By Charlie Warner
Argus News Editor
I "used" to be a big Minnesota Vikings fan. At one point in my life I could name almost every player on the Vikingsí roster. All four times they were defeated in the Super Bowl, I went into deep depression. When attending junior college in the Twin Cities, I dated a girl from Bloomington who was very good friends with Pete Grant, Budís son. We double-dated, and I even met the famous stoic coach. He wasnít all that stoic, just a regular sort of guy.

I utilized the word "used" not because the Vikings have fallen on hard times and Iím a "fair weather fan," but because I realized enjoying the great outdoors on a cool crisp fall day was more beneficial to my physical and mental health than sitting in front of the boob tube for three hours on a Sunday afternoon.

My interest in the Purple and Gold waned considerably about 10 years ago when my daughter and I started spending Sunday afternoons hiking and later biking the trails of Southeast Minnesota and Northeast Iowa. From the time she was quite young, Megan enjoyed getting out into the woods and exploring. I taught her how to differentiate between an oak, ash, or maple leaf. We used to take a small nature book into the woods following a fresh snow and try to identify tracks left in the snow by various animals and birds.

The year the Vikings posted a 15-1 regular-season record, I was listening to a very close game on the radio as we motored towards Lanesboro to feed the ducks in Sylvan Park. We had pulled into the parking lot and Megan was anxious to get out of the pick-up and romp around in the park. I hesitated, wanting to learn the outcome of a long pass from Warren Moon to Cris Carter. Megan looked up at me and asked, "Whatís more important Daddy, listening to the Vikings or playing in the park?" There was only one answer to that question.

Itís not that Iíve given up watching professional football. Although I must admit the drug issues, legal problems, and exorbitant salaries have really tarnished the game. If the Vikings are playing a night game, Iíll still watch them. But itís just not the same for me anyone. If they win, fine, if they lose, I donít get that sick feeling in my stomach anymore.

I hate to say this, but I actually do enjoy watching the Packers. Well, let me correct that last statement. I enjoy watching Brett Favre. Iíve enjoyed the Mississippi Redneck ever since he was drafted into the NFL. Heís a throwback to the good old days. He plays with the mentality of a linebacker. Heís the John Wayne of football.

Iíll never forget a play he made several years ago. Favre attempted a pass he shouldnít have. It was picked off my an opposing linebacker. Favre was so mad at himself for making the errant throw, he ran downfield towards the linebacker, who must have outweighed the Packersí quarterback by 75 pounds, zeroed in on him and nailed him right between the numbers with his helmet. Farve drove that linebacker right into the ground, got up, and trotted off the field.

Mike Holmgren met Favre at the sidelines and chewed his butt for throwing caution to the wind and making the tackle. Farve listened to him with a big grin on his face, nodded, and walked away. Holgrem, Favre, the rest of the Green Bay Packers, and their fans all knew everything the coach had said went in one ear and right out the other.

I caught the end of a Packers game several weeks ago where Farve was nailed in the numbers by a blitzing safety, and in the back by a defensive lineman, as he attempted a pass. He jumped up after the hit, said something to the two defenders, went back to the huddle and promptly threw a long TD pass. All I could think about was, the guy is 38 years old, took a hit like that and didnít miss a beat. Heís tougher than boiled owl!!!

I doubt if anyone, including all of the Packer faithful, envisioned the Green and Gold sporting a 10-1 at this point in the season. Much of the success of the Pack this year is due to the resurgence of #4. After the miserable year he had last season, I figured another one of the good olí boys would be retiring. But Favre not only returned for his 17th season this fall, but indicated heís planning on coming back for at least one more next year.

I sure hope he does. Even though I used to bleed purple, I gotta admit I really do enjoy watching #4.

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