Kevin Seifert

Vikings' problems run deep but begin with J.J. McCarthy Another horrendous game by the Vikings' first-year starter was exacerbated by poor play by his teammates.

Some analysis was in order Sunday. The Vikings' attempt to disperse blame for their 4-7 start is admirable. But the focus should be on J.J. McCarthy, who has had one of the worst starts to a career in a decade. A sudden and unexpected existential problem. www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/...

Vikings' Justin Jefferson supports struggling J.J. McCarthy, keeps his frustration in check Jefferson's stats are way down with McCarthy as the QB, but he has the first-year starter's back.

As the football world watches eagle-eyed, Justin Jefferson is doing the Vikings an enormous favor. He's largely kept his composure and thrown his full public support behind J.J. McCarthy. It doesn't always go this way. "Extremely grateful."
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Vikes QB McCarthy explains alter ego, viral glare J.J. McCarthy acknowledged his new game-day persona -- "Nine," a reference to his jersey number -- and said it is a product of the anger built up over time missed because of injuries.

Meet "Nine."

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'No, no, it was an optical illusion': How the NFL shut down a field goal controversy Did Vikings' Will Reichard hit a camera wire on his FG attempt? He says yes -- the NFL says no.

Will Reichard’s missed FG in London led some to believe his ball hit a camera wire. Behind the scenes it became even more controversial- Inside a request to alter Reichard's stats, a presentation to owners and an on-air correction. @kevinseifert.bsky.social + me

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What Carson Wentz's injury means for Vikings, J.J. McCarthy Wentz proved to be a warrior, playing through a serious injury, but now it's time to see what McCarthy can do.

Let's be clear about what happened. Carson Wentz sacrificed himself to protect 2 QBs the Vikings valued more in the long term. It went on for as long as Wentz could manage it. Now, it's time to find out if J.J. McCarthy -- or even Max Brosmer -- can play.
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Inside Vikings' Euro trip: Lack of sleep, 'Terrible Towels' and what's next for J.J. McCarthy Minnesota volunteered to be the first team to play back-to-back games in two countries. Was it worth it?

"Two sleeps left."

The Vikings' unprecedented trip to Europe was a challenge in mostly unavoidable ways. Barring a late comeback against the 1-4 Browns, it would have been a bust. Inside a weird 10 days that I don't think anyone is in a hurry to repeat:

'Yeah, this guy is a gamer': Vikings not surprised by J.J. McCarthy's eye-opening NFL debut McCarthy said his performance in Sunday's comeback win over Chicago was "more proving it to myself."

Kevin O'Connell pushed hard this summer to get Vikings players behind J.J. McCarthy -- before he proved himself on the field. It largely worked. Aaron Jones: "We could play kickball, and I'd say, 'Yeah, this guy is a gamer. I want him on my team.'" STORY:
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J.J. McCarthy's game-day rituals: How eye black, meditation and Bob Marley get the Vikings QB ready Justin Jefferson said McCarthy, who makes his NFL debut Monday against the Bears, "has the winning attitude."

J.J. McCarthy is largely a mystery to the NFL. But if there one indisputable fact of his resume, it’s that he wins. His teams are 63-3 dating back to his sophomore year in high school. I did my best here to explain why, how and what it means for tonight.

'He's pretty much a rookie': The good and bad of J.J. McCarthy at Vikings training camp McCarthy has shown a grasp of the offense while the Vikings preach patience in padded practices.

Vikings having a closed walk-through today. From last week:

Patience required for J.J. McCarthy: www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/...

Jeff Okudah getting lots of run: www.espn.com/video/clip/_...

The Jones/Mason split: www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/...

Our daily camp nuggets:
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How will Aaron Jones Sr. and Jordan Mason split carries in Vikings backfield? Jones, now 30, handled the heaviest workload of his career in 2024. How much will Mason eat into those carries this season?

Jordan Mason took the first snap Monday of the Vikings' first full-pads team drill. I don't think there's much to read into, other than confirming earlier indications that he'll be in a relatively equal load share with Aaron Jones. STORY:

Vikings' Jefferson (hamstring strain) to miss time Vikings receiver Justin Jefferson will miss some training camp time because of a strained left hamstring that coach Kevin O'Connell describes as "very mild." The team will re-evaluate Jefferson next w...

“The best thing is we avoided anything serious.” Vikings WR Justin Jefferson diagnosed with a left hamstring strain after experiencing tightness Thursday.

Veterans for most NFL teams, including the Vikings, report today for training camp. Here is @espn.com's primary storyline for each team: www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/...

And here is our Vikings camp preview: www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/...

Inside the Vikings' creative plan that saved J.J. McCarthy's lost rookie season A knee injury kept the No. 10 pick off the field, but McCarthy spent the season preparing in unique ways to be the 2025 starter.

J.J. McCarthy is the only first-round QB in modern NFL draft history to miss his entire rookie year because of injury. Here's the story of how the Vikings avoided a totally lost season and got him ready to enter camp this week atop the QB depth chart.

Weird Al Yankovic

About to enjoy a live appearance by my favorite actor from the Naked Gun films.

WR Addison pleads to lesser charge in DUI case Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison pleaded no contest Thursday to a lesser charge to resolve a 2024 DUI citation, his attorney said.

