns. Or a Vikings loss for my wife’s sake. (Bachmeier is a Bengals fan).
Jerad Kostiuk
FHS Class of 1998
Who will win Monday night?
Vikings 31-17.
Why are you watching?
Have to watch the Vikes-Pack game. All the Favre drama should be interesting, too.
What will you cheer for?
Favre to throw three touchdowns and AP to rush for 200 yards plus.
What’s the worst thing that could happen Monday night?
Favre breaking his hip and the Vikes lose big.
Jace Baldwin
FHS Class of 2009
Who will win Monday night?
Vikings. We need to get Favre some revenge for what the Packers did to him.
Why are you watching?
Favre, no doubt.
What will you cheer for?
Favre sending a bomb into the end zone to win it.
What’s the worst thing that could happen Monday night?
Favre has a bad game and doesn’t come through.
Abby Hair
FHS Class of 2000
Who will win Monday night?
Vikings 24-10
Why are you watching?
It’s Monday Night Football and it’s the Vikings.
What will you cheer for?
The Vikings, and stopping the fantasy football players I’m playing against.
What’s the worst thing that could happen Monday night?
The Vikings will lose.
Sheldon Slaubaugh
KGHS/KSDM
Sports Director
Who will win Monday night?
Vikings 20-17
Why are you watching?
It’s the Vikings-Packers. No other reason needed.
What will you cheer for?
Vikings — always the Vikings.
What’s the worst thing that could happen Monday night?
Packers win — Adrian Peterson out for the year.
Jake Youso
FHS Class of 2008
Who will win Monday night?
Vikings. I think they are deeper than the Packers and I think Favre is going to pick his old team apart.
Why are you watching?
Because I have nothing better to do on a Monday night.
What will you cheer for?
A big play from Favre or Adrian Peterson.
What’s the worst thing that could happen Monday night?
Vikings get blown out 42-0 and Favre gets hurt, forcing him to retire.
Casey Scholler
FHS Graduate
Who will win Monday night?
Packers 27-21
Why are you watching?
I’m a Packers fan. Plus, they play their rivals.
What will you cheer for?
Hoping the Packers win.
What’s the worst thing that could happen Monday night?
Vikings blow the Packers out.
David Knutson
Former Daily Journal editor
Who will win Monday night?
Vikings.
Why are you watching?
It’s the nordic version of Armageddon. Ragnorak.
What will you cheer for?
The Vikings.
What’s the worst thing that could happen Monday night?
A Viking gets hurt, but it won’t be Favre.
Timm Ringhofer
FHS math teacher, football coach
Who will win Monday night?
Vikings 30-20
Why are you watching?
I try to watch as much football as possible, but this game is special first because it still is the Vikings-Packers. Second, it’s the Vikes playing. Third, the Vikings have played very well at times this year. This makes everyone want to watch a little more. Last, to see what the media will say about the Favre situation (like they haven’t said enough).
What’s the worst thing that could happen Monday night?
The Vikings could get blown out of the water and/or Adrian Peterson gets hurt.
Nick Schoenecker
Falls teacher, Broncos assistant football coach
Who will win Monday night?
Vikings 34-24
Why are you watching?
It’s the Vikings-Packers on Monday Night Football. Why would anyone not watch it?
What will you cheer for?
A Vikings win, Peterson to put on a show and No. 4 to stick to those cheese heads.
What’s the worst thing that could happen Monday night?
AP gets hurt, Vikings lose and Favre throws four picks.
