Introduction from Afar

[ViciousBritishVike]

Hello.

My name's Dan and I'm an avid Vikings fan from across the pond. I've followed the team for seven years now, after initially stumbling across the sport as an intrigued fourteen year old, randomly purchasing a copy of Madden. Settling on a team to root for wasn't a simple due to a lack of a connection with an area but I soon settled on Minnesota, as the team seems to experience a roller coaster ride, similarly to my favourite soccer team, Southampton. The relentless defense and blue chip style of running the ball down the throat of the opposition helped too of course! I've never been one for only glory, a chosen team is forever, not just the ups. As my knowledge of the game has improved, my passion has increased and though raised in England and surrounded by traditional sports, football soon became my primary interest.

I go to many lengths in order to get my football fix, these include: Listening to Podcasts, Reading NFL.com articles, Watching hours of footage on GamePass (the international version of GameRewind), Attending the International Series games at Wembley, Staying up at unearthly hours, until five in the morning to watch Prime Time games, Playing at receiver for my local team (Hampshire Thrashers).

Two more recent feats that rank quite highly on my list of life achievements include a football specific tour of the East Coast last month, in which I saw 5 games in 10 days, taking in cities such as Carolina, Pittsburgh, Buffalo and Dallas, all alone at the age of 21, I had long decided that nothing was going to hold me back. Also, I applied and ultimately succeeded in applying for the world's first NFL fan committee, over 700 had set their sights on a position but only 20 were selected. Meetings regularly take place at NFLUK head office in London and our primary goal in representing the country's fan base is to ensure that this wonderful sport continues to thrive in the UK.

Next year I hope to see my beloved Vikings in action at what in my opinion is the most atmospheric stadium in the NFL, the brilliantly planned Metrodome.

I'm very proud of the fact that I began following the sport prior to it's resurgence here and living in a small area, with the game largely still being discovered, I am often very much an individual when it comes to being a football fan.

Therefore, it would be an absolute pleasure to gain fellow Vikings fans as friends and I hope to discuss a variety of team related topics with passionate locals. From traveling experience, I have always viewed Americans as most accommodating, helpful and friendly, I certainly expect nothing less from such a beautiful city.

Thanks very much for your time and welcoming, I look forward to hearing from you all and here's to bigger and better things next season.

Go Skol!

[Mothman]

Welcome to the board! Your dedication and enthusiasm sound admirable and your first post was promising and articulate so I'm really looking forward to more.

I'd love to hear more about your whirlwind football tour of the east coast and about the NFL fan committee to which you were selected.

Jim

[jackal]

I plan on seeing most of the stadiums before I leave the earth..

I believe Minnesota is coming over there next year ?

[Texas Vike]

Hello.

My name's Dan and I'm an avid Vikings fan from across the pond. I've followed the team for seven years now, after initially stumbling across the sport as an intrigued fourteen year old, randomly purchasing a copy of Madden. Settling on a team to root for wasn't a simple due to a lack of a connection with an area but I soon settled on Minnesota, as the team seems to experience a roller coaster ride, similarly to my favourite soccer team, Southampton. The relentless defense and blue chip style of running the ball down the throat of the opposition helped too of course! I've never been one for only glory, a chosen team is forever, not just the ups. As my knowledge of the game has improved, my passion has increased and though raised in England and surrounded by traditional sports, football soon became my primary interest.

I go to many lengths in order to get my football fix, these include: Listening to Podcasts, Reading NFL.com articles, Watching hours of footage on GamePass (the international version of GameRewind), Attending the International Series games at Wembley, Staying up at unearthly hours, until five in the morning to watch Prime Time games, Playing at receiver for my local team (Hampshire Thrashers).

Two more recent feats that rank quite highly on my list of life achievements include a football specific tour of the East Coast last month, in which I saw 5 games in 10 days, taking in cities such as Carolina, Pittsburgh, Buffalo and Dallas, all alone at the age of 21, I had long decided that nothing was going to hold me back. Also, I applied and ultimately succeeded in applying for the world's first NFL fan committee, over 700 had set their sights on a position but only 20 were selected. Meetings regularly take place at NFLUK head office in London and our primary goal in representing the country's fan base is to ensure that this wonderful sport continues to thrive in the UK.

