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Bernard Berrian News & Rumors

Berrian sent on go route for good
October 26
Minneapolis Star Tribune
 
"As Bernard Berrian leaned against his locker stall Monday afternoon, he spoke with a tone of resignation. Declared inactive by coach Leslie Frazier for the second time in three weeks Sunday, Berrian declared his wishes to remain with the Vikings. But with a disappointed shrug, he acknowledged reality: Frazier would have the final say. "Les is his own person," Berrian said. "So whatever he says I've got to be good with." On Tuesday, Berrian's time ran out. The veteran receiver was waived midway through his fourth season in the Twin Cities. In his place, rookie Stephen Burton was promoted off the practice squad. It was the latest odd twist for a 1-6 team struggling to find its footing."
Report: Berrian released by Vikings
October 25
Minneapolis Star Tribune
 
"Bernard Berrian's time as a Viking has run out. According to Jason LaCanfora of NFL.com, the veteran wide receiver will be released by the team today, midway through his fourth season in the Twin Cities. The move brings to a close Berrian's wildly inconsistent tenure with the Vikings and allows coach Leslie Frazier to move forward without a player that had caused him too many headaches this season. Expected to be a big part of the Vikings' passing attack this fall, Berrian's productivity slumped badly in the early season. He had only two catches for 37 yards in the team's 0-4 start. He's also been put on the inactive list twice in the past three weeks."
Vikings' Frazier: Bernard Berrian will be back this week
October 11
St. Paul Pioneer Press
 
"The Minnesota Vikings plan to re-establish Bernard Berrian into the rotation after coach Leslie Frazier deactivated the embattled wide receiver for Sunday's 34-10 win over Arizona. The Pioneer Press has reported that Berrian was benched for missing two team meetings at the team hotel Saturday. "I don't foresee any future problems," Frazier said today at his press conference. "I really expect him to play at a high level for us and play well." Frazier declined comment on reasons for Berrian's deactivation, citing disciplinary reasons. Frazier is asking his players "to do the right things" conducive to winning, and players face consequences when not following the plan."
Bernard Berrian benching has opened a door for Vikings receiver Devin Aromashodu
October 11
St. Paul Pioneer Press
 
"Devin Aromashodu plans to cash in on his increasing snaps whether Bernard Berrian resumes his role as a starter or takes a back seat for the second consecutive week. The Vikings de-activated Berrian for Sunday's 34-10 win over Arizona after the embattled wide receiver missed two meetings at the team hotel on Saturday, the Pioneer Press reported Sunday night. Aromashodu offset the loss of Berrian with two catches for 81 yards - more than twice the production of Berrian's 37 receiving yards through the first four games. "I don't foresee any future problems," Frazier said Monday of Berrian. "I really expect him to play at a high level for us and play well.""
Vikings put receiver Bernard Berrian on inactive list in 'disciplinary decision'
October 10
St. Paul Pioneer Press
 
"The mystery continues with Bernard Berrian. The Vikings deactivated the embattled wide receiver for Sunday's 34-10 victory over Arizona after he missed two meetings - one for the team, one for the offense - at the team hotel Saturday, according to a person with knowledge of the situation. Apparently his teammates had no idea it was happening. "I didn't know about it until I got here," said quarterback Donovan McNabb after Sunday's 34-10 win over Arizona. Sunday marked Berrian's first stint on the inactive list for reasons other than injury. Coach Leslie Frazier said he did not bench Berrian as punishment for questioning his role in the offense on Twitter and debating it with a state"
Berrian claims he's open, but stats still suffer
October 4
Minneapolis Star Tribune
 
"As far as bold statements go, wide receiver Bernard Berrian saying he's been open for the past four years is far more relevant than his ensuing Twitter back-and-forth with State Rep. John Kriesel, R-Cottage Grove, on Sunday night (see accompanying story). And it's something Berrian, who has only two catches this season, isn't about to back down from. Berrian responded Sunday night to a tweet from a fan saying he'd been open several times during the Vikings' loss to Kansas City. His response: "been like that the last 4 years." So does that mean Vikings quarterbacks have been ignoring him? "I'm not saying anything about ignoring," Berrian responded. "But I made a comment about being"
Vikings receiver Bernard Berrian expects to be busy today against Lions
September 25
St. Paul Pioneer Press
 
