Vikings kicker Blair Walsh will visit supportive first-graders

After receiving a batch of supportive letters and drawings from first-graders, Vikings kicker Blair Walsh will return the favor with a visit Thursday to their elementary school classroom in Blaine.

The children at Northpoint Elementary wrote letters and made drawings in an effort to console Walsh, who missed a crucial, 27-yard field goal attempt in the final seconds of Sunday's game against the Seattle Seahawks.

As social networks sizzled with castigations of Walsh, presumably written by grown-ups, Northpoint teacher Judie Offerdahl saw a teachable moment about things like empathy and forgiveness. She assigned the letters to her students, who composed them and read them aloud to the class.

"Dear Blair Walsh," wrote one student. "I know that it can be hard to get through things that are sad. but you have to try and try again. Everyone makes mistakes sometimes. One time I made a mistake when I was doing a cartwheel. I felt embarrassed. You can still help the Vikings win the Super Bowl next year. Your fan, Sophia Doffin."

Walsh will visit his young fans at their school Thursday morning to express his gratitude, take photos and sign autographs.

CLAUDE PECK