Big Vikings fan Vargas visits training facility, meets Justin Jefferson

MINNEAPOLIS – Miguel Vargas had a great trip to the state of Minnesota this week and the reasoning wasn’t totally centered upon a four-game sweep at Target Field for his White Sox, which extended the South Siders’ winning streak to a season-high five games.

The momentous moment for the talented corner infielder currently on the injured list with a left hand sprain came Wednesday morning when he was joined by teammates Davis Martin, Shane Smith and Tim Elko on a visit to the Vikings' training facility in Eagan, Minn. It meant a great deal to Vargas, who became a Vikings supporter through Cubs first baseman Michael Busch -- his friend, former roommate/teammate in the Dodgers' organization and native of Inner Grove Heights, Minn., before cultivating that fandom over the years.

"I’m glad now that I listened to him and made a good choice,” said a smiling Vargas of his devout Vikings support. “I wanted to see how they prepared for games. They prepare for one day a week, so it’s way different than how we prepare ourselves.

"I was kind of curious how they do it and how their play works. They do a lot of meetings and stuff like that. It was really fun. It was a great day, very exciting.”

Vargas’ excitement was enhanced through a brief meeting with Justin Jefferson, one of the best wide receivers in the NFL, with a picture of the two together for proof. During Sunday’s traditional jersey-themed White Sox flight taking place on the road trip before the start of the NFL season, Vargas sported the purple No. 18 to represent the man with 103 receptions, 1,533 yards and 10 touchdowns last season.

Here’s the one issue with that jersey: Jefferson and his Vikings will be traveling to Chicago to take on the Bears in a Monday night season opener on Monday. It’s the same Bears team with very high preseason hopes going into Ben Johnson’s first campaign as head coach.

It’s the same Bears team with universal support from the Chicago fan base, as well -- unlike the city’s baseball world split between the Cubs and White Sox. So, the reception to Vargas’ Vikings jersey wasn’t overwhelmingly positive.

Actually, not really close to positive.

“Yeah, I see a little bit of comments,” said a smiling Vargas. “Just a game. I hope nobody takes it personally.”

Edgar Quero’s choice of a Jordan Love jersey brought even greater fan consternation, because wearing anything Packers related is akin to insulting a family member throughout the Chicago metropolitan area.

The family member insult might be preferred to supporting Green Bay.

Quero won fans back with a solo home run on Wednesday, although those fans really haven’t left with the exceptional way he’s played since joining the team.

“I’m sure he probably didn’t realize the rivalry between the Packers and Bears,” said White Sox right fielder Brooks Baldwin. “He said Jordan Love is a player he liked to watch, so he supported him in a way he thought was best.”

“It’s part of the game,” said Quero, following a chuckle when reminded fans weren’t happy with his jersey choice. “It’s just football.”

Martín Pérez earned high marks with a Caleb Williams jersey, while Baldwin went with a Jerome Bettis Steelers jersey for the short flight from Chicago, adding he would be standing behind his favorite team when Pittsburgh visits Soldier Field on Nov. 23. Colson Montgomery had the Chiefs No. 15 for Patrick Mahomes, because he enjoys watching the quarterback in action.

Elko wanted a Jaxson Dart jersey with the Giants, in support of his athletic cohort from Ole Miss, where Elko is immortalized via an on-campus statue. But he got called up too late to get one, so Elko borrowed a Jalen Hurts jersey from Martin instead.

Martin’s Eagles fandom is so ardent that he pushed for his next child to be named Saquon or Saquonda after Saquon Barkley, which was nixed by his wife Jenna. He went with Cooper DeJean for the flight.

Ultimately, these players offer up frenzied support for their teams, much like fans do for them with the White Sox.

Vargas just had a chance to do it in person.