"Wide receiver Bernard Berrian, who has just one catch for 17 yards in the Vikings' first two games, expects to begin getting passes downfield today against the Detroit Lions at the Metrodome. He said there's no particular reason why he hasn't had more passes thrown to him downfield. "We just haven't been able to get the shots, that's all," he said. Twins President Dave St. Peter said he expects the team's payroll, which ended up at a record $115 million this year, to be comparable next season. "It isn't so much about what we pay our players; it's that (next year) our players are playing good baseball," he said. "We're optimistic that we'll have enough flexibility to do what we need to do"
Vikings receiver Bernard Berrian ends TD drought with 49-yard scoring catch
August 28
St. Paul Pioneer Press
 
"Bernard Berrian ended his drought in style. After failing to reach the end zone since Nov. 22, 2009 against Seattle, Berrian slithered past two Cowboys defensive backs for a 49-yard touchdown catch with 7:58 left in the first quarter of Saturday's 23-17 exhibition loss. Berrian, who finished with a team-high 64 receiving yards on the night, said he was "doing what you're blessed to do" on the play. "It always feels good to put points up on the board," he said. "I'm trying to go out there and put up as many as we can and be an explosive offense." Last season was Berrian's first since 2005 without a score, and any progress this year will separate him from a confusing 28-catch, 252-yard"
Berrian is back in vogue in Vikings offense
August 28
Minneapolis Star Tribune
 
"Saturday night at Mall of America Field, Vikings quarterback Donovan McNabb showed something that hasn't been seen around these parts in a while: A willingness to throw the football to Bernard Berrian. A novel concept, perhaps. But there it was, first quarter of the game against Dallas. First-and-10 from the Cowboys 49 on a drive that began with running back Adrian Peterson softening up the Cowboys' front seven. Offensive coordinator Bill Musgrave had his receivers bunched, inside the numbers, with Berrian on the left side. McNabb took the snap, took a deep drop, sold the play-action, then took his time. Berrian broke out, faked a move to the outside, turning safety Gerald Sensabaugh"
Berrian's mental makeover
August 13
Minneapolis Star Tribune
 
"Bernard Berrian was standing alongside Percy Harvin during Thursday's final training camp practice, when a young fan loudly expressed his appreciation for Harvin. "You're my favorite receiver!" the boy yelled. Berrian turned around, smiled and extended his arms, feigning as if his feelings were hurt. It was a comical moment from a guy who didn't seem to have much fun last season. Wide receivers are often considered to be moody and petulant, and Berrian certainly would have fit that description as he struggled through a 2010 season in which little went right. His performance led to speculation that the Vikings would jettison him before or after the lockout ended. That didn't happen,"
Donovan McNabb, Bernard Berrian looking to put last season behind them
August 12
St. Paul Pioneer Press
 
"Eager to expunge the memory of 2010 as much as most Vikings fans, the team's most intriguing quarterback-receiver pairing has the chance to heal their scars together. Therapy through touchdowns, the Vikings hope. The frustration stretched from Washington to Minnesota last year as quarterback Donovan McNabb and wide receiver Bernard Berrian underperformed and prompted speculation about their future viability in the NFL. A season that included 15 interceptions and two benchings for Rex Grossman landed McNabb on the trading block and into the hands of Minnesota, where Berrian, his top deep threat, is coming off his worst season since 2005. The Vikings are counting on the sacrifice and"
A fresh start for Berrian?
August 2
Minneapolis Star Tribune
 
"Bernard Berrian confirmed Monday that he agreed to restructure his contract with the Vikings. The move almost certainly saved Berrian's place on the team because his salary-cap number was scheduled to be a very high $6.3 million. That would be one thing if Berrian was coming off a solid season but that wasn't the case. He caught only 28 passes for 252 yards with no touchdowns in 2010. That was his worst NFL season since his second year in 2005 when he played in 11 games with the Chicago Bears. Berrian's willingness to redo his contract -- he said he was pleased with what happened -- likely was done in part because he's confident he will be able to rebound working in a new offense with"
Berrian not worried about being released
July 25
National Football Post
 
