Brought to you by Mr. Cheer or Die and the Vikes Geek, welcome to the
Views and Personal Photos on the Vikes from the Inaugural Hall of Fame fan.
Brought to you by Mr. Cheer or Die and the Vikes Geek, welcome to theOn 2005 roster at present (Bold indicates projected starter)
05: Thomson Omboga; R
07: Michael Nordyke; R
09: Aaron Hosack; 1st season
12: Skyler Fulton; 1st season
15: Christopher Jones; R
16: Kelly Campbell; 4th season
17: Ben Nelson; 1st season
18: Ryan Hoag; 1st season
19: Troy Williamson; R
81: Nate Burleson; 3rd season
82: Keenan Howry; 3rd season
87: Marcus Robinson; 9th season
89: Travis Taylor: 6th season
Note: I'd like to take a little roll call and ask a question of the readers. If you haven't already done so, by using the Comment link at the end of this blog entry, leave what city and state you are from. I'd sure love to know if there are Vikings fans in all 50 states. And leave your country if you are outside of America. Also, would you like to see me change the site to a white background with dark purple font...or leave it the way it is. Thanks for your time!
Let's get right to it. This is the report you've been waiting for.
The Kid did fine. The Kid gets off the line fast. The Kid can cut on a dime and leave the CB muttering.
Yes, The Kid did drop a pass or two. But then he'd come right back and catch a ball off his shoe strings (I told you Culpepper's passes weren't crisp Friday!).
I really thought that The Kid did well for someone trying to fill a very large pair of shoes.
And just when you were thinking, "Yeah, this Kid is nice but he isn't Randy Moss", he'd off and do something outstanding that had the sidelines murmoring.
Like when The Kid fought off the CB at the line. And then make a cat-like cut in front of the CB leaving him behind. The CB being Fred Smoot. Which earned The Kid a pat on the butt from Smoot.
Or the time when The Kid ran right past rookie CB Adrian Ward. And made this catch with Ward's paw in his face.
Yeah, The Kid will be alright. Give him a chance. Make no comparisons. Let him prove himself his way. He's a winner and he is ours.
Nate Burleson also looked just fine. Very comfortable as the team's #1 WR. And it should come as no surprise that Burleson ran the best routes during this practice. Nice, clean, and crisp.
Burleson also had some of the best hands, actually making a reception of this poorly thrown ball.
Of course, Mr. Motor-Mouth was there. Yet, Kelly Campbell's mouth has been relegated insignificant by the addition of Fred Smoot. But Campbell, as much as I dislike his 'style' is still one of the fastest receivers on the team. You must remember that Campbell can catch....turn....and go like the wind. We need him.
I guess only time will tell if Campbell is in the outhouse or just running from it.
Another guy, fresh blood in fact, showing good moves was Travis Taylor. I thought Taylor worked the hardest of all the wide receivers I viewed at practice Friday. He went through every drill like his life depended on it.
Taylor's routes seem to be of the inside variety and then every now and then he'd break deep. Taylor made every pass count.
So, will Moss be missed. Without a doubt. Will he be missed a lot? We'll see as the summer months go by. But I'll say this much. I haven't seen this much WR balance on the team since the late 80s. And balance sometimes can be better than one Super Freak.
Sometimes.
Other Photos
Travis Taylor leaves the line.
Williamson and other watch Keenan Howry run a drill.
What do you think? Does The Kid need some weight room help? Or just let it go?
Williamson runs along the sidelines.
Williamson turns for the ball.
Campbell gets slowed by Napoleon Harris.
Williamson returns from a deep route.
Taylor leaves the field with former Vikes punter Greg Coleman. Marcus Robinson, who did not dress for practice, can be seen behind them.
And then you have it. My 2005 Vikings Mini Camp report. I hope you've enjoyed them. I've enjoyed sharing them with you. The blog had nearly 5,000 hits on Saturday alone. Thanks!
Up next: New information on Moss from a source that knows!
Previous: Defensive Back, Offensive Line & Tight End, Kicker & Special Teams, Running Back, Linebacker, Quarterback, Defensive Line, and Initial Report (just scroll down)
And be sure to leave a COMMENT below if you have a specific question you would like to ask me and I'll reply using the COMMENTS field.
