DAILY CLIPS

WEDNESDAY, JULY 22, 2020

LOCAL NEWS: Wednesday, July 22, 2020

Star Tribune

Kevin Garnett, Vikings owners reportedly interested in buying Timberwolves from Glen Taylor By Chris Hine https://www.startribune.com/big-ticket-buy-in-garnett-part-of-group-interested-in-buying-wolves-from- taylor/571852911/

Purple Insider

Camp countdown: The outlook for every Vikings rookie By Matthew Coller https://purpleinsider.substack.com/p/camp-countdown-the-outlook-for-every

NATIONAL NEWS: Wednesday, July 22, 2020

ESPN

Sources: Wilf family emerges as top candidate to buy Timberwolves By Adam Schefter https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/29513410/wilf-family-emerges-top-candidate-buy-wolves

CBS Sports

NFC North set for wild 2020: Why Vikings are bound to regress and there could be a surprise champion By Cody Benjamin https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/nfc-north-set-for-wild-2020-why-vikings-are-bound-to-regress-and-there-could- be-a-surprise-champion/

Maven Media

Vikings Taking Extreme Coronavirus Safety Measures For Training Camp By Will Ragatz https://www.si.com/nfl/vikings/news/vikings-coronavirus-safety-measures-training-camp

Vikings Owners Have Emerged As "Serious Candidate" to Buy Timberwolves By Will Ragatz https://www.si.com/nfl/vikings/news/vikings-owners-wilfs-glen-taylor-buy-timberwolves

Every Player Rating in Madden NFL 21 By Will Ragatz https://www.si.com/nfl/vikings/news/every-minnesota-vikings-player-rating-madden-nfl-21

MULTIMEDIA NEWS: Wednesday, July 22, 2020

Changing the Game for Season Ticket Holders By WCCO http://mms.tveyes.com/PlaybackPortal.aspx?SavedEditID=4e1efb7f-e664-4a0b-a379-25aa5feed349

Vikings Season Ticket Holders can Opt Out By KARE http://mms.tveyes.com/PlaybackPortal.aspx?SavedEditID=61382d60-171f-439f-9c8e-f9132570d86a

NFL and Players Work to Address Safety By KMSP http://mms.tveyes.com/PlaybackPortal.aspx?SavedEditID=810b7e5c-09f2-4835-b175-917eb4e89444

Peter King Joins Pro Football Talk to discuss visit to Minnesota By NBC Sports Part 1: http://mms.tveyes.com/PlaybackPortal.aspx?SavedEditID=61f0a96d-5a5f-4d0f-8f2c-839cf973d1dc Part 2: http://mms.tveyes.com/PlaybackPortal.aspx?SavedEditID=07df9a16-8c1a-4178-8a4d-8c7e3a2b70da Part 3: http://mms.tveyes.com/PlaybackPortal.aspx?SavedEditID=a28788ff-03c1-4318-8023-6db474b8f651

VIKINGS ENTERTAINMENT NETWORK: Wednesday, July 22, 2020

Xs & Os: How Drafted Safeties Could Help Vikings By Craig Peters https://www.vikings.com/news/josh-metellus-brian-cole-myles-dorn-safeties-2020-season

C.J. Ham Hosts 'Kamryn & Friends' Pop-Up to Benefit Minneapolis Community By Lindsey Young https://www.vikings.com/news/cj-ham-kamryn-friends-benefit-minneapolis-community

Minnesota Vikings Podcast Episode 51 Highlights: Explains Nickname "The Needle" & Confidence Level By Chris Corso https://www.vikings.com/news/minnesota-vikings-podcast-episode-51-highlights-cameron-dantzler-explains-nickna

PUBLICATION: Star Tribune DATE: 7/22/20

Kevin Garnett, Vikings owners reportedly interested in buying Timberwolves from Glen Taylor

By Chris Hine

Soon after Glen Taylor led a group of investors to an agreement to buy the Timberwolves in 1994, he helped save the franchise from a potential relocation and the franchise drafted its best-ever player, Kevin Garnett.

Now Taylor is considering selling the team with a stipulation that the new owners must keep it in Minnesota, and Garnett said he is a part of a group with interest in buying it. Also rumored to be among the potential buyers, according to ESPN: Zygi and Mark Wilf, owners of the Vikings.

Taylor said any potential buyer has to guarantee the team remains in Minnesota. He said he owes that much to the state.

“It’s a state asset,” Taylor said. “It’s something we have here in Minnesota that not every state has. Some of the other states would like to have [the team]. This state has been really good to me.”

When asked if he could put provisions in a sale that would require a new owner to keep the team in Minnesota, Taylor replied: “Yeah. People asked me that. I just told them that’ll be part of the deal. You have to keep them in Minnesota.”

Taylor said he is receiving help from the merchant bank Raine Group as he courts offers for the Wolves. Garnett, on his Instagram account, posted a photo of a report that Taylor was fielding offers and said, “I’m one of the groups trying.” He included a quick prayer in all capital letters and added, “Let my group get this.”

Kevin Garnett’s Instagram post Tuesday afternoon. It’s unclear where Garnett’s group stands.

Taylor said Raine Group initially reached out to him about the sale. A formerly interested buyer had worked with Raine Group on scouting the Wolves as a potential purchase, but when that buyer backed out of a potential deal for family reasons, Taylor said Raine Group approached him about bringing other interested buyers forward, many of whom would like Taylor to remain with the team in some capacity, he said.

One family from out of state is farther along in the process of buying the team, Taylor said, but he wasn’t sure if Garnett was affiliated with them.

Taylor said his age at 79 and the large number of businesses he owns under Taylor Corporation has made him consider selling the Wolves.

“I just got to start thinking about cleaning this thing up a little bit,” Taylor said. “The Timberwolves would be a big one to get some direction on what would happen. … I’m at a time in my life that I should get some of these here straightened out. Or else I look at my wife [Becky] and say, ‘I’m going to leave you guys with a big mess.’ ”

Taylor said he had heard of Garnett’s interest but wasn’t sure with which group Garnett was working. He said they haven’t spoken about it.

Garnett has made no secret of his desire to be part of the group that replaces Taylor as owner. Garnett has had a public feud with Taylor that has lasted past Garnett’s second stint with the team, which ended in 2016. But on Tuesday, another of Garnett’s posts to Instagram indicated he may be extending an olive branch to cease hostilities with Taylor.

“Regardless of past feelings with Glen …” Garnett said. “I would love nothing better than to become partners going forward in this great but masive [sic] rebuilding of a city that I deeply love! Putting the past to the side/focus on the now.”

In an interview on WCCO radio, Taylor was asked about potentially working well with Garnett. Taylor chuckled and said, “Let’s not get ahead of ourselves.” But Taylor told the Star Tribune that if Garnett and his group were approved to buy the team, he would sell it to them.

“Then so be it,” Taylor said.

Garnett was upset over a variety of issues, including how the franchise handled the death of Flip Saunders and a potential role for Garnett in the franchise upon his retirement from playing. He even went so far as to say in 2017 he would never be “partners” with Taylor, the word he used in one of his posts on Tuesday.

Garnett’s feelings toward Taylor didn’t subside in the years that followed. In an April article in The Athletic, Garnett said: “At this point, I don’t want any dealings with Glen Taylor or Taylor Corp. or anything that has to do with him,” adding he “doesn’t do business with snakes.”

But perhaps those feelings are thawing as the prospect of Taylor selling the team moves closer to reality — and Garnett would keep the team in Minnesota.

