EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. — Bucky Hodges has brought a tantalizing set of skills to the Minnesota Vikings, a rookie tight end whose athleticism is easily matched by his ambition.
His choice of jersey number sure gave that away.
Hodges picked 84, the flashiest digits available in purple. That’s the number Randy Moss once wore when he was racking up acrobatic catches and long touchdowns for the Vikings, with football-loving youth like Hodges watching in awe on television around the country.
“My favorite player,” Hodges said.
He was recruited as a quarterback by Virginia Tech.