"Vikings coach Leslie Frazier made it clear at the NFL owners meetings in late March that his intention was for Bernard Berrian to play a big role in 2011 and that the team had no intention of cutting the wide receiver. But that was before it was reported the Vikings would be $5.1 million over the $120.4 million salary cap that will be part of the NFL's soon-to-be-approved (we think) Collective Bargaining Agreement. Berrian, coming off a season in which he caught only 28 passes and had no touchdowns, has a cap hit of $6.258 million for this season. Berrian, who attended the annual Starkey Hearing Foundation gala Sunday night in St. Paul, was fatalistic when asked about his confidence level"
Vikings Berrian files suit against couple who found Blackberry atop ATM
January 29
Minneapolis Star Tribune
 
"Extorting ... or negotiating a reward? Vikings wide receiver Bernard Berrian alleges in a lawsuit that a California couple who found his lost BlackBerry threatened to sell it to the "highest bidder" unless he gave them $30,000. But a California attorney who briefly represented the couple said he thinks Berrian's representatives are trying to make more of the case than what it was. Clinton Killian, an Oakland lawyer who said he worked on behalf of Clarice Lankford and Ronald R. Jones "for about a day and a half," said Berrian's manager "was more interested in manufacturing an extortion claim against these people than to ensure the safe return of his client's property." The trouble started"
Rice sits out as precaution; Berrian, Sanford join him
November 26
Minneapolis Star Tribune
 
"Sidney Rice did not practice Thursday, but his absence is not a reason to be concerned about the wide receiver's surgically repaired hip. According to an NFL source, Vikings interim coach Leslie Frazier was simply being cautious with Rice, who made his 2010 debut in Sunday's 31-3 loss to Green Bay and played a majority of the offensive snaps. Rice, who had surgery in late August and was on the physically unable to perform list until Saturday, had participated in all of practice Wednesday. The Vikings did not have media access Thursday because of the Thanksgiving holiday. Rice was joined as a spectator at practice by fellow receiver Bernard Berrian, who has been dealing with a groin injury"
Berrian says he's seeing doctor after late scratch
November 16
Minneapolis Star Tribune
 
"Bernard Berrian declined an interview request as he made a quick exit from the locker room Monday afternoon. The Vikings receiver said he was on his way to see a doctor, presumably for his groin injury, which caused some confusion after Sunday's 27-13 loss to the Chicago Bears. Berrian was active but did not play after telling coach Brad Childress during warmups that he couldn't go. Berrian was listed as questionable before the game after being added to the injury report Friday. Teams submit their 45-man rosters 90 minutes before kickoff and Berrian ended up being active because he didn't tell Childress in time that he couldn't play. Quarterback Brett Favre said afterward that he thought"
At last minute, Berrian decides he will not play
November 15
Minneapolis Star Tribune
 
"Bernard Berrian was in uniform Sunday, but the receiver didn't play in the Vikings' 27-13 loss to the Bears. Berrian, before the game, decided the groin problem that landed him on the injury report last Friday wouldn't allow him to play against his former team. But he informed the Vikings too late in the process and ate up a spot on the 45-man game-day roster. "He was set to go, we had him up and I knew it was bugging him a little bit," coach Brad Childress said. "Whether it was the conditions or he got tight, cold, tweaked it again, I'm not exactly sure. He just said, 'I can't go.' " Berrian, who had a season-high nine catches for 89 yards the previous week against Arizona, confirmed his"
Percy Harvin, Bernard Berrian actve for Vikings
November 14
Minneapolis Star Tribune
 
"Wide receivers Percy Harvin and Bernard Berrian are active for today's game against the Bears. Harvin missed two days of practice this week while dealing with migraines and was listed as questionable. Berrian also was questionable after being added to the injury report on Friday because of a groin injury. No real surprises with the Vikings inactives. Asher Allen (concussion) and safety Jamarca Sanford (hamstring) are not playing after being listed as doubtful. Neither player practiced this week. Rookie Chris Cook will start in Allen's place at right cornerback. Cook has played on the outside in nickel situations but this is his first start as the regular right corner."
Losing Berrian to Vikings worked out well for Bears
November 12
Chicago Tribune
 
