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3 Fan Code of Conduct 5 Big Pics: Week 15

game-day guide 8 Tonight’s Game 11 Tonight’s Promotions 13 Vikings Snapshot 14 Packers Snapshot 16 Depth Charts & Rosters FEATURES 19 Timeout with Pat Elflein 22 Dalvin Cook: Gifts Galore 28 Anthony Barr: Heart & SKOL 33 3 Vikings Named to 2020 37 Purple Pups: Orion & Atlas Weatherly 41 Kyle Rudolph MOY

extras 43 NFL 100: Early Border Battles 44 Minnesota Vikings Foundation 47 Cheerleader of the Game 48 Viktor the Viking 51 U.S. Bank Stadium Maps 52 Concession Offerings

EDITOR: Craig Peters COPY EDITOR: Lindsey Young WRITERS: Craig Peters, Eric Smith & Lindsey Young ART DIRECTION & DESIGN: Taylar Sievert, Alicia Dreyer, Elizabeth Bazany, Dane Kuhn & Jackie Ramacher PHOTOGRAPHY: Andy Kenutis, Travis Ellison, Dane Kuhn, Kam Nedd & the Associated Press PUBLISHED BY: GameDay Sports; [email protected] ADVERTISING INQUIRIES: WANT COFFEE? POPCORN? BEER? [email protected] THE VIKINGS CHATBOT CAN HELP! © 2019 by Minnesota Vikings Football, LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction in Use the camera app on your smartphone whole or in part without written consent of the publisher is prohibited. to scan and find your favorites.

2019 vikings playbook 1

WE ARE VIKINGS, NOT BARBARIANS REPORT We are confident that our fans lead the NFL in enthusiasm, support, hospitality and ISSUES sportsmanship. Our image is shaped not only by our players, coaches and employees, but by our Text VIKES (space), the fans as well. Our goal is to create a high-energy environment to lend support to our team, while issue and location to: maintaining a family-oriented atmosphere.

TO ENSURE that all fans have a pleasant game-day • Sitting or standing in the aisles experience, each patron should act responsibly and be • Entering or attempting to enter the field of play considerate of others. Unruly behavior will not be tolerated • Failure to follow instructions of stadium security and, in some cases, might be deemed grounds for personnel dismissal from U.S. Bank Stadium. These cases include, • Entering the stadium with any prohibited items VIKINGS CHATBOT but are not limited to, the following: • Harassment of visiting-team fans Use the camera app on • Being under the influence of drugs or alcohol Season Ticket Owners are responsible for the actions • Underage drinking of any individual using their tickets. Any of the above your smartphone to scan • Actions that are harmful to or endanger others behavior by anyone using an account owner’s ticket(s) and start your chat. • Throwing items of any kind may be cause for non-renewal of ticket privileges. Vikings • Using foul or abusive language and/or gestures management and security reserve the right to deem an • Displaying inconsiderate behavior toward others act or exhibited behavior as inappropriate and take action, • Disorderly conduct based on available information and circumstances. Thank • Wearing obscene or indecent clothing you for making U.S. Bank Stadium an enjoyable and • Smoking in non-designated areas friendly atmosphere to watch Vikings football!

The Vikings strongly encourage fans to not bring any type of bags, but should the need arise, fans will be able to carry the following style and size bag, package or container at stadium plaza areas, stadium gates, or when approaching queue CLEAR PLASTIC BAG SMALL CLUTCH BAGS ONE GALLON BAG lines of fans awaiting entry into the stadium: No larger than 12” x 6” x 12” No larger than 4.5” x 6.5” Clear plastic freezer bag

2019 vikings playbook 3

week 15 big pics

at

01 at chargers 02 03

The Vikings recorded seven takeaways — four fumble recoveries and three — to run away from the Chargers in a 39-10 victory at Los Angeles.

A purple-clad crowd filled the stands in the first meeting between the teams in L.A. Minnesota (10-4) finished its road slate 4-4.

01 Ifeadi Odenigbo returned a 02 Mike Hughes snagged 03 Trae Waynes returned a want more? fumble forced by Danielle Hunter his first fumble that was forced Check out ‘Through the Lens’ 56 yards for a touchdown for a of 2019 and joined by Eric Kendricks 20 presented by Andersen Windows and 19-10 lead just before halftime. Harrison Smith and yards in the fourth Doors on vikings.com or follow Official Hunter recorded a sack on the Anthony Harris in quarter. Waynes also play and delivered a key block picking off . forced a fumble and had Team Photographer Andy Kenutis during the return. a tackle for loss. @vikingsphotog on Instagram.

