Sunday, January 9, 2011

Jerry Burns

Sent: 12/30/10
Received: 1/8/11
Time: 9 Days
Address: Home
Item Sent: 1990 Pro Set, 1991 Pro Line, 1991 Pro Set
Item Received: 1990 Pro Set, 1991 Pro Line, 1991 Pro Set.  All signed in purple Sharpie.

Notes:
Burnsie!  They don't make 'em like him anymore.  He was Bud Grant's offensive coordinator from 1968 through 1985.  When Grant retired following the 1983 season, Burnsie was bypassed for the head coaching gig.  Ex-Marine and former wide receivers coach Les Steckel was a colossal disaster in his only season at the controls of the Vikings.  After a 3-13 season in 1984, Grant returned for one more year.  In 1986, the Vikings got it right.  Burnsie got his shot.  Two years later, his upstart wild card team was a dropped Darrin Nelson touchdown catch away from the Super Bowl.  The Vikings were competitive but maddeningly inconsistent during the Burns years (1986-1991).  One thing that never wavered, however, was the quotable Jerry Burns.  He wore his heart on his sleeve like few NFL coaches since.  And he had no editor.  Despite all of his coaching success, he may be best remembered for his 1989 post-game meltdown, defending clueless offensive coordinator Bob Schnelker.  (Here is a link to the video.  It's a must-watch.)

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