Viking No. 1, nearing the end of a Hall of Fame career, has abused drugs and alcohol, become the focus of an NFL investigation into alleged unseemly behavior, prompted three teams to give up on him, kept entire franchises waiting six or more months on his decisions, and played this season only after demanding more money, before engaging in a barely concealed feud with his head coach.
Viking No. 2, nearing the end of a Hall of Fame career, never has been accused of abusing drugs or alcohol, once bumped a meter maid with his car, prompted three teams to give up on him, and spent the first postgame news conference of this season expressing the desire for a contract extension, before his head coach decided to trade him.
Viking No. 1 is our foremost symbol of NFL toughness and emotion.
Viking No. 2 is our foremost symbol of NFL petulance and lethargy.
Viking No. 1 is Brett Favre.
Viking No. 2 is Randy Moss.
Are they really so different?
Both are iconic athletes who speak with distinctive Southern drawls. Both are among the best to play their positions in NFL history. Both are capable of embarrassing themselves -- Favre with the no-look, no-conscience interception in a big game, Moss by walking off the field on his teammates or relaxing for a play or two.