Wally Hilgenberg

One of my heroes of the faith passed away yesterday. Wally Hilgenberg, former Viking linebacker died at the age of 66 from ALS.

I first met Wally when I was a young teenager. Wally and his family began attending the same church my family was going to, Christian Life Church in Farmington. As a big Viking fan, I was star struck seeing him in church. There were Sundays when he would bring with him some of his teammates like "Bench warmer" Bob. I had a hard time focusing on the sermons on those days.

Beyond the Viking player was a man that dearly loved his family, the Lord and the outdoors. I became friends with one of his daughters and had a few opportunities to be in their home. I especially enjoyed playing pool. I will never forget seeing the autographed picture that O.J. Simpson signed for Wally. It was a picture of Wally tackling O.J.

I am so grateful for men like Wally. A tough football player, a rugged outdoors man, and a man with a passion for God. I believe that a man who gives his life to Christ doesn't become a sissy, he becomes everything God intended for a man to be. It is in Christ that we live life to the fullest.

Perhaps Wally will now be able to encourage the Lord to give the Vikings some extra help from above.