For years, Vikings fans knew that their city would be hosting the 2018 Super Bowl. But on Sunday, Jan. 14, a wildly unlikely turn of events took their team one step closer to actually appearing in the game for the first time in 41 years.
Moments after quarterback Case Keenum connected with Stefon Diggs for a last-ditch effort that led to a Vikings win over the Saints, fans were exultant over their team’s 29-24 win, and a chance at making club history in the coming weeks.
Thanks to Twitter, fans were able to share their comically exuberant reactions in real time, offering a gallery of videos and messages that show just how jubilant regular folks can get when their city’s team lifts them up.
But before we get to the madness, let’s revisit the play in question that blew the roof off every Vikings household, and no doubt sent Saints fans into a brief spell of catatonic shock.
In fact, the reactions were so visceral that, in at least one instance, medical technology had to tell them to calm down and take a breath.
The last-second heroics of the Vikings left some more casual fans observing — mouth agape, no doubt — as their more invested roommates ran senseless laps around the apartment like an excited puppy learning it was time for a walk.
When an entire family of Vikings fans was watching, they each fed off each other, amplifying the spectacle exponentially.
Even a (supposedly) objective observer, like studio host Scott Hansen of the NFL Network’s RedZone channel, couldn’t help himself as the cameras were (again, supposedly) off, and he was watching the action during a break in the program. Even a seasoned NFL broadcasting vet couldn’t quell his excitement and disbelief as Stefon Diggs tightrope-walked the edge of the field to turn the tables on the Saints.
Lest you think this is much ado about nothing, ESPN broke down the likelihood of a Vikings win before the ball was snapped, and it was a moonshot — relatively speaking.
Even fans attending the Minnesota Wild NHL game at nearby Xcel Energy Center broke away from their contest to catch what many were convinced was the Vikings’ death rattle. No doubt they’re glad they stuck their heads in to check on the action.
Then, of course, not long after the earnest reactions surfaced, as the sun rises in the east, so came the memes…
Was it the ghost of Minnesota legend Prince that influenced this series of events? Of course not, but this is still pretty funny:
There was no shortage of melodrama and theatrics among sports fans after that play, but perhaps a more understated take on the fabled catch will prove the most resonant and enduring.
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Grieving couple comforting each other
This response to someone grieving a friend might be the best internet comment ever
When someone is hit with the sudden loss of a friend or loved one, words rarely feel like enough. Yet, more than a decade ago, a wise Redditor named GSnow shared thoughts so profound they still bring comfort to grieving hearts today.
Originally posted around 2011, the now-famous reply was rediscovered when Upvoted, an official Reddit publication, featured it again to remind everyone of its enduring truth. It began as a simple plea for help: “My friend just died. I don't know what to do.”
What followed was a piece of writing that many consider one of the internet’s best comments of all time. It remains shared across social media, grief forums, and personal messages to this day because its honesty and metaphor speak to the raw reality of loss and the slow, irregular path toward healing.
Below is GSnow’s full reply, unchanged, in all its gentle, wave-crashing beauty:
Why this advice still matters
Mental health professionals and grief counselors often describe bereavement in stages or phases, but GSnow’s “wave theory” gives an image more relatable for many. Rather than a linear process, grief surges and retreats—sometimes triggered by a song, a place, or a simple morning cup of coffee.
In recent years, this metaphor has found renewed relevance. Communities on Reddit, TikTok, and grief support groups frequently reshare it to help explain the unpredictable nature of mourning.
Many readers say this analogy helps them feel less alone, giving them permission to ride each wave of grief rather than fight it.
Finding comfort in shared wisdom
Since this comment first surfaced, countless people have posted their own stories underneath it, thanking GSnow and passing the words to others facing fresh heartbreak. It’s proof that sometimes, the internet can feel like a global support group—strangers linked by shared loss and hope.
For those searching for more support today, organizations like The Dougy Center, GriefShare, and local bereavement groups offer compassionate resources. If you or someone you know is struggling with intense grief, please reach out to mental health professionals who can help navigate these deep waters.
When grief comes crashing like the ocean, remember these words—and hang on. There is life between the waves.
This article originally appeared four years ago.