And if you want to use a photo on your own personal site...I simply ask that you credit me and my Vikings Underground web blog.
Posted by maasx003 at May 1, 2005 10:49 PM | TrackBackI'm from Rochester, Minnesota, but am currently in Boston, Massachusetts.
Posted by: David L. at May 1, 2005 01:32 AMIM in St.Pete Fl. , Im 37 and Ive been a Viking fan for 28 years.
Posted by: Kevin Berowski at May 1, 2005 04:29 AMI'm stationed in Belleville Illinois. Dad took me to see my first game when I was 6, back in 1969, been a fan ever since.
Posted by: David Stefano at May 1, 2005 05:22 AMHouston, TX
Posted by: James L. at May 1, 2005 07:13 AMFantastic photos Brian. Great job at the mini-camp and I appreciate all the effort you put in so that we could all enjoy the great pics of the players.
Posted by: Mike, The Kansas Viking at May 1, 2005 07:34 AMI am watching from the land of the sunshine, Florida. Originally from Oregon/Montana.
Posted by: lackofintellect at May 1, 2005 08:24 AMLong time Vikes fan, since the Bud Grant and Joe Kapp days, living in Kamloops, BC, Canada. Thanks for the outstanding photos and commentary about mini-camp. They made it that much more fun to be a fan.
Posted by: Bill D. at May 1, 2005 08:29 AMI am from Mt. Hope you get someone from all 50. Hey thanks for your work, LOVE it.
I love that blog. It's all I want ! Great mini-camps' photos !
Laurent from France.
Sioux Falls, SD here ... Great pics and commentary - best I've found yet comparing it to any other site; keep up the great work!!!
Posted by: Jerry O at May 1, 2005 09:41 AMI'm originally from La Crescent, MN - but the AF has me in Woodbridge, VA for now. Die hard Vikes fan since early 70's. Great site - awesome mini camp reports. So glad I found your site!! Thanks!!
Posted by: Jeff V. at May 1, 2005 10:01 AMRinggold, GA. Used to live in St. Cloud, Vikes fan for 10 years!
Posted by: Dan V. at May 1, 2005 10:22 AMIn Rochester, MN - originally from Winona, MN
Great site!! Love this blog - got it bookmarked...thanks for the great pics and POV from minicamp. Like the colors as is.
Posted by: stellamn at May 1, 2005 10:30 AMMpls, MN
Nice work and thanks for the informaiton!!!
Madison, SD. Great to be able to read your writing again - I was an occasional poster at the old site and didn't find out until recently that you've got this one going.
Posted by: Z at May 1, 2005 10:59 AMVenice Beach, CA. Originally from Hastings, MN.
Great photos.
And keep the white text on purple background. Easy enough to read.
Posted by: J. Ryan at May 1, 2005 11:20 AM25 year+ Viking fan originally from New York City, now living in Hampton, Virginia (retired here from the USAF and stayed in local area). Original poster called VikingBen on old Viking Underground website that converted to Viking Update website. This is a great website! Keep up the great work...your a true viking fan!
Posted by: Benjamin Rodriguez at May 1, 2005 11:21 AMI love the blog. Great photos!
I'm from Anchorage, AK. Lots of Vikes fans up there.
Posted by: Max at May 1, 2005 11:57 AMHi! I'm Klaus from Austria and I really enjoy your info about the Vikes so far away!
Posted by: Klaus at May 1, 2005 11:58 AMIt's nice to see that you are still around. I really miss the old Viking Underground and it's great to see that you are still providing in-depth coverage. Great pictures and observations.
Posted by: Tyr at May 1, 2005 12:18 PMI'm from Fort Collins, CO. Orginally from South Dakota. Like the site.
Posted by: Craig at May 1, 2005 12:46 PMMankato MN
Posted by: Jon at May 1, 2005 01:18 PMVikes fan from London, UK
Great work from camp! Photos are outstanding!
Posted by: Kevin Brady at May 1, 2005 01:32 PMI am originally from Prior Lake, MN. Currently in the Marines and stationed in Quantico, Virginia.