2019 vikings playbook 5 big pics week 15

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04 Irv Smith, Jr., caught a 1-yard 05 Mike Boone recorded career 06 Harrison Smith recovered a 07 Hunter’s second forced fumble of touchdown to cap Minnesota’s highs of 13 rushes and 56 fumble forced by Danielle the game occurred during a sack first possession. Seven different yards and helped ice the game Hunter in the first quarter of Rivers. The ball was eventually receiving options/runners touched with the first two rushing and intercepted Philip Rivers collected and returned for a score the football during the drive. touchdowns of his career. in the second quarter. by Ifeadi Odenigbo.

6 2019 vikings playbook

tonight’s game is presented by

gjallarhorn Vikings Legend Brian Robison, who played all 11 of his pro seasons with the Vikings, will sound the Gjallarhorn. Robison is tied for ninth in franchise history with 60 career sacks. Robison forced a fumble during a sack of in the fourth quarter of the inaugural game at U.S. Bank Stadium in 2016. The takeaway helped Minnesota Tonight’s game is the 119th Border Battle maintain its lead in the NFC North. prevail 17-14. In order to win the third division title in six between Green Bay and Minnesota. seasons under Head Coach Mike Zimmer, the Vikings need to win their final two games special recognition The Packers lead the series 61-54-3, which and have the Packers lose to or tie the Lions Members of the historic “Miracle includes a pair of postseason contests that next week. on Ice” USA hockey team that the teams split. Both teams have won eight of their past upset the U.S.S.R. before Minnesota is 5-2-1 in the past eight meetings, 10 games, but they have fared differently in defeating Finland to win the including 3-0 at home since U.S. Bank Stadium close games this season. Minnesota is 2-3 in Gold Medal at the 1980 Winter opened in 2016. Green Bay prevailed 21-16 in games decided by eight or fewer points, and Olympics will be recognized. Week 2 at Lambeau Field and has been able to Green Bay is 7-1 in such games.

color guard A Joint Services Honor Guard representing all branches of service will present the colors during the National Anthem. During each home game, U.S. Bank and the Minnesota Vikings will recognize

individuals who have helped make our community a better place. halftime Tonight’s Hometown Hero is 99-year-old Ray Robinson, who served in the 92nd Infantry Division A ceremony highlighting great during World War II. Nicknamed the “Buffalo Soldiers” at a time when the military was segregated, moments in Vikings-Packers the 92nd Infantry Division fought in combat in Italy from 1944 to history will include a special video the war’s end. If you would like to nominate a Hometown Hero, visit narrated by Pro Football Hall of Vikings.com/fans/promos/hometown-hero. Fame defensive tackle Alan Page and on-field recognitions.

8 2019 vikings playbook As the Vikings fight for victory, you HELP THEM WIN. As people in our community fight to survive, you can HELP THEM WIN, too. AD

Thousands of hardworking people are battling poverty in the Twin Cities. You can help them win by giving to The Salvation Army Dec. 23-24, when all donations will be doubled with up to $1 million in matching funds. Your gift will put food in their stomachs, clothes on their back, and hope in their hearts.

Double your donation now at SalvationArmyNorth.org/Double AD

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PEPSI_H1_NB_LARGE_4C (4" AND LARGER) Tonight’s Kwik Trip opening drive Spalon Montage will be giving away a hy-vee #skol contestant is Cheri Olson from La Crescent. $100 gift card at tonight’s game! Show Cheri will win a $25 gift card for every yard us your game-day hairstyle by tweeting Share a photo at tonight’s game using earned on the Vikings opening drive plus a photo @VikingsPromos using #SKOL to see yourself on the video a $500 bonus for a field goal or $1,000 for #VikingsHairstyle to enter. board and for the chance to win a $25 an opening drive touchdown. To enter, see Hy-Vee gift card! your neighborhood Kwik Trip today!

use the camera app on your smart phone to scan the qr code. then WIN A CARIBOU COFFEE GIFT CARD tell us your caribou coffee drink of choice to be entered to win.

