Erin Henderson Fueled By Anger

Oct 21, 2012; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings linebacker Erin Henderson (50) against the Arizona Cardinals at the Metrodome. The Vikings defeated the Cardinals 21-14. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

The Vikings new Middle Linebacker, Erin Henderson gave a very interesting interview with 1500 ESPN.  The usually mild-mannered linebacker spoke freely to radio listeners about his opinion of the Urlacher rumors and the people who are doubting his ability to be an effective Middle Linebacker.  Below are some excerpts from the interview.

“I haven’t been more pissed in — I couldn’t tell you. I don’t think I’ve ever been this pissed in my entire life, to just hear people talk about stuff that they have no idea what they’re talking about.”  

He is feeling disrespected by the media and is proud of all he has accomplished to this point. 

“I guess it’s getting to a point now where it’s like, ‘Dang, I just want a little bit of respect.’ I’m not asking you to call me the greatest linebacker to ever play the game yet. Maybe one day we might get to that point, but show me a little bit of respect for what I’ve done and what I’ve accomplished in this league.  I’ve kind of had to deal with it my entire career.  A lot of people have said I shouldn’t have been starting as the will ‘backer. Coach was saying the same thing going into the season last year — ‘Well … Erin’s going to start out camp as the will backer.’ It’s never really been just outright, ‘OK, this is Erin’s position. This is Erin’s spot.'”

Oct 7, 2012; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings linebacker Erin Henderson (50) against the Tennessee Titans at the Metrodome. The Vikings defeated the Titans 30-7. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

And Henderson has no problem bringing in competition for the position.  He’s ready to fight for the spot with all that he has and feels he has a good chance to beat out anyone who tries to take it from him.

“So, I’m used to it. Just like now I’ve got to hear they might want to bring in Urlacher. Cool. Bring him in. And if he’s better than me, if he can outplay me at that position, then let him play — but just make sure it’s a competition, you know what I mean? Make sure I’ve got a fair shot at it and I get my fair shake that I deserve at the position. That’s all.”

He even addressed some of the fans who have been skeptical of him and doubt his ability to perform at his new position.

“And to the fans who don’t believe that I can do it, you haven’t seen me do it. How can you say that I can’t do something if you haven’t seen me do it? They say different things about my abilities or whether I should be a starting linebacker or everything else, but my numbers and the fact that I’m still here speak for themselves.”

Henderson sounds like he has a major chip on his shoulder and is ready to play angrier than we’ve ever seen him.  He’s out to prove this doubters wrong and show that he’s earned the starting job in Minnesota.  Even if you still question his ability be an effective Middle Linebacker, you have to love the passion and fire that he’s bringing to the team this year.