MANKATO, MINN. (AP) - Vacationing Sen. Al Franken had plenty to say about his beloved Minnesota Vikings on his first visit to the team’s training camp.
Franken watched practice on Thursday morning and met with a couple of players, including his self-declared favorite, tight end Jim Kleinsasser. The Minnesota Democrat said he believes the team should have a new stadium built and that he expects Brett Favre to be the quarterback this season.
“Seems like there’s a pattern here, doesn’t there? And I’m not really surprised I’m not seeing him here doing wind sprints,” Franken said, laughing.
Oh, and the actor-comedian-author-turned-politician hopes to see the Vikings in the Super Bowl _ no joke. He said he remembers listening to the team’s first game in 1961 on the radio and has remained a fervent fan since.
Franken expressed sympathy for wide receiver Percy Harvin, who has been absent for almost two weeks because of migraine headaches. Franken said he suffers from the same condition.
“I can’t imagine,” Franken said. “I can barely function when I have them. But to play football you can’t do that. I really feel bad for him. I hope they find some regimen for him because he’s a really spectacular game breaker.”
Kleinsasser had a huge smile when he was told of Franken’s admiration while walking off the practice field.
“I still remember him with the satellite dish on his head,” Kleinsasser said, recalling Franken’s days on Saturday Night Live.
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