Next year I hope to see my beloved Vikings in action at what in my opinion is the most atmospheric stadium in the NFL, the brilliantly planned Metrodome.

I'm very proud of the fact that I began following the sport prior to it's resurgence here and living in a small area, with the game largely still being discovered, I am often very much an individual when it comes to being a football fan.

Therefore, it would be an absolute pleasure to gain fellow Vikings fans as friends and I hope to discuss a variety of team related topics with passionate locals. From traveling experience, I have always viewed Americans as most accommodating, helpful and friendly, I certainly expect nothing less from such a beautiful city.

Thanks very much for your time and welcoming, I look forward to hearing from you all and here's to bigger and better things next season.

Go Skol!

Awesome first post!

Welcome to the board.

[NextQuestion]

Welcome. When I was in London during the Bears vs Bucs game it seems like the city was totally behind the NFL. I was there during Ponder's first start but couldn't find a place where they showed American football but ended up going to a quiz instead.

[Dark]

Welcome. Great, great post. I've been to England before, and I must say, what an amazingly spectacular place. The people there are so kind and everything is very beautiful. At 21, everything you have done so far is miraculous. I look forward to reading future posts of yours!

[Fran the Man]

Good news for you Dan; The Vikings play the Steelers in a regular season game there next season! Be sure to bring ALL your friends, as the Steelers have many more fans World-wide then do the Vikings, so root hard for the Home Team! (And they WILL be the home team, technically)

http://www.vikings.com/news/article-1/V ... 6492156e22

Hello.

My name's Dan and I'm an avid Vikings fan from across the pond. I've followed the team for seven years now, after initially stumbling across the sport as an intrigued fourteen year old, randomly purchasing a copy of Madden. Settling on a team to root for wasn't a simple due to a lack of a connection with an area but I soon settled on Minnesota, as the team seems to experience a roller coaster ride, similarly to my favourite soccer team, Southampton. The relentless defense and blue chip style of running the ball down the throat of the opposition helped too of course! I've never been one for only glory, a chosen team is forever, not just the ups. As my knowledge of the game has improved, my passion has increased and though raised in England and surrounded by traditional sports, football soon became my primary interest.

I go to many lengths in order to get my football fix, these include: Listening to Podcasts, Reading NFL.com articles, Watching hours of footage on GamePass (the international version of GameRewind), Attending the International Series games at Wembley, Staying up at unearthly hours, until five in the morning to watch Prime Time games, Playing at receiver for my local team (Hampshire Thrashers).

Two more recent feats that rank quite highly on my list of life achievements include a football specific tour of the East Coast last month, in which I saw 5 games in 10 days, taking in cities such as Carolina, Pittsburgh, Buffalo and Dallas, all alone at the age of 21, I had long decided that nothing was going to hold me back. Also, I applied and ultimately succeeded in applying for the world's first NFL fan committee, over 700 had set their sights on a position but only 20 were selected. Meetings regularly take place at NFLUK head office in London and our primary goal in representing the country's fan base is to ensure that this wonderful sport continues to thrive in the UK.

Next year I hope to see my beloved Vikings in action at what in my opinion is the most atmospheric stadium in the NFL, the brilliantly planned Metrodome.

I'm very proud of the fact that I began following the sport prior to it's resurgence here and living in a small area, with the game largely still being discovered, I am often very much an individual when it comes to being a football fan.

Therefore, it would be an absolute pleasure to gain fellow Vikings fans as friends and I hope to discuss a variety of team related topics with passionate locals. From traveling experience, I have always viewed Americans as most accommodating, helpful and friendly, I certainly expect nothing less from such a beautiful city.

Thanks very much for your time and welcoming, I look forward to hearing from you all and here's to bigger and better things next season.

Go Skol!

[CapDB7]

Hi Dan.

I've been a Vikings fan for just four years although I had watched NFL on and off for years up until 2009 but really got into it in that offseason. Having studied in depth about Vikings (the historical ones!) throughout school and college, there was no decision to be made. I didn't see any of the Favre playoffs until after becoming a fan and up until this year, I've been a Jonah for the team.