“My passion for the Minnesota Timberwolves to be a championship team is well known but I have a deeper affection for the city of Minneapolis,” Garnett said Tuesday on Instagram. “I once again want to see Minneapolis as the diverse and loving community that I know it is. No two people love the city more than myself and Glen Taylor and I look forward to trying to work with him to achieve my dream.”

Taylor led a group of investors to buy the Wolves from Marv Wolfenson and Harvey Ratner for about $88 million in 1994. Forbes recently estimated the Wolves were valued at $1.375 billion, though that estimate came before the coronavirus postponed the NBA’s season in March. The league is likely to see loss of revenue as a result.

A report from the sports business website Sportico said Taylor was seeking $1.2 billion.

Reports of a possible sale have come up before, and Taylor has sold small stakes in the franchise along the way. Taylor also owns the Minnesota Lynx and is an investor in Minnesota United. Taylor said he hoped the Lynx would be included in any sale of the Wolves. Taylor also owns the Star Tribune. PUBLICATION: Purple Insider DATE: 7/22/20

Camp countdown: The outlook for every Vikings rookie

By Matthew Coller

While things are certainly in flux in the NFL and its players, the Minnesota Vikings set the report date of Thursday the 23rd for rookies to arrive for training camp. So with the help of PFF’s Austin Gayle (quotes from the Purple Insider podcast), we take a look at the main competition in camp and best case scenario for each rookie…

Cornerback,

*Photo courtesy TCU athletics

Who he’s competing with: Mike Hughes, Holton Hill, Kris Boyd

Best case scenario: Starting outside corner

Despite the lack of a normal offseason and precedent with young corners — no matter their draft status — being worked into the lineup slowly by , the Vikings’ 22nd overall pick will be given every opportunity to win a starting outside corner position outright.

Austin points out that his college experience at TCU gives him the best shot of any rookie to jump right into the mix.

“I’m not worried about Jeff Gladney,” Gayle said. “A big reason I loved him coming out is that he’s battle tested. This guy has more coverage snaps and more targets than every cornerback drafted and I think that’s going to help with abbreviated offseason.”

To be exact, per PFF stats, he was targeted 187 times over the last three years in a pass-happy conference and allowed just 104 receptions (55.6% completion percentage), seven touchdowns and five .

At 5-foot-10, he profiles to some extent like a nickel corner but playing in the slot usually takes a great deal of experience, leaving Gladney likely to battle for outside jobs more with Holton Hill and special teams ace Kris Boyd than Mike Hughes, who has past work in the nickel.

Hill and Boyd are more experienced but Gladney’s pedigree could give him the upper hand on whichever player he’s directly competing with. Hill played well in a tiny sample in 2018 and rarely saw the field last season. Boyd only played in Week 17 and had ups and downs against Bears star receiver Allen Robinson.

Wide receiver,

Photo courtesy LSU athletics

Who he’s competing with: , , Tajae Sharpe

Best case scenario: Starting No. 2 receiver

Earlier this offseason, Gary Kubiak said that he wanted to play to the strengths of Justin Jefferson, who spent the vast majority of his time in 2019 at LSU playing as a slot receiver. However, the Vikings do not use a pure slot receiver in the same ways that other teams who play three receivers for the majority of snaps. That will require Jefferson to make some quick adjustments if he’s going to be used all over the field as receivers like and have been in past years.

One concern for any rookie receiver is whether they can find quick chemistry with considering the shortage of offseason time. In past years, rookies would have seen action in OTAs and minicamp (so somewhere around a dozen practices) with their quarterback. Now it appears the ramp-up period will feature less padded practices and no preseason games. That could make things tough for even a very talented young receiver.

“A very good reason why Justin Jefferson was so good at LSU is he really understood the offense and understood how to find open holes in zone coverages and sit where would find him,” Gayle said. “It’s not like he was creating a ton of separation on the outside in one-on-one situations…most often for Jefferson it was over the middle of the field, sometimes scramble drills and those types of things. You don’t get those on Zoom. Temper expectations.”

Because his physical talent is far superior to the others, Jefferson is more or less competing with himself. If he can lock in the playbook and master the offense quickly, he’ll play far more than Johnson, Beebe or Sharpe. If there’s an adjustment period, we could see him only get work when the Vikings use concepts that he is comfortable with.

Tackle,

*Photo courtesy Boise State athletics

Who he’s competing with: Riley Reiff, , , possibly every left guard

Best case scenario: Backup left tackle

Like Gladney, Ezra Cleveland is a very experienced player coming out of college but the level of competition simply comes nowhere close to what he will face in the NFL.

“I would put chances of him starting out of the gate very low,” Gayle said. “Even chances of him starting this season, barring injury, also very low. This guy needs time.”

Cleveland only allowed five sacks over the last two seasons in over 1,000 pass blocking snaps, in part because of his terrific athleticism. His 10-yard split, 40-yard dash and 20-yard shuttle all ranked in the 90th or higher percentile at the NFL Combine.

Here’s a look at the percentiles for all of his Combine scores via Mockdraftable:

Gayle says that his quickness gives Cleveland a fighting chance if he does have to play right away and a very high ceiling down the road.

“The best feet in the draft…that’s why he went as high as he did,” Gayle said. “He didn’t have elite production at Boise State from a pass blocking perspective but when you have athleticism and feet like he does and guys can’t just win with speed and burst off the snap, that gives you a leg up on half the NFL.”

As for how he stacks up to his competition, there is an outside chance that Cleveland battles with Riley Reiff for the starting left tackle position or gets an opportunity to show what he can do as a guard but odds are that he’s pushing for the backup left tackle spot behind Reiff.

If he does show something as a guard, there could be a debate over whether playing inside would help him as a long-term left tackle option — though Kubiak has said he will play the “best five.”

Cornerback, Cam Dantzler

*Photo courtesy Mississippi State athletics

Who he’s competing with: Holton Hill, Kris Boyd

Best case scenario: Rotational outside corner

One of the enigmas of the draft, Dantzler had terrific production in college but was unimpressive at the Combine and lacks ideal size. While he played against SEC competition, he was rarely targeted — which is a compliment to his work but the NFL won’t be as cautious about targeting him.

“The learning curve is going to be steep because the receivers are going to be bigger than him and have thicker frames,” Gayle said. “For a taller cornerback, the dude has shorter arms…that’s a concern with me. The experience is a bit of a concern. He didn’t see a ton of targets a Mississippi State.”

Still Dantzler seems like the perfect Mike Zimmer corner. He’s lanky and played against complex offenses in the NCAA’s best conference. Gayle says that it will have to be Dantzler’s brains that stand out in order for him to get a chance.

“What you did see is that he’s a very smart football player. It takes a smart football player to have those negatives from a tools perspective and still limit Ja’Marr Chase the way he did against LSU and still play as well as he did in the SEC,” Gayle said. “It’s because he understands leverages, because he can do route pattern recognition.”

But in a strange offseason, even the smartest players are going to be behind and without the physical tools to make up for that shortcoming, it’s hard to see Dantzler passing some of the more experienced corners like Hill and Boyd on the depth chart.

“Will [football IQ] help him when he goes against some of the best receivers in the NFL?” Gayle said. “I don’t know because these guys are freakish athletes. You need to be 10 times as smart as Julio Jones if you’re going to limit him.”

