Minnesota Vikings players recently shared their travel experiences and insights while in England for a game. The team, recovering from a recent loss, engaged in lighthearted discussions about navigating London, essential travel items, and who they would trust most and least on a trip.
These informal conversations took place after a practice session at the Hanbury Manor Hotel and Country Club in Ware, England. Nine players participated, offering perspectives on various aspects of their time abroad.
Key Takeaways
- Players debated who would be the best London tour guide.
- Essential travel items included game systems and comfort items.
- Dwight 'Nudie' McGlothern was frequently named as least trustworthy for travel.
Navigating London: The Best Tour Guides
When asked about the teammate they would trust most to lead a tour through London, several names emerged. The players emphasized the need for someone with a strong sense of direction and organizational skills.
Running back C.J. Ham was a popular choice. Player K.J. Osborn stated, "I would probably say C.J. Yes, that’s my pick. C.J. Ham." He elaborated that Ham is known for being very organized and always having a plan, especially when it comes to travel. Defensive tackle Harrison Phillips also agreed, noting Ham's situational awareness and ability to read maps and landmarks.
Player Picks for London Tour Guide
- C.J. Ham: Praised for organization and planning.
- Bo Richter: Selected by Gabriel Murphy.
- Adam Thielen: Chosen by Tai Felton for his experience.
- Josh Metellus: Byron Murphy Jr. picked Metellus, citing his prior experience at the hotel.
- Fabian Moreau or Theo Jackson: Dwight McGlothern's initial choices.
Other players offered different perspectives. Gabriel Murphy selected Bo Richter. Tai Felton chose veteran wide receiver Adam Thielen, explaining, "Adam Thielen, for sure. He’s been around. He’s an older guy." Byron Murphy Jr. picked Josh Metellus, noting Metellus had been to the team's hotel before, suggesting familiarity with the area.
Byron Murphy Jr. said, "Definitely going 44. Josh Metellus. He’s been here before. He’s been at this hotel. I need him to show me around."
Bo Richter, when asked, humorously suggested an "old" person would be best for a tour, implying experience. These responses highlight the varying criteria players use when considering a reliable travel companion.
Unexpected Travel Essentials and Experiences
Players also shared items they brought on the trip that they might not typically carry. Many responses focused on entertainment and comfort during their extended stay.
Defensive back Dwight McGlothern, known as 'Nudie,' brought his game system but admitted he had not played it much. "I brought the game system. But I haven’t even played the game yet," he said, explaining he focused on exploring the city. He mentioned visiting downtown London, malls, and experiencing the city's "vibes," which he compared to New York.
Adjusting to International Travel
Traveling internationally often requires adapting to new environments, including different electrical outlets. Players frequently need converters and multiple chargers for their electronic devices, which can become a critical consideration during extended stays abroad.
Safety Marquise Williams highlighted the importance of power adapters. "Like, the outlets you need out here. They gave us one adapter. I needed more outlets," he explained. He had multiple devices requiring charging, including his game system, iPhone, and iPad. Williams noted he had not done much sightseeing, planning to try golfing for the second time ever on a golf simulator.
Cornerback Andrew Booth Jr. mentioned leaving his iPad charger behind last year, emphasizing the importance of essential electronics. Defensive end D.J. Wonnum brought his own toilet paper for comfort, stating, "No, bro. I bring my wipes everywhere, boss." This shows a focus on personal comfort even when traveling with a professional team.
The Least Trusted Travel Companion
The conversation shifted to a more humorous note when players were asked who they would trust the least to lead them on a trip. Dwight 'Nudie' McGlothern was a consistent answer across multiple players.
K.J. Osborn expressed affection for McGlothern but added, "Look … look … I love my guy Nudie. But I can’t. I can’t have anything that has anything to do with me in his hands. I can’t do it." This sentiment was echoed by others.
- K.J. Osborn: Expressed affection but cited lack of trust.
- D.J. Wonnum: Compared McGlothern to a character from "Surf's Up."
- Byron Murphy Jr.: Noted McGlothern's tendency to wander off.
- Bo Richter: Stated, "I just wouldn’t trust him to take care of himself, so there’s no way I’d let him take care of me."
D.J. Wonnum stated directly, "Nudie. No doubt. He’s like that guy from 'Surf’s Up'." Byron Murphy Jr. explained, "Nudie. We gotta go Nudie. I just feel like when we’re in the mall or we’re anywhere, he’s the type of guy who goes off by himself and doesn’t say anything." Murphy added that they would often spend 30 minutes looking for him.
Bo Richter humorously noted, "It’s Nudie. I just wouldn’t trust him to take care of himself, so there’s no way I’d let him take care of me."
Marquise Williams also picked McGlothern, explaining, "Everybody’s going to say Nudie. He doesn’t have kids. He’s young. He’s just living. I don’t worry about him. I just can’t let him lead me. I have to lead him." Even McGlothern himself acknowledged the sentiment, saying, "Honestly, I can say me, too. My phone would be dead, too."
The players' responses provided a glimpse into their personalities and the camaraderie within the team during their international travel. While professional athletes, their travel experiences reflect common challenges and humorous situations many travelers encounter.
