Alva Review-Courier -

After the curses and death threats and groans across Minnesota from Mankato to International Falls, Blair Walsh needed a little love.

He found it in the oddest of places — the first-grade class of Northpoint Elementary in Blaine, a Minneapolis suburb.

Walsh is the kicker who missed a 27-yard field goal with 22 seconds left that would have sent the Minnesota Vikings to a playoff victory over the Seattle Seahawks last season.

Ordinarily, Walsh, even if comatose, could make such a kick. But he didn't. Yes, it was agonizingly cold and the cement-hard ball was not properly placed. Still, he blew it...