Some Advice For Packers Fans Living In Minnesota

Michael Rand of the Minneapolis Star Tribune recently penned a few guidelines for fans of the green and gold living behind enemy lines. First, he gives credit where credit is due by congratulating the Packers on a great season and labeling quarterback Aaron Rodgers as one of the best in the league, but he goes on to offer a few requests should any Packers’ fans cross paths with the purple faithful. From Rand:

• From now until the start of baseball’s spring training, celebrate this title around Vikings fans openly but with a dose of humility. Feel free to point out the obvious virtues of your team. Acceptable subjects include how good Rodgers’ numbers would be if his receivers weren’t always dropping passes, the playmaking ability of the defense and, yes, how the Packers will be even scarier next year once healthy.

• From the start of MLB spring training until the start of NFL training camp, within the borders of Minnesota, you are only allowed to talk about the Super Bowl championship with a Vikings fan if that fan brings it up first. The exception is during the NFL draft (and the two days before and after). During this time, it is once again acceptable to initiate a discussion about Super Bowl MVP Rodgers and the difference between where the Vikings and Packers stand at quarterback.

• From the start of training camp until the start of the regular season, as the national media is slobbering all over the Packers and in many cases predicting a return trip to the Super Bowl, you are allowed, within these borders, a maximum of one declaration per week about a repeat — which can be traded in for up to three smug smiles.

• During the regular season — particularly during the two Vikings/Packers weeks — you will do well to focus your energy on the present. It is understood that during the playoffs, all bets are off.

• Phrases to avoid at all times: “How did that Brett Favre thing work out for you?” … “You should just give up and come root for the Packers.” … and, most importantly, “I forget. How many Super Bowls have the Vikings won?”

These seem to be pretty fair guidelines for interaction, but if you’ve ever witnessed a Packers vs. Vikings game in-person, I think you know there’s no chance of either fan base following Rand’s “Title Etiquitte”.