Vikings fans donate $170,000 to Saints punter's foundation

MINNEAPOLIS (KMSP) - The spirit of giving is strong with Vikings fans.

Moved by the sportsmanship shown by New Orleans Saints punter Thomas Morstead, who played nearly the entire game with a rib injury, a Vikings fan encouraged others to donate to the punter's charity foundation. Overwhelmed by the support, Morstead announced the money would go to Children's Minnesota to their Child Life department.

Donations have been pouring in ever since. Wednesday, the Minnesota Vikings and the New Orleans Saints teamed up to donate $10,000 to help the fundraising campaign reach its $100,000 goal. UPDATE (1:18): The donations surpassed $170,000

If the goal was met, Morstead promised to fly out to Minneapolis the week of the Super Bowl to present the check to Children's Hospital in person. 

"Hi Minnesota, you are officially ridiculous," said Morstead in a response video. "$100,000 raised for the Child Life Program at the Children's Hospital in Minneapolis. I mean, that is incredible. I am totally blown away."

Morstead said he will book his flight to Minneapolis soon.

"You guys should all be proud of yourselves," he said in the video. "That's a group effort and that's going to affect everybody in your community in a positive way. I'm totally humbled by this. I may be forced to root for you all the way to the Super Bowl now."

For more information and to donate, click here.