The Los Angeles Rams assembled a phenomenal roster and even went on to win Super Bowl LVI, but according to former Rams tight ends coach and pass game coordinator Wes Phillips, the Minnesota Vikings have one thing they didn’t have during their historic run.
And no, it isn’t endless feet of snow and sub-zero temperatures.
“I’m excited to be in a football town, a football state, a football region,” Vikings offensive coordinator Phillips said at an introductory press conference on Thursday. “Even in just being here a few days, I had to get a haircut because they told me I had a press conference. Sitting there waiting for a haircut [with] people getting haircuts and people cutting the hair, all they’re talking about is the Minnesota Vikings. You don’t get as much of that in LA. There’s a lot of things to do there.”
Not only is there a lot to do, there’s also sunshine, warm weather, palm trees and a Super Bowl LVI banner that will be hanging up at SoFi Stadium.
But a place like Minnesota eats, sleeps and breathes football.
There were times during the playoffs, including the Super Bowl, where the Rams were actually booed at home. That obviously won’t be the case for Phillips and the Vikings when they take the field at U.S. Bank Stadium.
The fans will turn up in droves donning purple and horned helmets. Phillips and company will have the support of a patient fan-base that has waited years to be a serious contender.
That may or may not be next season, but there’s certainly a different kind of enthusiasm that can’t be denied.