Defensive end, DJ Wonnum

Photo courtesy South Carolina athletics

Who he’s competing with: Anthony Zettel, Eddie Yarbrough,

Best case scenario: Rotational rusher

Andre Patterson loved DJ Wonnum’s length, smarts/personality and potential when he studied him this offseason. Patterson has had a ton of success during the Zimmer era developing players like him with becoming a superstar and and both emerging after several years into starting- level players.

This year the door is open for the South Carolina rookie to win a rotational job but he might need much more work than a handful of practices this offseason to hone his craft as a rusher.

“You go back to the Senior Bowl and you didn’t see him win as an edge rusher,” Gayle said. “In these one-on-one situations you need to be able to beat these guys…those one-on-one situations, there’s a reason all 32 teams go [to the Senior Bowl] and draft analysts look at that because you get an opportunity to see how deep into the tool box they’re going and what kind of burst they have…that concerns me. However, developing a player like Wonnum…it comes down to the tools.”

Whether Wonnum sees the field in 2020 could depend on whether the two veterans Anthony Zettel and Eddie Yarbrough show that they can be viable players to mix in at defensive end on third down to allow Odenigbo to rush over the guard. If they don’t stand out, Wonnum might get tossed right into the fire.

Defensive tackle. James Lynch

Photo courtesy Baylor athletics

Who he’s competing with: , Hercules Mata’afa,

Best case scenario: Rotational rusher

Lynch has the best chance at anyone outside of the first-round picks of landing a job of some type in 2020. He put together monster production in college with 70 QB pressures for Baylor in 2019, per PFF. Lynch also moved around the D-line in college, playing 275 snaps at either a five-technique (directly over the tackle) or three-technique (over the guard) position. That could help for a quick transition into a situational gig.

“If this guy can maintain some of what he did as an edge rusher at Baylor when he gets kicked inside he could be very successful,” Gayle said. “Those active hands and active feet on the inside lead to a high volume of bailing out of pockets and keeping [quarterbacks] from stepping up and that has a ton of value.”

NCAA leaders in sacks. Graphic via ESPN

Armon Watts’s growth may ultimately determine where everyone else falls. He quickly emerged as a very intriguing find for the Vikings, dominating Week 17 and making noise other times he got into games. Mata’afa and Holmes both have to take big Year 3 jumps in order to be ahead of Lynch.

Linebacker,

Photo courtesy Oregon athletics

Who he’s competing with: , Cameron Smith

Best case scenario: Situational player, special teamer

Dye is one of the more intriguing players the Vikings selected on Day 3 of the draft because of his versatility as one of the better cover linebackers in NCAA football. That could point to the Vikings looking for someone to play a hybrid safety/linebacker type role in certain situations — specifically when opponents pass out of multiple tight ends or two running back sets.

The possibility exists that he could play that type of role quickly but Eric Wilson is also capable of quality coverage as a third linebacker. Down the road, Wilson will hit free agency in 2021 and if the Vikings stick with and Anthony Barr, they’ll need someone to fill that role. For Year 1, he will at very least have a special teams job.

Cornerback, Who he’s competing with: Nate Meadors, Mark Fields, Marcus Sayles, Nevelle Clark

Best case scenario: Depth corner, special teamer

Now we’ve reached the point in the draft class where everyone will be fighting for roster spots or otherwise land on the (possibly expanded) practice squad. Hand played for Baylor before transferring to Temple for family reasons so he has the pedigree of a player from a top program. However, with two first-round picks and several experienced players in front of him on the depth chart, his best chance is making a difference on special teams.

The problem with that is that there won’t be any preseason games to show off on special teams. Versatility in the secondary could give him an outside shot at making the roster unless he shows up and surprises everyone. On a healthy roster he is a long shot for anything other than the practice squad.

Wide receiver, KJ Osborn Who he’s competing with: , Davion Davis, Alexander Hollins, Quartney Davis, Bralon Addison

Best case scenario: Punt returner, depth receiver

Osborn was a terrific punt returner in college — one of the best in the nation, in fact. There isn’t much competition for the Marcus Sherels job this year so it’s Osborn’s for the taking. If he doesn’t thrive in punt return situations in practice, he’ll significantly reduce his chances at making the team and likely land on practice squad.

Tackle, Who he’s competing with: Aviante Collins, Brady Aiello

Best case scenario: Practice squad

This might feel weird considering past years but the Vikings are loaded at tackle. Brandel starts off behind at least five other players who share his position. He did only allow one sack and four QB hurries in 473 pass blocking snaps (per PFF) at Oregon State last year. If he shows anything in camp, they’ll stash him away on the PS.

Safety, Who he’s competing with: Brian Cole, Myles Dorn, any free agent safety

Best case scenario: Backup safety, special teamer

Metellus was used in a lot of different ways by Michigan, which makes him an intriguing early candidate for a hybrid role. There also isn’t anyone on the depth chart ahead of him besides Harrison Smith and Anthony Harris at the moment. However, if the Vikings were going to add veteran depth, backup safety might be an area they address, especially if Metellus and Cole show signs of their youth right away.

Defensive end, Kenny Willekes Who he’s competing with: Anthony Zettel, Eddie Yarbrough, DJ Wonnum

Best case scenario: Rotational rusher

Willekes is one of the most commonly named players that draft analysts pegged as a “steal.” He was productive at Michigan State and Gayle says he has every bit the chance at a rotational rusher role that Wonnum does.

“Sometimes he can be miscast as a high-motor type, a guy who’s all pursuit and those hard-nosed things that guys who don’t have elite length and elite athleticism but he’s a very good athlete,” Gayle said. “Something that does stand out is his bend…he can get low and win the leverage battle consistently. I don’t know why he went so low.”

Quarterback, Who he’s competing with:

Best case scenario: Practice squad

This battle is going to be tough to win for Stanley because Browning already knows the offense. Maybe the Vikings will keep four QBs with two on the expanded practice squad.

Safety, Brian Cole Who he’s competing with: Josh Metellus, Myles Dorn, any free agent safety

Best case scenario: Backup safety, special teamer

Cole’s size and athletic skills are impressive but he might need much more time than he’s going to get this year in order to emerge as a viable option as a role player or hybrid. He will be in the mix for a backup gig.

“His production and film weren’t fantastic, he still has a lot of learning to do but when you have raw tools, taking fliers on guys is important,” Gayle said.

Guard, Who he’s competing with: Anyone who has ever attempted to play guard

Best case scenario: Backup guard

The Washburn guard is hard to peg because he played at a small school but he does have terrific athleticism and a mean streak. It would be very surprising if he got any first-team action in camp with the projected starters having a year in Kubiak’s system but he could make the club as a backup. PUBLICATION: ESPN DATE: 7/22/20

Sources: Wilf family emerges as top candidate to buy Timberwolves

By Adam Schefter

The Wilf family that owns the Minnesota Vikings has emerged as a serious candidate to buy the Minnesota Timberwolves, NFL sources told ESPN.

Only recently did the Wilfs emerge as one of the groups bidding to buy the NBA team in their city from billionaire Glen Taylor, sources said. There are several bidders for the team, including metropolitan New York real estate developer Meyer Orbach, who bought a minority stake in the Timberwolves in 2016. Former Timberwolves standout Kevin Garnett also said he is forming a group to try to purchase the team.

But the Wilfs appear to be in a prime spot at this time to buy the Timberwolves, though a decision on the sale might not be made until September, sources said.

Taylor has owned the team since 1994, when he bought it for about $88 million. He has retained The Raine Group to sell the franchise. He is seeking at least $1.2 billion for the team that has been valued at close to $1.4 billion.

