Last year the Patriots pulled off the most incredible comeback in Super Bowl LI against the Atlanta Falcons. On Sunday, the Vikings pulled off the most remarkable ending ever, as they snatched victory from the Saints in the first NFL playoff game that ended in regulation on the last play, a walk off touchdown — Vikings quarterback Case Keenum 61 yards to Stefon Diggs.
The Vikings blew a 17-0 halftime lead and allowed the Saints to score 17 points in the fourth quarter. After an interception and blocked a punt, Drew Brees grabbed the lead 21-20 and then 24-23 with 10 seconds left.
The Vikings took .25 seconds on the touchdown drive. Saints rookie defensive back Marcus Williams mistimed his attempted tackle, and Diggs did the rest.
Now the 14-3 Vikings have a date Sunday in Philadelphia with the 14-3 Eagles, who survived a goal-line stand in beating the Atlanta Falcons 15-10. A victory by the Vikings and they will host Super Bowl LII at U.S. Bank Stadium Sunday, February 4. The Vikings are 8-1 at home.
Sunday’s game was my first missed playoff game since I started working in 1978. I’m recovering in Phoenix from having a transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). My heart valve was virtually closed. I did not have a heart attack, although Sunday’s 29-24 win truly tested the new valve.
Thanks to all of you for your prayers and kind words of support. I’ve covered every Super Bowl since 1981, and I’m the first sportswriter in history to cover his own son in the Super Bowl.
I’m on recovery road now in Arizona with a green light working my way back. God has been great to me. If the Vikings beat the Eagles Sunday like the Arizona Cardinals did 32-25 in 2009, I will cover the Vikings vs. (Patriots or Jaguars) in Super Bowl LII February 4.
Larry Fitzgerald can be heard weekday mornings on KMOJ Radio 89.9 FM at 8:25 am, on WDGY-AM 740 Monday-Friday at 12:17 pm and 4:17 pm, and at www.Gamedaygold.com. He also commentates on sports 7-8 pm on Almanac (TPT channel 2). Follow him on Twitter at FitzBeatSr. Larry welcomes reader responses to info@larry-fitzgerald.com, or visit www.Larry-Fitzgerald.com.