Guest MMQB (cont.)

10 Things I Think I Think

If a certain 'retired' quarterback signs with Minnesota, the two Vikings-Packers games in 2009 will take on even more meaning. Getty Images

1. I think Favre will play for the Vikings this year. This will start a civil war between Minnesota and Wisconsin. A truce will be reached in this epic border battle after it is discovered at a tailgate party that Johnsonville Brats (Wisconsin) and Grain Belt Beer (Minnesota) are perfect complements for each other.

2. I think the media drives the business of football and I love that fans can't get enough of our sport, but sometimes I have to laugh at what is considered news in the offseason. If a player skips Organized Team Activities (OTAs), it's a headline. Newsflash: Ten years ago, OTAs didn't exist, yet somehow teams were able to pull everything together and play a 16-game season with uniforms and everything. The O also should stand for optional, since OTAs are not mandatory.

3. I think everyone deserves a second chance, especially Michael Vick. Third chances are extremely rare, however.

4. I think every stadium in the NFL should be outdoor and natural grass. I used to hate playing inside because turf burns on the old AstroTurf hurt like you wouldn't believe. But playing outside is how everyone grows up playing. It's pure. Also, football is a sport where the weather should come into play.

5. I think I am blessed to have three daughters. However, the older they get the less thrilled I am about cheerleaders at football games.

6. I think there is too much stimulation at football games today. We don't need all the lights and noise and T-shirts being shot into the crowd. The game on the field is enough.

7. I think NFL Films needs to start its own channel. It has the best and only footage of the early days of football. It's not only entertaining, but also I think it's important to be reminded of the history of the league.

8. I think kids should play flag football until they reach high school. Youth tackle football is dangerous and awfully boring for parents and kids alike. Besides, no kid wants to be stuck playing offensive line. Everyone deserves a chance to run and throw the ball, and that's what kids want to do.

9. I think these are my non-football thoughts of the week:

a. I think "Minnesota Nice" really does exist. It seems out here on the East Coast people are in more of a hurry and are a little bit crabby compared to those in the Midwest. You better be on your toes when you go to the grocery store out here or someone on a bluetooth is likely to push you into a stack of soup cans with their shopping cart.

b. I think playing football is a hard way to make an easy living, but watching my kids on a daily basis is even harder. The offseason is great because I get to spend a lot of time with my family, but at the end of a family fun day, I am dog tired. It certainly makes me appreciate what my wife does during the season when she becomes a "football widow."

c. I think you should always stop at any lemonade stand you see on the side of the street, buy lemonade, and leave a BIG tip. (Example: If the lemonade is a quarter, give the kid a dollar and tell him to keep the change.) The reaction is priceless.

d. I think, like your regular MMQB writer, I love drinking coffee and eating pizza. As such, I think it's funny when someone refers to me as an "athlete." When I wake up in the morning, I don't feel too athletic.

10. I think the Fourth of July always signifies the beginning of the end of my summer. A couple weeks until the beginning of training camp and, maybe like you, I am way behind on my summer projects. I need to get going on those because once the season starts, I am not much use around the house. Just ask my wife. She might tell you I am not much good in the offseason, either.

Editor's Note: Check SI.com tomorrow for a special MMQB: Tuesday Edition, guest-authored by another current NFL player.

E-mail comments or questions to siwriters@simail.com