Monday Morning Cheerleader: Bailey of the Vikings
By Steve Mazzucchi
Esquire
The reality show that is Minnesota pro football stumbles on. And this fourth-year pom-pom shaker bravely tackles our questions about punching quarterbacks, football in baseball stadiums, and whether she’s faster than Adrian Peterson. Also: the end of Favre.
If only the producers of HBO’s Hard Knocks had trained their cameras on Vikings training camp this pre-season. Then we might have some deeper insight into how last year’s 12-4 juggernaut began such a brutal descent in 2010. Just yesterday, the team suffered a 31-3 shellacking by the Packers to fall to 3-7, and there seems to be no way back for a coach shrouded in controversy, a quarterback riddled with issues, injuries, and interceptions, and a defensive tackle stuck in a misspelled jersey.
And yet, hope wears a purple skirt. Her name’s Bailey, she hails from Wayzata, Minnesota, and she’s a clinical recruiter. “I put together teams of people to design medical devices,” she explains. “I love being up-to-date with research that’s saving lives.” She’s also optimistic about her cheerleading squad’s calendar, if nothing else. “It’s a mix-and-match with thirty-four of the best-looking women in Minnesota. You can keep one girl up all month or have a different girl every day.” We’ll stick with this one for now.
ESQUIRE: It’s gotta be worse losing to the Packers than any other team, right?
BAILEY: Yeah, they’re our biggest rivals, and they’re so close that we interact with Packer fans on a day-to-day basis. There were a lot of them at the game, and they don’t have cheerleaders, so they’ve never been properly taught how to cheer. We have to show them how it’s done.
ESQ: More drama — The Real Housewives of New Jersey or The Real Football Team of Minnesota?
BAIL: The Real Football Team of Minnesota. We’ve given the press so much to talk about — with trades, injuries, and personal issues, they don’t have to dig for it. Not to mention coming off a season like last year. But I’m with the team through thick and thin.
ESQ: What’s the general feeling about Brad Childress?
BAIL: I’ve met coach Childress. I think he’s a great guy. I’ve never played or coached football, but I don’t think the outcome of a season can fall on one person. We have a lot of talent that’s not being used properly, and some players not playing to best of their abilities. Something isn’t meshing. That’s kind of a red flag.
ESQ: How much have Brett Favre’s personal issues affected the team?
BAIL: There’s so much more that the Vikings need to be concerned about than his personal life. Brett Favre isn’t having an outstanding season. However, our offensive line isn’t protecting him that well, and he’s looking at a revolving door of receivers. We had Randy Moss and then no Moss. Bernard Berrian’s injured now. Percy Harvin’s always questionable with migraines. We’re just getting Sidney Rice back. A lack of consistency is the biggest problem across our team as a whole.
ESQ: You think any part of Favre is wishing he’d just stayed in Mississippi with his Wranglers and his tractors?
BAIL: I’m sure he kind of wishes he had ended on a high note. But I don’t think Favre is in it for the money, fame, and glamor. I think he loves football, and that’s why he came back. You can look at this as a loss to his old team. But it was also another day he got to get out there and played football. I hope he looks at it that way.
ESQ: Any bright spots for the Vikes this season?
BAIL: Whenever anyone starts talking about Adrian Peterson, it puts a smile on their face. He is by far our biggest weapon, and he has no fumbles this season. He’s averaging 130 total yards per game, and he’s just fun to watch. Despite injuries and migraines, Harvin is an incredible player. I’m still proud of our team.
ESQ: In your bio video, you challenge Peterson to race. What kind of distance are we talking here?
BAIL: I’ll race the length of a football field. I’m confident. The offer’s still on the table, and he hasn’t responded. I think there might be a little bit of nerves on his part.
ESQ: Meanwhile, Jared Allen has five-and-a-half sacks in his last three games and The Quarterback Killer’s Cookbook. Have you read it?
BAIL: I’ve heard of it, but I’m not gonna kill any QBs any time soon, so I’ll stick with the “Lean, Still-Fit-into-the-Vikings-Cheerleader-Costume” cookbook.
ESQ: How impressed are you with E.J. Henderson recovering from that nasty broken leg last year to star again on defense?
BAIL: I remember the sound. And then it was like the whole dome just stopped. Everyone was quiet. It’s so exciting to see him healthy and have that spark.
ESQ: This weekend, Illinois and Northwestern played at Wrigley Field. Think it would help the Vikings to play at the new Target Field where the Twins play?
BAIL: I think the Vikings need a new stadium so we never have to come to that. We’re pushing for it, and I’ll be so excited when that day comes.
ESQ: In the Steelers-Raiders game, Richard Seymour punched Ben Roethlisberger. Is there any instance where punching another player is justified?
BAIL: Absolutely not. It’s a football game — it’s about athleticism and talent. That kind of physicality is not going to solve anything. It’s just gonna hurt your team.
ESQ: What if he says something about your mom?
BAIL: Make a mom comment back.
ESQ: The NFC seems wide-open this year. Which teams stand out to you as Super Bowl contenders?
BAIL: The NFC has been having a strange season. There haven’t really been any standout teams. But I don’t want to play the Packers again, that’s for sure.
ESQ: You went skydiving last year. Does a guy have to be an adrenaline junkie to impress you?
BAIL: He doesn’t have to be an adrenaline junkie, but he’s gotta come with me. He’s gotta be up for the adventure. He’s gotta be ready to go.
