ARLINGTON, Texas -- Before getting the start Saturday at middle linebacker for the Vikings, Gerald Hodges had a surprise for his father.
At Penn State and in his first two Minnesota seasons, the linebacker always had worn simply "Hodges" on the back of his jersey. However, for a 28-14 preseason win over Dallas at AT&T Stadium, he switched to "Hodges Jr." for the first time.
It's the linebacker's way of honoring his father, Gerald Hodges Sr., who runs a Boys & Girls Club in the family's hometown of Paulsboro, N.J. The son said he will continue the practice moving forward in his career.