Minnesota Vixens women's football kick off 21st season

EDINA, Minn. (FOX 9) - It may only be April, but football season is in full swing for the Minnesota Vixen.

The team is kicking off its 21st season and players like nose tackle Cynthia “Red” Bryant have been with the team for each and every one of those 21 years.

Her will to win is as strong as ever.

“My father said if the desire is still there, keep playing and until they quit double-teaming me, that means I’m still a threat, right?” she said Saturday.

Saturday’s home opener against Wisconsin was a rousing success. The win pushed the team to an early 2-0 record, but what makes it even sweeter for the players is the love they receive from their supporters.

“It’s always fun to be in front of your family and to kind of show them what you’ve worked for and all the effort that you’ve put in,” Bryant added.

The Vixen had a very special guest in attendance Saturday as Lynx Coach and General Manager Cheryl Reeve performed the honorary coin flip to show her support for the team.

“There’s probably a lot of people that are listening going, I didn’t know that there was such a thing as women’s professional football and so doing things like this, obviously us being here to help promote it, get eyes on it,” Reeve said. “Just like we say with the Lynx and the WNBA, it’s just one by one. Grab a friend and show it to them and most times, when you come, you enjoy it.”

“It means so much. A lot of our team, we’re really big fans of the Lynx. We’re all huge fans of Minnesota sports, especially women’s sports, but it’s also really cool to see that physically manifesting in her being here, so we’re all really excited that she’s here and it means a lot to have her here supporting us,” Bryant said.

The players put on a show for Reeve and the rest of the fans. While they’re grateful for the support, make no mistake, these women love the game and, no matter the circumstances, they just want to play ball.

“If there was only two people in the stands, we’re still going to play. It’s a sport. We love it,” Bryant said.