I am currently living in Brisbane, Australia with my Aussie wife. I am 24 and moved out here from my hometown in Yorkshire in 2011. The coverage of the NFL that we get here is far superior to anything back home although the timings of the games are much much worse. The Vikings are normally on around 6pm (as you obviously know) in the UK, where as here it involves getting up at 4am before work on a Monday morning to watch us on our merry-go-round seasons. Would I change it? Not for the world. We get 3 games on terrestrial TV in HD each Sunday (Monday morning here) as well as the Thursday and Monday night games with the official American NBC commentary.

I haven't had the opportunity to get to any NFL game yet as every pound was spent trying to move out here and to save for a mortgage etc. We brought our dog out too at twice the cost of our own flights (5k!) but things have settled down and good news has finally come.

I'm flying back in September for the Vikings game. Jackpot! I haven't been back to the UK but there is no way on earth that I am missing that game. Four of us will be traveling down to London for a long weekend so if you are looking for a few more Vikings to hangout with, let me know.

We move into our new place in a few days and have already earmarked the mancave for all my Vikings memorabilia. Just need to take out a second mortgage to try get hold of a signed match-worn Peterson jersey!

[TheIrishVikingsFan]

I plan on seeing most of the stadiums before I leave the earth..

I believe Minnesota is coming over there next year ?

Yup they are! Got my tickets on the 10th can't wait

[ViciousBritishVike]

First and foremost I want to thank everyone for their kind words and warm welcoming, it is truly appreciated and adds to my faith in making the right decision to join what is obviously a perfect environment to continue my Minnesota Vikings story. Although not as conventional as being raised as a folllower, as was the case with my soccer team, I wouldn't change the spontaneity of my fanship or especially the fact that it's for the Vikings, for anything in the world.

The fact that you both admire and respect my experiences means a lot to me and I look forward to both learning from and getting to know you all.

My love of the Vikes will undoubtedly go from strength to strength with the support of my brilliant fellow fans.

My home country is certainly growing to accept the support and take an interest with increased exposure, long may that continue. Indeed, I have attended many of the previous International Series games and have my tickets to see the Vikes battle the Steelers in September. I had hoped to see the team in their home stadium to begin with but hey ho, any opportunity to see AD and the Sax Machine in action has to be taken.

As for my East Coast tour, I'll give a brief overview of the experience. Originally I flew to Charlotte, NC and in terms of sporting events, began with taking in the Georgia Tech @ North Carolina game. Fortunately I made it back to the hotel early enough that night in order to freshen up, before heading back into town to Time Warner Cable Arena, this time seeing the NBA encounter between Charlotte and Dallas. The next day, Sunday, obviously game day and my first NFL one situated in America. It was time to witness the great Peyton Mannning in action, as he trounced the hapless Panthers. Buying food inside the stadium was enlightening for me, as I made a grave error. Back home, we refer to fries as chips and you can imagine the horror on my face as my Chilli dog was accompanied by a bag of Lays

After the prior day's festivities, next on the agenda was a bumpy flight to Pittsburgh for the MNF game between the Chiefs and Steelers, infamous now for Big Ben's injury. We tailgated initially in the driving rain and unlike many, endured the conditions of the open endzone for the entirety. When it comes to sport, I don't let anything interfere with an event. As it went, the Steelers pulled it out in OT.

A free couple of days followed before reaching Buffalo and before my attention was turned to the TNF game, seeing Dolphins @ Buffalo, we took in an absolutely breathtaking experience.. the natural wonder that is Niagara Falls. The walk behind the falls was particularly eye opening, a series of chambers that bring the experience so close to visitors.

The game that night was tight, at one point I felt like running onto the filed and offering to make a play for either side, it seemed as though neither wanted to win. Eventually Fitzpatrick stabilised somewhat and the Bills were victors.

The next weekend and final stop of the tour was spent in Fort Worth, TX. Saturday saw a free day, spent primarily in the historic Stockyards Station area which included the Cowboy Hall of Fame. As another Sunday rolled around, ironically I was to witness yet another overtime game with the Cowboys somehow mounting a comeback victory. The Monday morning prior to flying home consisted of an incredible moment, touring the palace that is the 110,000 capacity Cowboys Stadium. From the world's largest video screen and retractable glass windows to the surreal feeling of stepping onto the fieldturf, making a Field Goal a day after viewing a game from Level 5, a truly unforgettable experience.

