Oct. 2
Let's talk about leadership...

Is leadership about getting into a teammate's face, screaming, ranting and raving about things? Is leadership complaining to a youngster when he doesn't perform?

I just look at what has happened recently in the Twin Cities. The Minnesota Vikings are 1-2, and one player I have admired because he has withstood the test of time is Cris Carter.

Is leadership about getting into a teammate's face, screaming, ranting and raving...?

There is no question he's heading for the Hall of Fame since he has always gotten the maximum out of his ability. He has a brilliant football IQ, a great pair of hands and an understanding of how to physically prepare himself. But let me say that he is off base if he thinks leadership and experience allows him to get all over Daunte Culpepper the way he has.

My friends, that is not leadership, that is stubbornness and being a flat-out egotist, thinking he is bigger than the game.

I agree with comments made by Terry Bradshaw. He said Carter is not the coach of the Vikings. Dennis Green has that job and it is up to Green to try to motivate his quarterback, to get him to perform at his highest efficiency. If a teammate wants to show genuine leadership, he does it with a hug, with a pat on the rump, in a way to express confidence in the athlete. That's a positive way to do it.

Culpepper has been thrown into an unbelievable situation with the Vikings. The expectation level of the offense is so high. Winning is what it's all about.

The way Carter has acted at times this season is unacceptable and surprising. Carter has shown young players a great work ethic in offseason camps he runs down in Florida. Culpepper showed leadership in the final minutes Sunday. You could not tell the young quarterback that he would fail against the tough Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Tampa Bay was supposed to have the toughest defense in the league.

The former Central Florida quarterback marched his team down the field, capped off by a gutsy eight-yard run for the winning score. He showed what a hard-nosed competitor he is. When Culpepper slammed the ball down after the touchdown, you could tell the message; he was fed up. Leave me alone and get off my back.

How would Carter have responded if he had only one catch in a game and Culpepper came over and got in his face? Cris Carter should know better. He's a bright, intelligent superstar who should know that being positive is better than a scream or rant. Culpepper has a brilliant future, but it can be destroyed when a teammate gets in your face on every play. There isn't a quarterback around who will make every play and find every open receiver.

It is time for Carter to show he is a Hall of Famer and not a Hall of Shamer. He has to show he respects Culpepper and extend the hand while apologizing for his immature, second-grade actions.