Joseph from Raleigh, NC
Vic, I certainly don't think Madden should be the fourth head, but are you just going to ignore that Madden is a Super Bowl winning coach with the most wins in Raiders history, even though he was only 42 when he retired, became the youngest coach ever to reach 100 victories, and has the second-highest winning percentage in league history? He's probably the most famous announcer in NFL history and made the telestrator a staple in television coverage. He's a member of the Hall of Fame. He's an NFL icon. To assume someone was referring to a video game with his name and not his many accomplishments is ridiculous.
So, if he hadn't given his name to a video game, my inbox would still be full of Packers fans supporting John Madden for the fourth head on the NFL Mt. Rushmore? Come on, Joseph, let's tell the truth, huh? I was telling Cliff Christl yesterday about this Madden mania. I asked him if he thought Madden had ever played the video game that bears his name. Do you think he even knows how to turn it on? Cliff laughed and then told me this story: After the 1989 season, a TV station in Green Bay asked viewers who is the greatest coach in Packers history. The winner was Lindy Infante, fresh off a 10-6, non-playoff season. Move over, Vince Lombardi and Curly Lambeau. The point is this: If it wasn't for the video game, Madden would've faded from popularity a long time ago. I will not put a man on Mt. Rushmore based on a video game, and winning one Super Bowl won't do it, either. Tom Flores won two.
Mark from Vaughan, Ontario
He may suffer from who the heck is that, but how about Walter Camp, "Father of American Football," for the Rushmore?
That's all. The Mt. Rushmore thing is officially over. We've taken the sublime and turned it into the ridiculous.
Rob from Brookfield, WI
Vic, how important is Don Barclay's experience and flexibility to providing stability to the offensive line in case of an injury?
I think you've answered your own question.
Allen from Wesley Chapel, FL
The Colts hung a banner for participating as an "AFC Finalist". What do you think about that?
One of the members of their ring of honor is the "12th Man".
Jason from Crandon, WI
Vic, what do you remember from Bo's short career in the NFL? I remember watching the game against the Bengals in which he got hurt and ended his career.
Bo Jackson was the most physically dominant and talented running back I had seen since Jim Brown. He had the ability to challenge Brown as the greatest back of all time.
Casey from Houston, TX
You've said many times September football is becoming an extension of the preseason. Do you think we'll ever see the day starters are rested for non-conference or non-division games during the first month of the season?
I think we'll see the day when starters are rested before or for a Thursday night game following a Sunday game.
Mike from Milwaukee, WI
Vic, does the McCarthy beard stay throughout the season?
I like it. It's a pretty good way of turning the page, isn't it? I'm thinking of growing one.
Rob from Webb City, MO
Vic, I liked your thought on how the most important characteristic of a quarterback is courage. I heard Aaron Rodgers in an interview say he thinks confidence is the most important trait for a quarterback to have. Thoughts?
The courageous take their courage for granted.
Tony from Pewaukee, WI
Vic, who would be on your players-only Mt. Rushmore? Clearly, Unitas, L.T. and Brown would make three heads, based on your previous Rushmore, but who gets No. 4?
Oh, no.
Chris from Wisconsin Dells, WI
Who is the funniest football player you ever covered?
Dwight White. He had an edgy and outrageous sense of humor that was highlighted by a missing tooth when he smiled, which was often. He was my ideal of a professional football player: lovable and dirty.
L.J. from Chicago, IL
Vic, just saw that slots were filled for "Ask Vic Day," unfortunately. Was going to take my little guy. Had to delay in registering until I cleared the days off, but it filled already.
I wish we had room for more.
Joe from Bloomington, IN
We've become a cream-puff spectator society vicariously enjoying a violent gladiator sport in which no one is supposed to get hurt. Now even players want to play without getting their bells rung. What's the question, Vic?
Will football's popularity continue if the element of danger is removed? The game wasn't built on safe.
Nick from Durand, IL
Vic, younger fans don't hate the history of the NFL. The difference is we don't have memories of these players, so how can we compare them to the new players?
So, if you haven't seen the old players, why do you pass judgement on them? Ask before you tell. Respect before you disparage. I'd love to tell you about the old guys. So would Cliff Christl. The old guys built this league. You'd love them.
David from Madison, WI
Why wasn't Jim Thorpe the first head on our mountain?
We don't know enough about him. He might be the greatest player ever, but there's only one line of agate type describing his career accomplishments in "Total Football," which I consider to be the encyclopedia of professional football. We have stories, but they're so wild all we can do is laugh about them. They're stories about catching his own punt, and demanding in the huddle that he get the ball again so he can punish a guy that just tackled him. How do we know they're not true? He was an Olympic champion and major league baseball player, as well as the best player in college and professional football. It's a travesty we don't more about him.
Grant from Indianapolis, IN
Would you enjoy covering a mediocre team of players with great interview personalities, or a winning team of players who just want to contribute?
It starts with winning. You can't cover big games if you're covering a losing team, and it's big games I enjoy the most. Great personalities are the cherry on top.
Donavon from Beaumont, TX
Am I nit-picking by wondering why Brett Favre never uses the word we when speaking about the Packers?
That'll change on July 18. He's coming home.
Debarah from Honolulu, HI
I read your column every chance I get. Why can't our fan base quit with the unrealistic expectations for this Packers team and just let the season play out? I find it more enjoyable to just enjoy and watch how the team progresses/changes as the season moves on. That way there are no unexpected disappointments and a better appreciation for our team and franchise.
I subscribe to the same philosophy, but I understand why fans build expectations at this time of the year. They're bored and they want to excite themselves. So, I would say this: Go ahead and tease yourself, but don't buy into it. We all know the season won't play out according to our script. There will be ups and downs. There will injuries and challenges. There will be bad calls and fumbles. There will be the unexplained. Trust in only one thing: The Packers will be a postseason contender when the weather turns cold, and that's when it's OK to expect the team to get hot. That's my expectation: Be there in December and get hot. It's my only expectation.
