EAGAN, Minnesota:a Cneeded a moment or two to realize who she had just rushed by.
Maria is a lifelong Vikings fan who was born and raised in Minnesota. She enjoys running a lot and frequently jogs the Viking Lakes trail system, which is close to Twin Cities Orthopedics Performance Center.
Her run, though, was anything but ordinary last week.
Maria was given a unique yet appropriate surprise when she learned that she had been chosen by the Vikings to be their nominee for NFL Fan of the Year in 2023.
Maria was shocked to see Viktor the Viking holding a big yellow sign that said, “Hello, Maria!” as she turned the corner of a path. She kept running, the mascot matching her stride for stride, confused but laughing.EAGAN, Minnesota: Maria Hauger needed only a
Subsequently, Viktor was tagged out by two Minnesota Vikings cheerleaders to run beside Maria as they appeared on the trail holding a “Run Maria Run” sign.
As she turned the last corner, Maria’s face brightened and she saw her parents, friends, and coworkers, all dressed in Vikings apparel, supporting her. She felt a slight tug on her sleeve as she decelerated and looked over her shoulder.
“My goodness! Jefferson, Justin!”
In a matter of seconds, Maria’s expression changed from shock to excitement to overflowing emotion. She covered her face in shock as the star Vikings receiver, who was dressed somewhat covertly in sunglasses and a hooded sweatshirt with a No. 18 jersey over it, laughed and gave her a hug.
Maria, congratulations! Jefferson informed her, “You are the Vikings Fan of the Year.”
With smiles, tears, and repeated “I can’t believe it” between hugs from loved ones, Maria continued to make sense of what had happened.
“I adore watching her response. It’s endearing and funny,” Jefferson subsequently told Vikings.com. “Just witnessing their commitment to being our fans and supporters makes us feel good. Before you get to know someone, you [don’t always] know the [extent].”
Jefferson said he was honored to surprise Maria, who not only attends every home game at U.S. Bank Stadium but has also made numerous trips to away games despite being on Injured Reserve due to a hamstring injury.
Maria traveled to London with her family the previous season to witness the Vikings play the Saints, and she has attended Minnesota’s games against Green Bay and Carolina this season. For the Week 11 and 14 games, she also intends to travel to Denver and Las Vegas.
“To hear her story and hear how she dedicates her life to coming to our games in different areas and different parts of the world, it’s something she should be proud of,” Jefferson stated. “And I’m simply pleased to be
