Vikings players took a break from the practice field Wednesday to visit the Falcon Heights Elementary School.
Originally the team had planned to split the squad between visiting the school and helping with the team’s annual playground build at nearby Curtiss Field. However, with the rain and threat of lightning, the team called an audible and sent the entire team to the school.
Vikings Executive Director of Community Relations Brad Madson said it was a little tricky, but it turned out to be a good event.
It’s probably not a big surprise the most popular visitors were running back Adrian Peterson and quarterback Teddy Bridgewater.
But the Pioneer Press notes one student was more excited than any other – Jaquil White.
“I had one particular student that I wanted to make a connection with Adrian, and he’s a strong football player,” said Falcon Heights principal Beth Behnke to the newspaper. “So when Adrian walked in, he fell back on his char 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 in his lifetime.”
Bridgewater called his visit total fun. He brought students together for a football huddle where they chanted, “One. Two. Three. School.”
Others signed autographs or lined the halls to give a friendly high-five and talked to students as they passed through the halls.
Hey @chadgreenway52 this was great! #FalconHeightsElementary pic.twitter.com/ELrDCTne3F
— Dawn Mitchell (@DawnAtFOX9) June 3, 2015
Following the classroom visits, Vikings coach Mike Zimmer addressed the students in the gymnasium and also helped to cut the ribbon to commemorate the building of the playground, which the Pioneer Press reports will be finished soon.