"The one that got away from the Bears became the one they are better off without. Vikings wide receiver Bernard Berrian is the only lost free agent the Bears staff really wanted to keep during the 10-year reign of general manager Jerry Angelo. Sure, Pro Bowl special teams player Brendon Ayanbadejo and reserve tight end John Gilmore also exited in free agency during the 2008 offseason, but Ayanbadejo made it clear he was seeking the highest bidder, upset the front office when he made it clear he was seeking the highest bidder. But losing Berrian, who had 71 receptions for 951 yards and five touchdowns in 2007, turned out to be fortuitous. If the Vikings hadn't blown the Bears away with their"
Berrian, Camarillo go from forgotten to forefront
November 8
Minneapolis Star Tribune
 
"Brett Favre shared a thought with Bernard Berrian before Sunday's game against Arizona that might have sounded far-fetched at the time. "I told Bernard before the game, I said, 'Bernard, you got 10 catches today,' " Favre recalled. "A typical receiver, he said, 'Hey, great.' " Never mind that Berrian had nine catches total through the first seven games and had become AWOL in the Vikings offense. But with Randy Moss no longer part of the equation, the Vikings needed for Berrian to re-establish himself in the passing game. Favre proved nearly prophetic as Berrian finished with nine catches for 89 yards in a 27-24 overtime victory at Mall of America Field. Berrian, who entered the game with"
Berrian struggles with unclear role
October 29
Minneapolis Star Tribune
 
"There has been some debate about whether Randy Moss could have made more of an effort to catch Brett Favre's final pass on fourth down Sunday night against Green Bay with 28 seconds left. But a closer look at the film also revealed there was a better option than Moss. Wide receiver Bernard Berrian was open in the right corner of the end zone. Berrian called that "more of a tossup play," making it clear there were no set reads for Favre and that the quarterback just has to decide where to throw. "There were a couple of times during the game [I was open]," Berrian said. "It's how it happens. I can't focus on stuff like that. I have to go out. I focus on that, I'm not going to do what I need"
Berrian vows to work, even in reduced role
October 14
Minneapolis Star Tribune
 
"Bernard Berrian voiced frustration over his reduced playing time and uncertain role before the Vikings played the New York Jets. The veteran wide receiver saw his role change even more significantly in the 29-20 loss Monday night. With the addition of Randy Moss, Berrian got extremely limited snaps and was not even targeted for one pass by Brett Favre. Berrian reiterated Wednesday that he's frustrated with the situation. "Yeah, but I can't let frustration get the best of me," he said. "I'm just trying to focus on other things." The Vikings signed Berrian to a six-year, $42 million contract that calls for $16 million in guarantees before the 2008 season. He led the NFL in average yards per"
Favre and Bernard Berrian still not on the same page for Vikings
September 21
St. Paul Pioneer Press
 
"Communication was the catalyst behind quarterback Brett Favre and wide receiver Sidney Rice connecting 83 times for 1,312 yards last year. Apparently, Favre's really big on it, Rice says. "Just listening to the things that he tells me and understanding what he's talking about is a big thing," said Rice, who is nursing a surgically repaired hip and has missed the Vikings' first two games. "In the huddle, practice, film, all of those things." If the Vikings' passing game is going to find success in the near future, Favre and wide receiver Bernard Berrian better start texting, calling, e-mailing, twittering and outpouring football feelings through all communication outlets. San Diego Chargers"
Bernard Berrian wants in on the Brett Favre action
August 20
St. Paul Pioneer Press
 
