Vikings named Cris Carter an honorary captain against the Eagles, the team that once cut him

When the Minnesota Vikings collide with the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC Championship, Minnesota will have one special guest on its sidelines: Cris Carter. He’ll serve as a Vikings honorary captain, according to ESPN Insider Adam Schefter.

Almost no one in the NFL has deeper ties to the Philadelphia Eagles and Minnesota Vikings like the Hall of Fame receiver. Carter, an eight-time Pro Bowler, was drafted by the Eagles in the 1987 supplemental draft. He spent his first three seasons in Philadelphia — racking up 89 receptions for 1,450 yards and 19 touchdowns.

Even though Carter’s first three seasons in Philadelphia went well enough, there was a well-known rift between him and then-head coach Buddy Ryan. On top of that, Carter was a alcohol and drug user during the early stages of his career. The Eagles decided to cut him after the 1989 season. To this day, though, Carter said Ryan helped him turn his life around.

In 1990, the Vikings claimed Carter off waivers. He was looking for a fresh start and an opportunity to salvage his career. Well, he did that and some more. During Carter’s 10-year tenure in Minnesota, he caught 1,004 passes for 12,383 yards and 110 touchdowns. In fact, he led the league in touchdowns three times. Carter is now an analyst for Fox Sports’ First Things First.

Why is this important? This is the Vikings’ way of throwing a little shade before Sunday’s showdown. Indeed, Carter suffered with some personal issues in Philadelphia — which led to his release. But the Vikings took a flier on the troubled receiver, and that risk transformed into a huge reward. This is Minnesota’s way of sticking it to the Eagles.

Carter’s presence on the sidelines could galvanize the Vikings and help them return to the Super Bowl for the first time since Super Bowl XI in 1977. Let the mind games begin.