Jeff Garcia Open To Being A Viking

The quarterback situation in Minnesota got even more interesting.  Now, former NFL quarterback Jeff Garcia said that he would be willing to entertain a comeback to the Vikings at the age of 43.  He wouldn’t be coming back to the NFL to lead the team to glory on the field, instead he would be acting as a mentor to Josh Freeman.

"“I look at guys like David Garrard and Matt Hasselbeck in Indianapolis and those teams aren’t expecting David or Matt to step on the field, but they’re great mentors to young quarterbacks in the classroom,” Garcia said. “So in a situation where you have a young, talented player like a Josh Freeman who has had success, I’d be open to a role similar to David and Matt’s. I think Josh is fixable. Really, it has to come from deep within Josh. What Josh needs to do is look back when he did have success.”"

Oct 21, 2013; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Josh Freeman (12) drops back to pass against the New York Giants during the first half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

Garcia could be an excellent addition to the team if one of the team’s other two quarterbacks are moved before the NFL trade deadline.  He knows a thing or two about working with players to help unlock their potential.  He currently operates the Jeff Garcia Football camp for increasing quarterback skills and mental awareness.  Both of those are parts of Josh Freeman’s game that could use a little help.

"“We’ve seen Josh be a 60% completion guy and be a good decision maker when he had confidence in his system, the players around him and in himself,” Garcia said. “Maybe it takes looking back at some of that game film from 2010; look at his mechanics and look at how he was playing the game — his rhythm, where his eyes were, what he was mentally going through. And then he will be able to visually see that he was successful so he can now hopefully push away whatever doubt or lack of confidence is there now and turn his mindset around.”"

At his age, a comeback is something that you’d think he would be joking about making a comeback, but he is serious.  He has that fire and ability to help a young player who needs guidance to turn the corner on their career.

"“I’ve always had a competitive fire within that continues to burn. So it would be hard for me as a competitor to say, ‘No,’ ” Garcia said. “If that phone rings, I’d say, ‘Hey, what flight can I jump on?’ I’m realistic about it all. I’m not expecting anything. I’m not trying to start fires out there. But if you look at situations around this league, I can help a young quarterback out.”"

It will be interesting to see if Garcia gets a call from the Minnesota Vikings front office soon.