2019 vikings playbook 11

snapshot vikings

2o19 season leaders Passing (Yds) Kirk Cousins 3,481 Rushing (Yds) Dalvin Cook 1,135 Receiving (Yds) Stefon Diggs 1,073 Tackles Eric Kendricks 130 Sacks Danielle Hunter 13.5 Interceptions Anthony Harris 5 KOR (Yds) Ameer Abdullah 297 PR (Avg.) Mike Hughes 6.2

2019 schedule preseason (3-1) P1 8/9 at W 34-25 P2 8/18 W 25-19 P3 8/24 Arizona Cardinals W 20-9 P4 8/29 at Buffalo Bills L 27-23

regular season (10-4) player to watch: 1 9/8 Atlanta Falcons W 28-12 2 9/15 at L 21-16 3 9/22 Oakland Raiders W 34-14 CB MACKENSIE ALEXANDER 4 9/29 at L 16-6 5 10/6 at New York Giants W 28-10 ALEXANDER IS ENTERING HIS SIXTH BORDER BATTLE and has the distinction of never 6 10/13 Philadelphia Eagles W 38-20 having lost when suiting up against the Packers. Minnesota is 4-0-1 with Alexander in 7 10/20 at Detroit Lions W 42-30 8 10/24 Washington Redskins W 19-9 the lineup since his rookie season of 2016. Alexander has gone from playing six snaps 9 11/3 at Kansas City Chiefs L 26-23 on defense in 2016 to 54 at Lambeau Field in 2018 and another 40 at home last season. 10 11/10 at Dallas Cowboys W 28-24 Alexander was unable to play in the first meeting between the teams this season 11 11/17 Denver Broncos W 27-23 12 11/24 Bye Week because of an injury he suffered in Week 1. The Vikings missed his experience in the 13 12/2 at Seattle Seahawks L 37-30 slot in a 21-16 loss. The 2016 second-round pick has grown to appreciate the demanding 14 12/8 Detroit Lions W 20-7 role that allows him to demonstrate his versatility. The position involves covering 15 12/15 at Los Angeles Chargers W 39-10 16 12/23 Green Bay Packers routes, supporting the run and — in the Vikings system — taking advantage of a blitz 17 12/29 Chicago Bears opportunity. Alexander best displayed his versatility in Week 6 against Philadelphia when he shared a sack with Eric Kendricks and intercepted Carson Wentz.

top 2 against packers A SPECIAL EVENING: ALEXANDER AND ROOKIE CENTER GARRETT rushing yards BRADBURY TEAMED TO SURPRISE THE ROCHESTER FLYERS SPECIAL 210 Adrian Peterson on 21 attempts at Green Bay (Dec. 2, 2012) OLYMPICS UNIFIED FLAG FOOTBALL TEAM AT TCO PERFORMANCE 199 Adrian Peterson on 34 attempts CENTER ON THE NIGHT THAT PLAYERS SIGNED “CONTRACTS” WITH vs. Green Bay (Dec. 30, 2012) GENERAL MANAGER RICK SPIELMAN AND HELD THEIR FIRST PRACTICE. passing yards 442 Randall Cunningham on 20-of-32 passing THE FLYERS TRAVELED TO CALIFORNIA LAST WEEK TO PLAY A TEAM at Green Bay (Oct. 5, 1998) THAT WAS SPONSORED BY THE CHARGERS. 425 Kirk Cousins on 35-of-48 passing at Green Bay (Sept. 16, 2018)

receiving yards 202 Adam Thielen on 12 catches Alexander recorded 4.0 sacks in 2018, including one of Aaron Rodgers, to at Green Bay (Dec. 24, 2016) in lead all cornerbacks and tie a Vikings single-season record for sacks by a 190 on five catches 2018 at Green Bay (Oct. 5, 1998) 4.0 defensive back (Robert Griffith).

2019 vikings playbook 13 packers snapshot

2o19 season leaders Passing (Yds) Aaron Rodgers 3,463 Rushing (Yds) Aaron Jones 830 Receiving (Yds) 788 Tackles Blake Martinez 140 Sacks Preston Smith 11.5 Interceptions Kevin King 4 KOR (Yds) Tremon Smith 303 PR (Avg.) Tyler Ervin 12.6

2019 schedule preseason (2-2) P1 8/8 Houston Texans W 28-26 P2 8/15 at Baltimore Ravens L 26-13 P3 8/22 at Oakland Raiders* L 22-21 P4 8/29 Kansas City Chiefs W 27-20 * Winnipeg, Canada

