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They are the forgotten men in the NFL. They are the ones who gain most of their notoriety when they make a mistake, rather than when they do their job. Yes, they are the specialists. Kickers, punters and long snappers – they each have a crucial job on the team, yet they never seem to get as much attention from fans or the media as the rest of their teammates.
But they have feelings, too. And they have opinions. So, vikings.com is here to let them be heard. The Vikings five specialists – rookie kicker Steven Hauschka, punter Chris Kluwe, long snapper Cullen Loeffler and kicker Ryan Longwell – spend most of practice standing on the sidelines chatting with each other. When they aren’t practicing field goals, point after attempts, kickoffs or punts, they are probably having conversations about pressing matters, or whatever happens to be on their minds.
In an effort to let the specialists be heard and educate the Vikings fans, vikings.com will spend one day each week with the specialists to hear their opinions and let them shed some light on the Purple.
Without further ado, here is the first installment of Sundays With the Specialists…
What is one item you can’t be without during training camp?
Steven Hauschka – alarm clock
Chris Kluwe – video games
Cullen Loeffler – my computer
Ryan Longwell - iChat
If you could play any other position, which one would you choose?
SH – wide receiver
CK – pitcher
CL – third-string quarterback
RL – quarterback
Who is standing out so far during training camp?
SH – Adrian Peterson
CK – crazy fans
CL – Viktor the Viking, because of his large head
RL – Sidney Rice
What is the weirdest item you’ve ever autographed?
SH – a blank 8.5 x 11 sheet of paper
CK – a guitar hero controller
CL – a stained glass window
RL – Green Bay Packers merchandise at Vikings training camp
Who has the biggest head size on the team?
SH – J Leman
CK – Erin Henderson
CL – Fahu Tahi
RL – Todd Nielson (coaching administration)
Who is the fastest Viking?
SH – Gus Frerotte; he rides his bike faster than anyone here
CK – Heath Farwell; he’s always the first one in the cafeteria
CL – Viktor the Viking
RL – Dennis Ryan; he can be in more places at once than anyone I’ve ever seen
Which Viking has the messiest locker?
SH – Darren Sharper (he doesn’t really, but it’ll bother him if I say he does)
CK – Marcus Johnson
CL – Anthony Herrera
RL – Tarvaris Jackson
Which Viking would you least like to try and tackle?
SH – Bryant McKinnie
CK – myself
CL – Viktor the Viking
RL – E.J. Henderson
Do you have a question to ask the Vikinigs specialists? Send your "Sundays With the Specialists" question to mailbag@vikings.nfl.net.