The average NFL franchise is now worth $1.04 billion, according to Forbes.com. In its latest valuation of franchises, the magazine ranks the Vikings 28th among 32 clubs at a value of $796 million. That value would increase dramatically with approval of a new stadium in Minnesota or relocation to Los Angeles.
Former Gophers and Vikings assistant coach Tony Dungy said Thursday night on NBC’s Green Bay-New Orleans game if he were starting a team he would choose the Packers’ Aaron Rodgers ahead of any quarterback in the NFL.
Enduring image from that game: Saints QB Drew Brees joining in the singing of the National Anthem while other players stood in silence.
The September 5 issue of Sports Illustrated reported that if Dungy had become president of the Seattle Seahawks, his first choice for coach was Leslie Frazier of the Vikings.
Former Gophers administrator McKinley Boston, who has been athletics director at New Mexico State since December of 2004, was elated with Saturday’s upset by the Aggies over Minnesota. He described the win as the biggest, “not even close,” during his time in Las Cruces. “We’ve been looking for that signature win. …I can see us having a great season based on this,” Boston said.
The Aggies are 6-21 in their last 27 games, but 1-1 so far this season and Boston was optimistic about his team earlier in the summer, although the Western Athletic Conference coaches poll projected a last place league finish for New Mexico State.
The Gophers athletic department gave away 7,000 free vouchers to University of Minnesota freshmen for Saturday’s game but the 10,000 seat student section still didn’t fill up at TCF Bank Stadium.
Athletic department marketing executive Jason LaFrenz said the student sale so far totals about 5,700. He hopes it will reach “8,000 to 10,000.” The Nebraska and North Dakota State games are sold out except for seats being held for sale to students, he said.
Gophers’ athletic director Joel Maturi meets with Dr. Eric Kaler this week, only the second time the two have met since the new University president assumed his duties on July 1.