regular season (11-3) player to watch: 1 9/5 at Chicago Bears W 10-3 2 9/15 Minnesota Vikings W 21-16 3 9/22 Denver Broncos W 27-16 QB AARON RODGERS 4 9/26 Philadelphia Eagles L 34-27 5 10/6 at Dallas Cowboys W 34-24 UNDENIABLY ONE OF THE HARDEST TO DEFEND in the NFL, Aaron 6 10/14 Detroit Lions W 23-22 7 10/20 Oakland Raiders W 42-24 Rodgers enters tonight’s game ranked 13th in passing yards in NFL history with 46,407. 8 10/27 at Kansas City Chiefs W 31-24 He needs 597 to overtake Hall of Famer , who totaled 47,003 with the 9 11/3 at Los Angeles Chargers L 26-11 Vikings, Giants and Vikings before retiring as the most prolific passer in NFL history. 10 11/10 Carolina Panthers W 24-16 11 Bye Week Rodgers tied Tarkenton’s 342 passing touchdowns in Week 3. He has 362 entering 12 11/24 at San Francisco 49ers L 37-8 tonight’s game, which is one shy of , who is in eighth place. Eli 13 12/1 at New York Giants W 31-13 Manning had 366 entering Week 16. Rodgers’ career of 102.9 is the best 14 12/8 Washington Redskins W 20-15 15 12/15 Chicago Bears W 21-13 all-time in league history, ahead of (101.4), (98.0), Kirk 16 12/23 at Minnesota Vikings Cousins (97.1) and Tony Romo (97.1). That figure is helped by an interception rate of 1.4 17 12/29 at Detroit Lions percent that is the lowest all-time. Rodgers utilizes a strong arm and mobility within the pocket to extend plays, allowing his receivers to break free from otherwise solid coverage, then delivering the ball before a defender has time to recover. top 2 against vikings rushing yards 164 on 17 attempts IN THE BORDER BATTLE: IN 22 PREVIOUS GAMES AGAINST THE in Minnesota (Oct. 14, 1962) VIKINGS (21 STARTS), RODGERS HAS COMPLETED 450 OF 663 PASSES 161 on 25 attempts in Minnesota (Dec. 17, 2000) FOR 5,259 YARDS WITH 43 TOUCHDOWNS AND SIX INTERCEPTIONS. passing yards THE VIKINGS HAVE SACKED HIM 66 TIMES, WHICH IS THE MOST OF 384 Aaron Rodgers on 26-of-37 passing in Minnesota (Oct. 5, 2009) ANY TEAM AGAINST RODGERS AND 20 MORE THAN THE BEARS. 383 Lynn Dickey on 23-of-41 passing at Green Bay (Oct. 23, 1983)

receiving yards 191 on six catches + Rodgers has posted a passer rating of 100 or higher in Minnesota (Nov. 12, 2006) 90 with in 90 of the 172 games he has started. He has hit the 162 Donald Driver on 11 catches benchmark 13 times in 21 starts against the Vikings. in Minnesota (Dec.24, 2004) 100

14 2019 vikings playbook

VIKINGS ROSTER

2 Britton Colquitt P 4 Sean Mannion QB 33 30 running back fullback 5 Dan Bailey K Dalvin Cook 8 C.J. Ham quarterback 8 Kirk Cousins QB Kirk Cousins 11 Laquon Treadwell WR 14 Stefon Diggs WR 15 Alexander Hollins WR 19 Adam Thielen WR 14 82 75 64 56 65 71 19 wide receiver right tackle right guard center left guard left tackle wide receiver 20 Mackensie Alexander CB Stefon Diggs Kyle Rudolph Brian O’Neill Josh Kline Garrett Bradbury Pat Elflein Riley Reiff Adam Thielen 21 Mike Hughes CB 22 Harrison Smith S vikings offense 23 Mike Boone RB packers defense 24 Holton Hill CB 25 Alexander Mattison RB 26 Trae Waynes CB 23 94 97 95 20 27 Jayron Kearse S cornerback defensive end nose tackle defensive end cornerback 29 Xavier Rhodes CB 91 Kenny Clark 55 Kevin King 30 C.J. Ham FB linebacker linebacker Preston Smith Za’Darius Smith 31 Ameer Abdullah RB 33 Dalvin Cook RB 50 93 34 Andrew Sendejo S linebacker linebacker 31 Blake Martinez B.J. Goodson 26 38 Kris Boyd CB safety safety 40 Kentrell Brothers LB 41 Anthony Harris S

