As expected, Vikings punter Chris Kluwe went to Mall of America Field at the Metrodome for his weekly workout on Thursday. His kicking routine was anything but normal, however.
The Metrodome is set to host a monster truck show Saturday and the playing field has been filled with dirt. Kluwe and long snapper Cullen Loeffler had to wear bright fluorescent green safety vests because of OSHA regulations. "It was different," Kluwe said. "Should we ever need to punt in the middle of a monster truck rally on 1980s Astroturf placed on top of wobbly wooden planks, we will be golden. I'm in. I got it." Kluwe practices in the Metrodome once a week during winter months because the indoor practice facility at Winter Park isn't conducive for punting. He said Thursday's session wasn't that bad considering the obstacles. "We got some good punting in," he said. "The dirt crew that was there got some opportunities to catch some punts. They appreciated that. They actually caught a couple. I think one guy took one in his [groin], but he shrugged it off pretty well." Kicker Ryan Longwell, a 13-year veteran, also usually accompanies Kluwe on those workouts, but he passed this time. "He said, 'I'm not going down there,'" Kluwe said. "Seniority rank has its privileges."
