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.

Nov 25, 2012; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears middle linebacker Brian Urlacher (54) tackles Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson (28) during the second half at Soldier Field. The Bears beat the Vikings 28-10. Mandatory Credit: Rob Grabowski-USA TODAY Sports

Recently, rumors have been running wild about the Vikings interest in signing free agent Linebacker Brian Urlacher.  The 34 year old former All-Pro Linebacker has also been linked to the Denver Broncos, but that report has been refuted by KCNC-TV’s Gary Miller.  This leaves the Vikings as the only known suitor out there for Urlacher.

Dec 23, 2012; Houston, TX, USA; Minnesota Vikings outside linebacker Erin Henderson (50) warms up against the Houston Texans before the game at Reliant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Campbell-USA TODAY Sports

If the Vikings signed him, it’s questionable as to what his role would be with the team.  His veteran leadership would be huge in helping develop their young Middle Linebackers.  The team recently moved Erin Henderson from Outside Linebacker to the inside and penciled him in as the starter.  Then, they drafted Michael Mauti in the seventh round of the draft this year to compete with Henderson.  They also feel good about the young Audie Cole to develop into a solid player.  Urlacher’s experience could be a major factor in why the Vikings would be interested.

October 6, 2012; University Park, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions linebacker Michael Mauti (42) looks on during the game against the Northwestern Wildcats at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports

But would the Vikings use Urlacher as a starter if they did sign him?  The team seems confident that Henderson is more than capable of filling the void left by Jasper Brinkley in the middle.  They also see a leader in Michael Mauti if he can heal in time to compete for the position.  Urlacher’s age, speed and injury history raise a lot of questions as to his ability going forward.  The team would most likely put him in the competition with Henderson and Mauti for the job.

Another major factor will be the Urlacher’s pay.  The Vikings are already strapped for cash after other big free agent signing like Greg Jennings, Phil Loadholt, and Jerome Felton.  The team also has yet to sign their 3 first round draft picks this year.

Do you think Urlacher is worth picking up?  If so, is he an immediate starter, or should he compete for the job?  And at this point of his career, is he still an effective player?

Dec 2, 2012; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers wide receiver Randall Cobb (18) is tackled by Minnesota Vikings linebacker Jasper Brinkley (54) after catching a pass during the first quarter at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Going into the Draft this year, most Vikings fans expected the team to pick a Middle Linebacker early on.  They had three chances in the first round of the draft to draft a replacement for Jasper Brinkley, who was signed this offseason by the Arizona Cardinals.  It wasn’t due to a lack of talent in the remaining players, either.  Most of the top Linebackers in the draft were available at the end of the first round .  Their decision to pass on them was confusing.

Now that we are approximately one week removed from the 2013 NFL Draft, the Vikings have started showing some of their cards.  The team didn’t seem as worried about the Middle Linebacker position because they had a plan.

Dec 23, 2012; Houston, TX, USA; Minnesota Vikings outside linebacker Erin Henderson (50) warms up against the Houston Texans before the game at Reliant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Campbell-USA TODAY Sports

Recently, Vikings Linebacker Erin Henderson revealed that he has bulked up to 248 pounds in anticipation of the move from Outside Linebacker to Middle Linebacker.  The fact that Henderson has had the time to add that weight to his frame says that Minnesota was anticipating this move all along.  They pulled the wool over the eyes of every NFL expert and fan by publicly flirting with the idea of taking a player like Manti Te’o.  Instead, the Vikings were able to fill three other positions of need in the draft by moving a player to another spot on the defense.

Whether or not Henderson will win the starting job in training camp is still unknown, but he seems to be the club favorite to take over the spot.  He will face competition from Audie Cole and Michael Mauti along with others, but he seems to be penciled in as the Vikings current starter at the position.