If the Vikings’ newest lineman blocks as tough and straight-forward as he talks, Teddy Bridgewater, Adrian Peterson and Vikings fans will be a lot happier with an offensive line that has under-performed in recent years.
All 6-8, 300 pounds of Alex Boone said he was nervous talking to reporters on a conference call moments ago. But he sure seemed relaxed, even chiding a reporter who could be heard feverishly pounding the keyboard of his computer while Boone was speaking.
Boone’s reputation as a player with a “nasty” on-field temperament and a wild-child background at Ohio State preceded him to Minnesota.
The wild-child background included alcohol-related incidents with police that caused him to go undrafted in 2009. Apparently, he’s tamed that side of him because he has worked his way from 49ers practice squad player in 2009 to playing one game in 2010 to being an extra short-yardage blocker in 2011 to starter in 2012 to leaving the 49ers for a four-year, $26.8 million deal with the Vikings on Wednesday.
As for the nasty side on the field, that’s one of the main reasons Vikings General Manager Rick Spielman signed the guy. Boone said today that his best position is left guard, which he played in 13 games last year, but added that he can play anywhere, including center.
Nearly seven minutes into a nine-minute conference call, Boone was asked if he looked forward to facing Packers linebacker Clay Matthews twice a year. It was Boone who once said after a game that he wanted to punch Matthews in the face.
“How did I know that question was going to come up?” Boone said with a laugh. “You know, Clay is a good guy. I talked to him after the game the last time and, you know, what happens between the lines is strictly violent. I’m a firm, full believer in that. When we’re out there between the lines, it’s full-go. To the whistle, maybe to the echo of the whistle. However it happens.”
Boone said he met Bridgewater and liked him immediately because he’s not the typical NFL “prima donna” quarterback. He said once he found out that the Vikings were interested, he told his agent this is where he wanted to go.
“I’m excited to be in this division because I believe this is one of the top divisions,” Boone said. “Growing up, the NFC North was always the toughest, meanest, nastiest guys. And I felt like I was born to be in this division and now I’m excited about being in it. To play the Bears, the Lions and the Packers is going to be a lot of fun, whether it’s here or there.”
Asked if it’s fair to call him “nasty,” he said, “I think it’s fair as long as they don’t call me dirty.”
So where did he get that nasty side? The answer will surprise you.
“My grandma,” he said. “She’s a pistol now. Noreen Sulzer. Full-blooded Irish. Crazy. I love her.”
