Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

Updates from Upperclassmen by Connor May and Erik Streckert

The Green Bay Packers and Minnesota Vikings have one of the most intense rivalries in the NFL. They have played each other for over 60 years, matching up 125 times. The Packers lead with a record of 64-58-3. The games between these two teams are always hard fought and competitive with very passionate fans cheering for their team; however, not every fan lives in their team’s home state. Being a Packers fan in Vikings territory takes loyalty, resilience and camaraderie to be a true fan.

Loyalty is a huge part of sports, and being a Packers fan has always been a family tradition. My grandparents got to watch Vince Lombardi create a dynasty in Green Bay during the ’60s. My dad got to see Brett Farve and Reggie White revive the Packers in the ’90s after they had struggled for a few years. I got to watch Aaron Rodgers win two consecutive league MVPs after he spent his off-season doing psychedelic drugs in South America. With a storied history like this, it is easy to be a fan. However, Minnesota is not always the easiest place for Packers fans to live. People will call you names, like “Sconny” or “Cheesehead.” These aren’t too bad, but you also get called some things I can’t write here, and after a while, it can be tiring. While the taunting can get tough sometimes, loyalty is an essential part of being a fan in any sport. The good years feel much better after you have experienced bad years. The Packers have not had too many bad years lately, but there is a high you get when the Packers beat the Vikings and you can wear your gear in public after everyone has given you grief. As goofy as it sounds, you feel great for standing your ground and having men who don’t know you exist win for you.

Resilience is also an important quality when being a Packers fan in Minnesota. You are surrounded by crazy Vikings fans who are constantly challenging your loyalty. You are faced with intense rivalry and banter from people all around especially when the Packers lose. The Packers do have a history of losing big games in the playoffs, and it is not easy to continue cheering them on. You will have to experience the pain of losing and not meeting expectations at times, but it is important to stay strong and unwavering in your support. Resilience will help you navigate your way through all of the tough losses, criticism and banter from Vikings fans, so embrace these challenges and use resilience.

Camaraderie is another important trait to have to cheer for the Packers in Minnesota. The definition of camaraderie is “a spirit of trust and goodwill among people closely associated in an activity or endeavor.” It is always easier to do the right thing when you have allies around; having some buddies who are Packers fans is valuable. Vikings fans can be vicious and the scum of the earth sometimes, so Packers fans living here can feel a mutual appreciation for the greatness of the Packers and hate for the Vikings. While living in the land of Vikings fans can be tough at times, Packers fans can come together with fellow fans and that will make things much easier. Packers fans can bond over the wins and the losses, and rejoice in the fact that they will not have to grow old and die without seeing their favorite team win a championship, a reality that many Vikings fans today face.

Being a Packers fan in Minnesota can be very challenging, but having loyalty, resilience and camaraderie will make your life easier. It’s about owning the green and gold and wearing it with pride. You gotta stay true to your team, no matter how much crap you get from those Vikings fans, while standing tall and showing your absolute unwavering support. You will find fellow Packers fans along the way who will have your back, forming those bonds that cannot be broken. Whether you’re cheering from your couch or a sports bar, embrace that fandom and keep that green and gold spirit alive. Go Pack Go!

Connor May and Erik Streckert are seniors at Albert Lea High School.