Minnesota Vikings rookie Eric Kendricks on Packers rivalry
By Adam Carlson
Eric Kendricks might be in his first season with the Minnesota Vikings, but he already understands the scale of the rivalry with the Green Bay Packers.
The rivalry between the Minnesota Vikings and the Green Bay Packers is one that has been going on since the merger in 1967. And although the history between the two teams is rich and competitive, the importance of games between the squads isn’t lost on the youngest of players.
With their second round draft pick this season, the Vikings selected linebacker Eric Kendricks out of UCLA. Without knowing it, the rookie has already entrenched himself into the rivalry. While every game matters, there are some that just seem to be more important to the fan base and franchise than others.
Eric Kendricks understands that games against the Packers mean a little more than the rest according to an article on Scout.com.
"“When I got to Minnesota, it was pretty obvious that your division teams that you play twice a year are rivals, but Green Bay is the one everyone talks about. To me, every game is big, but it seems the attention around a Vikings-Packers game is always a little bit more and you know that this is a rivalry that runs deep.”"
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There is something bigger about games against the Green Bay Packers. While taking on the Bears and the Lions are just as important as far as division wins since they play twice a year, there does seem to be that extra pressure on the Minnesota Vikings to perform against the green and gold.
Now, with the NFC North title on the line against the line in week 17’s Sunday Night Football broadcast, the stakes are even higher.
"“It’s been what we’ve been talking about since the start of the season and now it’s within our reach,” Kendricks said. “All we wanted was a chance to play for this opportunity. We are pushing and working hard now that we’ve got that chance and we’re just looking to make the most of it.”"
You can see Eric Kendricks and the rest of the Minnesota Vikings when they take on the Green Bay Packers on Sunday, January 3, 2016 on NBC’s broadcast of Sunday Night Football.