Posted by: Adam Conrady at May 1, 2005 01:54 PMJust found out about the Underground and have been visiting for the past few days. Keep up the good work, it is appreciated. I've been a Viking fan since the early 70's when we lived in Cambridge but now I live in St. Louis, MO.
Lee
Originally from bloomfield mt, currently hailing from bozeman mt, soon be viking fan stuck in broncos country as i'll be in denver all summer.
jason
Olympia, Washington -- Thanks for all your hard work, Brian. All of us Vikings freaks appreciate it. Good to see Viking Underground alive and kicking (like the Vikings D).
Posted by: David Christian at May 1, 2005 02:49 PMI'm checking in from Hallandale Beach, FL (between Miami & Ft. Lauderdale) to see how Ciatrick Fason works out for you.
Posted by: 4Kiick21 at May 1, 2005 03:41 PMI was origionally from Lakeville but now I am currently in exile in Carthage, Missouri. Great Photos, thanks for putting them up.
Everytime it snows, I get homesick for minnesota. I jsut walk around and pretend I'm back home.
Posted by: John Benson at May 1, 2005 03:51 PMMpls MN expat living in Chicago - land of Curtis Enis
Posted by: J. Lichty at May 1, 2005 04:00 PMWas just wondering if you had any information about how the free agent rookies looked? Mostly if you saw Mike Nordyke play at all. It seems hard to find any information on them.
Daniel McLaughlin
Warroad MN
Nashville, Tennessee. Originally from Garner, Iowa (Northern Iowa)
Posted by: Matt Lackore at May 1, 2005 04:43 PMI'm from South Dakota but am living in Washington Sate right now. Thanks for posting all the pics.
Posted by: Mark at May 1, 2005 04:48 PMGreat pictures, and great info on the WR. Williamson sure does need to hit the weights. His body frame reminds me a lot of Leo Lewis, until I saw the picture of him next to Smoot.
I think I will link this site to my webpage.
BTW, I live near Philadelphia, PA. Originally from Mound, MN.
Posted by: Philly-Vike at May 1, 2005 05:44 PMChicago
Posted by: Dave Culp at May 1, 2005 05:49 PMgood job on the pix's and info
I live in Ohio 60 miles from Cleveland and Pittsburg so you know all the talk I get to listen to.
Thank you...I always appreciate getting facts and just visual opinions. Any info on the Vikings is great...Thank you.....I live in Elk Grove, CA
Posted by: Ron at May 1, 2005 06:23 PMThe Vikes are primed for a 2005 Super Bowl Championship...Great mini camp info just what I needed more positive info on 2005 future champs.
Posted by: VikesRollON......... at May 1, 2005 06:31 PMVikesRollOn.......from Delaware >>> has been a Viking fan since the days of Kapp, Page, Eller, Brown, Foreman, Tarkenton, Washington, Marshall, Hilgenberg, Reed, White, etc. 2005 The Purple People
Eaters are Back! Vikes Rule 2005
I live in Rock Island, Illinois(Quad Cities)
Posted by: Kanon at May 1, 2005 06:39 PMMitch "VIKES1" Vail from Springfield ILL.
Posted by: Mitch V at May 1, 2005 06:49 PMSan Antonio, TX. Been a Vikings fan since 1977 or so when I was in Germany. The current font is fine by me...
Posted by: Purple Rugger at May 1, 2005 07:11 PMHi Brian, Great site. Glad to see the old Viking Underground name resurrected.
I'm in Louisville KY, home of the Derby City Norsemen, Louisville's Minnesota Vikings Fan Club.
The font works for me.
Posted by: Dan McGowan at May 1, 2005 07:58 PMwhat a cool site!! ive been a fan for over 25 years, 25 years of disapointing endings, but i still watch every game and never give up. im gonna miss watching randy run but i think that its more of a team with pep as the undisputed leader with no stupid distractions. mark my words THIS IS OUR YEAR!!!!
Sean O Lyons, NY
oh yeah, leave the purple, white backgrounds are boring, skol vikings
Posted by: sean o at May 1, 2005 08:04 PMLos Angeles, CA. thanks for taking the time to give us something to drool over.
