Rookie Blair Walsh is Going to the Pro Bowl

Sep 23, 2012; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings kicker Blair Walsh (3) looks to the video board in the fourth quarter of the game against the San Francisco 49ers at the Metrodome. Vikings win 24-13. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

Chris Kluwe has more clout than we ever knew. For weeks now Kluwe has been campaigning like mad on behalf of his teammate Blair Walsh. And it looks like Kluwe’s efforts paid off. Rookie kicker Walsh has been selected to his first Pro Bowl.

It’s hard to imagine Walsh’s first season going any better than it has. He kicked a game-winner in his very first game. Against Houston last week he set the NFL record with his ninth 50-plus yarder of the season. He’s been pretty much money all the way, missing only three kicks in 35 chances. It’s gotten to the point now where, if the Vikings can just get over the 50, it’s almost a guaranteed 3 points.

Hopefully there will be even more accomplishments in Walsh’s future. Like, for example, a game winning kick against the Packers. Or how about a game-winner in the playoffs? Or a field goal to send the Vikings to the Super Bowl?

Wherever Rick Spielman is right now, I’m sure he’s beaming. He caught a lot of flack for taking a kicker in the sixth round. But no one’s questioning that move now.

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