Name

Ella Burt 

Fan Since

2011

So why the Vikings?

Twelve years ago I was walking through a shopping centre, with my then boyfriend-now husband, when we came across a pop-up stall selling NFL gear. We stopped and he was excited to buy a Titans jersey. He turned to me, and said “you should pick one, I’ll buy it for you”…initially I laughed, thinking the only sport or team I’d supported growing up was Exeter Football Club! I browsed the jerseys, and in the end picked a Vikings one – it was purple, and I had nothing else to go on at that point!

Over the next few years, I slowly started to learn the rules of the game and watched the Vikings most weeks figuring out not only my team, but how each game and season came together. Someone joined my team at work who was really into the NFL and we started having watch parties, revelling in the wins and commiserating in the losses. Never quite that simple as a Vikings fan though – some of our losses have been extraordinary and some wins lacklustre. I enjoyed it, but still never quite found myself truly invested. About five years ago, I realised that the team and their fans had crept their way into my mind and heart…and before I knew it, I was all the way in! I’d spend my time listening to podcasts, reading up in the news, and doing my best to never miss a game.

What do you think of the season so far?

This year was slated to be a rebuilding year with such significant changes in the franchise, but my goodness this year has turned into a triumph for the team regardless of what happens next, and I love the culture that Kevin O’Connell is building here. 

Favourite all time Vikings moment 

I don’t have the memory for all the plays, all the games, all the players – but I know I will never forget two moments from our visit to London this year; Ryan Wright’s faked punt which bought me so much joy in the stands and the ‘double doink’ to win against the Saints. I still can’t believe I got to see that game in person – the emotions are so much more intense than watching on TV and the atmosphere is something else! Meeting other people in purple – some I knew, and some I didn’t. It just felt like coming home and finding your family.

What’s the best part of being a Vikings fan?

As Vikings fans we buckle up and ride that emotional rollercoaster each week, but I know I wouldn’t have it any other way and the sense of camaraderie which comes from being a fan is second to nothing else I’ve ever experienced; part of that is down to all the hard work and dedication of the UK Fan Club to ensure that even though we’re thousands of miles from Minnesota we’re still part of the action. SKOL!

 

Author: Ella Burt

Editor: Tommy Beauchene, Richard Dawson, Claire Ball