Posted by: berzerker at May 1, 2005 09:02 PMWashington, DC.... a HUGE female Vikings fan since 1998 earning myself the nickname "Vikings Babe" (yeah, cause of Moss but I'm still loyal even tho he's gone)
Posted by: Cinbrella Saunders at May 1, 2005 09:47 PMI am from Hopkins, MN but am currently living in Perth, Australia. I love to read the blog, great job! It is hard to keep up on the NFL down here so I use your site for help...though I will be back in the US in two months.
Posted by: Corey at May 1, 2005 10:00 PMI live in Anchorage Alaska. Been a Vike fan since 1965. Grad of Grand Marais High School class of '71.
Posted by: Ward Peterson at May 1, 2005 10:25 PMHere in Greenville, SC. Glad to have stumbled across this site.
Posted by: Daryl at May 1, 2005 10:33 PMViking fan from Kirksville, Missouri.
Posted by: Steve at May 1, 2005 10:50 PMThanks for the updates. The photos are awesome. Great work.
I graduated from Osseo, MN and now reside in Dodgeville, WI (~35 miles west of Madison).
Thanks again COD.
Posted by: Troy Sjodin at May 1, 2005 11:00 PMGreat pics, love this site! From Eagan, MN now in Atlanta. Go Vikes. We GOT D!!!!!
Posted by: derek_in_atl at May 1, 2005 11:30 PMLong time Vikes fan from Loeten, Norway. Keep up the good work!
Posted by: Bjoernar at May 2, 2005 05:07 AMAwesome pictures. The local dishrags are so bad about posting quality shots on their sites. Thanks for all the hard (but fun) work!
Posted by: tickettrader at May 2, 2005 06:35 AMI grew up bleeding purple in South Dakota and moved down here to New Orleans a few years ago. I love your site.
Posted by: Jimmy at May 2, 2005 10:02 AMGreat site found it on Viking Update, this is what Viking Update should be. From Freeman SD.
Posted by: Cliff at May 2, 2005 10:04 AMWell Done! What fun seeing so many photos of the new fellas, and your comments were spot on--very interesting. Good format, too. Thanks again from a Bemidji boy now living in Souptown, WI.
Posted by: Jim at May 2, 2005 10:28 AMAWESOME site! Been a Vike's fan since the early 70's......and THIS IS OUR YEAR! Thanks for the hard work - I'm from Duluth MN. I like the purple background......looks GREAT! AGAIN, thanks :)
Posted by: ViQueen at May 2, 2005 11:22 AMI'm from Chicago and I have always been a die hard vikes fan.
Posted by: Toby at May 2, 2005 12:47 PMBrian, it's been a long time! I didn't even know the 'Underground' was still around! It's better than I remember it! The last time I saw you was a few years ago at your tailgate party. You had a hot tub with a few bikini-clad women...& it was freezing outside! We still try to go to MPLS once a year from Milpitas, CA to see "our" Vikings in person. Glad to have found the 'Underground' & will check it out with regularity. Please keep the info coming! Jesse Manriquez.
Posted by: Jesse Manriquez at May 2, 2005 02:23 PMGreat site! I live in the Detroit, MI area, but have been a Viking fan since the mid-70s! I finally made it to a game in Minnesota last year. I definitely will be going back this year!
Posted by: Fred at May 2, 2005 02:23 PMI'm from Brighton, England, and 2004/2005 was my first season as an nfl fan, during which i fell head over heels hopelessly in love with the vikings and i'm now dangerously obsessed, great site! really good reading, all of it, especially the 1998 season and your first thoughts on Moss, thanks and good luck keeping on doing what you're doing well.
Posted by: Guy at May 2, 2005 03:02 PMI'm from Fairfax, VA
Posted by: Terry Stoneberg at May 2, 2005 03:18 PMHello, I'm from Colorado! First memory of vikes is SuperBowl against Steelers-I have a tape of that game and it's painful to see how they were actually close to being in a position to win...oh well. Thanks for your work on your site and the info about Moss in '07 is fantastic.I hope he finishes his career here!
thanks again.
currently live in Verona, WI (burb of Madison) but i am from Roseau, MN
thanks for all the minicamp stories i will be back often
i believe that i may have registered as madtown vike back in 98 or 99 if you ran a message board then
Posted by: vikeincheeseland at May 2, 2005 05:59 PMHi to all the Vikes fans out there! I am from the North Shore, but am currently living in Prescott, AZ to finally complete my bachelors degree. I have been a fan since the 70's, and I am excited to see the improvements on D this year. This is a great site, and I will keep checking back regularly for news. Thanks for the info!
