Blair Walsh, Minnesota Vikings Kicker, Recieves Letters of Encouragement From First Graders

Minnesota Vikings kicker Blair Walsh missed a crucial kick--a potential playoff game winning kick--against the Seattle Seahawks this passed Sunday. People--fans--reacted poorly. They said some nasty things, criticizing him as if he'd stolen several thousand cars. Or cut in front of them in line at chipotle. It wasn't fair. It wasn't warranted. But, more often than not, such is the nature of professional sports. However, there were a few people that reacted in a way you'd like to see fellow human beings treat each other: first graders. Specifically, the first graders of Judie Offerdahl's class at Northpoint Elementary in Blaine, Minnesota. They wrote letters and drew messages.

"I knew that Mr. Walsh probably felt horrible about it," Offerdahl said, via the Minneapolis Star-Tribune. "I also knew it would be a good teachable moment for the kids."

Offerdahl preached the practice of empathy. Which was something her students portrayed in the messages they wrote and drew for Walsh.

"Dear Blair Walsh," wrote Sophia Doffin, a first grader in Offerdahl's class. "I know that it can be hard to get through things that are sad. But you have to try and try again. Everyone makes mistakes sometimes. One time I made a mistake when I was doing a cartwheel. I felt embarrassed. You can still help the Vikings win the Super Bowl next year. Your fan, Sophia Doffin."

Another student drew this picture with a rather insightful message:

See how some 1st graders are sending positive messages to #Vikings @BlairWalsh3. Video: https://t.co/Nj5w6PudQz pic.twitter.com/dh7WVove94

— Vineeta Sawkar (@vsawkar) January 12, 2016

There was this one, too:

Some Minnesota children wrote letters to cheer up Vikings kicker Blair Walsh: https://t.co/FjI13QEzDJ pic.twitter.com/McTY4AWpWU — Jennie Lissarrague (@JennieJoy) January 12, 2016

This is continued proof that kids just get life more than adults. They show compassion, empathy, and perspective. They show that making a mistake in a game--something these kids probably know a thing or two about thanks to their recess period--isn't something that deserves the type of abuse Walsh received.

"We talked about when in your life have you made a mistake and how do you think he felt?" said Offerdahl. "We also talked about how you pick yourself up like Mr. Walsh did."

Thank you, first graders. Message received.