Goldy Gopher runs over youth football player during Vikings mascot game

There was a mascot vs. youth football players game at U.S. Bank Stadium on Sunday as part of the Vikings halftime festivities. It didn't go well for one of the youngsters.

September 25, 2017 at 2:27PM
(The Minnesota Star Tribune)
(The Minnesota Star Tribune)

On the list of controversial topics to come out of Sunday's slate of NFL games, this ranks pretty low.

But it has come to my attention that there was a mascot vs. youth football players game at U.S. Bank Stadium as part of the Vikings vs. Buccaneers halftime festivities.

Goldy Gopher — perhaps inspired by P.J. Fleck, the 120 mph Gophers football head coach who was on hand for the ceremonial sounding of the Gjallarhorn — took a pitch, ran right, showed an elite burst of speed to turn the corner … and then basically ran over a young defender on his way to the end zone.

Ben Krause got a fantastic picture of it (shown above with his permission), but seeing it all happen in real time makes it more cringe-worthy.

It was enough, in fact, to get former running back LaDainian Tomlinson talking about it on NFL Gameday Prime along with former defensive back Deion Sanders.

View post on X

"Who does he think he is?" Tomlinson bellows at one point as the highlight is shown. "This is a little kid right there. Man, you can't do that."

Tomlinson then evoked his best Mike Gundy impersonation, challenging Goldy to pick on someone his own size. "I'm a grown man," Tomlinson shouted. "I'm 38." (That epic Gundy rant, by the way, just celebrated its 10th anniversary).

Goldy doesn't seem to upset about it. The mascot's Twitter feed from yesterday is filled with links to the video of his play. On one Goldy writes, Put me in @Coach_Fleck ! I think I still have some eligibility left!!! #RTB."

Maybe Tomlinson is right. Next halftime should be former NFL players vs. mascots. Then we can have some real fun.

about the writer

about the writer

Michael Rand

Columnist / Reporter

Michael Rand is the Minnesota Star Tribune's Digital Sports Senior Writer and host/creator of the Daily Delivery podcast. In 25 years covering Minnesota sports at the Minnesota Star Tribune, he has seen just about everything (except, of course, a Vikings Super Bowl).

See More