The Vikings wined and dined free-agent running back LaDainian Tomlinson on Wednesday night at a steakhouse in downtown Minneapolis.Coach Brad Childress and vice president ofplayer personnel Rick Spielman headlined a group of teamofficialsthat included offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell, running backs coach Eric Bieniemy, director of player personnel George Paton and even nose tackle Pat Williams.
Afterward, Tomlinson stopped to answer a few questions froma StarTribune reporter who had no less than 10 cups of coffee and right now is typing at aspeed rarely seen on this keyboard.
Q. What's itlikehaving the opportunity to shop yourself after being in San Diego for so many seasons?
A. "It's like recruiting all over again, like going from high school to college.You just kind of have tokind of get afeel andseewhere you fit in atandsee how it goes."
Q. What's your sense about this team being on the verge of a Super Bowland having that opportunity?
A. "That's the thing Ilove most because this is a team that'sright there. It has the veterans and the young guysthat fit in together.It's a very talented teamwith a great coaching staff. It's a very supportive [environment]. That's what you want."
Q. What's your feeling after getting a chance to sit down for a few hours at dinner?
A. "Ithink it's great. I obviously really enjoy Coach Childress, E.B., guys that I'm going to spend a lot of time around. Even Pat, just gettinga chance to reallysit down with him. It waslight. The mood was light and that's what you askfor."