So long, Minnesota, and thanks for all the fish!

— Chris Kluwe (@ChrisWarcraft) May 6, 2013

Kluwe saw it coming.

MPR News: The Vikings drafted another punter, UCLA’s Jeff Locke, in the 5th round of the NFL draft last month, setting up a potential rivalry for the position with the Vikings.

Not a speech related matter, says Vikings GM

“I have no issues if Chris Kluwe wants to express his opinion,” General Manager Rick Spielman told reporters over the weekend. “When we’re making decisions, we’re purely making them based on trying to bring in the best competition possible, regardless of position. This was just another normal personnel move,” via Access Vikings.

MPR News: Kluwe has made his position against the proposed ban on same-sex marriage public, said he’s received “overwhelmingly positive” feedback on his comments.

“People really like the fact that I came out and said what a lot of people seem to be thinking,” Kluwe told MPR’s Morning Edition.
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Update: Kluwe says he is out at Minnesota

Kluwe’s age, salary and Locke’s talent all are factors in Kluwe’s release. So is Kluwe’s willingness to be outspoken on a variety of issues, despite the usual “Punters are seen, not heard” mandate. Kluwe says he wouldn’t change a thing.

Kluwe, expecting release Monday, has no regretsnfl.com/news/story/0ap…

— NFL: AroundTheLeague (@NFL_ATL) May 6, 2013

The Seattle Seahawks have acquired Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Percy Harvin in exchange for multiple draft picks (including a first rounder) pending a physical, a person with knowledge of the transaction told USA TODAY Sports. The person spoke on the condition of anonymity because the move had not been announced by either team.

via USA Today.

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“Christian Ponder was limited in practice for a third consecutive day by his sore elbow, and the Minnesota Vikings listed him as questionable for Saturday’s NFC wild-card playoff game at Green Bay.

“That designation means Ponder has a 50% chance for playing, although coach Leslie Frazier didn’t seem overly concerned about the quarterback’s health on Thursday,” via 1500 ESPN.

Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson, center, runs from Green Bay Packers defenders A.J. Hawk, left, and Morgan Burnett, right, during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 30, 2012, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Genevieve Ross)

The Minnesota Vikings advanced to the playoffs Sunday with a 37-34 win over Green Bay at Mall of America Field. Rookie Blair Walsh kicked the game-winning field goal.

View video highlights.

Related
Vikings win encore by beating Pack; Peterson just shy of record (Star Tribune)
Vikings edge Packers to earn playoff berth, eliminate Bears (Chicago Tribune)

“The ramifications of this game are stark. (more…)

Vikings vs 49ers by Amy Meredith via Flickr

There may be forces at work here that are beyond our comprehension.

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“The Vikings-Packers game time Sunday has been changed to 3:25 p.m. by the NFL.  If the Vikings win, they will make the NFC playoffs as a wild-card. They can also make the playoffs, if they lose, if Chicago, Dallas and the N.Y. Giants also lose.

“The NFL also flexed the Dallas-Washington game, which will decide the NFC East title, to 7:20 p.m. and moved the New England-Miami game to 3:25 as well,” via Star Tribune.

Related
Vikings deny Texans home field in playoffs

“Everyone in the stadium knows Adrian Peterson is going to get the ball when the Minnesota Vikings are on offense. No one seems to know how to stop him once he does.

“His sights set squarely on 2,000 yards, Peterson’s latest jaw-dropping performance also made sure the Vikings can keep their eyes on the playoffs,” via HuffPo.

“Before the 2012 NFL season began, the number of pundits who believed the Minnesota Vikings were going to improve from their 3-13 record and last-place finish in the NFC North could have fit into a Smart Car.

“Many preseason rankings had the Vikings in the bottom 10 of the NFL. Even after their convincing 24-13 win over the San Francisco 49ers in Week 3, I found the the Vikings’ average ranking to be 18th in the NFL.

“Now, after winning their third straight game, and exceeding their win total from 2011, people are starting to take notice.”

via Bleacher Report.

Photo: Vikings-Titians clash at the Metrodome. Genevieve Ross/Associated Press

Percy Harvin pounded his way through the Tennessee Titans defense for one touchdown rushing and another receiving, helping the Minnesota Vikings to a 30-7 victory on Sunday

via NFL Game Center.

“Special teams delivered a streak-busting victory for the surprising Minnesota Vikings.”

via Chicago Tribune.