Robert Delorme, fan whose basement in West Fargo, N.D., is decorated in purple and gold
"I'm intrigued to see those purple pants. It's kind of real old-school stuff and I think back to some of those early days, those films of Jim Marshall and Fran Tarkenton. Since this old-school stuff is so popular right now, the purple pants is the one thing that stands out in my mind. My prediction would be that's how they're going to go."
Mark Rosen, sports director, WCCO-TV
• • •
Wise prognosticators also weighed in with advice on what to avoid.
"The Vikings should definitely stay away from anything boat-related. I know there's an obvious connection -- Vikings, boats -- but that would be a mistake."
Rodney Peete, cohost, "Best Damn Sports Show Period" on Fox Sports
"Whatever you do, don't go roller derby on us, either. Some teams think that's kind of the cool way to go, but the coolest uniforms around are the classic ones. I don't even know why they're changing them. Don't turn the horns up, don't put them at 90-degree angles or anything to make them look tough. And don't go all purple on us; please, we don't need that. Some of those guys are so big on the defensive line -- like Pat Williams -- we wouldn't want them looking like plums out there."
Chris Rose, cohost, "Best Damn Sports Show Period" on Fox Sports.
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But then there are those who think this makeover is a good opportunity to be on the cutting edge.
"We would like to see hot-weather and cold-weather uniforms for when they play outside. Short cut-off shirts with hot pants for the warm outdoor dates. They'll look similar to the cheerleaders -- and see how they like it. Those over 300 pounds can stick with the long jerseys. You know how the pants lace up in the front? We'd like to see faux lace-up in the back for the corset look, so it's cinching. Their names are on the backs, but we'd like names on the fronts too, for the occasional viewer."
Lori Barghini (not a fan anymore) and Julia Cobbs (still a fan), cohosts, "The Lori & Julia Show," WFMP (107 FM)
"Purple camo uniforms would be really hot. Maybe you guys should add a little 'bling' to the uniforms since accessories are so big this season!"
Victoria Trilling, head wardrobe stylist for "Best Damn Sports Show Period" on Fox Sports.
• • •
And some are skeptical that there can be a good outcome in this.
"They had purple pants back in the '60s. Overall, purple's ugly. I'd turn in my season tickets. When I played, we had a different material, so the purple wasn't as bright. ... I'd love to be a Packer fan. Their uniforms are awesome and so are the Dallas Cowboys'. Now I'm going to be in trouble."
Bob Lurtsema, Vikings defensive lineman 1971-1976, current owner of Benchwarmer Bob's in Burnsville. For more commentary, see www.vikingupdate.com.
"It doesn't matter what they wear, they're going to get beat either way."
New York Giants defensive end Michael Strahan, guest host on "Best Damn Sports Show Period" on Fox Sports
Sara Glassman •
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