"Perhaps no one is more eager to reconnect with Vikings quarterback Brett Favre than wide receiver Bernard Berrian, who was an afterthought in 2009 as Minnesota's passing game became a big-play machine. Injuries sidelined Berrian for stretches during training camp, and a midseason hamstring pull nagged him for several weeks. It was not until late in the season that Berrian finally clicked with Favre, whose go-to receivers for most of the year were Sidney Rice, Percy Harvin and tight end Visanthe Shiancoe. Healthy and hungry for a bounceback season, Berrian said he is looking forward to re-establishing trust with Favre. "I think we meshed pretty well last year, especially toward the end of"
Bernard Berrian wants to get back to being a big-play receiver for the Vikings
August 8
St. Paul Pioneer Press
 
"Vikings wide receiver Bernard Berrian became a brand name for big plays in 2008 when he scored three touchdowns of 80-plus yards, including a 99-yard reception that tied an NFL record. Last year's arrival of Brett Favre, who has thrown for more yards and touchdowns than any quarterback in league history, figured to increase Berrian's downfield production and further elevate his profile. Instead, Sidney Rice and rookie Percy Harvin emerged as Favre's go-to receivers while Berrian battled a hamstring injury that shortened his routes and limited his contribution to the Vikings' staunch passing attack. Berrian's 618 receiving yards were his fewest since he was a second-year player for the"
Berrian, Favre finally connect during season finale
January 25
Minneapolis Star Tribune
 
"Bernard Berrian finally got on the same page with Brett Favre, but the wide receiver's best game came in a season-ending loss. Berrian caught nine passes for a season-high 102 yards Sunday night in a 31-28 overtime loss to the New Orleans Saints at the Superdome. Berrian's season was hampered by two separate hamstring injuries. He finished fourth on the team in catches and third in receiving yards. But he was Favre's favorite target Sunday night. "I think we've been looking for that all year," Berrian said. "You have to make your opportunities count." Berrian has now had two of his best games as a Viking at the Superdome. He caught six passes for 110 yards and a touchdown in a victory in"
Berrian is no longer hamstrung
December 28
Minneapolis Star Tribune
 
"NFL players don't usually proclaim how great they feel at this point of the season, but Bernard Berrian couldn't resist the urge. Sure he has the typical late-season aches and pains, but for the first time in what seems like forever, the Vikings receiver was not listed on the injury report because of a hamstring injury.Berrian provided further evidence when he approached wide receivers coach George Stewart before practice early last week and told him his legs feel "great.""Finally," Berrian said later. Berrian readily admits that his 2009 season has been frustrating because he has not felt right physically after suffering one hamstring injury in the preseason opener and then another"
Berrian joins Peterson over 100 mph
December 6
ESPN.com
 
"The Minnesota Vikings' offense doesn't just burn defenders -- it burns rubber. Two days after star running back Adrian Peterson was cited for driving 109 mph in a 55 mph zone, his teammate, wide receiver Bernard Berrian, was ticketed for topping the century mark on an area interstate. Minnesota authorities say Berrian was driving 104 mph in a 60-mph zone. Minnesota State Patrol Capt. Matt Langer said Saturday that Berrian was cited for speeding on I-694 in Oakdale about 9:40 p.m. Monday."
Another speeder in purple: Berrian clocked at 104 mph
December 5
St. Paul Pioneer Press
 
"Another Vikings player has been pulled over for allegedly going faster than 100 mph on a Twin Cities freeway, according to media reports. Wide receiver Bernard Berrian is accused of driving 104 mph in a 60 mph zone on I-694 in Oakdale about 9:30 p.m. Monday, according to WCCO-TV. The station reported that Berrian was reportedly "polite" to the Minnesota State Patrol trooper who pulled him over. The State Patrol said alcohol was not detected. Last Saturday night Berrian's teammate, running back Adrian Peterson, was ticketed by police after he was clocked doing 109 mph at Minnesota 62 and Gleason Road in Edina. "It is a little bit odd, but on the other hand I like the publicity about it"
Cop to Peterson: 'Good luck' against the Bears
December 5
Minneapolis Star Tribune
 
