Fmr. Vikings Players Contribute Art To New Stadium
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- When U.S. Bank Stadium opens later this year, it will feature art created by three Vikings alumni.
The legendary Carl Eller and Matt Blair were in Winter Park Tuesday showcasing their work. Matt Blair is handing over about 50 photographs to give fans a behind-the-scenes look at his career. Carl Eller is working on about a dozen ceramic pieces which will be on display.
Eller says he drew inspiration from living in the Land of 10,000 Lakes.
"I think that we don't appreciate or understand athletes or guys outside of the football field. So yeah, I would see that this would probably surprise most people, but it's not unique, or I'm not unique among Vikings or other other athletes," he said.
Blair also shared stories of the good ol' days in the Vikings locker room.
"The best time after lunch when we had to rest for at least a couple hours before practice again, coach Bud Grant was out bocce balling, and I said 'No way!' So I went out there and took pictures of him," Eller said.
Jim Marshall, photographed here by Blair, will also contribute some of his signature Silver Eagle drawings.