50 Eric Wilson LB vikings special teams 51 Hercules Mata’afa DT 54 Eric Kendricks LB 55 Anthony Barr LB 56 Garrett Bradbury C 5 2 58 21 31 kicker punter long snapper punt returner kick returner 58 Austin Cutting LS Dan Bailey Britton Colquitt Austin Cutting Mike Hughes Ameer Abdullah 59 Cameron Smith LB 64 Josh Kline G 65 Pat Elflein G 69 Rashod Hill T 71 Riley Reiff T ROSTER AND DEPTH CHART 73 Dru Samia G 74 Olisaemeka Udoh T 75 Brian O’Neill T MINNESOTA VIKINGS 76 Aviante Collins T 78 Dakota Dozier G 81 Bisi Johnson WR offense defense 82 Kyle Rudolph TE 83 Tyler Conklin TE WR Diggs B. Johnson Treadwell LDE Hunter Weatherly 84 Irv Smith Jr. TE LT Reiff R. Hill Collins NT Joseph J. Johnson Watts 91 Stephen Weatherly DE LG Elflein Dozier Samia DT Stephen Holmes Mata’afa 92 Jalyn Holmes DT C Bradbury Elflein RDE Griffen Odenigbo 93 Shamar Stephen DT RG Kline Dozier WLB Wilson Brothers 94 Jaleel Johnson DT RT O’Neill R. Hill Udoh MLB Kendricks Brothers 95 Ifeadi Odenigbo DE TE Rudolph I. Smith Jr. Conklin SLB Barr C. Smith 96 Armon Watts DT WR Thielen B. Johnson Hollins LCB Waynes Alexander Boyd 97 Everson Griffen DE QB Cousins Mannion RCB Rhodes Hughes H. Hill 98 Linval Joseph DT FB Ham SS H. Smith Kearse 99 Danielle Hunter DE HB Cook Mattison Abdullah FS Harris Sendejo

16 2019 vikings playbook PACKERS ROSTER

2 K 41 22 6 JK Scott P safety safety 8 Tim Boyle QB 50 Anthony Harris 54 Harrison Smith 55 linebacker linebacker linebacker 11 Ryan Grant WR Eric Wilson Eric Kendricks Anthony Barr 12 Aaron Rodgers QB 13 WR 16 Jake Kumerow WR 29 97 98 93 99 26 17 Davante Adams WR cornerback defensive end nose tackle defensive tackle defensive end cornerback 20 Kevin King CB Xavier Rhodes Everson Griffen Linval Joseph Shamar Stephen Danielle Hunter Trae Waynes 22 RB vikings defense 23 Jaire Alexander CB packers offense 25 S 26 Darnell Savage S 28 Tony Brown CB 29 Ka’dar Hollman CB 17 69 74 63 77 75 80 30 Jamaal Williams RB wide receiver left tackle left guard center right guard right tackle tight end 31 Adrian Amos S Davante Adams Corey Linsley Billy Turner Bryan Bulaga Jimmy Graham 83 32 Tyler Ervin RB wide receiver Marquez Valdez-Scantling 33 Aaron Jones RB 35 Ibraheim Campbell S 12 37 Josh Jackson CB 45 quarterback 33 38 Tramon Williams CB Aaron Rodgers fullback running back 39 CB Danny Vitale Aaron Jones 42 LB

packers special teams 43 Hunter Bradley LS 44 LB 45 Danny Vitale FB 50 Blake Martinez LB 2 6 43 32 51 Kyler Fackrell LB kicker punter long snapper punt/kick returner Mason Crosby JK Scott Hunter Bradley Tyler Ervin 52 LB 55 Za’Darius Smith LB 62 G 63 Corey Linsley C 68 Jared Veldheer T ROSTER AND DEPTH CHART 69 David Bakhtiari T 70 Alex Light T/G 73 Yosh Nijman T GREEN BAY PACKERS 74 Elgton Jenkins G 75 Bryan Bulaga T 77 Billy Turner G/T 80 Jimmy Graham TE offense defense 81 Geronimo Allison WR WR D. Adams Kumerow Lazard DE Lowry M. Adams 83 M. Valdes-Scantling WR LT Bakhtiari Veldheer Nijman NT Clark M. Adams 85 TE LG Jenkins Veldheer DE Lancaster Keke 87 TE C Linsley Patrick OLB P. Smith Fackrell 89 TE RG Turner Patrick ILB Martinez Summers 90 Montravius Adams DL RT Bulaga Light Nijman ILB Goodson Burks 91 Preston Smith LB TE Graham Lewis Tonyan OLB Z. Smith Gary 93 B.J. Goodson LB WR V-Scantling Allison Grant CB Alexander Sullivan J. Jackson 94 Dean Lowry DL QB Rodgers Boyle CB King Williams Brown 95 Tyler Lancaster DL RB Jones J. Williams D. Williams S Amos Redmond 96 DL FB Vitale S Savage Campbell 97 Kenny Clark DL

*Depth charts are unofficial 2019 vikings playbook 17

vikings guard pat elflein is in his third nfl season but first under minnesota’s current offensive coaching staff.

