On the Bench with Byron Higgin

It was 52 years ago when Jim DeCock was asked to be the “spotter” for the announcer at the Minneota Viking football games.

“Back in those days I had to pay my own way into the game,” DeCock laughed.

Eventually he was allowed free admission — then, it developed into a real job and he was paid for his services.

Today, 52 years and several announcers later, DeCock is still watching the football games from the Crow’s Nest and still relays information to the announcer — like what yard line they are on, who carried the ball and who made the tackle.

Each announcer has his different quirks. Some are easier to work with than others — but Jim DeCock has shared it all — and is still there.

Current announcer Ross Eischens and DeCock have been working together in the booth for about 18 years.

After that period of time, you become a team and the better it is for the fans.

Come Saturday, DeCock will be back in his familiar spot, watching like an Eagle from the Crow’s Nest.

He wouldn’t have it any other way!