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."
Q. What's the keythat needs to happen on Thursday when you spend time meeting at Winter Park?
A. "I'm not sure yet. I think we're just going to get in, talk about some football and stuff. Philosophies. That type of stuff."
Q. There is question about how well you wouldaccept a third-down role behind Adrian Peterson. Is that something you would be willing to step into or would you have a problem with it?
A. "Idon't [have a problem with it]. I know Ican catch the ball really well out of the backfield, can run routes and that's something that I've always looked for as Igot older in my career. Being able to fall back on that. Not having to carry the ball as much. Ithink that's what was lost in San Diego because Iwas the only guy that could really carry the ball 20 times. So my third-down role was reduced. So now I'm looking for that. It's something Ican do and Ican fit in well."
Q. When was the last time you played regularly on third down?
A. "Actually, this was the first year that Ididn't play onthird down."
Q. How much can you help Adrian Peterson develop?
A. "I think as far as learning how to be a professional on andoff the field. Having beenthrough a lot of stuff that he's going through, Icould kind of help him go through it without any headaches. Also, just the approach to the game and also the offseason. Ithink I could help him out a lot."
Q. Have you talked to Peterson since youarrived?
A. "I haven'ttalked to him since I've been here. Not yet."
Q. What would the opportunity to play with Brett Favre mean to you?
A. "The opportunity to play with Brett would be unbelievable, incredible. So many years I've watched Brett and also played against him and admire him so much. Imagining him just throwing the ball to me out of the backfield or something like that, it would be something Ican always remember and also tell my kids about."
Q. How close is this team to a Super Bowl?
A. "Very close. They are right at the top of the situation I was looking for when I first said Iwant to go somewhere and have a chance to win a championship."
Q. NFL.com reports you have another potential visit that you could make this week? Is that correct?
A. "Yes."
Q. Can you say which team?
A. "I won't say as of now but we'll see."
Q. So you are scheduled to leave Thursday night or possibly sign?
A. "Possibly."
Q. Do you think something could get done on Thursday?
A. "I don't know. My agent is definitely here in town."
Q. Prefer to sign here or would you like to make that next trip?
A. "Ithink it depends. It depends on how it goes tomorrow."
Q. What do you need to hear on Thursday from the Vikings?
A. "Ithink it's a feel that you have to have. It's notnecessarily anything you're going to hear because I've heard what Ilike to hear. I have a role on this team. Ithink it's a feel that you have to have."