The first handoff of the 2017 NFL season has happened.
Officials from Houston's Super Bowl Host Committee transferred a game ball and the baton to the Minnesota Super Bowl Host Committee (MNSBHC) on Monday morning, less than 12 hours after the Patriots 34-28 overtime victory over the Falcons.
Vikings Owner/President Mark Wilf and U.S. Bank CEO Richard Davis both spoke at a news conference on Monday morning to explain their excitement about Minnesota going on the clock to host Super Bowl LII on Feb. 4, 2018.
"We're excited about bringing the world's premier sporting event to the Bold North," Wilf said. "We look forward to the opportunity to showcase Minnesota, the Vikings and U.S. Bank Stadium. One year from now, Minneapolis, St. Paul, Bloomington and the entire state of Minnesota will represent extremely well on the world stage.
"Thanks again to our team here in Houston, and thank you to those back in Minnesota for working hard to make this historic event happen," Wilf added.
Wilf is an Honorary Co-Chair, and Davis is a Co-Chair of the MNSBHC.
Davis thanked the NFL and Commissioner Roger Goodell for "allowing us this privilege of being the host city in 2018" and said the celebrations will occur throughout Minnesota.
"The opportunity to showcase Minnesota for us is the chance to bring the whole state into the process," Davis said. "Starting today, we are beginning our 52 weeks of celebration, and we're going to go around the state to make sure all Minnesotans have a chance to tell this story."
The media session included a handoff video with several special participants in front of some of Minnesota's most famous landmarks.
