Eric Perkins

Purple People

I'm not a huge Vikings fan. As one who didn't grow up in these parts in the Super Bowl glory days, I never fully understood the power of the purple, but what a nite at the McNamara Center at the U.

I covered the Bud Grant 40 year anniversary ceremony put on by the Vikings.

There at the event were a handful of Hall of Famers, Bud himself, Paul Krause, Carl Eller, and so many more football power players. Jerry Burns, Wally Hilgenberg, Joey Browner, you name it! If they were associated with Grant in any way they were probably there. Vikings fan or not, I was in awe at the massive assemblance of gridiron heroes.

I even got to interview Bobby Knight. The legendary basketball coach was intimidating. Just his mere chair throwing reputation made for an apprehensive approach for an interview.

Should I call him coach. Mr. Knight, Bobby, what? I opted for Sir.

He was gracious as was the whole gang. A cool evening for sure. Now if the current squad could have some of that yesteryear glory rub off, things would get pretty fun come Sundays. But it might be a while I'm afraid.

perkout