Berrian in demand after his 99-yarder

DULUTH - Bernard Berrian's cell phone hasn't stopped buzzing since he tied an NFL record with a 99-yard touchdown catch in the Vikings' 34-14 victory against the Chicago Bears on Sunday night.

"All my friends, my family, family I don't even talk to are calling me," he said. "It was just a great play. To actually even have a chance for a play like that is just great."

Berrian's touchdown catch was a popular topic during a civic luncheon here Tuesday as part of the Vikings' "You Made The Team" community tour. His historic catch came in the second quarter after the Vikings had just stopped the Bears on four consecutive plays from the 1-yard line.

Berrian's catch was the 11th 99-yard reception in NFL history and the first since 2004. The Hall of Fame often requests mementos from milestone events or plays, but Berrian said he has not been contacted, although he said he would be happy to oblige. He described it as a once-in-a-lifetime play.

"I don't think that's ever happening again," he said. "I don't think I'll ever witness that again."

Bobby Wade agreed, although the wide receiver couldn't help but have a little fun with the whole thing. Wade expressed mocked indignation that quarterback Gus Frerotte pump faked to him even though he was the No. 1 option on the play.

"That happens a little too much," Wade said, smiling.

Vikings defensive end Jared Allen, who had three sacks against the Bears, is the NFC defensive player of the week.

Allen had nine tackles, including one on a second-quarter goal-line stand. He leads the team with 11 sacks and 41 quarterback hurries. It's his second such award; the first came as the AFC defensive player of the week when he played for Kansas City and had three sacks and two fumble recoveries against Washington on Oct. 16, 2005.

Cornerback Antoine Winfield (defense) and running back Adrian Peterson (offense) have also been NFC players of the week this year.

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback and former Syracuse star Donovan McNabb told the Sporting News that he believes Vikings quarterback coach Kevin Rogers should be hired as the Orange's next head coach.

Rogers was a Syracuse assistant from 1991 to '98, serving as recruiting coordinator and offensive coordinator during that time. He tutored McNabb, and the two developed a close relationship.

"He's a guy who can recruit the East," McNabb told The Sporting News. "He's well-known back in the East -- great résumé of coaching [Navy], William & Mary, and being my quarterback coach and coordinator at Syracuse. He could be a guy that could come in and do the right things with the offense and the defense."

There are indications that Rogers already has had talks with Syracuse officials.

• Vikings owner Zygi Wilf was in Duluth as part of the NFL's Grassroots grant program. Wilf and the program donated $200,000 toward the installation of FieldTurf in the Heritage Sports Center benefitting the Boys and Girls Clubs. Vikings receivers Berrian and Wade also attended.

• The Vikings lost linebacker Rufus Alexander when he was claimed off their practice squad by Indianapolis and signed to a one-year deal. Alexander, a sixth-round pick by the Vikings in 2007, spent that season on injured reserve after suffering a knee injury. He was cut by the Vikings at the end of training camp but was eventually re-signed to the practice squad.