MN Vikings Continue With Practice As Teams Across the NFL Protest Jacob Blake’s Shooting
Jay Strack
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A growing number of teams have canceled practice on Thursday in a clear response to the shooting of Jacob Blake, A Black Man, in Wisconsin.
Blake, 29, was shot by police officers, in the back, on Sunday. The shooting was captured on video and spread quickly as many athletes across the nation took action. This action appeared in the form of going on strike to protest the injustices of Black Men and Women by the police.
Viking’s Head Coach Mike Zimmer was scheduled to conduct a meeting with the media at 10:45 a.m., but never showed. Zimmer and the rest of the team were holding a meeting to discuss the recent events that have taken place in America.
While many teams had decided to postpone practice, Zimmer and the Vikings decided that practicing was for the best. After practice, Zimmer had this to say “We had about a two-hour meeting where a lot of guys expressed their opinions and thoughts and I think that was more important than sending people home today.”
The team agreed that there was no real discussion about the possibility of canceling practice. Their goal was to spark actual change, not a statement that will quickly fade. The past few days have been a difficult time in every locker room. Instead of looking the other way and rushing to practice the Vikings chose to listen.“It’s about understanding the other person, listening to them and when we walk away, we’re still friends.” Zimmer remarked.
Another heartfelt moment came from the relationship between Zimmer and his Co-Defensive Coordinator/Defensive Line Coach Andre Patterson. “The one thing that we’ve been able to have over the course of a long time is that the two of us can sit and have candid conversations,” said Patterson.
Many of the recent conversations the coach has been having with his team involve some of the stories they have experienced first-hand to police brutality. The now 64-year-old Zimmer also mentioned that all the stories told by players and staff is the “biggest thing” he took away from today’s meeting.
It will be interesting to see what comes from this meeting and what the players will decide on moving forward. This story is another reminder that Zimmer is one of the greatest coaches in the league. A true leader that listens, cares, and always keeps his team together. “We don’t want to have shock value for 24 hours. We want to institute some change.”