The Vikings are preparing for a Border Battle against the Packers this weekend, but recently anther division rival spoke about Minnesota and U.S. Bank Stadium.

In an interview with Detroit media members, Lions cornerback Darius Slay was asked about home-field advantage at Ford Field. According to Carlos Monarrez of the Detroit Free Press, Slay appreciates playing at home but is envious of Minnesota’s game-day traditions, division foe or not. Monarrez wrote:

While having a good-natured discussion with reporters about NFL fight songs, Slay admitted he's a big fan of the Vikings pregame [SKOL Chant] and the [sounding] of the Gjallarhorn, the massive horn that fires up the crowd before kickoff in Minnesota.

"I actually love the horn," Slay said. "I love when they say, 'Skol!' See, that is gangsta! I love that. They by far have the best stadium in the NFL."

Slay told media members that "nobody" can compete with the game-day atmosphere at Minnesota and Seattle.

"I be getting crunk with the crowd. 'Skol!' I'll be, 'Skol!' " Slay said. "I love that chant. They've got the best chant in the world."

Birk, Hutchinson among Pro Football Hall of Fame 2020 nominees

Two former offensive linemen who combined for 17 seasons with the Vikings are among NFL Legends in consideration for the 2020 Pro Football Hall of Fame class.

Matt Birk (1998-2008) and Steve Hutchinson (2006-11) were included in a list of 122 modern-era nominees released Thursday. Each also played for other teams but spent the bulk of their careers in Minnesota.

Hutchinson originally was drafted 17th overall by the Seahawks in 2001. He received three Pro Bowl nods and was named All Pro two twice during his time in Seattle. After joining the Vikings, he extended the Pro Bowl streak to seven seasons and received three more All-Pro designations.

The Vikings selected Birk in the sixth round (173rd overall) in 1998. He became a full-time starter in 2000 and went on to make six Pro Bowl rosters (2000-01; 2003-04; 2006-07) during his time with his home-state team.

Other names among the 122 nominees will also be familiar for Vikings fans, including quarterback Randall Cunningham.

Cunningham only played three of his 16 NFL seasons with Minnesota, but in 1998 he led the Vikings to its historic 15-1 season with the help of rookie phenom receiver Randy Moss.

Quarterback Donovan McNabb also is a nominee for the 2020 Hall of Fame class. McNabb played just six games for the Vikings in 2011 after spending 11 seasons in Philadelphia and the 2010 campaign in Washington.

Former Vikings kickers Gary Anderson and Ryan Longwell also are on the list.

According to the release from the Pro Football Hall of Fame, the modern-era players list will be reduced to 25 semifinalists in November and to 15 finalists in early January.

Thielen wins NFLPA award

Adam Thielen's performances the past few seasons have made him a household name, the receiver was recognized Friday as the NFL Players Association (NFLPA) Community MVP for Week 1.

Thielen and his family launched a fall education achievement program at Brooklyn Center this week and were on hand to distribute equipment, gift cards to Scheels for students and announce a scholarship program.

The NFLPA will make a $10,000 donation to the Thielen Foundation, which has a pledgeit.org fundraising drive throughout the 2019 season. The Thielen Foundation also is hosting its second annual Topgolf Classic in Brooklyn Center on Sept. 23. Click here for more info or to purchase tickets.