We all know the story by now: NOLA, ravaged by Hurricane Katrina, slowly rebuilds, and the Saints become a symbol of the city's resurgence. How can anyone root against that? Okay, we're not rooting against the city...us Vikings fans are just pulling for our team to win a football game, one that seems even more difficult given the key injuries to so many defensive starters.
But as always, it more than a game. Although the reasons are not born of tragedy, the game is extremely important to Vikings fans. No Super Bowl since 1977 (I always wondered if Star Wars coming out that year was merely a coincidence). Heartbreaking close losses in two NFC championship games (let's not talk about the end of the 2000 season). A team that many thought was selling its soul by signing the Ol' Kid Gunslinger--for many, it can only be worth it if he gets the Vikings to Miami. And most importantly, the very real threat of the team leaving Minnesota, with a public stadium seeming more and more unlikely, and places like L.A. (ugh) despeately wanting a franchise. A Super Bowl appearance (or even victory!) would not only be a cause for crazy celebration, but a soothing of so many Viking-centered neuroses...
So, I have no choice but to cheer on the Vikes, even against a feel-good story like the Saints. I only wish it were the Cowboys, the Niners, the Giants, the Bucs, the Packers or Bears...any of those teams that I enjoy rooting against almost as much as I love rooting for the Vikings.
Purple Pride! Go Vikes!