Admittedly, ever since beginning my current occupation I had been saving up for something I've desired for so long and I wouldn't change one detail for the world, truly money well spent. In fact, the only thing that could top that tour in my opinion would be a dream trip to Minnesota to watch the Vikes play at the Metrodome, hopefully possible later this year.

As for the committee, our last meeting was during the week of Thanksgiving and primary topics included the prospect of a stable franchise existing in London and making NFL merchandise more accessible throughout the nation, a pressing issue for quite some time.

[BGM]

That is spectacular! Thanks for sharing!!

[PurplePPLEater]

First and foremost I want to thank everyone for their kind words and warm welcoming, it is truly appreciated and adds to my faith in making the right decision to join what is obviously a perfect environment to continue my Minnesota Vikings story. Although not as conventional as being raised as a folllower, as was the case with my soccer team, I wouldn't change the spontaneity of my fanship or especially the fact that it's for the Vikings, for anything in the world.

The fact that you both admire and respect my experiences means a lot to me and I look forward to both learning from and getting to know you all.

My love of the Vikes will undoubtedly go from strength to strength with the support of my brilliant fellow fans.

My home country is certainly growing to accept the support and take an interest with increased exposure, long may that continue. Indeed, I have attended many of the previous International Series games and have my tickets to see the Vikes battle the Steelers in September. I had hoped to see the team in their home stadium to begin with but hey ho, any opportunity to see AD and the Sax Machine in action has to be taken.

As for my East Coast tour, I'll give a brief overview of the experience. Originally I flew to Charlotte, NC and in terms of sporting events, began with taking in the Georgia Tech @ North Carolina game. Fortunately I made it back to the hotel early enough that night in order to freshen up, before heading back into town to Time Warner Cable Arena, this time seeing the NBA encounter between Charlotte and Dallas. The next day, Sunday, obviously game day and my first NFL one situated in America. It was time to witness the great Peyton Mannning in action, as he trounced the hapless Panthers. Buying food inside the stadium was enlightening for me, as I made a grave error. Back home, we refer to fries as chips and you can imagine the horror on my face as my Chilli dog was accompanied by a bag of Lays

After the prior day's festivities, next on the agenda was a bumpy flight to Pittsburgh for the MNF game between the Chiefs and Steelers, infamous now for Big Ben's injury. We tailgated initially in the driving rain and unlike many, endured the conditions of the open endzone for the entirety. When it comes to sport, I don't let anything interfere with an event. As it went, the Steelers pulled it out in OT.

A free couple of days followed before reaching Buffalo and before my attention was turned to the TNF game, seeing Dolphins @ Buffalo, we took in an absolutely breathtaking experience.. the natural wonder that is Niagara Falls. The walk behind the falls was particularly eye opening, a series of chambers that bring the experience so close to visitors.

The game that night was tight, at one point I felt like running onto the filed and offering to make a play for either side, it seemed as though neither wanted to win. Eventually Fitzpatrick stabilised somewhat and the Bills were victors.

The next weekend and final stop of the tour was spent in Fort Worth, TX. Saturday saw a free day, spent primarily in the historic Stockyards Station area which included the Cowboy Hall of Fame. As another Sunday rolled around, ironically I was to witness yet another overtime game with the Cowboys somehow mounting a comeback victory. The Monday morning prior to flying home consisted of an incredible moment, touring the palace that is the 110,000 capacity Cowboys Stadium. From the world's largest video screen and retractable glass windows to the surreal feeling of stepping onto the fieldturf, making a Field Goal a day after viewing a game from Level 5, a truly unforgettable experience.

Admittedly, ever since beginning my current occupation I had been saving up for something I've desired for so long and I wouldn't change one detail for the world, truly money well spent. In fact, the only thing that could top that tour in my opinion would be a dream trip to Minnesota to watch the Vikes play at the Metrodome, hopefully possible later this year.

