First, I must tell you, Shamrocks is a wonderful establishment run by Ted Casper and Mike Runyon (names familiar to Dome goers). Down by the river in St. Paul, this local restaurant appeals to my Irish heritage, my love of burgers, and an environment that pulls off the combination music and sports bar with a family setting.

Having been to Shamrocks before, I knew about their challenge. If one could eat two nook burgers with all the fixings, and fries, they would walk away with a t-shirt, a Polaroid on the wall, and the knowledge that on any given day: it can be done. I went there over the weekend with my family to face the challenge. While I waited for my burgers to arrive I overhead the military servicemen from the next table find out their bill had been taken care of, by an 'anonymous' donor, who had left. I was proud to be sitting amongst such good people. While none knew about my quest to win the Supreme Burger challenge, I felt I owed them all a good effort.

The burgers arrived, and I felt my first twinge of nervousness. This was not going to be easy. My younger son was there to take on the challenge as well, and I took solace in his company. I had prepared for the event by not eating that day, and as it fell on 1:00 PM, I was hungry. Maybe not as hungry as Vikings fans for a first Super Bowl victory, but deprived enough to want it. When the burgers were placed in front of me the task seemed overwhelming. Much like the Cowboys coming to town. Not impossible, but most people would swear it cannot be done, or even attempted.

But I tore into the task. I was determined that my strengths could be used against my opponent. Like Adrian Peterson hitting the five-hole, I blasted through that first burger in quick time. As I polished off the large heaping of fries, I though this must be how Jared Allen feels as he gets a sack. The first nook basket had no chance. My desire to succeed outweighed the weight of the food. But my task was far from complete.

The next round was scarier than the first. Suddenly, the tremendous taste of this burger would not be enough. I had to reach for something extra in round two, and I did. Whether Minnesota travels to New Orleans, or stays here, the playoffs will be grueling. We will want to quit at times. It may be Drew Brees ahead, or Kurt Warner, but we must not waiver in our will to win. I ate the remaining fries.

The Super Bowl is the greatest football challenge, and we Vikings fans are used to final disappointment. As a forty year fan I have witnessed four near misses, and many lesser ones. But as I faced the final burger, amidst a crowd of support, I carried on. My son had stopped short, but I did not. My forty plus years of life had proven to be an advantage. Wisdom will succeed where brawn might fail. I paced. I worked. I won.

Is this the year we finally accomplish the task that separates a great franchise from being a winning one? Dallas appears to be a very tough test early in our title run. But winning, or pushing yourself to overcome great challenges, is about preparation and performance. I was able to do it this weekend. Now it is time for my Vikings.