In the latest episode of ‘Skoldiers & Spice,’ host Sally Spice of Vikings 1st & SKOL delved into an intriguing comparison between two passionate NFL fanbases: the Minnesota Vikings and the Detroit Lions. With the highly anticipated matchup between these NFC North rivals just days away, Sally invited special guest Riley O’Brien from the Talkin’ Football Podcast to discuss the unique experiences of being a fan of these two historically challenged franchises.

The Setup: A Clash of Kindred Spirits

As Sally introduced the show, she highlighted the significance of the upcoming game, describing it as “the Vikings and Lions biggest matchup in NFL history”. The excitement was palpable, with both teams coming off their bye weeks and the Vikings returning from their London trip.

Sally’s curiosity about the Lions fanbase was evident as she pondered, “What is it like to be a Lions fan? How do they get up in the morning on Sunday and do this year after year after year?” This question set the stage for an engaging conversation about the resilience and dedication of football fans, particularly those who support teams with challenging histories.

Meet Riley O’Brien: A Lions Fan’s Perspective

Riley O’Brien, a dedicated Lions fan and podcaster, joined the show to provide insights into the Lions fanbase. His presence brought a unique perspective to the conversation, allowing viewers to understand the similarities and differences between Vikings and Lions fans.

Riley introduced himself and his podcast, Talkin’ Football, which he co-hosts with friends Justin Trease, Austin Cunningham, and Dan Keefer. The podcast covers a wide range of football topics, including NFL spreads, fantasy football, and draft analysis. Riley’s recent addition of interviews to the podcast has helped it grow, showcasing his passion for the sport and his ability to connect with other football enthusiasts.

The Birth of a Lions Fan: Riley’s Journey

One of the most captivating parts of the conversation was Riley’s explanation of how he became a Lions fan. His story began in 2003 when he was in 9th grade. Influenced by his friend Trevor Cole, a Carolina Panthers fan, Riley developed a growing interest in football. After watching the Panthers’ successful 2003 season, which ended with a Super Bowl loss to the Patriots, Riley decided it was time to choose his own team to support.

Riley’s decision-making process was both thoughtful and, in hindsight, somewhat fateful. He explained, “I didn’t want to jump on a bandwagon, right? So I was like, I just want to be respectable. Yeah, not good. So that I can kind of say like, I went through the same thing. You know, journey that Trevor did with the Panthers.”

In a twist that seems almost destined, Riley later discovered a childhood photo of himself holding a Detroit Lions helmet. This revelation added a layer of serendipity to his choice, as if the Lions had always been a part of his life. Riley summed up his connection to the team beautifully: “When I see the logo, the Lions logo, like my heart just beats. It beats a little bit faster. It’s weird to kind of put into words, but I just love the Detroit Lions.”

The Shared Experience: Vikings and Lions Fandom

Sally and Riley found common ground in their experiences as fans of historically challenging teams. Sally, who chose to be a Vikings fan despite not growing up in Minnesota, related to Riley’s decision to support the Lions. She reflected on the character-building aspect of supporting these teams, saying, “I just feel like it builds so much character and resiliency that you just keep showing up for this heartbreak week after week after week.”

Riley agreed, adding an interesting perspective on the emotional rollercoaster of being a fan: “Yeah, but I’ve found like it happens even when they win. Like I remember after, or when I interviewed you, was it week? I get, yeah. Was it week two? Cause the Lions had just lost to the Bucs. And so you’re riding the high of like a week one win in overtime against Stafford and the Rams. When, when your favorite team wins, it, it like lasts you a whole week, it’s such an awesome feeling.”

The NFC Championship Experience: A Lions Fan’s Perspective

One of the most insightful parts of the conversation was Riley’s recounting of the Lions’ recent NFC Championship game experience. As a first-time viewer of his team in such a high-stakes game, Riley’s emotions were a mix of euphoria and disbelief.

Riley described the game as feeling like it lasted only 30 minutes, with the first half being “pure euphoria”. Even at halftime, with the Lions leading 24-7, Riley remained cautious, saying, “I don’t, I’m not, I gotta see it to, you know, to believe it.”

