Minnesota Vikings

Vikings kicker to meet empathetic letter-writing 1st-graders

Published Jan. 14, 2016 7:43 a.m. ET

foxsports

BLAINE, Minn. (AP) Minnesota Vikings kicker Blair Walsh plans to visit the first-graders who sent him letters and drawings of support after he was lambasted by fans for missing a field goal that could have given his team a win in Sunday's playoff game.

Teacher Judie Offerdahl at Northpoint Elementary in Blaine used Walsh's miss as a teachable moment in empathy. The first-graders grabbed their magic markers and offered sympathy.

''Dear Blair Walsh,'' one wrote. ''I know it can be hard to get through things that are sad, but you have to try and try again. Everyone makes mistakes sometimes.''

Walsh was harangued on social media following the 10-9 loss to Seattle. Some fans invited him to leave the state - and worse.

The Vikings say Walsh will visit the first-graders Thursday morning.