Elflein believes this new system best-fits Riley Reiff. Minnesota’s roster and gives its offensive “Riley is our leader; I think it playmakers a chance to shine. starts there – really having a blue- The Vikings enter tonight’s game ranked collar work mentality,” he said. fourth in rushing yards per game (135.9), “Every time we come to practice or second in passing yards per play (8.03) and come to the weight room or go to fourth in interception rate (1.21). meetings, we’re locked in, and we’re “It lets Dalvin [Cook] get the ball in his about our business. But we also have hands and pretty much run the ball where a lot of fun together, too. I feel like we he wants to. It lets Kirk [Cousins] get out in have a good balance of both.” space a little bit and take some shots, and Added Elflein: “We take it allows us linemen to run-block … to really pride in that.” attack some defenses with the run game,” We caught up with Pat Elflein said. “I feel like we’re on the attack.” to chat about pounding the Asked what makes the Vikings offensive beef, spreading holiday line group special, Elflein pointed to the cheer and – of course – coaches, as well as veteran left tackle mullets.

2019 vikings playbook 19 Dalvin Cook is headed to his first Pro Bowl; And even Kirk gets in on it love giving back. We did the Halloween party, Q: how much pride do you take in that? Q: sometimes, right? we did the Thanksgiving turkey giveaway, we were spreading Christmas cheer at the “We’re so happy that Dalvin made “Yeah. Sometimes he’ll carry it, and he’ll mall. Anytime we get a chance to do that, we the Pro Bowl. From where he’s been … A: A: pound some beef, too. We’ll let him know always take advantage.” through injuries and a lot of things he’s had he’s poundin’. Oh yeah.” to deal with, for him to come back from that Tell me a little about the facial hair you and make the Pro Bowl, it’s a testament to Your last name is a fun one around Q: have going on here. what type of person he is, what type of player, Q: the holidays; how fun was the Elf Line his resiliency, and just the flat-out talent he video last year? “Oh, the ’stache? It’s just kind of grown has. With and without the football, he’s an A: into a style that I’ve been embracing this incredible player. We’re happy for him, and I “And we did one at the mall recently, too. year. I don’t really know where it came from, know he’s definitely earned it.” A: Gettin’ in the Christmas spirit is fun and but I’m just rocking this mustache right now, something that I’ve always done, and as an and I feel like I can’t shave it. I just can’t do it How fun is it when he gives the football to a O-line, we like to get into the Christmas spirit. right now. I like to get cleaned up, too, get a Q: lineman to spike after he scores? I have the last name that kind of goes along nice haircut and be clean-shaven – but right with it, so anytime I get to play along with “It’s awesome. Dalvin’s sharing the love. now, I just can’t. I’m wearing this mustache that and spread some Christmas cheer, I’m all He’s scoring touchdowns, getting all that, until the time is right.” A: about it. It’s fun.” and for him to give the ball to us to have a little fun with it, too, it just makes it fun. Which is more fun? Dressing up as an elf or Brian O’Neill told me to ask you about the Q: mullet, too. Something to look forward to, an opportunity Q: as Mario for the Kids Club Halloween party? to let a little personality show. And it’s a “Oh, yeah, I’ve got a mullet going, too, bonding moment, too; we all get excited “Those were both pretty good. When I A: trying to grow the back out. I’ve always for each other when we score and get to do was Mario, [right tackle] Brian O’Neill A: been a fan of Joe Dirt, and then the Kurt Dirt something like that.” was Luigi, so it was fun to kind of tag-team thing kind of came around, and I was just like, that one. But, we actually dressed up as elves ‘I’m growing a mullet.’ So that’s what I’ve together, too, at the mall. Dressing up as been doing.” Q: Has there been a top spike this season? elves is pretty fun – everyone gets a kick out of that for the holidays.” Do you think you’ll get to keep it for your Q: wedding in April? A: “Yeah – all of mine.” In all seriousness, why is a positive presence Q: in the community important to you? “Not a chance. There’s a zero-percent ‘Pound the Beef’ has become a popular A: chance of keeping it for the wedding. It’ll “It’s an awesome community. As Vikings Q: phrase – tell me about that. be fun while it lasts.” A: players, we feel the utmost support from “Basically, it just means pounding the the fans all season, even in the offseason. The A: rock, running the football. It just kind of city, the fans, the people here have our back evolved into what we do on Sundays when – and it shows on game day. So … to make we’re able to run the ball and really impose someone’s day, to make someone’s holiday, our will. Pound the beef. Pound the rock.” whatever we can do to do that, we love it. We “we love giving back...anytime we get a chance to do that, we always take advantage.”

