A few years ago, my wife and I were watching the Minnesota Vikings play the Pittsburgh Steelers. The game was back-and-forth like so many Vikings games that year. I couldn’t stop imagining the Vikings head coach getting a visit from a Minnesota bookie. The bookie was frustrated because he’s been betting on the Vikings, and they couldn’t cover the spread.
The bookie threatened the head coach before this particular game against the Steelers. “My boys and I are gonna kick your ass!”
The coach was intent on winning this game.
Boy, it was an exciting battle. Must see TV! Enough to keep you on the edge of your seat. The Vikings coach was rallying his team. I could imagine the thoughts going on in his head. The beating he’s going to take if he doesn’t win this game.
During the first half it seemed like the Vikings had pulled it all together. The offense was shredding the Steelers’ defense like beef for a burrito. The defense was knocking the Steelers offense all over the field and getting them off in five plays or less. The Vikings built a 29 – 0 lead by halftime.
Then it was Big Ben Roethlisberger‘s turn to put on his cape and rally the Steelers to a comeback. As usual that year, it came down to the last few plays in a Vikings game. The Steelers made one fantastic play after another. One more great catch that put them closer to pulling off the comeback.
But this time the Vikings’ opponent came up short.
Such was the life of the Vikings head coach. He might have avoided a beating from the bookie that night, but in the back of my mind I’m betting they paid him a visit anyway.