ST. PAUL — Ahead of Sunday’s NFC Championship Game between the Minnesota Vikings and the Philadelphia Eagles, Minnesota state Rep. Mike Freiberg (DFL – Golden Valley) issued a friendly wager to a Pennsylvania counterpart. The Pennsylvania legislator, Democratic Rep. Leanne Krueger-Braneky of Delaware County, quickly agreed to the challenge, originally leveled on Twitter.
“I’m not sure if it will be a nail-biter like last week against the Saints, or a complete blowout, but I’m confident the Vikings will leave Philly victorious on Sunday,” Rep. Freiberg said. “The Vikings have all the momentum in the world, and are hungry to bring it home right here to Minnesota for the Super Bowl.”
Rep. Krueger-Braneky sees it differently.
“Of course, I disagreed and sent Representative Freiberg a little reminder of the Eagles beating the Vikings in a playoff game in 2005,” she said in a news release.
Rep. Freiberg has agreed to put some Minnesota-harvested wild rice on the line, as well as an assortment of Golden Valley-based General Mills products, including Cheerios, Totino’s Pizza Rolls, and Chex Mix. If the Vikings win the game, Rep. Krueger-Braneky will ship a basket of Pennsylvania-made treats to Rep. Freiberg.
The legislator backing the losing team will also be responsible for a donation to the charity of the winner’s choice. Rep. Freiberg has selected the Animal Humane Society, based in Golden Valley, while Rep. Krueger-Braneky has selected Nick’s House, which provides free housing to families coming to the Philadelphia area for cancer treatment.
“While we’re having some fun with this bet, it’s great to know that a lucky charity will win, too,” Rep. Freiberg continued. “I also look forward to enjoying whichever treats Rep. Krueger-Braneky plans to send over. Skol Vikings!”
The two lawmakers represent suburban constituencies similarly placed in their respective metro areas.
The championship game, nationally televised on Fox, kicks off Sunday at 5:40 p.m. CT. The winner will advance to face the New England Patriots or the Jacksonville Jaguars in Super Bowl LII on February 4 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis.
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