"Adrian Peterson wasn't the only Minnesota Vikings player speeding in the past few days. Late Friday, the State Patrol confirmed that wide receiver Bernard Berrian was cited on Monday night for driving 104 miles per hour in a 60 mile-per-hour zone on Interstate 694 in Oakdale. According to patrol Capt. Matt Langer, a trooper stopped Berrian at 9:38 p.m. in the southbound lane. Meanwhile, a tape of Peterson's Saturday traffic stop shows the speedy running back might not have been watching the speedometer closely. Peterson expressed disbelief to the officer that his BMW was clocked at 109 mph"
Berrian will be active; Tahi out
November 1
Minneapolis Star Tribune
 
"Earlier today we cited a report from Fox Sports' website that Bernard Berrian would be inactive today. Then, about a half-hour ago or so, we saw the wide receiver testing out the injury on the field. Now, comes word that Berrian won't be inactive and will be among the 45 players in uniform for the Vikings game today against the Packers. In fact, he is listed as a starter. Fullback Naufahu Tahi, who was limited in practice last Wednesday and Thursday because of a knee injury, has been scratched and will be replaced in the starting lineup by Jeff Dugan. Also inactive for the Vikings will be cornerback Antoine Winfield (foot); running back Albert Young; center Jon Cooper; wide receiver Darius"
Berrian down, but Rice sky high
October 26
Minneapolis Star Tribune
 
"Being a good employee, Bernard Berrian refused to discuss the leg injury that kept him out for the second half Sunday in a 27-17 loss to the Steelers. However, the Vikings wide receiver didn't have to say much. Berrian dressed slowly in the locker room with a wrap around his upper left thigh, a clear indication that he has suffered his second hamstring injury of the season. Berrian missed the final three preseason games after injuring his right hamstring in the Vikings' exhibition opener at Indianapolis. "It was very frustrating," he said of being out for the final two quarters. "You don't like to be not out there playing, especially in a game of this magnitude. You don't want to be on the"
Vikings receiver Bernard Berrian out all second half Sunday with leg injury
October 26
St. Paul Pioneer Press
 
"Vikings receiver Bernard Berrian missed the entire second half of Sunday's 27-17 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers with an apparent left hamstring injury. Berrian declined comment when asked about his injury. But he had a wrap around his left thigh as he dressed in the Vikings' locker room. Berrian suffered a hamstring injury in the preseason opener Aug. 14 against the Indianapolis Colts, and he didn't return until the season opener Sept. 13 against the Cleveland Browns. For the season, he is second on the team with 24 catches third with 252 receiving yards, including two touchdowns. The Vikings hope he can play next Sunday against the Green Bay Packers. Berrian had his best game of the"
Injury remains question for receiver Berrian
September 12
Minneapolis Star Tribune
 
"Bernard Berrian is not 100 percent because of a hamstring injury and is questionable for the Vikings' opener Sunday at Cleveland. The receiver suffered the injury in the first preseason game. Berrian acknowledged missing valuable practice time with quarterback Brett Favre, calling it "bad timing." "Coming in and getting slowed down a little bit has been hard because I worked really hard this offseason to try and elevate my game and take it to another level," Berrian said. "I've been slowed, but now I'm back in it. No excuses anymore." Vikings coach Brad Childress said he will see how Berrian feels during a walk-through this morning and then consult with the medical staff before determining"
Brett Favre to Bernard Berrian show is a slow go because of Berrian's injury
September 10
St. Paul Pioneer Press
 
"About three weeks have passed since Brett Favre signed with the Vikings, and Bernard Berrian still isn't up to full speed. That's not the ideal situation for a new quarterback trying to get the timing down with his deep-threat receiver. Berrian was limited during Wednesday's practice, still recovering from a hamstring injury he suffered in the exhibition opener Aug. 14 at Indianapolis. "I think it would be foolish to say that we're on the same page," Favre said. "Some ways, it's similar to what happened last year when I got to New York with Laveranues (Coles). He had a torn quad. I really didn't work with him until the first week, and I can remember playing at Miami and missing him on a"
Berrian sold on Favre
August 21
St. Paul Pioneer Press
 
