In July 2023, I had the opportunity to meet my hero: Cris Carter. He is the reason I became a Viking fan. In the early ‘90’s I’d watch football with my family and the neighbors in apartment 5 above Clearview General Store. We’d listen to classic rock, eat and watch. Around this time my gym teacher taught me how to throw a football and it turned out I had a pretty good arm. I started watching the quarterback position with a student-like appreciation. The 49ers were the team to beat so I was watching Steve Young and Jerry Rice (Deion Sanders caught the ball so much I thought he was a receiver too!). Even though I thought I was destined to be a QB because of my arm, I loved the thrill of watching these players catch. I realized since I lived in Minnesota I was supposed to be a Vikings fan.
Turned out we had a pretty good wide receiver named Cris Carter. He was so exciting to watch. Not just on the field, but off too. He was serious, committed and a mentor to others. This was evident when Randy Moss came to the team. Watching those two and the rest of the Vikings play was electric. I was all in.
It helped that my high school football team was really good and we played our championship games at the Vikings stadium. I’d go to the cities for the high school games on Saturday then stay for the NFL games on Sunday. I bought Cris Carter jerseys and decorated my notebooks/planners with Cris Carter magazine and newspaper clippings.
Our season tickets at the Metrodome were on the visitor side, 50 yard line, 10 rows up. I’d use my dad’s binoculars during the games to watch Cris Carter’s every move. I went to his very last game. A big regret was not going to Canton for his Hall of Fame enshrinement so when I heard about the opportunity to meet him I was all in.
From the day I bought the tickets to sitting at the hotel waiting for the event, I was writing him a letter. Basically saying everything I'm saying here, but in more detail. I started to ramble at the end, but how do you put into words a 30 year story of admiration?
I cried when I walked up to him and cried talking to him. He was gracious and kept saying, "I greatly appreciate it" when he could see how powerful the moment was to me. I had him sign the ticket from his final game. He was shocked/impressed I had it!
Cris Carter is my hero. I struggle to identify why exactly, but I respect and admire his work ethic, his love of the game, and his personal convictions. They say never meet your hero, but I’m so glad I did. It’s an experience I’ll never forget.