Taylor told the Athletic he will not sell the team to a group that wants to move it out of Minneapolis.

"People have inquired who are interested but they want to move the team," he said. "They are not a candidate. We've made that very clear."

The Wilfs bought the Vikings from Red McCombs in 2005 for $600 million. The NFL franchise's value now likely would be well over $3 billion. Zygi Wilf is the Vikings' principal owner, Mark Wilf is the president and co-owner, and Leonard Wilf is co-owner and vice chairman. They have been active in Minnesota, getting U.S. Bank Stadium built, building a state-of-the-art training facility for the Vikings and then just last month donating $5 million to various social justice causes -- on top of the $5 million they donated to COVID-19 relief.

Now their scope and power in Minnesota could be expanding. They are in pursuit of a Timberwolves team that would give their family a sports empire in Minnesota. PUBLICATION: CBS Sports DATE: 7/22/20

NFC North set for wild 2020: Why Vikings are bound to regress and there could be a surprise champion

By Cody Benjamin

The Minnesota Vikings pulled off a stunning playoff victory in 2019 and are just a few seasons removed from sniffing the . What if, however, they're far from a lock to reach the postseason in 2020? What if, going a step further, they're actually more likely to spend this coming winter at home? Recent history suggests that's not out of the question.

Since 2001, the Vikings have reached the playoffs in back-to-back seasons just once, in 2008-2009. That means it's been 10 seasons since they last had back-to-back trips to the playoffs. It also means they've never gone back-to- back under coach Mike Zimmer, who replaced Leslie Frazier starting with the 2014 season:

SEASON RECORD RESULT 2014

7-9

No playoffs

2015

11-5

Advanced to Wild Card Round

2016

8-8

No playoffs

2017

13-3

Advanced to NFC Championship

2018

8-7-1

No playoffs

2019

10-6

Advanced to Divisional Round

Now, is it unusual to be in and out of the playoffs like Zimmer's Vikings have been over the last half-decade? That depends on what kind of teams you're talking about. Stay inside the division, and the Chicago Bears have been even worse; their two playoff appearances since 2009 came eight years apart. But take the , for example; in the time since Zimmer has run the Vikings, Green Bay has made the playoffs in four of six seasons, including three straight from 2014-2017. The New Orleans Saints, an unofficial Vikings rival, have also enjoyed their own stretch of three straight postseason berths since 2014.

Call it happenstance or call it an indication that Minnesota is just a different kind of streaky, but the fact is they haven't been consistent, surefire playoff contenders since the days of Dennis Green, Randall Cunningham and .

It's not like Zimmer's six-year tenure has ever been blatantly bad. A 7-9 floor is solid. But the trajectory is eerily similar to that of Zimmer's old team, the Dallas Cowboys, who since 2007 have always followed up a playoff or double-digit-win season with a non-playoff season.

And guess what? Because the Vikings went 10-6 and cracked the postseason in 2019, that means 2020 is primed to be their "off" year. Recent team history isn't the only reason Minnesota fans should be a little worried about this year, either.

If this on-and-off playoff record sounds representative of Kirk Cousins, the Vikings' own quarterback -- a guy many consider to be good enough to sustain success but not necessarily great enough to lead a deep playoff run -- then you're on to something. Since becoming a full-time starter in 2015, Cousins has never made the playoffs in back-to- back years.

If you want to write off the Cousins factor because of his supporting cast in Washington, that's fine. But what you can't do is ignore the supplemental concerns on the 2020 Vikings. Yes, Cousins was ultra-efficient and surprisingly good down the stretch in 2019, and yes, Zimmer has always found a way to milk his defense for big plays, but consider:

Stefon Diggs is gone: Rookie Justin Jefferson should fit in nicely as a volume weapon for Cousins, but he's also a rookie entering the NFL with virtually no offseason. Part of the reason Cousins' play-action game was so lethal in 2019 was because Diggs was there to take the top off the defense. Let's not forget Diggs commanded 90+ targets in four straight seasons and topped 1,000 yards in each of this last two. Could we possibly be underselling the loss of such a reliable playmaker? 's availability: Cook has every right to demand a new contract as the centerpiece of the Vikings' offense, but he's still missed 19 games in three years. It's foolish to expect him to be out there for 16 games. And even if you believe is a capable fill-in, are we really going to ignore persistent questions about the offensive line, which may have gotten a future left tackle in Ezra Cleveland this offseason but is counting on replacement-level starters on the interior? The defensive turnover: This is the biggest one. The Vikings weren't necessarily wrong to say goodbye to , and in the secondary, but how often does replacing three-fifths of your starting defensive backfield go seamlessly, especially when most of your top replacements are mid-round rookies? Not only that, but Everson Griffen's departure leaves an underrated hole in the pass rush, where only Danielle Hunter is a proven, consistent threat. None of these issues seems glaring enough to completely derail the Vikings. This is still a solid, disciplined team with a good foundation and a committed strategy. All things considered, however, it also seems fair to anticipate a regression from those 10 wins.

The biggest thing going for the Vikings, much like the Philadelphia Eagles in 2019's NFC East, might be the rest of the division: The reigning champion Packers face a tough schedule and will be hard-pressed to replicate their remarkable record (8-1) in one-score games; the Bears don't have an official starting QB for Week 1; and the Lions have been mostly hapless under Matt Patricia.

Relying too much on rival incompetence won't necessarily save Minnesota, though. As much as the Packers seem primed for their own regression, there's a case to be made that Aaron Rodgers is due for a rebound, especially if just one of the team's pass catching possibilities steps up. The Bears still boast a top-10-caliber defense, and potential new QB Nick Foles -- who's torched the Vikings before -- has a coaching staff that knows how to utilize him. The Lions, meanwhile, for all their defensive failures, might have a sneaky-good offense now that Matthew Stafford is healthy and surrounded by additional weapons.

Who will ultimately win the North, which hasn't had a repeat champion in five years? The Packers are the only team in the division to claim the crown in back-to-back years since 2010, but even if they don't do it again, the other hurdles Minnesota faces in 2020 suggest there's a decent chance it won't be the Vikings, either.

PUBLICATION: Maven Media DATE: 7/22/20

Vikings Taking Extreme Coronavirus Safety Measures For Training Camp

By Will Ragatz

Vikings training camp is set to begin this week, but it won't be a typical one by any means. The ongoing coronavirus pandemic has changed everything.

On Monday, we learned a great deal about how the Vikings are preparing for this unique training camp, specifically in terms of the safety measures in place at TCO Performance Center in Eagan.

NBC Sports' Peter King – formerly of Sports Illustrated – recently visited the facility and took a tour with Rick Spielman and Eric Sugarman, the longtime athletic trainer who is doubling as the team's Infection Control Officer. King wrote a detailed piece about everything he learned from the tour, which you can read right here.

Then, on Monday afternoon, Sugarman met with local reporters over Zoom and broke down a presentation and virtual facility tour with tons of information about the team's adjustments and precautions.

Per NFL protocol, non-player employees will be divided into three different tiers, which will be displayed on their lanyard at all times.

Tier 1 consists of coaches, trainers, physicians, equipment staff, and strength and conditioning coaches. Tier 2 consists of ownership, Rick Spielman, other front-office staff, communications and video people, and security staff. Tier 3 consists of people like cleaning service staff, in-house media, broadcast personnel, field maintenance, and transportation providers

In a given day, only 60 people in Tier 1 and 40 in Tier 2 will be allowed in the building. Tier 1 can have direct access to players and will be permitted into restricted areas (playing fields and sidelines, training and medical rooms, meeting rooms, and player lounges and meal areas) as needed. Tier 2 can also do those things, but they will be limited more heavily. Those in Tier 3 can't interact with or come near the players or people in Tier 1 or 2.

