"I know (owners) Zygi Wilf and Mark Wilf want to continue to have the Minnesota Vikings in Minnesota in a new stadium and I share that," Goodell said during his state of the NFL address in Tampa, Fla. "They have worked very hard to be able to get to that point. They have understood the priorities of the community, they have stood by and they've allowed the baseball stadium and the Gophers (Football) stadium to move forward because they recognize those priorities and there are always priorities in the community.

"I think we have to continue to work with the governor and the leadership in that community to understand those priorities and figure out how we get a new stadium built. That is necessary for the Vikings. We all want the Vikings to be there in the long term, successfully. They need a new stadium, that's clear. I think it's recognized by all parties and we need to get down to the difficult business of figuring out how to do it."

The Vikings, who are last in the league in revenue playing in the Metrodome, have a lease that expires after the 2011 season. The team is hoping to get the stadium issue before the Legislature, but that could be a difficult battle considering the state's $4.8 billion budget deficit.

Although the exact financial figures have yet to be set, estimates to date have been that a Vikings stadium would cost about $954 million. Wilf has said the ownership group would contribute $250 million toward the project.

There is talk about an NFL team ending up at a privately financed $800 million stadium in Industry, Calif., that billionaire real estate developer Ed Roski Jr. wants to build. The Vikings, Chargers and Jaguars also have been mentioned as possible candidates.

"Many people view the Vikings as a viable candidate to relocate to the Los Angeles market due to the lack of action on our stadium front," said Lester Bagley, vice president of public affairs and stadium development for the Vikings. "But we are focused on and committed to resolving the issue here in Minnesota."

Birk up for NFL honor

Vikings center Matt Birk, Eagles safety Brian Dawkins and Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner are the three finalists for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award. The winner will be announced Sunday.

The award, which honors a player's community service and performance on the field, has been presented every year since 1970 when Johnny Unitas won it. In all, 17 members of the Hall of Fame and six Super Bowl MVPs have won the award.

"What an honor it is to be up for this award," Birk said. "Obviously, anything that has Walter Payton's name on it is certainly ... the words are beyond me. I really can't describe it."

Birk and the Vikings have had no contact on a contract extension, so the 11-year veteran is prepared to test the free-agent market.

"I was blessed to play for 11 years so far," Birk said. "I know God has a plan and is watching out for me. How things work out, that's how they're supposed to work out."

Hall call for three?

Former Vikings Cris Carter, Randall McDaniel and John Randle will be among the 15 modern-era players who will be discussed during today's Pro Football Hall of Fame selection committee meeting at the Tampa Convention Center.

Two Senior Committee nominees will be voted on first. Then the 15 modern-era players will be cut to 10 and then five. Those five will be voted on and must receive 80 percent of the 44 votes to be selected.