Alexander Shun | @alexpshun
Digital Content Manager | KFAN.com
The Minnesota Vikings newly-signed offensive tackle Riley Reiff spoke with local media Friday, the first time he spoke with media since signing with the team.
Reiff described his experience during free agency and said growing up in South Dakota was part of what drew him to signing with the Vikings.
It's been kind of a hectic last few days and I'm excited to be up here, that's for sure," Reiff said via conference call Friday. "Being from South Dakota it's close and I always watched the Vikings growing up. They have a great tradition and I'm excited about the hunting and fishing up here too."
The big question with the signing of a guy like Reiff is whether he would play left tackle or right right tackle for the team. While Reiff has played both during his NFL career, many believe that Reiff is better suited to be on the right side.
Reiff said it doesn't matter to him and that he'll play wherever the coaches tell him to.
"You know what, I'll come in here and do whatever the coaches ask," Reiff said. "I came from a good system at Iowa and they taught us to be ready at any position. So I'm just happy to be here, ready to meet the guys and get to work."
After spending his first five seasons in the NFL with the Detroit Lions, Reiff will remain a member of the NFC North division, a move that the former first-round pick says fits him.
The now former Lion will get to play his previous team twice a year now and as a tackle that loves playing in the 'black-and-blue' division, the Vikings can hope that Reiff will now help them beat a Detroit team that knocked off the Vikings twice last season.
Whether Reiff plays on the left or right side of the offensive line matters little. What really matters is that the Vikings now have an anchor for their offensive line and a guy that they can build the rest of the offensive line around for years to come.
"I'm excited to come in here and work hard and be a positive impact on this team," Reiff said. "I can't wait to get to work and I'm excited about this opportunity."