Contract tracing is a key element of this. Every employee in all three tiers – as well as players – will wear a proximity tracking device that will monitor who they come into contact with, so that if someone tests positive for COVID-19, the Vikings will be able to "instantly" trace everyone who came near that person in the last 24 hours.

Joining Sugarman at training camp to lead these efforts will be three "COVID protocol coordinators" who will help manage testing, screening, and more. Tests will be conducted by BioReference Laboratories, which has a large trailer with four testing bays that sits where Mike Zimmer's parking spot used to be.

Prior to entering TCO Performance Center, employees in Tier 1 and 2 will undergo testing, and they'll have to answer a daily health screening on an app on their phone. They'll also have to do a touchless temperature scan to be granted access. There will be a completely separate entrance for Tier 3 employees.

Players, meanwhile, will need two negative tests before they are allowed to enter. They'll be tested on Day 1 and Day 4 upon reporting to camp, and daily testing will begin on Day 5. Only then can players who have tested negative both times actually enter the facility.

The Vikings are bracing for positive tests. “We’re going to have people that get COVID, it’s unavoidable," Sugarman said. "The first few weeks are going to be some of the toughest weeks we’ve had because they’re going to be critical to establish what we refer to as our ‘new normal.’”

In the event of a positive test, players will quarantine in a "COVID room" at the facility, where they'll receive a care package of medical supplies and more. Asymptomatic players can return after five days and two consecutive negative tests, while symptomatic players have to wait at least ten days, including three days after last having symptoms.

The Vikings – who are requiring that everyone at TCO wears a mask at all times, without exceptions – have also taken a great number of precautions to promote social distancing in the building.

Here are a few of them:

Players will have an empty locker on each side of their locker, which will result in some players needing to have lockers in different rooms. The couches are also gone from the locker room. Meeting rooms will all house fewer players and coaches than they used to. For example, the team's main auditorium will go from seating 174 to seating 42. Many meetings, especially those involving large groups, will be held outside or virtually. Athletic training rooms and weight rooms will have strict limits on the number of players who can be in them, along with sanitation of all equipment after every use. Hot tubs that would normally hold 15 people can now hold six. Towels will be single-use, and there will be no sharing Gatorade bottles. Every other shower head has been removed. The cafeteria capacity will be reduced from 100 to 40, and players will received pre-packaged food that they will be encouraged to take and eat elsewhere. There will be one-way hallways to reduce interaction. There are also signs all over the facility that promote social distancing, hand sanitizer bottles all over the place, and much more. Sugarman has made it clear that he wants everyone to be as educated as possible about this virus and how to maximize safety, because doing so will be a competitive advantage for the 2020 season, assuming it happens as planned.

“This virus is not political," Sugarman said. "It doesn’t care about your political affiliation, it doesn’t care about the color of your skin, it doesn’t care what religion you are, it doesn’t know. We have to get everyone to understand that it’s an absolute competitive advantage in the NFL in 2020 to adhere to these protocols." PUBLICATION: Maven Media DATE: 7/22/20

Vikings Owners Have Emerged As "Serious Candidate" to Buy Timberwolves

By Will Ragatz

The Wilf family – Zygi, Mark, and Leonard Wilf, owners of the Minnesota Vikings – have emerged as a serious candidate to purchase the Minnesota Timberwolves, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Earlier on Tuesday, Sportico's Scott Soshnick reported that Timberwolves owner Glen Taylor is looking to sell the team, and had retained The Raine Group to facilitate the deal.

"There are several parties who have bid on the team, according to two people with direct knowledge of the matter. A deal could be completed within a month, one of the people said."

Another thing adding intrigue to this story is that Kevin Garnett – along with a group of investors – is among those interested in buying the team. Garnett, who is the best player in franchise history, confirmed his interest with posts on Instagram and Twitter.

Taylor has owned the Timberwolves since 1994, when he purchased the franchise for $88 million. Forbes currently values the team at $1.38 billion, and Taylor reportedly is seeking at least $1.2 billion in a sale.

Taylor and Garnett had a falling-out in 2015 over a miscommunication. Garnett thought that he would take over ownership of the team following his retirement, perhaps having been told as much by former head coach and executive Flip Saunders. Saunders died that year, Taylor retained ownership, and Garnett hasn't been on speaking terms with Taylor since. That's seen as the main reason why the franchise's greatest player hasn't had his jersey retired in Minnesota to date.

The Wilfs, who also own a minority stake in MLS franchise Nashville SC, have owned the Vikings since 2005. They helped the Vikings move from the Metrodome into U.S. Bank Stadium and also got a new training facility built during the 2010s.

This would be a very interesting development. Stay tuned for any future updates. PUBLICATION: Maven Media DATE: 7/22/20

Every Minnesota Vikings Player Rating in Madden NFL 21

By Will Ragatz

Late last week, I broke down the top ten highest-rated Vikings in Madden 21 and what EA Sports got right and wrong with those ratings.

Now that the complete ratings for just about every player in the NFL (with the exception of undrafted free agents and a few others) are out, let's take a look at the full Vikings roster and provide some thoughts.

The top ten Harrison Smith (95) Dalvin Cook (91) Michael Pierce (91) Adam Thielen (90) Eric Kendricks (89) Danielle Hunter (89) Kyle Rudolph (84) Anthony Harris (83) Kirk Cousins (82) Anthony Barr (80) Reminder: my thoughts on this group are right here.

Everyone else (78)

Garrett Bradbury (77)

Dan Bailey (76)

Note: Bailey was fourth among NFL kickers in field goal percentage last year. Sure, he uncharacteristically missed a few extra points, but Madden has him as the 13th-best kicker in the game. I'm not sure about that one.

Brian O'Neill (75)

Note: How is Bradbury above O'Neill? The Vikings' right tackle is clearly the best player on their offensive line. O'Neill should be in the low 80s, and Bradbury – even if you're projecting a significant jump in his second year – shouldn't be above a 75.

Irv Smith, Jr. (75)

Tajaé Sharpe (75)

Alexander Mattison (74)

Mike Hughes (74)

Note: The Vikings' top cornerback getting a 74 rating isn't a great sign for that position in 2020. Hughes is just 82nd among all corners in Madden 21. I'd assume he might be the lowest-rated top CB on any team in the NFL in the video game.

Justin Jefferson (74) (R)

Note: Jefferson was the Vikings' top pick, and he's also the team's highest-rated rookie. His 91 speed is good, but Jefferson was a little disappointed with getting an 83 catch rating. Madden has Tajae Sharpe ahead of Jefferson, but I'd be shocked if that's how the depth chart unfolds.

C.J. Ham (73)

Note: Madden has Ham as the sixth-best fullback in the league. I refuse to believe that's the case. He should be in the upper 70s or low 80s.

Pat Elflein (72)

Anthony Zettel (72)

Riley Reiff (71)

Ben Gedeon (71)

Eric Wilson (71)

Ameer Abdullah (71)

Holton Hill (71)

Jeff Gladney (71) (R)

Ifeadi Odenigbo (70)

Note: Despite playing limited snaps, Odenigbo's 7.0 sacks were tied for 19th-most among defensive ends last year. Yet he's not among the top 100 defensive ends in Madden 21. How does that add up?