Despite the eventual loss, Riley found a silver lining in the experience. He explained, “I think it’s okay to, you have to take steps, like, to go from like, not having a playoff win since 1991 to then jumping to the Super Bowl would have been sweet, but it wasn’t as hard for me to accept that loss.” This perspective showcases the resilience and optimism that long-suffering fans often develop.

The Dallas Cowboys Game: A Moment of Lions Dominance

The conversation then shifted to the Lions’ recent dominant performance against the Dallas Cowboys. Riley expressed his amazement at the level of dominance displayed by the Lions, something he had never witnessed before.

Riley’s excitement was evident as he recounted the game: “It was just because of the way that the game ended last year, and then there was like, you know, the Lions or Detroit media was like, Hey, is there going to be bad blood here? And of course, Dan Campbell, and, you know, the staff’s like, No, it’s just another game. But then, the way that they went in and just like, poured it on, yeah, they were hell bent on winning.”

This victory against a strong Cowboys team served as a testament to the Lions’ growth and potential, further fueling the excitement for their upcoming game against the Vikings.

The Power of Football: Connecting Generations

Both Sally and Riley shared personal stories about how football has served as a bonding experience with their families. Sally explained how being a Vikings fan connected her with her father, even though she grew up in Virginia. This shared passion for the Vikings eventually led her to move to Minnesota as an adult.

Riley related to this sentiment, sharing a story about his niece being dressed in Dallas Cowboys gear by his sister and brother-in-law. He reflected, “There’s nothing better, like, every Sunday, my niece, my sister Sky has my niece Lakin, like, all decked out in her Dallas Cowboys gear, and I’m like, she’s gonna have a choice, you know, but it’s perfect because my brother in law, like, he, his name’s Dallas, he was named after the Dallas Cowboys, and I’m just like, man, it’s, it’s something that they will bond over, you know.”

These personal anecdotes highlight the deep emotional connections that football fandom can create within families, transcending generations and geographical boundaries.

Looking Ahead: The Vikings vs. Lions Matchup

As the conversation wrapped up, the anticipation for the upcoming Vikings vs. Lions game was evident. Both Sally and Riley acknowledged the importance of this matchup, not just in terms of the current season, but as a representation of the growth and potential of both franchises.

The discussion touched on key players and recent performances, setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting and closely watched game. The shared experiences of Vikings and Lions fans, as explored in this episode of ‘Skoldiers & Spice,’ add an extra layer of depth to the rivalry, making it about more than just the on-field action.

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Conclusion: A Celebration of Fandom

This episode of ‘Skoldiers & Spice’ offered a unique and insightful look into the world of NFL fandom, specifically through the lens of Vikings and Lions supporters. Through Sally and Riley’s conversation, viewers were treated to a celebration of the dedication, resilience, and passion that define these fanbases.

As both teams continue to evolve and improve, the shared history of heartbreak and hope creates a special bond between Vikings and Lions fans. This episode served as a reminder that while the outcomes on the field are important, it’s the shared experiences, family connections, and unwavering support that truly define what it means to be a fan.

As the Vikings and Lions prepare to face off in what Sally described as “the biggest matchup in NFL history,” fans on both sides can take pride in their loyalty and look forward to what promises to be an exciting new chapter in this NFC North rivalry.

The ‘Skoldiers & Spice’ episode with Sally Spice and Riley O’Brien not only provided valuable insights into the upcoming game but also offered a heartwarming look at the human side of football fandom. It’s episodes like these that remind us why we love the sport and the communities it creates, regardless of the wins and losses.

Join Us and Fan!

Guest Riley O’Brien @rileylobrien from Talkin’ Football podcast @Talkin_Football joins host Sal Spice @SalSpice on this episode of “Skoldiers & Spice” with Dave Stefano @Luft_Krigare producing this Vikings 1st & SKOL @Vikings1stSKOL show. We’re partnered with Fans First Sports Network @FansFirstSN and their NFL feed @FFSN_NFL. #SKOL #Vikings!