Q&A with John Randle

Q How strange is it to see Brett Favre wearing a Vikings uniform?

A It is very unusual. He was known as public enemy No. 1, and now he's on our side. I guess it takes a guy a few years to figure out the purple and gold is better than the green and gold. (Laughs). But he's one hell of a quarterback. If someone is going to wear the purple and gold, I'd want it to be Brett Favre. He's been one of my biggest and worst adversaries because you knew what he could do as a competitor.

Q Brett Favre once said you were the toughest defensive player he ever faced. With what you just said, I imagine you felt somewhat the same about him. Can you describe the nature of your rivalry and any mutual respect that existed?

A When you're competing, you try to do whatever you can to help your team win. Most quarterbacks in the league, you can count on when you get to the quarterback, just by your presence, it has an effect on him. A guy like Brett Favre, it never seemed to faze him. He just kept throwing TDs like the game wasn't really a game. It was just practice. He kept his confidence, and you don't normally see that.

Q You returned to the Metrodome in 2003 while playing for Seattle. Does that give you any insight into what Favre might experience Sunday, or is it a completely different situation?

A It's almost like going home in one capacity but for him he was the most loved guy in Green Bay. Now he's coming there, and it's gonna be totally different. There are going to be a lot of people who are not liking it. At the same time, you've got to respect what he did for that organization. It's just going to be something to watch and see the fans' reactions to him wearing purple and gold in Lambeau. That's almost the biggest sin. I like watching the fan reaction. I'm going to get a giggle out of watching him.

Q You're going to be watching the game with fans and ex-Packer Antonio Freeman as part of a Miller Lite promotion. How do you expect Antonio will react to Brett in purple in Lambeau?

A I'm going to definitely be talking to Antonio about that. It's going to be an all-out thing asking how he feels about it and seeing his reaction to it. It's going to funny. If you asked a Packers fan 10 years ago, "Do you think Brett Favre will ever play for the Vikings?" they'd be like "NO way, he'll never do that."

Q How do you feel like you would fit in with the current Vikings defensive line?

A I think I'd come in as a third down guy and give those guys a break. (Laughs). You have Pat and Kevin Williams, two of the biggest guys in the league. Maybe I could clean up with a couple of sacks?

Q Who's crazier on the field: you or Jared Allen?

A Jared Allen. He's definitely taken the game to a higher level. He brings excitement to the fans, and his energy just spreads throughout the stadium.

Q You're only 41. Ever feel like you could still be out there chasing Favre and other QBs around?

A You know what. That's an unusual question. I probably could, but I'd rather do what I'm doing now which is spend time with my family and walk away from the game healthy. It's a fast game and a young guy's game. The energy you have to have week in and week out ... I remember that, and I don't think I could keep up.