Introduction from Afar

[CapDB7]

Im certainly seeing a massive upward trend in interest in the NFL over here. Theres certainly a lot more fans than there was in the 90's.
Plus bars and pubs round here are showing games a lot more frequently. Theres even one bar near me that shows all sunday games on different screens using gamepass.

Its huge here in Australia much to my amazement when I got here. Obviously it's not as popular as Australian sports but it probably the most well supported game from overseas other than the EPL. NBA is also well supported though and there is an Australian professional basketball league.

Every week the terrestrial TV channels have 3 Sunday games and Monday Night Football. ESPN clear the rest up along with Fox Sports so we easily get eight a week. A few of us from just one office play every Thursday at a local park and I think there are 12 local (in the same city) Gridiron teams.

The games kick off at 4am, 7am and 10am on Monday mornings so you can see a couple in the pubs but obviously they are at odd times so most record them and watch later on. A friend and I are heading to a Superbowl party and all the playoff games are shown there too.

I see NFL shirts everywhere but they are mainly Raiders, Steelers and Ravens. I'm yet to see any other Vikings jersey other than my own.

[CapDB7]

Classic stadium, one of my favourite, though I appreciate the resentment stemming from a Yorkshire derby. I have bad memories of the Galpharm, we could never pick up a result, only stuffing you at home. Don't get me started, currently the club's lead by a clueless regime, we're all sickened by the appalling decision. Just when things were looking up, only time will tell.

You can take Grayson back whenever you want, he's likely to take us down if he sticks around. You can take Beckford and Clayton too. In all fairness, I haven't been to Elland Road but you have to banter with Leeds fans whenever possible. Its a fact of life!

That's a good point, though the twirling of Terrible Towels isn't going to help our cause, thinking we might have to generate a purple alternative to rival. True, it's always the genuine supporters who miss out, everyone wants a slice of a huge event, relevant to them or not, it's purely financially based.

Four of us will be decked out in Purple so at least at this rate we shall hit double figures.

Is anyone flying over from the US for the game?

[yezzir]

Imagine if and when football is accepted into the summer Olympics. I think it's inevitable.

[BGM]

Imagine if and when football is accepted into the summer Olympics. I think it's inevitable.

I seriously hope not. I have completely lost interest in any of the team sports in the Olympics since they allowed professionals to participate. It's appalling.

[Purple bruise]

I seriously hope not. I have completely lost interest in any of the team sports in the Olympics since they allowed professionals to participate. It's appalling.

I would tend to agree about using professional athletes in the Olympics has taken away a lot but other countries had been using their paid players for years. Remember all of the Russian hockey players that dominated the Olympics? They were all payed to play but were said to be in the military. I would like the games to go back to all amatures but that most likely will not happen.

[BGM]

I would tend to agree about using professional athletes in the Olympics has taken away a lot but other countries had been using their paid players for years. Remember all of the Russian hockey players that dominated the Olympics? They were all payed to play but were said to be in the military. I would like the games to go back to all amatures but that most likely will not happen.

Yes, but that was what made the Miracle on Ice so amazing. In any case, the Olympics has strayed a long way from its origins, but it is what it is. I watch the Olympics for gymnastics, skiing, swimming, track and field, and bobsled.

[yezzir]

I don't quite understand the “amateurs only" aspect. I wanna see the best athletes compete against other countries' best athletes.

[ViciousBritishVike]

Welcome Dan. Your initial post gave me small shivers. It's cool to see hardcore fans who have no business liking a team in the first place. . Especially while living in Europe. Make it a priority to see a game at the Metrodome next year. Physically it's a dump, but it's one of the best atmospheres in the NFL.
Looking forward to you being an active member!

Thanks very much, your kind words are appreciated. I'm so glad that I could have such an impact, makes my efforts in following this fantastic team/sport all the more worthwhile, wouldn't change my passion for anything, so rewarding! I'm just so grateful that the Vikings eventually came to me, I feel as though the organisation chose me to become a fan, rather than vice versa.

You can guarantee that I'll do so, it's all about being there in the moment, come rain or shine, backing the Vikes onto greater things. The idea of generating a raucous atmosphere, urging a victory amongst an actual Minnesota home crowd is beyond my wildest dreams, it'll be an absolute pleasure.

Thanks again and likewise, I cherish the idea of plenty more discussions with brilliant, dedicated Vikes fans like yourself (:

[PurpleHalo]

Im certainly seeing a massive upward trend in interest in the NFL over here. Theres certainly a lot more fans than there was in the 90's.
Plus bars and pubs round here are showing games a lot more frequently. Theres even one bar near me that shows all sunday games on different screens using gamepass.

Ive seen you around before, great to have fellow fans abroad. Makes that pond seem smaller, and smaller.