- pat elflein

20 2019 vikings playbook

GIFTS GALORE dalvin cook by eric smith

22 2019 vikings playbook DALVIN COOK’S EYES

ARE HIS LENSES, Cook has played plenty of football in “You go back to when he first got 2019 and has played it as well as any here [in 2017]. We left him in on third TAKING A MENTAL other running back in the NFL. downs as a rookie, and he’s in there The third-year back currently ranks seeing all the different exotic [blitzes],” SNAPSHOT BEFORE seventh in the NFL with 1,135 rushing Polamalu added. “He understands the yards and is tied for third with 13 combination of blocking, the depth of EVERY SNAP. rushing touchdowns. routes, why he has to run it at that After being limited to just 15 games [depth]. And he understands were in his first two seasons because of to escape.” The visualization technique ACL and hamstring injuries, Cook Polamalu said what he liked most helps Cook diagnose the has emerged as the focal point of about Cook coming out of Florida State Minnesota’s offensive attack. was his toughness and willingness action and often allows him He’s also delivered highlight after to compete, traits he felt were best to have a counter move that highlight in 2019, but rarely with the highlighted in Cook’s final college game. same move or tactic. Cook has shown he The Seminoles were matched up utilizes one of his many can run through defenders, zip around against Michigan in the Orange Bowl at athletic gifts. them or glide once given space in the a time when some college players were passing game. choosing to skip bowl games to get “I’ve always done it … We asked teammates and coaches, ready for the NFL. “What is Dalvin’s best attribute on Not Cook, who played and excelled, it’s like reading a book, the field, and how does that make running for 145 yards and a score on right when you get in your him successful?” 20 carries. He added 62 yards on three First came the humorous responses. receptions for good measure. stance,” Cook said. “That’s “This is going to be a big article if you That toughness endeared Cook to the why I line up so fast … just want to talk about that,” Vikings safety Vikings, who traded up and took him in read the book and give you Anthony Harris said with a laugh. “I feel the second round of the 2017 NFL Draft like he does everything really well.” with the 41st overall pick. a visual of what’s going on.” Quipped Vikings fullback C.J. Ham: And it’s made an impression on Vikings “This is almost an impossible question.” Assistant Head Coach/Offensive Advisor That approach has helped Not according to Vikings running Gary Kubiak, who is in his first season in backs coach Kennedy Polamalu, who Minnesota but has been around plenty Cook produce multiple brushed off the thought that the answer of top-notch backs. memorable plays in 2019, wouldn’t be easy to pick. “The one characteristic … when I look “Yeah, it is [easy],” Polamalu said with at some of these backs that I’ve had — whether it was his 75-yard a smile. “He’s smart. Smart kid. Smart Arian Foster and [Clinton] Portis — they touchdown scamper at football IQ. It’s unbelievable.” have a toughness edge to them,” Kubiak Lambeau Field or his 31- The longtime coach who spent time at said in mid-November. “Dalvin’s not the both USC and UCLA detailed how Cook’s biggest guy in the world, but when he yard catch-and-run against brain might be his best gift. runs, he runs angry, pass protects. Washington on Thursday “He understands football, the patterns, He’ll stick his face in there, do those the [run] fits, coverages. He’s a really types of things. Night Football, where he smart kid, and it’s almost an innate “Those guys have an edge, and Dalvin moved at a different speed thing,” Polamalu said. “He’s played a lot has it. The thing that Dalvin’s done of football, so he sees it and understands a great job for us, he’s a three-down than the defenders. it and doesn’t have to repeat something. player,” Kubiak added. “He’s on the field

