Lets get this debate off and running with talks of Professional Football. North or South Dakota??Which state is better represented?

North Dakota Athletes: The first ND athlete that will be brought forth is Phil Hansen, from Oakes ND. A Two-time All-America at North Dakota State; a defensive end for the Buffalo Bills, he's the third player in Bills' history with 50-plus sacks, is now retired, but was a beast! Who else does ND bring to the Professional Football table? Jim Kleinsasser of the Minnesota Vikings. From Carrington ND, a Two-time Division II All-America tight end at North Dakota, in 1997 and '98; led team in '98 with 45 catches; second-round pick of Vikings and is still with the team today, blocking for you know who, All Day Adrian Peterson. Leading rusher in the NFL this past season. Thanks Jim!! Next, Brooks Bollinger from Grand Forks ND. A Four-time all-city QB at Central High; passed for 4,209 career yards and 40 touchdowns; won 10 letters in three sports; played his college ball at Wisconsin and has bounced around the NFL, with his last stop being in Dallas, backing up Tony Romo. Now, these above names are your most recognizable names from North Dakota associated with the NFL. There are a few more North Dakotans that at one time played in the league, but you have to have been born in the stone age to know any of them. Either way not a bad list for 600,000 people.

Lets talk South Dakota:

We'll start with Adam Vinatieri, attended Rapid City High School, Has played in five super bowls and is the only kicker in history to win four super bowl rings. Is currently with the Indianapolis Colts. The next athlete from SD is Chad Greenway from Mt. Vernon SD. Chad attended the University of Iowa, was a first round pick of the Minnesota Vikings, and started this past season as an Outside Linebacker. Ben Leber, Vermillion SD, Started as the other outside Linbacker for the Minnesota Vikings, a team that finished 2nd in the NFL in run defense. SD, "Solid." If you will!! The next name from SD I'll bring up is Josh Heupel. Started for the University of Oklahoma for two years and won a national title with the team in 2000. Was runner up in the Heisman trophey that year to Chris Weinke and was later drafted by the Miami Dolphins. There are a few more names from SD that are in the NFL right now, as well as some names that played in the past, but I feel I have stats and names here to make my final decision.

Which state, North or South Dakota, has the better representation in the NFL? South Dakota wins this arguement hands down. Two of the three three starting linebackers on the same team were from the same state, SD, and that particular defense on that team finished 2nd in stopping the run. Also Adam Vinatieri is a future hall of famer with a plethora of RINGS!! South Dakota better represents the Dakotas in the Professional Sport of Football. But don't take my opinion, let you're voice be heard. What do you think?? Our next sport will be debated soon!