Interview With Paul Allen: The Voice Of The Vikings

This week, I am honored to have interviewed a legend in Viking lore, the “Voice of the Vikings” himself, Mr. Paul Allen!

Paul Allen – KFAN profile photo

Paul Allen is known as “The Voice of the Vikings” for his memorable calls of Minnesota Vikings games for the past 13 years. You can hear his great play-by-play analysis of games on KFAN as well as KARE during both preseason and regular season Vikings games.

First, I want to thank Paul Allen giving me the chance to pick his brain. He’s a busy man, especially with organized team activities going on and the large amount of time he spends on the radio. But let’s get into the interview!

TVA: So you’re going into your 14th full year calling plays for the Vikes, in that time do you have one favorite call in particular? Mine is a tie between the “Favre to Lewis” miracle at the dome call, or the “Moss flip to Moe Williams” improvisation call. Any that you look at as your personal favorite?

PA: “I don’t really have a favorite call, just a favorite season. The entire 2009 run is something I’ll never forget; I remember everything about it. Started 6-and-0, had some turnovers at Pittsburgh and lost, McKinnie getting benched at Charlotte, OT loss at Chicago on Monday Night Football, crushing Dallas in the playoffs. And, of course, New Orleans.”

TVA:Looking back on the history of the league, is there any calls by other play-by-play guys that stand out to you as instant classics

PA: “Wayne Larrivee’s “And there is your dagger” call is the best signature call in play-by-play.”

TVA: I know it’s early in OTA’s, but Looking at this 2015 squad what would you say is the most improved unit on the team, be it offense or defense?

PA: “I think our offensive line is going to be better. Moving Fusco to left guard will help the left tackle. Thinking we got a steal in Pitt. rookie T.J. Clemmings, who should start at right guard. Sullivan is one of the best centers in the game, and Loadholt needs to stay healthy. Clemmings can play right tackle, too, which he did his final two years for the Panthers.”

Nov 30, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings defensive end Everson Griffen (97) celebrates his sack during the fourth quarter against the Carolina Panthers at TCF Bank Stadium. The Vikings defeated the Panthers 31-13. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

TVA: On the flip side of that coin what would you say is the unit that still needs to improve the most to reach its full potential?

PA: “I am not sure about our defensive-end rotation. I like Everson and Robison but am not sure what they will do behind them. Rookie Danielle Hunter is super athletic but might not be ready. Big year for second-year guy Scott Crichton, who didn’t do much last year. Barr, too, may play some left defensive end when we go nickel or dime.”

TVA: The team is loaded at both the DB position and TE position, we will most likely see at least one cut if not more at each position, do you think Munnerlyn could be on his way out with that high salary, or perhaps Sherels? Is there any particular TE that stands out to you that may be on his way out?

PA: “Captain has to beat Jabari Price for a spot. I make Captain favored, though. Marcus returns punts, and that helps, but so does Stefon Diggs does, too. Should be interesting.”

TVA: I think Rudolph is in for a career season if he stays on the field, i also think Patterson will have a huge resurgence, the reason? With Mike Wallace and the attention he will command, is there any player you see having a bounce back season and why

PA: “Cordarrelle needs the home-run-hitting ability of Adrian in the backfield to get openings out there. He can do damage if that’s the case.

I think our defensive tackles as a whole have to be better versus the run. We allowed too many rushing yards last year.”

TVA: A lot of folks are thinking this is a make or break season for Matt Kalil, How is he looking in practice? Are the recent knee surgeries a reason for concern or cause for optimism?

PA: “Matt needs to pay attention every play and stay healthy. I think he’s up to the task.”

TVA: Look into your crystal ball for a moment, who do you see being the starting 5 on the O-line going into week one?

PA: “Kalil-Fusco-Sullivan-Clemmings-Loadholt.”

TVA: From the small sample size you have seen thus far, is there any safety you see as a favorite to earn that starting spot next to Harry Smith?

PA: “Robert Blanton and Antone Exum will battle for the spot. Blanton has some nasty to him but was very bad at times in pass coverage last year. This looks like a 50-50 battle.”

May 27, 2015; Eden Prairie, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Teddy Bridgewater (5) throws during OTA drills at Winter Park. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

TVA: How has Teddy looked thus far in practice? Have you noticed any big change in him now that he has a season under his belt?

PA: “Teddy is cool, man, and embracing the role of a leader. I and we expect big, big things from the young man.”

TVA: How is a fully healthy Jerrick McKinnon looking out there on the field? Even if that other RB does come back do you see him having a major role in this offense, maybe something like a Darren Sproles, who NORV!!! had made a star out of in San Diego?

PA: “Norv told me the other day he is totally healthy and looks great.”

TVA: I know you’re a busy man, so my last question is, Other than NORV!!! is there any other young hot-shot assistant coach on the roster that you see being touted for a head coach positionl in the next year or two?

PA: “Not really. Norv’s son Scott, who is our quarterbacks coach, calls more plays during games than people know. He’s a cinch to be an offensive coordinator one day, and maybe here when Norv retires.”

Huge thanks for once again go out to Paul Allen for taking a few minutes of his time to let me ask him some questions. I’m looking forward to hearing some more classic calls from him this season!

Next: Minnesota Vikings 2015 Game By Game Previews

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