For this week’s Vikings fan spotlight, we’re featuring a very special person—not only is Richard Holmstrom a long-time fan of the purple and gold, but he’s also a long-time fan of Vikings Territory!
In fact, Holmstrom first met Adam Warwas (founder of VT) and became a fan of his writing before Vikings Territory even developed.
“A bunch of us [readers] here at VT were all originally over at the Star Tribune site, ‘Access Vikings,’ including Adam,” Holmstrom explained. “Adam kept sneaking in links to his own blog, and one day I clicked on it. Lo and behold, there was some good stuff there! I’ve been reading his stuff ever since.”
Holmstrom added that he met the Warwas family when he lived in Alaska, and the two of them went fishing and spent time at Holmstrom’s lodge. He described Adam as “a really good dude.”
Although his family is originally from Minnesota, Holmstrom grew up in California. Despite spending his childhood on the west coast, however, he has been a Vikings fan from a young age.
“I was always fascinated by Vikings, as they were supposedly my ancestors,” Holmstrom said. “My Dad was an LA Rams fan, so naturally, I was too. . .until I heard about a new NFL team being formed named the Minnesota Vikings—that was it for me!”
Holmstrom has loved watching great players for the Vikings throughout the years, such as Fran Tarkenton and John Randle, but he’s just as excited about the potential of the current team. His favorite player on this year’s roster? Harrison Smith.
[pull_quote_center]”I love the way [Smith is] always around the ball and his tough play, each and every down. Plus, he wears my all-time favorite Viking, Paul Krause’s, number: 22.”[/pull_quote_center]
Smith is part of the defense that Holmstrom saw improve last season with the addition of head coach Mike Zimmer, and as specific position, he feels that Minnesota is strongest in its defensive backs. That may have not been the case a year or two ago, but the fan feels confident in Smith and Xavier Rhodes, along with guys like Josh Robinson, Antone Exum and Jabari Price hopefully “competing with a draft pick or two.”
“We could have a very good secondary this season,” Holmstrom said.
On the flip side, Holmstrom considers the offensive line the position desiring the most improvement. That being considered, he would like to see the Vikings use the No. 11 pick of the NFL Draft on guard Brandon Scherff.
“With a healthy Kalil and Scherff to the right of him, [and with] Fusco and Loadholt back, we could have a heck of an O-Line.” He adds, “Don’t write off Kalil just yet.”
Holmstrom is looking forward the Draft to see what kind of picks the Vikings will walk away with, and he guarantees he’ll continue to enjoy coverage of his favorite team from his favorite blog: Vikings Territory.
What’s More Important, Free Agency or the Draft: The Draft, for sure.
Number of Kids: 3
Hobbies (Besides Football): I’ve owned a wilderness Lodge in Alaska for the past 30 years and enjoy a lot of hunting and fishing up there. I’ve also been a licensed master falconer for many years.
Fun Fact: I make some pretty good, award-winning Blueberry wine.
If I Could Spend a Day with Any “Viking,” Past or Present: Bud Grant, in a heart beat!
View Comments
Hey, I know this dude! You're ok in my book Fran!
i remember when fran said he caught that fish in the picture, said it was a whopper, 3 feet long!
I think he also shared a jail cell with Charles Manson, but that might be just a rumor.
Ok, the fish IS a whopper, for Arctic Grayling standards anyway. And no, I did not 'share' a cell with Manson but I was once placed in a cell he had previously occupied (He wrote this name on the wall)
And yes, I wish I had sent a picture to Lindsey. The one she used here was from Adam and I need to say that I really do have a neck.
I also wished Lindsey would have included my comment about Paul Krause being my favorite Viking ever. I was hoping he might read that and send me a game-worn jersey from one of the Super Bowls he played in.
#22 Baby! Paul, hit me up and I'll send you my mailing address.
I did include that Krause is your favorite player! It's the pull quote in purple that attracts the most attention :)