An old Nike TV commercial featured former Minnesota Vikings Defensive Tackle #93, John Randle, chasing a chicken around his backyard. (You can view it on the Beacon’s website - www.cannonfalls.com - click on Community Page logo, Videos and then scroll down to Vikings - John Randle and Brett Favre).
The commercial begins with Randle buying some green material and then busily sewing it to form a very tiny Green Bay Packer jersey with the number 4 on it. (Referring to you know who of the Packers.)
Next scene has Randle chasing this chicken wearing the little Brett Favre jersey around his back yard.
The final scene has Randle cooking the chicken on his grill!
A smile comes from Vikings fans as they see this commercial perhaps, but why was Randle playing this role? In a new book about the team, former NFL pro bowl Randle is quoted saying that the quarterback he loved to sack the most was Brett Favre of the Green Bay Packers.
Randle, a finalist in last year’s pro football Hall of Fame entries, had quite a history to back up his statement according to information from that website. He had a total of 137.5 sacks during his 14 season career and his best performance came against the Packers in 1996 when he had a career-high game of 3.5 sacks and forced two fumbles.
Since Favre is now the Minnesota Vikings quarterback, I contacted Randle to see if he had any suggestions how to stop other teams from sacking Favre.
Here is how the interview went. Randle's answers are in large type.
John, you are an energetic, in-your-face type of guy in a game. Are you the same when you are off the field?
NO WAY - WHERE IN "REAL LIFE" CAN ONE BARK, SCREAM, SPIT AND WEAR FACE PAINT?! ALL KIDDING ASIDE, I AM A PRETTY LOW KEY GUY.
How did you decide on your strategy to intimidate your opponents with face paint on your eyes and the use of your mouth?
I DEVELOPED THIS STRATEGY FOR MANY DIFFERENT REASONS, BUT MOSTLY I WAS LOOKING FOR WAYS TO GAIN AN EXTRA SECOND AGAINST MY OPPONENT OR TO FRUSTRATE MY OPPONENT.
Information on the Football Hall of Fame website said that your best game came against the Green Bay Packers on Sept. 22, 1996 when you got 3.5 sacks and forced 2 fumbles. How cool was that?
MORE THAN PERSONAL SATISFACTION, I REALLY ENJOYED HELPING MY TEAM WIN A GAME AND IT WAS JUST ME DOING THE JOB THAT I LOVED.
I would think you would enjoy sacking any quarterback... was there a reason you enjoyed sacking Favre the most?
GETTING TO TAKE DOWN FAVRE WAS BETTER THAN SACKING ANOTHER QB BECAUSE NOT ONLY DID HE LEAD OUR BIGGEST RIVAL, THE PACKERS, BUT HE WAS ALSO THE MOST CHALLENGING ADVERSARY.
Since Favre is now a Viking, what could you tell the team that would be a good way to protect him as quarterback?
JUST KEEP STEPPING UP AND MAKING PLAYS - DON'T LEAVE IT UP TO FAVRE TO WIN THE GAME.
John, you are admired for your effort in becoming a great athlete. Do you have any suggestions for young athletes who might desire to reach the heights?
I WOULD SUGGEST THAT THEY STAY FOCUSED, BE VERY DRIVEN, STAY OUT OF TROUBLE, AND NEVER LET ANYONE GET IN THE WAY OF YOUR GOALS AND DREAMS.
What are you working at since you've stopped playing professional football?
I'VE ENJOYED WORKING WITH THE VIKINGS ALUMNI ORGANIZATION, WORKING TO IMPROVE MY GOLF GAME, AND SPENDING TIME WITH MY FAMILY.
Thanks John. You said it well.
We hope you enjoy the Vikings this year.
Photos permission from the Minnesota Vikings
