Minnesota Vikings players spend Thanksgiving with sick children
By Adam Carlson
Several members of the Minnesota Vikings went to the University of Minnesota Masonic Children’s Hospital to spend Thanksgiving with some sick children.
While many of us were gathered around the table to have a great meal with our family, some members of the Minnesota Vikings spent their Thanksgiving with some of the sick children at the University of Minnesota Masonic Children’s Hospital.
According to an article on Vikings.com, several members of the organization spent some time with the kids in the hospital, playing games and even enjoying a meal with them. This is part of a tradition for players, as they typically visit the hospital on Thanksgiving, Halloween and during Christmastime.
This year, there was a nice turnout for the Thanksgiving crew. Minnesota Vikings players John Sullivan, Kyle Rudolph, Brandon Fusco, Nick Easton, Zac Kerin, Austin Shepherd,David Yankey were joined by former players Walker Lee Ashley and Bob Lurtsema as well as the mascot Viktor The Viking for this visit.
The highlight of the trip had to be John Sullivan singing the song “Let It Go” from the hit movie Frozen with one of the young girls in the hospital while playing with her dolls. While some folks might find that to be silly for a professional football player, Sullivan doesn’t care. It’s all about putting smiles on their faces.
"Dec 1, 2013; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings center John Sullivan (65) gets ready to snap the ball in the game with the Chicago Bears in the fourth quarter at Mall of America Field at H.H.H. Metrodome. Vikings win 23-20 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports“This is a time of year you associate with family and happy times and being comfortable,” John Sullivan said. “I understand this can be a pretty tough situation for these kids. We just want to come and brighten their day, maybe distract them a little bit and give them a little sense of normalcy with a Thanksgiving meal and just do whatever we can.”"
A similar message came from offensive lineman Brandon Fusco.
"“It’s good to put a smile on their face. The game we play, wins and losses, doesn’t compare to what these kids are going through. It’s good to come out, hear from these kids, learn their story and put a smile on their faces.”"
You can see the Minnesota Vikings when they take on the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday, November 29, 2015. Check your local listings for time and availability.