Shamar Stephen (69)

Bisi Johnson (68)

Dru Samia (67)

Armon Watts (67)

Note: Watts could be a starter for the Vikings in 2020. He's only two points behind Shamar Stephen in Madden rating, and I think he has a much higher upside. The former sixth-round pick could be in the mid-to-high 70s by the end of the season if he wins the three-technique job.

Jaleel Johnson (67)

Eddie Yarbrough (67)

Mike Boone (67)

Chad Beebe (67)

Ezra Cleveland (66) (R)

Brett Jones (66)

Cameron Dantzler (66) (R)

Jalyn Holmes (65)

D.J. Wonnum (65) (R)

Cameron Smith (65)

Troy Dye (65) (R)

Josh Metellus (65) (R)

K.J. Osborn (65) (R)

Nate Meadors (65)

Aviante Collins (64)

Kenny Willekes (64) (R)

James Lynch (64) (R)

Note: I understand rookies start out with low ratings, but it really feels like the defensive players the Vikings picked in rounds 3 and 4 – Dantzler, Wonnum, Lynch and Dye – should be higher than the 64-66 range.

Tyler Conklin (64)

Tony Brooks-James (64)

Harrison Hand (64) (R)

Dillon Mitchell (64)

Rashod Hill (63)

Davion Davis (63)

Brian Cole II (62) (R)

Kris Boyd (62)

Olisaemeka Udoh (61)

Hercules Mata'afa (61)

Alexander Hollins (61)

Kyle Hinton (60) (R)

Dakota Dozier (60)

Mark Fields II (60)

Brandon Dillon (59)

Blake Brandel (58) (R)

Sean Mannion (54)

Note: This is yet another reminder that the Vikings have one of the worst backup QB situations in the entire league. After Cousins at 82, they have three QBs at either 53 or 54. Mannion's rating is 94th among all quarterbacks.

Nate Stanley (53) (R)

Jake Browning (53)

Austin Cutting (26)

Note: Madden doesn't have long snapper as one of its positions, so Cutting is listed as a tight end. That's why he's so low. Poor guy.

70 of the 87 current Vikings are in Madden right now. The 17 who don't have ratings are their 12 UDFAs, CFL pickups Bralon Addison and Marcus Sayles, XFL signee DeMarquis Gates, cornerback Kemon Hall, and defensive end Stacy Keely. PUBLICATION: Vikings Entertainment Network DATE: 7/22/20

TCO Performance Center Retrofitted for COVID-19

By Craig Peters

EAGAN, Minn. — Across multiple metrics, the Vikings have one of the best starting safety combos in the NFL.

Harrison Smith is entering his ninth season, having been to the in each of the past five.

Anthony Harris, an undrafted free agent in 2015, tied for the NFL lead with six interceptions in 2019. He showed he was ready to be a Week 1 starter last fall by picking off Matt Ryan twice and recovering a .

At the time of the 2020 NFL Draft, Minnesota wasn't looking for a starting safety. The Vikings instead needed to add depth behind the dynamic duo and did so with a pair of picks.

The Vikings roster has three rookie safeties: Josh Metellus (205th overall pick), Brian Cole II (249th overall pick) and Myles Dorn (undrafted free agent). As we cap our Xs and Os series on draft picks, here's a breakdown of Metellus and Cole. Vikings.com's Lindsey Young has a feature on Dorn coming out later this week.

Photos: Michigan S Josh Metellus View images of Vikings new S Josh Metellus from his days at Michigan.

Player Profile: Josh Metellus, Michigan, senior

Metellus is listed at 5-foot-11 and 209 pounds. He played in 47 contests with 38 starts (37 at safety and one at linebacker) and earned All-Big Ten First-Team honors from The Associated Press in 2018. Metellus also garnered Second-Team recognition from league coaches in 2018 and Honorable Mention in 2017 and '19.

The native of Pembroke Pines, Florida, proved able to do a bit of everything, totaling 187 tackles (101 solo), 9.0 tackles for loss, 1.0 sack, five interceptions, 21 passes defended, a forced fumble, fumble recovery and blocked punt. All five of his picks and 7.5 of his tackles for loss were recorded in the past two seasons.

Metellus played for Devin Bush, Sr., and helped Flanagan High School (Florida) win the FHSAA Class 8A state title in 2015. He then joined teammates Devin Bush and Devin Gil at Michigan. Bush was selected by Pittsburgh with the 10th overall pick in 2019. The older Bush played eight seasons in the NFL, winning a Super Bowl with the 1999 Rams.

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Rookie Mini Chat: College Rivals Josh Metellus and Kenny Willekes Talk Michigan-Michigan State Rivalry and More Where He Could Play: The Vikings are stacked at their starting safety spots, but depth is always a good thing to have.

Metellus will be able to be an understudy and learn directly from Smith and Harris, who are quite versatile and effective in Head Coach Mike Zimmer's scheme that tasks safeties with a wide array of responsibilities.

While learning the interchangeable aspects of safety play in the system, Metellus no doubt will be soaking up everything he can on special teams. He used the virtual offseason program as an opportunity to ask Special Teams Coordinator Marwan Maalouf numerous questions.

Self-reflection: "Moving around definitely helps me because at the end of the day I just want to be able to get on the field. Moving around at Michigan has helped me a lot with getting a different feel for the game and helping my football IQ. That's the biggest thing, I'll be able to come in and do whatever the coaches ask."

— Metellus

Film Room: Metellus Poised To Make An Immediate Impact on Special Teams With Long-Term Potential To Shine on Defense Film Breakdown: Former Vikings player and coach Pete Bercich, now a Vikings Radio Network analyst, looked at some of Metellus' college tape and said he is "very intrigued by this pick."

Bercich suggested that Metellus should connect with Maalouf soon after entering Twin Cities Orthopedics Performance Center.

"As a player, and I know this personally, everyone wants to make the team at their position. Well, the problem you have is you have Anthony Harris and Harrison Smith, two pretty darn good safeties in front of you," Bercich said. "It doesn't mean you're not a great football player, it doesn't mean you're not going to make this team, but you have to understand how. You've got to go to Marwan Maalouf's office, knock on his door and say, 'I'm going to be your best friend.'

"This is before going to your position coaches. You've got to get in there, get to know the special teams, let them know, 'Whatever it is that I need to do to make the team, I'm going to do,' Bercich continued. "I believe that Josh Metellus can be one of the better special teams players out there as well, so I'm looking for this kid to have an impact in a number of different ways this year. Tons of potential, love the way he reads and how quick he is to react."

Bercich noted that Metellus lined up at multiple spots before snaps and was quick to process what was going on during plays. One such play resulted in an at Maryland.

"In this instance here, he's the deep safety. As soon as the ball is snapped and the receiver is running that route, the flare. [Metellus] sees the flare, he knows that the outside guy is coming underneath, so he immediately stops his feet and goes underneath to pick that thing off," Bercich said. "When you have a safety who is not a 4.4 guy [in the 40- yard dash], he can't waste any movement, but I think this kid is veteran enough and can diagnose the plays. The ball gets tipped, he comes underneath and makes the play, so you've got to love — and you'll see it throughout this film — his ability to recognize plays and to be at the right place at the right time."

Bercich also pointed out a pair of pass breakups at Indiana.

"You'll see Josh out here toward the bottom of the field, kind of playing a nickel corner, but still a safety off," Bercich said. "As soon as he sees the receiver chop his feet, he looks inside and sees that slot receiver coming out to block him, so he knows he's got himself a whip screen in front of him. He plants his foot and is able to get underneath, get in and break that play up."

