Oct 23, 2011; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Green Bay Packers linebacker Desmond Bishop (55) against the Minnesota Vikings at the Metrodome. The Packers defeated the Vikings 33-27. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Desmond Bishop didn’t last long in free agency. It was a quick decision that allowed him to become a member of the Minnesota Vikings after being released from the Green Bay Packers just one week ago. As a guest on NFL AM on NFL Network, Bishop said that playing against his former team was one of the reasons he decided on Minnesota.
“It was part of the reason. And if I can get a chance to play against Aaron Rodgers, I think that right there, in itself, is a motivation. You know, you want to play against the best. When I was playing for Green Bay, the games I cherished most was playing against the Vikings because I had a chance to play against Adrian Peterson. That’s my mindset. I want to play against the best.”
Aug 19, 2011; Green Bay, WI, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kevin Kolb (4) gets hit by Green Bay Packers linebacker Desmond Bishop (55) during the second quarter at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Who can blame Bishop for wanting a little revenge on the team that released him after five years of service. The opportunity to play against his former team twice a year (and maybe even three times) had to be one of the most appealing aspects of playing for the Vikings.
Vikings camp says that Bishop will enter into competition for that Middle Linebacker spot against guys like Erin Henderson, Audie Cole, Michael Mauti, and Tyrone McKenzie. Bishop’s experience at the position gives him a huge advantage over the other competitors for the spot and will most likely be one of the major facts that allows him to win the role.
If Bishop is indeed 100% healthy after his devastating hamstring injury last season, this might be a steal for the Vikings. Bishop is a highly motivated player with a lot of talent that could help this Minnesota team succeed.