Some of you may not remember John Matthew Gerak.   He was the last Viking to wear #66.

I remember John because he played in the Steel Valley Conference in high school for the rival Struthers Wildcats.  (Yes, goofy Elgar is a Steel Valley alumnus.)

This bit of trivia is relevant on the basis that John was a guard and the last Viking to wear #66.

That was in 1996, the year before Alan Faneca played right guard for LSU, and two years before he joined the Pittsburgh Steelers.  (There are plenty of Steeler fans in the Steel Valley in Ohio.)

Is it destiny?   Alan, the Vikings have been saving your number open since you came into the NFL.

You played with Brett.  How would you like to go visit some old pals from that Broadway team and show them who is washed up and who's not on Monday NIght Football come October?   I'm sure the Jets will enjoy paying part of your salary for that one.

How about we play our first regular season came in your home town of New Orleans and defeat the reigning world champions?   I've got a list of defenders that I'd appreciate seeing you flatten.    (So would Brett.)

Which other team is more likely to let you not only start but wear another Super Bowl ring when its over?