Vikings WR Jordan Addison pleads no contest to a lesser charge, resolving his 2024 DUI citation. He'll pay a $390 fine. But since his "wet reckless" plea includes the involvement of alcohol, he remains subject to NFL discipline.

'Dallas is coming into his own': Vikings' expectations for 2024 first-rounder Dallas Turner in Year 2 Turner barely got on the field as a rookie and still has veteran competition to deal with, so how will he make his mark?

During OTAs and mini-camp last month, I compiled a few ideas on how the Vikings might get LB Dallas Turner on the field more often in 2025. One way or the other, they'll need to be creative.

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'Championships, fan experience, community': After 20 years as Vikings owners, Wilfs have one last goal The Wilf family built a revered stadium and gets rave reviews from players, but the Vikings have yet to win a Super Bowl.

The Vikings were in literal and figurative disrepair when the Wilf family bought them 20 summers ago. The franchise is now, in some aspects, an NFL model. But as the Wilfs enter their third decade in ownership, there is one more (big) box to check.

'He definitely has an arm': Five things we know about J.J. McCarthy as he preps to be Vikings' starting QB McCarthy, the 2024 No. 10 draft pick, missed his rookie season with a knee injury. What did the offseason tell us?

Over the past ~14 months, Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy has compiled a bigger inventory of practice and reps than you might realize. Here's what he has shown us, or at least the people who have taken the time to watch him.
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Vikings WR Jordan Addison has a jury trial scheduled for July 15, per online records, in Superior Court of California. The date was scheduled in a hearing today in connection to his 2024 DUI citation near LAX. Addison has pleaded not guilty.

NFL minicamp updates: Christian McCaffrey feels good again, Jets get Justin Fields experience The majority of NFL mandatory minicamps are in action this week. Our reporters have the latest from around the league.

Our @espn.com NFL minicamp roundup includes the interesting case of the Vikings' Josh Metellus, who could step into a full-time safety role after spending 2 seasons as a hybrid do-it-all. He's also entering the final season of his contract...

NFL minicamp 2025 live updates: Browns rookie QBs look sharp The majority of NFL mandatory minicamps are in action this week. Our reporters have the latest from around the league.

Vikings LT Christian Darrisaw's return to practice, in a limited fashion and with a big brace on his left knee, is part of our
@espn.com minicamp updates for Tuesday.

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Vikings ink TE Oliver to 3-yr., $23.25M extension The Vikings have signed tight end Josh Oliver to a three-year extension, the team announced Tuesday, a deal worth $23.25 million with $19.9 million in total guarantees, Andrew Kessler of Athletes Fir...

The Vikings signed tight end Josh Oliver to a 3-year contract extension just as mandatory minicamp was set to begin.

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Justin Jefferson building rapport with J.J. McCarthy at Vikings' OTAs Jefferson's focus is on getting the Vikings' new starting quarterback synced up ahead of the season.

All eyes are understandably on J.J. McCarthy, but for me the No. 1(b) development of Vikings OTAs has been Justin Jefferson’s voluntary (and enthusiastic) presence. STORY:

Plucked from Dunkin', QB J'Mar Smith leads the Stallions into the playoffs Smith, a former Stallions signal-caller, had given up on football before a string of injuries brought about his return.

After more than two years off the field, and following a stint on the morning shift at Dunkin' Donuts, J'Mar Smith is set to lead the Birmingham Stallions into the UFL playoffs. His wild story here...

Vikings' 'all-time iron man' Marshall dies at 87 Former Vikings defensive lineman Jim Marshall, a member of the famed Purple People Eaters who played in 282 consecutive games during his 20-year career that ended in 1979, has died after a lengthy hos...

It's no exaggeration to say that Jim Marshall was one of the toughest people ever to play pro football. His record of 282 consecutive games played -- in a more physically brutal era -- stood for decades. He died today at age 87.

How are Vikings testing J.J. McCarthy in his return to the field? McCarthy has drawn Justin Jefferson to OTAs and tough pressure from DC Brian Flores.

We got a snapshot last week of how the Vikings are getting J.J. McCarthy ready to start.

Kevin O'Connell PFWA 2025 Horrigan Award winner | PFWA Minnesota head coach Kevin O’Connell, lauded for his professional dealings with the media who cover the Vikings and the NFL, has been selected as the 2025 Horrigan Award winner by the Professional Foo...

Sincere congrats to Kevin O'Connell for winning the @pfwa.bsky.social's Horrigan Award. See details below.

www.profootballwriters.org/2025/05/30/v...

Vikings sign GM Adofo-Mensah to extension The Vikings have signed general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah to a multiyear contract extension, the team announced Friday.

The Vikings and GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah have agreed on a contract extension, nearly 5 months after coach Kevin O'Connell also got a new deal. The intrigue here largely subsided after owner/president Mark Wilf said in March that he wanted Adofo-Mensah to remain in the job.

And here I thought the Vikings wouldn’t be able to use the critics, haters and doubters for motivation this season.
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"Simply put, a team can't commit multiple fouls in an effort to prevent the score." -- NFL referee Shawn Hochuli, during the 2024 NFC Championship Game.

Posted for no reason, and definitely not because I watched the end of last night's NBA contest between OKC and MIN.