RealGM

MT: Hey Bernard, it looks like your new team is just a couple steps away from doing some big things. That must have played a role in your decision to sign with the Vikings?
Bernard Berrian: Oh yeah, it was definitely a feeling I had. That's what really, actually got the deal done. I only see things getting better as the season progresses. I want to be a part of something great and I can see that we've got a chance to be something great.

MT: You caught 71 balls last year on a team that didn't throw the ball very well, and many Vikings fans see you as the answer to Minnesota's lack of a true deep threat, with respect to the current receivers.
Berrian: I think they just needed one more piece. They've got good receivers. Sidney's (Rice) good, Bobby's (Wade) good, Aundrae Allison's good. They've got good players, they just needed a different type of receiver, and someone who can stretch the field and that's what I bring to the game. That just puts our receiving corps together as a whole and allows us to do a lot more different things.

MT: OK, since we're here at Target Center checking out the Wolves game, let's talk some hoops. Can you play?
Berrian: I can ball. I like basketball a lot more than football, actually. It was my first love, and definitely any time I can get a chance to go to the game I'm going to be there.

MT: Why did you choose football?
Berrian: My school wasn't really a basketball school; it was football. After I signed up for football it was like nobody really paid attention to basketball. My little brother actually thought that I would play basketball, but it didn't end up like that.

MT: Who in the NBA reminds you of your old game?
Berrian: I'd have to say Allen Iverson. Fast and always running around. I can probably jump a little higher than he can, but that's about the only thing.

MT: Does that make some of the team-organized events in the community even more important, as you try to get your name out in your area for the right reasons?
Berrian: I think so. The more events and ventures you participate in can have that marketing (connection). I plan on doing a lot of charity events here, and am looking forward to helping out as much as I can.

MT: Anything else we need to know about Bernard Berrian?
Berrian: We need to get that fan support to come out, because this season is going to be a special season. We're going to do everything we can to get to the championship.