Alex Goligoski, a cheesehead? - 01-24-11
As a Packers fan growing up in Vikings territory in Grand Rapid, Minn., Alex Goligoski was probably a bit out of place throughout his youth. Packers-Vikings is a decades-long divisional rivalry.
But what about being a Packers fan in Pittsburgh? For the next two weeks, Goligoski will have to endure life as a Packers fan who is decidedly behind enemy lines
Today, he discussed his favorite team, what it was like watching the NFC championship game and offered a little strategy for the Packers when they face the Steelers in two weeks for Superbowl XLV.
How he became a Packers fan growing up in Minnesota.
"My parents are from Wisconsin. My dad’s a huge Packers fan. I’m ecstatic right now. I’m a Steelers fan too."
A prediction for Superbowl XLV?
"I don’t know if I want to say what my prediction is. I think it’s definitely the best possible game. I don’t know if the Bears would’ve put up much of a fight."
Where you nervous watching the NFC Championship game with the Bears staging a near comeback?
"I was. It seemed like one of those games where they were hanging around, hanging around. A third-string quarterback. It was some miracle comeback in the making it seemed like. I was glad when the clock ran out."
How rare is a Packers fan in Minnesota?"There’s actually a surprising amount of Packers fans in Minnesota. There’s Packers bars in every city. Not that I would know."
Kind of like with Steelers fans and bars?
"There’s a lot of similarities between Pittsburgh and a Midwestern city like that."
On the game.
"It’s going to be a ___ good game. Remember last year the Packers were here? Last play of the game, they won.
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On Ben Roethlisberger.
"The Packers haven’t seen a quarterback like that all year. They’re so good at rushing the passer but he’s elusive. He’s not like Michael Vick but it’s a different kind of (elusiveness)."
On the Steelers' beleaguered offensive line facing the Packers blitzing pass rush.
"I think that’s where the Packers could get to them. Because they switch things up so much. They blitz so much. With the (cornerbacks) coming and the linebackers coming. It’ll be a good challenge. But Ben (Roethlisberger) so good at buying himself time. I think they’ll get to him, but they need to get him."
(Photo: Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)