As for the committee, our last meeting was during the week of Thanksgiving and primary topics included the prospect of a stable franchise existing in London and making NFL merchandise more accessible throughout the nation, a pressing issue for quite some time.

Dude, that's awesome!

Out of curiosity, what did you think of North Carolina? I remember that UNC/Georgia Tech game was a high scoring game this year- I bet that was fun to watch. I grew up close to North Carolina's campus, but now I'm going to school in Charlotte. The Panthers and Bobcats (especially) were/have been pretty bad to watch this year, but downtown Charlotte can be pretty entertaining nonetheless.

I'm [somewhat] new to this board as well..I never realized there were so many vikings fans from outside the U.S.. I always thought most people from other countries only root for teams like the steelers, cowboys, patriots, etc. Skol!

[ViciousBritishVike]

Dude, that's awesome!

Out of curiosity, what did you think of North Carolina? I remember that UNC/Georgia Tech game was a high scoring game this year- I bet that was fun to watch. I grew up close to North Carolina's campus, but now I'm going to school in Charlotte. The Panthers and Bobcats (especially) were/have been pretty bad to watch this year, but downtown Charlotte can be pretty entertaining nonetheless.

I'm [somewhat] new to this board as well..I never realized there were so many vikings fans from outside the U.S.. I always thought most people from other countries only root for teams like the steelers, cowboys, patriots, etc. Skol!

You're welcome, I'm just so appreciative of the obvious interest.

Honestly, I have nothing but positive memories, wonderful campus. The Keenan Memorial Stadium is atmospheric and with the historic bell tower providing the backdrop, it's a special setting for football. The fact that it was a sweltering day helped, with the sun rebounding off the red bricked halls. It's incredible just how noticeable the sunniest day differs from our equivalent, everything's so much more alive with brightness in the States. Yeah, well recalled, it was as though the teams were playing minus secondaries. I must say, I find it hard to factor in college sports but that game certainly increased my interest, pure entertainment.

Oh wow, I'm genuinely envious, Charlotte's also a beautiful city. Easy to navigate around, decent vibe and well laid out, the audacious Nascar Hall of Fame springs to mind as a highlight. Obviously I'm aware of the Panthers struggles, all that hype for nothing, Ryan Kalil having to eat his words was rather amusing but the NBA isn't well covered over here so I'm unable to follow. However I like the sport itself and you know.. I really got behind the Bobcats that night, stunning come from behind victory, worth every cent. The performance of Kidd-Gilchrist was worth witnessing.

Awesome, initiation for the both of us then. I'm just disappointed that I didn't think to join earlier, such a great experience. Although that is often the case, again personally, I guess it leads back to my experiences with the soccer team I follow across the country. They're a competitive outfit but not a title contender, I wanted to similarly root for a decent side, I'd be overwhelmed with copious amounts of success. I've never been a glory hunter, a team should be followed throughout both the good and bad times.

Back tracking a bit, just wanted to thank Dark for his kind words about my country, truly appreciated. Ironically I feel precisely the same way about America, finding that everything is bigger and better and residents are both so much more welcoming and talkative. I hope to live there eventually.

[PurpleHalo]

Welcome aboard Dan, Now you are one of us. Get ready for the heartbreak, hopefull it makes it all sweeter, whe we finally reach the promise land.

You should meet up with irish next year for the Wembly game. Maybe some of us could meet up with ya, if you make it here for a game next year.

[ViciousBritishVike]

Welcome aboard Dan, Now you are one of us. Get ready for the heartbreak, hopefull it makes it all sweeter, whe we finally reach the promise land.

You should meet up with irish next year for the Wembly game. Maybe some of us could meet up with ya, if you make it here for a game next year.

Thanks Purple Halo, proudly so! Good advice and from previous sporting experience, I feel I'm well prepared. It's those kind of instances that really test your loyalty and ultimately make success a lot more enriching. I think with a strong draft, the Vikes are ready to make an even deeper run, the pieces are steadily falling into place.

Sounds like a plan and definitely, thanks for the offer, I really appreciate the gesture. It would be an absolute pleasure to meet up with some of you, talking football over a beer or twelve, first rounds on me