The other play against the Hoosiers involved diagnosing a pre-snap movement by Indiana and communication to other teammates before a goal-to-go play. Metellus then thwarts a corner route in the end zone.

"This is one of the hardest things you can do as a DB in a number of ways. First of all, it's 3-on-3 on the outside. They have no extra defender. That's tough," Bercich said. "The second thing is he's covering that slot receiver, and that slot receiver runs a corner route, so he's got to set up, be inside with his body and then get outside and undercut that route. I love to see the awareness of where he fits, the receiver coming at him, him blocking the inside, but as soon as that receiver cuts to the corner, he plants his foot, goes underneath and tries to get underneath that throw and break it up. Fantastic recognition."

Photos: Mississippi State S Brian Cole II View images of Brian Cole II from is days at Mississippi State.

Player Profile: Brian Cole II, Mississippi State, redshirt senior

Cole, who is listed at 6-2 and 213 pounds, nearly was a teammate of Metellus at Michigan.

The native of Saginaw, Michigan, began his college career with the Wolverines in 2015 as a receiver. After playing three games, he transferred to East Mississippi Community College and switched sides of the ball. He did well at school that has been spotlighted on Netflix's Last Chance U, ranking in the top five among JUCO safeties in America, according to 247 Sports and Scout.com. Cole then transferred to Mississippi State.

After redshirting in 2017, he played five games (four starts) before suffering an injury in 2018. Cole returned to action last fall and started all 12 games he played, ranking third on the team with 65 tackles and second with 7.5 tackles for loss in 2019.

Cole was the top-rated player in Michigan by 247 Sports and ESPN.com when he signed with the Wolverines.

Brian Cole College Highlights Where He Could Play: Cole also will be able to learn the finer points of versatility at safety from Smith and Harris, but he may be best suited for in-the-box play because of his size.

The pivoting that he did during his college transitions should help him adjust on the fly at this level.

Special teams are likely to be quite important in his quest for a roster spot as well.

It's also possible that Minnesota could try Cole in a "big nickel" defense with him as a fifth defensive back, similar to the role that former safety Jayron Kearse grew into last season.

Self-reflection: "It was a transition for me going from offense to defense. That was my first year playing defense. I just had to get used to not touching the ball, not playing offense, tackling and reading offenses instead of reading a defense, and personally it's my growth. When you go from a D-I school to a junior college, it's a major difference. As far as scholarship money, the food you eat, where you lay your head at night, everything is just different. But it molded me. That's what humbled me, that's what got me to love the game of football again and brought the drive back."

— Cole

Film Room: Coverage Skills Will Dictate Brian Cole's NFL Future With The Vikings Film Breakdown: Bercich noted Cole's "requisite size" to play safety in the NFL and said he believes the rookie "has a lot of upside."

"He's a big-bodied guy, in the paint, making a lot of tackles," Bercich said. "We'll see how he can do in coverage, and I think that's going to be his biggest challenge as he tries to make a roster spot on this 2020 Vikings team.

"One of the things you'll notice is that Cole lines up in the slot, sort of a nickel defender as we would traditionally call it," Bercich added. "I don't think he possesses the quickness to play that position at this next level, so he's going to have to find a way to fit in at one of the two safety positions, maybe come in if a big-nickel situation is involved where you have a three-receiver set and teams are going to be heavy on the run."

Bercich noted Cole's ability to blitz in a play against Kansas State.

"He disguises it well, times it perfectly, gets in there, sacks the quarterback, causes a fumble, so a big playmaker from the outside, and whenever a big body can get moving north and south, he is able to make things happen," Bercich said.

Minnesota Vikings 2020 Draft Class in Photos View images of all of the Minnesota Vikings 2020 NFL Draft picks.

Bercich said "there's no question" that Cole can be a good run defender in the NFL, but what about pass coverage? He highlighted plays at Tennessee and Arkansas that resulted in an end-zone interception and pass breakup.

"Here is one of the toughest routes that you can ask a safety or any DB to cover," Bercich said of the play against the Volunteers. "That's shaded outside on the No. 2 receiver and then have to come back, cover that receiver all the way to the post, and he does a great job of following him in, going and getting the football and then intercepting it. That's a pretty impressive coverage play by a guy who is in the box, in the paint and making a lot of tackles on the run."

The Razorbacks tried to "okey-doke" Cole and make the pass play look like a run, but Cole wasn't having it. He used strong technique to force the incompletion.

"Cole keeps his right hand on the receiver and then goes for the football with his left hand, which is great fundamentally," Bercich said. "That way, if he does miss the pass breakup, he's able to have his right hand on the hip of the receiver and bring him down, a good fundamental play right there." PUBLICATION: Vikings Entertainment Network DATE: 7/22/20

C.J. Ham Hosts 'Kamryn & Friends' Pop-Up to Benefit Minneapolis Community

By Lindsey Young

ROSEMOUNT, Minn. – The friendships – and the impact – just keep growing.

The Kamryn and Friends Bracelet Bunch, which we first met in June, has now raised more than $130,000 for families in need and recovery efforts for parts of the Minneapolis community damaged following the senseless death of George Floyd.

Kamryn Johnson, 9, and a few neighborhood friends have grown their friendship bracelet effort from a single lemonade-stand-style setup at her home in Chanhassen to a traveling nonprofit of sorts.

The group now has transitioned to regular pop-ups in neighborhoods throughout the Twin Cities, the most recent being hosted in Rosemount by Vikings fullback C.J. Ham.

A good friend of Kamryn's father, FOX 9 analyst and KFAN and Vikings Entertainment Network contributor Ron Johnson, C.J. and his wife Stephanie reached out to the Johnsons and offered to host one of the weekly events.

Ham Hosts Bracelet Pop-Up Shop to Benefit Families in Need View photos of Vikings FB C.J. Ham who hosted, The Kamryn and Friends Bracelet Bunch, a pop-up bracelet shop that raises money to help Minneapolis families in need.

"They've been everywhere," C.J. laughed of Kamryn and Friends, who have been featured on the likes of Good Morning America and The Kelly Clarkson Show. "We reached out to see how we could get involved, [and we] were more than happy to serve them in [this way]."

C.J. autographed brightly colored shirts that have since been designed for Kamryn & Friends, adding his signature just above the group's printed mantra: Creative hands bringing communities together.

The impact that the Bracelet Bunch is making is not lost on C.J., a Minnesota native who grew up in Duluth and regularly is involved in giving back to his home state.

"It's truly amazing. It really warms my heart to see so many different people coming together for this," C.J. said. "Especially being young people, being young kids, to really grasp how important it is to come together – no matter what race you are, no matter your beliefs – and do something for a greater purpose, and these kids have done that. It's truly heartwarming to see that in the younger generation."

C.J. and Stephanie also aim to raise their young daughters, Skylar (4) and Stella (1), to treat others with kindness and look for ways to make a difference.

Skylar spent time at the bracelet pop-up, watching Kamryn braid the brightly colored thread and selecting a Vikings- colored bracelet that she then carefully tied around C.J.'s wrist.

"To have her out here, obviously she's wondering [about the event], and it's just an opportunity for us to dive into this," C.J. said. "It doesn't have to be diving into it really deep, but just at a young age, bring this to light in her mind and see how much fun people can have [while supporting a good cause]."

Ron and his wife, Shani, have enjoyed the opportunity to connect with individuals all over the Twin Cities who have heard about the Bracelet Bunch. In addition to the money being raised, they're grateful for the productive conversations that consistently and organically take place during the events.

