Will Sal road-trip to Green Bay for the draft? This episode blends heartfelt fan stories, community impact, and spicy Vikings QB mentor debates, captivating Skoldiers. On a vibrant episode of Skoldiers & Spice, host Sal Spice welcomed Jay Guidos, a passionate Minnesota Vikings fan whose journey to fandom began far from the Twin Cities—in Los Angeles, California. Titled “Jay’s Journey & Draft Day Dilemmas,” this Vikings 1st & SKOL production, partnered with the Fans First Sports Network, offered listeners an intimate look at Jay’s unique path to embracing the purple and gold, his transformative community work, and the electric atmosphere of his first U.S. Bank Stadium experience.

Jay’s fandom sprouted in the late 1990s, sparked by a childhood love for NFL Blitz on Nintendo 64. “I instantly fell in love with the Norman logo. Like something about the hair, the horns, the helmet,” Jay recalled. The game’s 1997-98 release coincided with the Vikings’ offensive prowess, boasting stars like Cris Carter, Randy Moss, and Robert Reed. “I was looking for the team with the highest offensive ratings… I want to beat my little brother,” he laughed. That decision cemented a lifelong allegiance, despite his brother choosing the Los Angeles Rams.

Growing up in California, catching Vikings games was a challenge. “It was so hard to catch any of the games… any national televised game was either Packers, it was Dallas,” Jay explained. It wasn’t until the early 2000s, with the rise of internet streaming, that he could reliably follow his team. Now, he frequents local Vikings bars in Southern California, connecting with a surprisingly robust West Coast SKOL community. “There’s a ton of Vikings fans out here in California,” he noted, a testament to the team’s far-reaching fanbase.

Jay’s first pilgrimage to U.S. Bank Stadium in 2024 for the Vikings’ blowout win against the Houston Texans was nothing short of magical. “It was a long time coming for me… I would’ve never thought that I would’ve been out in Minnesota to check out my home team play,” he said. The game’s electric atmosphere left a lasting impression: “It was so loud in there… I think it got up to like almost 130 decibels… I don’t even remember sitting down at all.” The SKOL chant, the roaring crowd, and the rare blowout victory made it an unforgettable experience. Sal echoed the sentiment: “That was such a great game because it was… I don’t think we’ve ever had a blowout game like that in U.S. Bank Stadium.”

Sneaker Passion Turned Community Impact

Beyond his Vikings fandom, Jay is a self-proclaimed sneaker-head whose love for kicks has become a vehicle for positive change. Working in the mental health field, he oversees afterschool programs across 23 school sites, serving kids from transitional kindergarten to sixth grade. His personal struggles as a youth inspired his career path. “I really struggled… mentally, academically. I was more of the quiet dude,” he shared. A pivotal moment came in 10th grade when a teacher asked, “How are you?”—three words that changed his life. “I still get goosebumps… I always pretended to be happy… but I was struggling a lot,” he admitted.

This experience fueled Jay’s mission to support kids facing similar challenges. On Fridays, he hosts “Fire Fridays,” cleaning students’ sneakers during afterschool programs. “I clean shoes for the kids… I have conversations with them about being good people,” he said, emphasizing, “It’s not the sneakers you wear, it’s who you are and what you do when you’re in them.” What began at one school has expanded to 23, with kids lining up for clean kicks and meaningful chats. “I’d clean their shoes and next thing you know, I got a line of kids like around the lunch tables,” he recalled.

Jay’s sneaker passion also powers a charitable initiative. For the second year, he’s collecting new and gently used sneakers to donate to kids in need. “Some of these kids need more than a cleaning… the shoes are talking… there’s holes,” he explained. The fundraiser, promoted via Skoldiers & Spice, invites fans to donate, with details in the show’s description. Sal praised the effort: “That is such a good idea… you love shoes, you love sharing your shoes.” Jay’s blend of fandom and philanthropy resonates deeply, inspiring the Vikings community to join his mission.

Draft Day Dilemmas: Sal’s Big Decision

With the NFL Draft just over a week away, the episode buzzed with anticipation. The Vikings, with only four draft picks, face critical decisions, but Sal’s personal draft day dilemma stole the spotlight. For four years, she’s attended the Vikings Draft Party, a beloved event filled with friends, swag, and late-night excitement. “I love it. It’s my favorite… They do such a great job with it,” she said. Yet, a wild idea emerged: road-tripping to Green Bay, the heart of rival territory, for the draft.

