On Wednesday, the Minnesota Vikings were planning on building a playground for the kids at Falcon Heights Elementary School. The team showed up to get to work on the project, but weather did not cooperate and the Vikings instead moved inside the school to visit with the youngsters during the downpour.
The Minnesota Vikings players embraced the opportunity to meet the children of Falcon Heights Elementary School. Quarterback Teddy Bridgewater understands the kind of impact that meeting with the kids can have. He wants to be able to set a good example for young people according to an article on the Pioneer Press website.
"“I’m glad to be a part of it.” Bridgewater said. “To be able to come here and set a good example for the young children, it’s great. It means a lot to me.”"
And while Bridgewater is a popular player, there’s no matching the high-profile that Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson has. The Principal of Falcon Heights Elementary School had a bit of a plan for Peterson during the visit.
"“I had one particular student that I wanted to make a connection with Adrian, and he’s a strong football player,” the Principal said. “So when Adrian walked in, he fell back on his chair and he cried. … He got a huge hug from Adrian and a picture with him. There were absolute tears. He couldn’t believe this was happening.”"
Oct 12, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer watches as his team plays the Detroit Lions at TCF Bank Stadium. The Lions win 17-3. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports
Sometimes, it’s easy to forget how much of an impact these popular sports figures can have on young people. Despite all the drama surrounding Adrian Peterson lately, it’s great to see him taking part in this school event and taking the opportunity to make such a positive impact on a young person’s life.
Perhaps the most fitting statement about the visit to Falcon Heights Elementary School came from Minnesota Vikings cornerback Xavier Rhodes.
"“It’s always fun being with the kids,” Rhodes said. “The kids look up to people like us. It’s good that we can come and brighten up their day.”"
It’s definitely a good thing that the Minnesota Vikings are willing to take the time to do things like this. Seeing these athletes doing positive things off the football field is a great thing because some of those children look up to these football players as heroes and idols.
And positivity is always a great message to spread.
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