"It's just been cool, everywhere this has gone, the neighborhoods we've been to, the conversations we've had, especially around race," Ron said. "That's something a lot of people often don't want to [talk about], and that's what's been cool.

"You just never know what's going to come of it," he added.

Ron's statement rang especially true on Friday when members of the Rosemount Police Department arrived at the neighborhood.

Chief of Police Mikael Dahlstrom, along with a number of officers, greeted Kamryn and the group with smiles and warm waves.

"How much are the bracelets?" Dahlstrom asked, counting out bills. "How many will $100 buy?"

Kamryn's face lit up as she showed Dahlstrom and the other officers rows and rows of the brightly braided bands to choose from. The police chief later made another $100 donation and spent time talking with C.J. and Ron about the Bracelet Bunch's admirable work.

Dahlstrom said that his department had taken notice of Kamryn's efforts through social media and were happy for the opportunity to visit the Rosemount pop-up.

"I'm all about service. Our profession is all about service. Everybody can be great if they're willing to serve, and I think that's what Kam is doing – and we wanted to come support that," he explained. "The kids, the atmosphere here is happiness, it's spreading partnership with the community. That's what our mission statement is at the police station, as well, so they're doing everything that we want to do.

"I was speaking with C.J. Ham and Ron Johnson and mentioning, 'Can we do partnerships in the future to try to build these conversations?' " Dahlstrom added. "I think we've got parts of society that are on opposite ends of the spectrum, and we need to bring people to the middle. Those conversations might be difficult, but it's events like this that do that, and that's why we want to be part of it."

Especially considering the recent social unrest in the Twin Cities and across the country, Dahlstrom said seeing young people like Kamryn making such a tremendous difference in the community "means everything" to him.

"I think that's the future; you have figureheads in the community that are leading by example – that's the first thing I would say," Dahlstrom said. "And to me, like I was talking to C.J. about, I didn't like police officers before I became a police officer, because I didn't understand what it was like to be one. As I've started to have more of these conversations, somebody gave me the analogy of, 'Chief, you're feeling hate right now; you're feeling like people are judging you. But you can go home and take off your uniform. [But] people can't take off their uniform.'

"That was an analogy that resonated with me, and I want to continue to have conversations like that to build perspective," Dahlstrom added.

As Kamryn & Friends continues to travel around the Twin Cities, the Johnsons are continually evaluating various platforms, causes and nonprofits to which they can donate the proceeds.

A portion of the proceeds have already been donated, and most recently the family has worked with a social worker to purchase groceries for inner-city families who have a financial need or have been directly affected by local damaged businesses.

"I want to do that stuff, one, to show them that as bad as it might seem, 'There is a God, and God does love you," Ron said.

"We've done nothing special," he later added. "I think God's been doing it all, and these kids are proof of it – that no matter how young, no matter how small, no matter what color you are, you can help people. You can make a difference. And I think that's key." PUBLICATION: Vikings Entertainment Network DATE: 7/22/20

Minnesota Vikings Podcast Episode 51 Highlights: Cameron Dantzler Explains Nickname "The Needle" & Confidence Level

By Chris Corso

Vikings third-round draft pick Cameron Dantzler says he's been doubted his entire life.

Growing up in Hammond, Louisiana, the cornerback had a lanky body frame, which resulted in a unique nickname given to him by his high school coach that has stuck with him to this day.

"The Needle."

"It came from around like sophomore year when I weighed like 140, 150 pounds," Dantzler said. "I was always a tall, skinny guy. I was always tackling people and [my opponent] would just stay down for a long time.

"My coach was like 'We are going to call you The Needle!' It's stuck with me for a long time."

Vikings Head Coach Mike Zimmer has long had a taste for tall cornerbacks, and the Mississippi State product fit the bill at the 89th overall pick.

While his length is certainly a strength that could translate to the league, the 6-foot-2, 188-pound Dantzler has always said that confidence is his best trait.

"My confidence is going to be more dangerous when I step to the next level," Dantzler said. "Me being a smaller guy, you just have to have confidence in what you do and know your abilities. I just try to do that with everything I do, not just football."

Dantzler believes that most successful cornerbacks in the league have that mindset and even have an edge of "cockiness" to their game.

"It's confidence, but you got to be cocky a little bit," Dantzler said. "I have a little flavor and cockiness in my game," Dantzler laughed.

That definitely translated to the field for Dantzler as a Bulldog, where he never allowed his opponent to collect more than 60 receiving yards throughout his college career.

A wild statistic from Pro Football Focus circulated across Twitter last week on that success he had over his final two years at Mississippi State:

Here are five other topics that Dantzler covers during the show.

1. Quarterback in high school

Dantzler attended Saint Thomas Aquinas High School in Louisiana. He was the team's starting quarterback his junior and senior seasons, which he says helped him get a scholarship to Mississippi State.

The dual-threat QB ran for 1,901 yards and 26 rushing touchdowns and threw for 1,381 yards and 11 touchdowns.

Dantzler believes this experience will help him at the cornerback decision on the NFL level.

"I just feel like playing the quarterback position in high school really helps you play cornerback. A lot of corners really play quarterback in high school. You know what the quarterback is thinking. You know his reads and his eye contact to the receiver. I have just tried to progress that to my game moving forward."

Cameron Dantzler College Highlights 2. Dominant in the SEC

Dantzler started 22 of 35 games in Starkville, appearing in 13 games as a redshirt freshman.

Throughout his career he allowed just 36 catches for 459 yards on 568 pass coverage snaps. He totaled 108 career tackles, including 6.0 for losses and 1.5 sacks and five interceptions.

Dantzler attributes much of his success to his former defensive backs coach, Terrell Buckley, who is the only player with 50-plus interceptions to never make a Pro Bowl in NFL history.

"He was a guy that taught me a lot. When I was coming into college, I never really played corner. I was confused still. I didn't have hips or nothing like that.

"I was athletic, so they tried me at corner," Dantzler said. "Having a guy like Coach Buckley, he really taught me a lot with my patience, eyes and hands. I really got most of my confidence and swagger from him."

3. Relationship with Justin Jefferson and SEC teammates

Dantzler and Vikings first-round pick Justin Jefferson both grew up in the same state and have continued to have a lot in common through the years.

The teammates were rivals in college in the SEC, but they have a special relationship that has continued to develop throughout the draft process.

"We actually trained together at the combine too," Dantzler said. "We would always say to each other, 'What happens if we get drafted together?' We battled a lot in the combine, in college, and it's just a blessing to have a guy like that on your side to battle against every day in practice."

'You're Going To Come In and Compete and We'll Help You Get Better' | Cameron Dantzler Draft Room Call 4. Role models in the NFL

Growing up in Louisiana, the player that Dantzler looked up to was an easy choice: All-Pro defensive back and former LSU Tiger Tyrann Mathieu, who grew up in New Orleans.

When Dantzler asked about some of the other players in today's NFL that he wants to pattern his game after, he was quick to name two other superstars at the position.

"Jalen Ramsey and Richard Sherman," Dantzler said. "Those guys play with fundamentals, they have good technique and they've got that swagger to them. Especially Jalen Ramsey, I just love that swagger about him, and I try to watch his game."

5. Fisherman at heart

When asked about his hobbies off the field, Dantzler said he loves to get outdoors.

"I like to go fishing," Dantzler said. "I'm a nature type of guy. I like to go fishing, hunting; I just like the wilderness."