Vikings tight end likely duped by media member to give away TD gloves
By Adam Carlson
The kindness of Minnesota Vikings tight end Kyle Rudolph was taken advantage of my a media member after the team’s Wild Card playoff game vs. Saints.
Sunday was a big game for the Minnesota Vikings. The purple and gold entered the Superdome and upset the New Orleans Saints in overtime thanks to a Kirk Cousins fade pass to tight end Kyle Rudolph which resulted in a walk-off touchdown.
Energy was high for the Vikings, who advance to the Divisional Round of the playoffs. The team was massive underdogs to the Saints and this victory helped to show that Minnesota is a franchise to take seriously as contenders.
Following the game, Rudolph spoke to several members of the media. One of those interactions was a bit odd. According to the tight end, a member of the media approached him and asked for the gloves he wore on the field during the game-winning catch to raise money for charity. Rudolph, being the philanthropist he is, signed the gloves and gave them away.
Sadly, Rudolph had no clue where those gloves would end up. Here is the story according to the official Twitter account of Kyle Rudolph:
I saw this.. it’s disappointing. A member of the media in the locker room after the game asked if he could have my gloves for a charity benefit, so I said of course and I will even sign them for you! Well he got me, sold on eBay 3 days later.. https://t.co/JCTO0OWM5n
— Kyle Rudolph (@KyleRudolph) January 8, 2020
The eBay listing shows the gloves were sold by an account named purpleplanet19 which mentioned nowhere in the post that any amount of money from the purchase would be going to charity.
Although the seller or media member hasn’t come forward, the individual who purchased the item took to Twitter to give the story a somewhat happy ending.
@KyleRudolph82 I’m the guy who bought them. I will gladly donate to a charity of your choice.
— Jason King (@kingy1940) January 8, 2020
While the amount donated probably won’t be as much as that great piece of Minnesota Vikings history would have fetched, this is still a standup move from the man who added a great conversation piece to his collection.
Of course, there is still a chance the seller of these gloves could come forward to prove they actually donated the amount to charity, but that has yet to be seen. However, Vikings fans are coming out in big numbers to help out the University of Minnesota Masonic Children’s Hospital.
We're overwhelmed by the support that @KyleRudolph82's fans are showing us on @Twitter tonight! If you'd like to help out, here's a link to the official crowdfunding page for Kyle Rudolph's End Zone at our hospital. ⬇️⬇️ https://t.co/Bek5pY5tG6
— M Health Fairview Masonic Children’s Hospital (@MHFVChildrens) January 9, 2020
Must Read. Why Kirk Cousins has earned a contract extension. light
It stinks that the kindness of Minnesota Vikings tight end Kyle Rudolph and a fan buying memorabilia are left with a somewhat bitter taste in their mouths from what was a seemingly kind gesture. Hopefully, this story results in even more kindness stemming from the unfortunate incident.
Those interested can donate to Kyle Rudolph’s End Zone using the official link from URaiseMN crowdsourcing.