Posted by: Vikeinthesun at May 2, 2005 06:08 PMI scrolled the page to see if the state of Nevada was represented, unless I overlooked one I might be the first. Excellent work on the site, thorough and informative...the devil is in the details after all. Viking fan of 30+ years looking forward to a "return to respectability" on defense for the first time since 1989.
Although newer fans may be concerned about Erasmus James being underweight by NFL standards at his position, I remember when the Vikings took a guy named Chris Doleman from the University of Pitt. The pundits called Chris bad names like "tweener". The Vikings drafted Doleman in 1985 and while adding some muscle mass along the way Chris wound up being 6th overall on the all time sack list with 150 quarterbacks bagged and 8 trips to the Pro Bowl during his career.
I am thrilled about the retooled defense, it is a small bone of contention for losing what will most assuredly be the best WR to ever play the game when all is said and done. Hopefully Eighty4 comes back to Minn. even if it's just to retire as a Viking at the end of what is already quite an illustrious career. SKÖL!
I am somewhat a fan of the Vikings i am more a fan of Troy Williamson. He played for my favorite college tean the South Carolina Gamecocks as you already know. This kid may not be Randy Moss now but i beleave he has the capability to get to that next level. He also will not get into trouble during the off season. he has lighting quick speed and is a great addition to the Vikings
Posted by: Frank at May 2, 2005 07:18 PMI am somewhat a fan of the Vikings i am more a fan of Troy Williamson. He played for my favorite college tean the South Carolina Gamecocks as you already know. This kid may not be Randy Moss now but i beleave he has the capability to get to that next level. He also will not get into trouble during the off season. he has lighting quick speed and is a great addition to the Vikings
Posted by: Frank at May 2, 2005 07:19 PMViking fan from Youngstown, Ohio.
Since the Fran Tarkenton days.
Bakersfield CA. and a Viking fan for over 40 years.
Posted by: Tim Davis at May 2, 2005 10:31 PMBrian, I like your web page as it is now. I live in Georgia. SKOL
Posted by: Blake G. at May 3, 2005 04:39 AMI am in fargo, ND...and i think the site looks great the way it is you do a real good job
Posted by: Josh Nelson at May 3, 2005 05:09 AMGreat site, thanks for all the info.
Red Hook, N.Y.
Columbia, SC...home of the Fighting Gamecocks
Just checking in on Troy.
Posted by: Rob Williams at May 3, 2005 11:35 AMIn Cincinnati, from Edina.
Can't wait to be up there Sept 11 for the Vikes beat down of the bucs.
Excellent site, don't change a thing.
Posted by: J Lent at May 3, 2005 12:11 PMThis is a fantastic web site, I’ll put this one in my favorites. I’m from Ontario Canada.
Posted by: A. Toccalino at May 3, 2005 12:48 PMNice site!
I'm from Portland, Oregon...Vikings fan for life...or until Portland gets a team.
This just has to be their year.
I'm original from Louisville, MS...Childhood friend of UFA WR Chris Jones. New fan of Vikings and wondering about his progress while serving my country in IRAQ.
Posted by: SPC Tremond Miller at May 4, 2005 05:40 AMBorn and raised in northern Minnesota. I'm now from Big Bend, Wi. (Milwaukee area) and I've been a Vikings fan since day 1. Thanks for the mini-camp coverage and the pics.
Posted by: Sam at May 4, 2005 11:07 AMBuffalo, NY's Biggest Vikings Fan checking in here.
Posted by: Wes at May 4, 2005 01:19 PMLos Angeles, CA
Site looks fine to me.
Posted by: Mitch at May 4, 2005 02:41 PMWow, looks like we are having a meet and greet session ;-)
So I will join in, but first I will say that the site is brilliant as it stands, the font/colour is nigh on perfect.
As to introductions;
I have followed the Vikings since 1982, when I first started playing American Football in the UK. Although I have now retired from the game - got too old and bashed about in the knee department! - the last team I played for was the Hertfordshire Stags in the BAFA Senior League Division 2.
