Odd coupling becomes a friendship beyond football; Former Vikings defensive star John Randle and Steve Hutchinson became friends first and now are neighbors.(SPORTS) From: Star Tribune (Minneapolis, MN) | Date: July 22, 2007| Author: | COPYRIGHT 2007 Star Tribune Co. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan.  All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group.Copyright information

Byline: Judd Zulgad; Staff Writer

John Randle was attending his first training camp with the Seattle Seahawks in 2001 when he met Steve Hutchinson. The two seemed an unlikely pair to become the best of friends.

Randle had spent the previous 11 seasons with the Vikings and was established as a Pro Bowl defensive tackle. Hutchinson was a hotshot first-round pick out of Michigan and played on the other side of the ball.

Randle, though, was impressed by the rookie guard.

"We were very similar," said Randle, who is nearly 10 years older than Hutchinson. "Like he's a ...