"Vikings receiver Bernard Berrian said quarterback Brett Favre legitimizes the team's offense. Berrian discussed Favre in an interview on Fox Sports Radio, with the transcription courtesy of the Web site Sports Radio Interviews. "Yeah, it's a legitimate threat; he can get the ball down the field," Berrian told Fox Sports Radio. "Our other quarterbacks are capable of doing that, too. It's just the respect factor that you get with Brett I think is the biggest thing. Now, they're really looking at us as a legitimate offense as opposed to an illegitimate threat." Berrian, who has been sidelined with a hamstring injury, said Favre's arm strength is evident. "The arm strength is there, so I don't"
Berrian hurts leg in exhibition victory
August 15
St. Paul Pioneer Press
 
"The Vikings got a scare Friday night when receiver Bernard Berrian left the exhibition game against the Colts with a leg injury, perhaps a hamstring problem. After the game, Berrian declined to speak to reporters, but he was walking slowly outside the locker room. There was concern Berrian's injury might be serious. He appeared to be injured run blocking in the first quarter on a carry by Chester Taylor. Berrian limped off the field and did not return to the game, which the Vikings won 13-3. His status is uncertain. Coach Brad Childress didn't have much of an update on Berrian after the game. "To my knowledge, he's fine," Childress said. "Will get back and evaluate him tomorrow. Not sure"
Ex-Bears experience bittersweet return
October 20
Chicago Tribune
 
"Leslie Frazier enjoyed many memorable moments as a Bears cornerback. He started for the Super Bowl XX champions and had 20 interceptions from 1981-86. But Sunday he was working for the enemy, serving as the Vikings' assistant head coach/defensive coordinator. "I came back here last season when we played the Bears," Frazier recalled. "It was a real weird feeling to be in the visitors' locker room and back in Soldier Field for the first time in so long. "I enjoy what I'm doing in Minnesota, and hopefully we can get on the right track." Sunday's 48-41 Bears victory more closely resembled an NBA game. It represented the most points ever allowed in a Bears victory. "It was a unique game in a"
Berrian coming on after slow start here
October 17
Minneapolis Star Tribune
 columnist Sid Hartman
"Bernard Berrian was happy during his time with the Chicago Bears, a four-year period during which he caught 150 passes for 2,197 yards and 13 touchdowns. But the wide receiver signed a free-agent contract with the Vikings for $42 million over six years, including $16 million guaranteed, when the Bears didn't meet his asking price. Chicago reportedly offered him $25 million over five years. "I know they wanted to [keep me]. It's just the price wasn't right," he said. "So, I didn't feel that I was going to be worth that amount, so they didn't go after me." Berrian started off slow with the Vikings but now has caught 22 passes for 436 yards and two touchdowns. He also drew the pass"
Chicago will rain boos on Berrian
October 16
Minneapolis Star Tribune
 
"Vikings wide receiver Bernard Berrian did not talk to the media before or after practice Wednesday about what he expects in his return to Chicago on Sunday. Teammate Bobby Wade was happy to oblige though. "Bernard no doubt is going to get a lot of boos," Wade said. "I'm going to be laughing." Wade got the same treatment last season when the Vikings played the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. A former Bears receiver, Wade said he got heckled and booed throughout the game. Berrian, who signed a six-year, $42 million free-agent contract with Vikings this offseason after four seasons with the Bears, can expect a similarly intense reaction when he plays his first game against his former team."
Skinny on why Berrian bolted
October 16
Chicago Sun-Times
 