The reason I Chose to support the Vikings? Well, I wanted To learn more about the Gridiron game so I decided to follow an NFL team, and rather than just jump aboard the latest bandwagon I looked into the history behind each NFL team, and the Vikings were the only team in the NFL whose NFL franchise officially started the year I was born. The choice was made for me. (Fate?) I have followed them ever since, and have travelled many miles to see them play albeit on only three occasions: versus Buffalo at Berlin August 1993, versus Chicago at the Metrodome November 1997 and versus Green Bay at the Metrodome November 1998. Every time I have seen the Vikings play, the Vikings have won.
Rool on the new season, Go Vikes!! :-)
CT, like the website
Posted by: Mike at May 7, 2005 12:38 AMZürich, Switzerland
Posted by: Andres at May 8, 2005 09:13 AMThanks for the great picks COD.
We dispersed Vike fans really do appreciate your efforts.
I like what I saw so far,but I'm not going to dwell into the Moss thing.I think we have a fine group of receivers.
Conrad Taylor
Rocky Mount,NC.
Great site. Born in St. Paul, been here in Sin city ( Las Vegas )28 years and still bleeding purple!!!!
Posted by: Mike at May 13, 2005 06:30 PMUsed to live in Eden Prairie, MN. Now I'm stuck in Cleveland, showing these people what REAL football is all about. Great Site you have here, Thanks.
Posted by: Jack at May 13, 2005 11:35 PMDublin, Ireland. Viking fan since the early 90s, hoping to visit the dome again this year. Fantastic site, keep it as it is, thanks!
Posted by: Mick at May 16, 2005 01:58 PMLifelong Vikings fan (I'm 35 years old) from Gainesville, FL. Favorite player growing up: Ahmad Rashad.
I have no connection to Minnesota (no relatives, never lived there) but been a fan since I was around 7 years old.
Go Vikes!
Posted by: Dan Smith at May 17, 2005 10:18 AMFrom Columbia, SC. Been a Vikings fan since Joe Kapp wore #11.
Posted by: Steve Bowden at May 18, 2005 10:18 AMIm 21 and have loved the vikings since Moon and Carter. From Vancouver, Canada.
Posted by: Marcus Vanreeuwyk at May 20, 2005 11:33 AMFrom Istanbul, Turkey.
Posted by: Efe Cem ELCI at June 2, 2005 08:10 AMHenderson, Kentucky
Awesome site!!!
I'm from Missoula Montana, - how do I see the Randy Moss tribute video? Thanks - Dave
Posted by: David Erickson at June 16, 2005 01:22 PMLiving in Baton Rouge, LA.
We seem to have some fans here - not too many diehards, but some fans....
Posted by: Ryan Thorson at June 16, 2005 04:10 PMHi, I'm a DIE-HARD Vikes fan...have been for my long life of 15, goin' on 16 this sept. I love this site, way to rep. us viking fans!!
by the way, I's BORN and RAISED in Chippewa Falls, WI....home of Leinekugels Brewery
Love the sight!!! Been a fan forever and ever. Stationed in Maryland. More viking fans than you would expect.
Posted by: Jodman at August 11, 2005 02:22 PMI'm in Polson, Montana (~1 hour north of Missoula) originally from the Twin Cities of Minnesota.
Posted by: Chris McMullen at September 9, 2005 10:47 AMDhiren:
Originally from Bombay, India but currently in NY. Started watching Viking football in 1998, Randy's rookie/breakout season!! The guy was unreal and he was the resaon I became such a huge fan to start with. I love the Vikings, but definitely a Moss fan first and really wish he was never traded. Not quite sure why anyone would give up that sort of talent, especially if you had enough money under the salary cap to build up a defense.
-D
Posted by: Dhiren at September 24, 2005 05:17 PMI Wanna thank you posting the write ups on WR Chris Jones. I'll be sure to tell him he has your support. I have completed my duty overseas and hope to make it to Minnesota to watch the new vikings. If you could post the picks again I lost them overseas. Thanks a mil
Posted by: Tremond Miller at February 20, 2006 06:33 PM