Shakopee turns out big time for NFL Family Football Fest

Shakopee Valley News

Hundreds of residents packed into the activities wing at Shakopee High School on Wednesday evening, raising the temperature of the main room substantially.

But the attendees didn’t care. They were there for football.

The event, which was put on by the NFL and titled Family Football Fest, was held to coincide with events surrounding the Super Bowl on Sunday.

Out of a mass of bodies, long lines formed to get a few quick seconds of face-to-face interaction and maybe an autograph or photo with Minnesota Vikings quarterbacks Teddy Bridgewater and Case Keenum, safety Andrew Sendejo, cornerback Trae Waynes, and former linebackers E.J. Henderson and Ben Leber.

Shakopee High School had worked with the Vikings in the past on pep rallies and fundraisers for groups such as the Salvation Army.

“This put Shakopee High School on the radar for future events in the eyes of the Vikings and eventually the NFL,” Shakopee High School Assistant Principal Scott Doran said.

When kids weren’t partaking in football-related activities, such as trying to throw a football into a net, many flocked to the gym to set up chaotic, pickup versions of football.

Blurs of purple streaked across the floor but one patch of green stood out — in a sea of young Vikings fans, one dared to dress in Green Bay Packers gear, including the jersey of quarterback Aaron Rodgers.

Sneaker squeaks and laughter rang through the rafters until the children were asked to leave the gym floor. Then, chants of “Skol! Skol! Skol!” filled the room.

Another “skol” chant erupted followed by a reverent hush when Keenum took the center of the floor as keynote speaker of the event.

“I don’t think I can even begin to list the amount of things I’ve learned from football — hard work, team work, dedication,” Keenum said. “There’s so much you can learn from this game, it’s such a great game.”

Keenum then wove a tale of two cities — Philadelphia and Minneapolis. Keenum said during the last game the Vikings played (and lost) against the Philadelphia Eagles, his wife was harassed by Eagles fans. He and his wife flew home to where it had snowed in typical Minnesota fashion. But his driveway and sidewalks were completely clear, having been shoveled by a neighbor.

“Just really, what it means to love your neighbor,” Keenum said. “If I could tell you that there was one thing I learned this year from football and that’s just the importance of loving one another, guys. I’m a person of faith. I believe Jesus Christ is my savior. I believe the Bible calls us to that.”

At the end of the night, with Keenum’s words ringing in their ears, fans and families filtered out of the school with autographs, photos and memories to take home.