"Not only did Bernard Berrian bolt Halas Hall for richer pastures, but he left the Bears' unparalleled quarterback carousel behind. Berrian said Wednesday that the Bears' uncertainty at quarterback was part of the equation -- you know, along with the millions more the Minnesota Vikings offered -- in his departure via free agency. It sounds reasonable, until you consider that the quarterback Berrian left to join forces with, Tarvaris Jackson, was an unproven project who lost his job after two games. Now he's lined up with 37-year-old Gus Frerotte, who will not be a long-term connection. That doesn't mean change hasn't been good for Berrian. The Vikings are 3-1 since Frerotte assumed the"
Berrian a hard guy for Bears to hate
October 16
Chicago Tribune
 columnist David Haugh
"They were just two old buddies bantering, Bernard Berrian and Charles Tillman. Berrian, the ex-Bears wide receiver now with the Vikings, was asked during a teleconference Wednesday who won most of their battles in practice when they were teammates. "Ha-ha-ha-ha," Berrian laughed wickedly. "I think you guys know the answer." Nobody in the room did, so we asked Tillman. If you think Tillman's defensive stance helps keep receivers in check, you should see it around reporters. "I never counted," Tillman said. "He has won some, I've won some." He smiled, spreading the feel-good vibe from here to Minneapolis regarding Berrian's return for Sunday's game. Tillman even justified Berrian becoming"
Vikings' Berrian a game-changer
October 13
Chicago Tribune
 columnist Dan Pompei
"So this is why the Vikings paid Bernard Berrian all that money. With the Lions leading 10-2 late in the third quarter and the Metrodome crowd beginning to turn on the home team, the former Bears wide receiver took a short pass from Gus Frerotte and ran 86 yards for a touchdown. The score changed the complexion of the game, and very possibly the Vikings' season as Minnesota came back to win 12-10. "What a pretty game," Frerotte said with much sarcasm. A loss would have given the Vikings a 2-4 record. Losing to a 13-point underdog also would have shaken their confidence with a Sunday date in Chicago against the Bears looming. With seven minutes remaining, fans started bailing out of the"
Berrian comes up big with career-best game
October 7
Minneapolis Star Tribune
 
"Vikings wide receiver Bernard Berrian had some tough talk about the Saints defense last week, but he backed it up with a career-best performance Monday in a 30-27 victory against the New Orleans Saints at the Superdome. Berrian caught six passes for a career-high 110 yards with a 33-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter that tied the score 27-27. Berrian said afterward that he ran the wrong route on that play. Berrian also drew a critical 42-yard pass interference penalty on New Orleans safety Kevin Kaesviharn with 1 minute, 11 seconds remaining that set up a winning field goal by Ryan Longwell. On third-and-3 from the Vikings 44, Berrian ran a deep route and quarterback Gus Frerotte fired"
Bernard Berrian 'optimistic' he'll be able to play Monday
October 5
St. Paul Pioneer Press
 
"Vikings wide receiver Bernard Berrian was "optimistic" he would be able to play Monday night in New Orleans despite a right knee injury that slowed him more this week. Berrian said Saturday he hurt himself during practice earlier in the week. He is listed as questionable on the team injury report, generally meaning there is a 50-50 chance he could play. Berrian, who has been hampered all season by a right toe injury, was asked whether his knee injury occurred by overcompensating for the toe. "Maybe. I don't know. I'm not a doctor," he said. Signed last summer to a contract with $16 million in guarantees to be the Vikings' No. 1 receiver, Berrian leads the team with 195 receiving yards"
Vikings receivers limping around
September 16
St. Paul Pioneer Press
 
"The Vikings' passing game is hurting, and so are several of the team's receivers. Starting receiver Sidney Rice said he suffered a sprained posterior cruciate ligament in his right knee Sunday against Indianapolis. Rice said he was told there's a "good chance" he will be able to play Sunday against Carolina, but given the way he limped around the locker room Monday, that seems unlikely. Rice said he's "pretty sore," and "it kind of hurts when I walk a little bit." He said he hopes when the swelling goes down, the pain will decrease as well. Rice said he was injured in the second quarter. He returned in the third quarter but was forced to leave the game after he felt popping and shifting in"
Bernard Berrian in a better place—Minnesota
August 28
Chicago Tribune
 columnist Dan Pompei
"This is a place where wide receivers go to live. And to develop chemistry with one quarterback. And to adjust routes based on defensive techniques and coverages. And to get rich. Aside from a turf-toe injury that bothered him a year ago and has flared up again, life is very, very good for Bernard Berrian, Minnesota Viking. He heard former Bears teammate Muhsin Muhammad said Chicago "is where receivers go to die." And he understood completely. "It's hard to get rhythm there because they are switching quarterbacks all the time," Berrian said, echoing Muhammad. "Me and Bobby [Wade] were talking about it a couple of days ago. I played with 12 different quarterbacks there and caught a ball from"