Sal weighed the pros and cons live on air. The Vikings Draft Party offers familiarity, community, and content opportunities: “I’ll see a ton of friends… I’ll get a lot of good content easily.” Green Bay, however, promises adventure—and chaos. “It’s a logistical nightmare. I can’t find a hotel under $600… I’m probably gonna drive there and come back,” she admitted. The allure of unique content and “for the plot” moments tempted her: “It’s never gonna happen again… something really crazy will probably happen to me there.” Jay leaned toward the draft party, valuing community: “Any time you can really connect with the community, it’s so needed.”

After spirited debate, Sal devised a compromise: attend the Vikings Draft Party on Thursday and visit Green Bay for Day 2. “I just worked that out on the air, you guys… I hadn’t even considered that compromise,” she exclaimed. The chat erupted with opinions, from a Packers fan’s “Go Pack Go” to suggestions that Green Bay’s spectacle—complete with “weirdos” and fan reactions—would be worth it. Sal’s decision encapsulates the adventurous spirit of Skoldiers & Spice, blending fandom with bold choices.

The J.J. McCarthy Mentor Debate Heats Up

No Vikings offseason is complete without quarterback talk, and this episode tackled a trending Vikings Twitter debate: Does first year starter J.J. McCarthy need a veteran mentor, or is the idea overrated with head coach Kevin O’Connell and quarterbacks coach Josh McCown in the fold? The departure of Joe Flacco, a popular mentor candidate, to the Cleveland Browns intensified the discussion.

Jay expressed confidence in McCarthy but saw value in a veteran presence. “I think having a QB two that’s complimentary if not like a veteran… I think it is a thing,” he said, citing the importance of support for a young player. Sal agreed, drawing parallels to everyday workplaces: “In our jobs, we have mentors at all different levels… there’s only positive things that can come from somebody with experience sharing the same locker room.” She highlighted Teddy Bridgewater as a potential mentor, not for nostalgia but for his proven communication skills, evidenced by coaching a high school team to a state championship. “He’s obviously got the communication skills to motivate,” she noted.

The specter of “he who shall not be named” [Aaron Rodgers]—a controversial quarterback rumored to want to mentor McCarthy—sparked a fiery exchange. “If that happens… jerseys will go on fire,” Jay predicted, doubting the locker room’s readiness for such a polarizing figure. Sal, swayed by a guest from a previous show, RAP’s pragmatism, adopted a “for the plot” mindset: “What’s the worst can happen? … They have something to talk about for years and years.” The debate underscored the passion and division within SKOL Nation, making it a quintessential Skoldiers & Spice moment.

A Wager and a Call to Action

The episode wasn’t all football. Sal and Jay, divided by their NBA allegiances—Timberwolves for Sal, Lakers for Jay—crafted a playful wager for the teams’ playoff series. Jay proposed Sal wear a Lakers shirt on a future episode if Minnesota loses, while he’d donate to a Minnesota nonprofit for kids if the Timberwolves prevail. “I love Anthony Edwards… that kid is just a beast,” Jay said, showing sportsmanship across rivalries. The lighthearted bet added a fun layer to their camaraderie.

Jay also rallied the Vikings community for “Fire Fridays,” encouraging fans to post their sneakers on social media with the hashtag #FireFridays. “Post your kicks, tag me… it’s all really about positivity and connection,” he urged. With Mental Health Awareness Month approaching, Sal invited Jay back for a future episode, recognizing his advocacy. “You’re so thoughtful… you always send me a very kind message,” she said, highlighting his impact on and off the air.

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Why Skoldiers Should Tune In

Skoldiers & Spice delivers the heart and soul of Vikings fandom, and this episode is no exception. Jay Guidos’ journey from a California kid to a U.S. Bank Stadium pilgrim resonates with fans who’ve found community in unexpected places. His sneaker charity inspires action, while Sal’s draft day dilemma and the J.J. McCarthy mentor debate spark lively discussion. Whether you’re a diehard Skol chanter or a casual NFL fan, this Vikings 1st & SKOL production, partnered with the Fans First Sports Network, offers something for everyone.

Don’t miss the next episode, and join the #FireFridays movement to connect with SKOL Nation. As Sal put it, “Everybody’s got the same passion as you do… there’s no reason to be fighting.” Tune in, post your kicks, and let’s keep the purple pride burning strong.

Join Us and Fan!
Guest Jay Guidos @jayguidos joins Sal Spice @SalSpice on this episode of “Skoldiers & Spice” with Dave Stefano @Luft_Krigare producing this Vikings 1st & SKOL @Vikings1stSKOL show. We’re partnered with Fans First Sports Network @FansFirstSN and their NFL feed @FFSN_NFL. #SKOL #Vikings!

⭐️ Support Jay’s cause, #FireFridays:

https://www.westernyouthservices.org/firefridays/