Kenny Clark May Want to Be a Minnesota Viking
Ted Schwerzler
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Yesterday when talking to the media, Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur voiced his displeasure with the Minnesota Vikings home. While he’s the leader of the locker room, it’s clear he doesn’t speak for his team, especially defensive lineman Kenny Clark.
When reporters were talking to Matt LaFleur about the upcoming Week 1 matchup with Minnesota, he noted not being a fan of U.S. Bank Stadium’s “annoying horn” when referring to the Gjallarhorn (which Packers beat reporter Ryan Wood called the “Skol horn.”)
First and foremost, that’s his right and more than fine, but I don’t think he’ll find any empathy here from Vikings fans because the Gjallarhorn isn’t meant for him or the opposition. It’s a rallying cry for Minnesota, something to get the crowd going, and all the better if it bothers the opposition. So, here’s to hoping it’s sounded ad nauseum on Sunday and LaFleur leaves with both a loss and his ears ringing.
As noted, defensive lineman Kenny Clark doesn’t feel the same about the Gjallarhorn. Clark told reporters, “I love it. I love the whole intro to snow. Like, that’s one of my favorite places to play. I embrace it. I love it. I love the Skol chant. I love the horn.” Sure, there’s probably nothing here, but there’s also the minuscule possibility that Clark would rather be in purple and gold than playing for the opposition. After all, former teammate Za’Darius Smith joined the Vikings this season, and maybe Clark is missing him.
When Kirk Cousins gets under center behind Garrett Bradbury on Sunday afternoon, he’ll be staring down a very good talent in Clark. Given Bradbury’s struggles, it’d be a very big benefit to Minnesota if Clark was simply too enamored by the horn, Skol chant, crowd noise, or his possible desire to switch teams that he simply opted against rushing the passer or stuffing the run. Dalvin Cook could run wild through the middle, and Cousins would have additional time to find his wide receivers.
Obviously, there’s no real substantiation to any of this, but it’s great to know that some of the better Green Bay Packers like traditions from this side of the river every once in a while. On Sunday, here’s to hoping Clark has an awful game as Minnesota bulldozes the green and gold. If he ever wants to be a part of things over here, though, I’m sure general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah would love to have him.
Ted Schwerzler is a blogger from the Twin Cities that is focused on all things Minnesota Twins and Minnesota Vikings. He’s active on Twitter and writes weekly for Twins Daily. As a former college athlete and avid sports fan, covering our pro teams with a passion has always seemed like such a natural outlet.
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