There’s New Evidence That This Vikings Team Is Incredibly Fun
Think back a few years. The Vikings had a head coach who didn’t talk to the general manager, which surely is a disaster when it comes to roster building. Linebacker Eric Kendricks suggested Mike Zimmer’s successor shouldn’t work fear-based, and Brian O’Neill wanted a head coach who would say hi to him in the halls of TCO Performance Center.
The Vikings’ Vibes Are at an All-Time High
The vibes have been completely turned around under Kevin O’Connell and Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, two guys who seem to have fun together instead of the cold relationship between Zimmer and Rick Spielman.
Not only do the decision-makers have more fun, but the players do, too. Last season, Joshua Metellus and Cam Bynum pulled off some outstanding celebrations. Another moment of joy was Sam Darnold waving the towel on the sidelines when the Vikings blew out the Atlanta Falcons. And then there was the locker room celebration, with players carrying Darnold on their shoulders after the second Green Bay Packers win.
That excitement has carried over into the offseason, and two recent examples show that this team is different.
Consider Game 5 of the Western Conference semi-finals between the Golden State Warriors and the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Wolves, another team that is bringing joy to the community, had the opportunity to close out the series and march on into the conference title round.
In attendance? J.J. McCarthy and Justin Jefferson. Not only did they attend the contest, but they also sat in the first row, and they did so together. The two franchise cornerstones that need to form a connection with each other to thrive made a statement. Here is a video of them mic’d up.
The Wolves sealed the deal. They are now awaiting the conclusion of the other series between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Denver Nuggets and will face the winner in the second consecutive WFC finals.
Jefferson has had success with pretty much every quarterback. Kirk Cousins sent him on a record-breaking path, but he also dominated with Sam Darnold throwing him the ball, and even Nick Mullens helped him produce.
McCarthy’s college team was talented on defense, and the rushing attack was outstanding, but the passing game was not known for explosive numbers, and he has never played with anyone close to Jefferson’s level. His college guy, Roman Wilson hasn’t done much for the Steelers in his rookie year.
The Vikings would be in a great spot if McCarthy and Jefferson became a dynamic duo. That starts with an understanding on and off the football field, and seeing them together courtside on national television surely isn’t a bad sign.
The other duo, Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and Kevin O’Connell, has also appeared in social media news recently. On day three of the draft, O’Connell entered the war room with an absolutely flawless fake mustache to mock his GM. The Vikings posted a clip, and it might just be the funniest thing in franchise history.
The duo has led the Vikings to a 34-17 record through their first three seasons. O’Connell signed a contract extension right after the 2024 season ended. Adofo-Mensah is still waiting. He’s in the final year of his deal, and all comments from people involved indicate that a deal will get done sooner rather than later.
They seem to have fun working together, which is much better than the reports coming out of Eagan, MN, said about their predecessors.
Those fun videos don’t win championships, but they show the culture they’ve been preaching isn’t just some PR move, but actually how they are operating. It mirrors the NFLPA report cards, which help recruit players through free agency.
On the field, it’s easier to work together as a team if one likes the co-workers and their employers, which everyone with a job can confirm.
The vibes continue to rise, and the Vikings are in a good spot if their franchise players and decision-makers like each other.
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