A Bittersweet Farewell to Vikings Territory
I can’t believe this is my 188th post for Vikings Territory.
As some of you may already know per my Twitter post this morning, I have officially accepted a full-time position with the Minnesota Vikings as an assistant editor/staff writer, and I will be starting with them on Dec. 14. I’m so grateful for the many people who have mentored me and supported my goal of being a writer, and the fact that I’ll soon be starting a position with my hometown team is nothing short of a dream come true!
That said, this site has played a large part in my story, and it’s certainly bittersweet to step away from the VT team and the great group of contributors (as well as readers!) I’ve gotten to know in my time here. Just over two years ago, I interviewed former Vikings wide receiver Jake Reed, was looking for a solid platform on which to post the feature story, and Adam W. graciously hosted me as a guest writer. Adam brought me on permanently just a few months later, and the rest is history.
Each and every one of my VT colleagues is a classy and talented individual, and it’s been such a pleasure to work with all of them. Because I’m the sentimental type, I absolutely have to offer my thanks.
Adam W. and Brett, thank you for starting VT and giving fans such a great nook to read content, keep up on Vikings news, and interact with each other. I have no doubt that if you two hadn’t taken a chance on me in 2013, the path would have looked a lot different.
Austin and Brent, thank you for always being willing to proofread my stories (even at late-night hours) and for offering help or suggestions when I confronted the writing block ogre. And of course, thanks for the VT trip to the Twins game this summer… it’s easier for me to step away knowing that Austin has finally experienced the fantastic-ness of Minnesota cheese curds at a baseball game.
Carl, thank you for encouraging me from Day 1 to go outside of my comfort zone. You continued to build my confidence in moving forward.
Andy, thank you for hosting me on Purple FTW! several times and for giving me a chance to test the waters of podcasting and radio—it made for some great times, even though some of our shows ended up coincidentally timed with interesting events…
Matt, thank you for being my very first subject for “Vikings Fan Spotlight.” It’s been great to get to know a displaced Vikings fan and hear about your many adventures in animation. Your work adds another flair to VT!
Adam P., we haven’t gotten much chance to work together, but thank you for supporting my work before even joining VT; the team could not be getting a better writer, and I’m excited to see your content on the site.
And finally, to all the faithful VT readers, thank you for continuing to make this site as successful as it has been! I always appreciate seeing the interaction of our readers on social media and the supportive comments posted on my work. While I hope you’ll keep an eye out for my content over at Vikings.com, I also can’t wait to see the way VT continues growing, as well.
Thank you, Vikings Territory. It’s been a good run, and it’s time for the next adventure.