Tuesday, September 6, 2011

Greenway's Pay Day

I was greatly pained by the loss of Sidney Rice to the Seattle Seahawks earlier this summer. From the day that he was drafted, Rice has been one of my favorites. Since the advent of free agency nearly twenty years ago, the Vikings have done a fantastic job of keeping their own young, promising players. The loss of Rice was a surprise. It also increased my concern for the continued Viking status of linebacker Chad Greenway and runningback Adrian Peterson. Percy Harvin too in a couple of years.

Fortunately and happily, the Vikings and Greenway agreed on a five year contract extension. Excellent news! The Vikings placed the franchise tag on Greenway back in February. It insured his presence for this year but certainly left questions on the future. Like Rice, Greenway was a favorite from his first day as a Viking. He plays football with a joy usually found only in kids. His love of the game even includes practices as he regularly shows up early. Sometimes simply to shag punts. He's improved his play each year to the extent that he is now one of the best linebackers in the league. He's a fantastic football player and will be in a Vikings uniform for another five years.

Now, lock up Peterson long term.

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