Advertisement

‘It’s OK’: 1st-graders try to cheer up Vikings kicker Blair Walsh

Click to play video: 'First graders give advice to Minnesota Vikings kicker who missed game-winning field goal in playoff game'
First graders give advice to Minnesota Vikings kicker who missed game-winning field goal in playoff game
WATCH: First graders pass along words of encouragement to Minnesota Vikings kicker who missed game-winning field goal in playoff game. – Jan 13, 2016

MINNEAPOLIS — After many Minnesota Vikings fans ripped kicker Blair Walsh for missing a 27-yard field goal that could have given the team a win in Sunday’s playoff game, some first-graders used it as a lesson in empathy.

Walsh’s miss in a 10-9 loss to Seattle drew intense vitriol on social media, with some fans inviting him to leave the state — and worse.

Breaking news from Canada and around the world sent to your email, as it happens.

READ MORE: Veteran CFL kicker Paul McCallum can sympathize with Vikings’ Walsh

Judie Offerdahl, a teacher at Northpoint Elementary in suburban Blaine, saw a teachable moment for her first-graders, so the students grabbed their magic markers and started drawing and writing.

“Dear Blair Walsh,” one wrote. “I know it can be hard to get through things that are sad, but you have to try and try again. Everyone makes mistakes sometimes.”

Story continues below advertisement

Vikings spokesman Jeff Anderson tells the Star Tribune the team will make sure Walsh gets the letters.

Sponsored content

AdChoices