2019 vikings playbook 23 Dalvin’s not the biggest guy in the world, but when he runs, he runs angry, pass protects. He’ll stick his face in there, do those types of things. Those guys have an edge, and Dalvin has it. “ RUNS“ ANGRY protecting Kirk [Cousins], catching the football, so “One thing? I can’t honestly say one thing. It’s we’re able to get him other ways to help us win than multiple things,” Boone said. “The way he presses just handing it to him.” the line of scrimmage to set up his blocks … he’s Those who get the chance to play with Cook on great at that. His feet are so quick, man. He can offense rave about other factors that make him special. hit any hole with any amount of space. It’s not one Ham eventually found his answer to the attribute.” “impossible” question, going with Cook’s creativity. Harris pondered the question and eventually went The fullback couldn’t name them all, but he said with Cook’s balance, a trait the safety said would there have been dozens of instances where Cook drive him mad if he had to go against him in a game. picks up six or seven yards on a run that should be a Harris pointed to Cook’s work in the passing minimal gain or perhaps a loss. game — the running back has 53 catches for 519 “Really, just his ability to make something out of yards — and said he almost feels bad for opposing nothing,” Ham said. “Maybe my guy beats me, but defenders who are often left in the dust when they then he makes my guy miss … but he creates on the close in on Cook. run, and that makes him a special running back. “One thing I always see is, whether you want “We had a play [in Detroit] where I was supposed to call it balance, but those yards after first to get up to the safety and I got up to him late. The contact,” Harris said. “The first guy rarely gets him safety met him in the hole, and it should have been down. Whenever I see he’s 1-on-1 … I think, ‘That maybe a 1-yard gain,” Ham added. “He turned that [defender] is going to miss. And I think the second into a plus-10 run and got the first down. We were guy has a high chance of missing, too.’ still successful because of him.” “Whether it’s his balance or ability to lower his pad The play Ham referenced occurred midway through level and run after contact — whatever combination the first quarter at Ford Field. Lions safety Tracy that is — it’s amazing,” Harris added. Walker shed Ham at the line of scrimmage and Cook, too, was presented with the question about attempted to bring down Cook, only to see No. 33 himself. He went with his vision, a trait that is in the white jersey absorb contact, spin away and enhanced by those mental snapshots he takes gallop for 15 yards. before each snap. As Cook slipped away, all Walker could do was flail “I’m fast, obviously, but I think it’s my vision his arms out to try and bring down the elusive back. that sets me apart,” Cook said. “Seeing stuff and Pull up that highlight clip, and you’ll notice Vikings trusting it … that’s what vision is all about. Trusting running back Mike Boone going wild on the sideline your eyes and getting to where you’re going.” while cheering for Cook. And similar to the split-second decisions Cook Boone struggled to come up with a singular answer makes on the field, he already had a play in mind to for our question. describe how he relies on his vision.

24 2019 vikings playbook 2019 vikings playbook 1

Minnesota led 28-7 late in the third quarter of a Week 3 home game against Oakland. The Vikings faced first-and-11 at their own 38 when the play call was for Cook to take a handoff and veer right. But with his mental snapshot already taken, Cook said he anticipated an opening on the left side of the line before the play began. The 24-year-old promptly took the handoff and immediately made a jump cut to his left, breezing past rookie defensive end Clelin Ferrell’s attempted tackle and through a hole created by tight end Kyle Rudolph and left tackle Riley Reiff. “I took it backside even though I knew the guy was back there because I knew I could break his arm tackle,” Cook said. “That’s just trusting your instincts and your eyes once again. I knew he was back there, but I believe in myself to break through that tackle and do what I do.” Cook finished with an electric 25-yard run on the play, his longest carry on a day where he cruised to 110 rushing yards on just 16 carries. Truth be told, Cook has used all of his incredible attributes to help the Vikings be in playoff contention in the final couple weeks of the season. His smarts, toughness, creativity, balance and vision are just a few of the tools he has in his arsenal. It’s just a matter of which one he’s going to use on the next play. “Dalvin does [something new] every single week,” Ham said with a shake of his head. Through it all, Cook brings an infectious joy to teammates and the sport. He likes to hop up and down after big runs, throw his hands in the air to get the home crowd going and hand the ball to an offensive lineman after a touchdown for a colossal spike of the pigskin. “That just comes from not taking the game too serious,” Cook said. “Once you’re too locked in or too serious about it, I think you can overlook the fun part of playing football. “We’ve been playing football from whatever age you started — I started playing when I was Dalvin Cook spins 4 — and I wasn’t worried about no pads,” Cook added. “Just playing football … that’s what I free from Cowboys try to revert myself back to. Once I touch the LB Sean Lee during field, it’s just having fun and being Dalvin.” a 27-yard catch and run at Dallas.

2019 vikings playbook 27 anthony barr Barr is comfortable in the room, surrounded by familiar faces and holiday music. A simple card table supports stacks of steaming pizza boxes, and a group of youngsters talk excitedly about the pile of still-wrapped Christmas gifts nearby. Barr is a regular visitor to Jeremiah Program, a Minneapolis-based nonprofit that works to end the poverty cycle two generations at a time. The program offers safe housing and a supportive community for determined single mothers to pursue a college degree while providing quality early childhood education. Jeremiah Program lives out the mission of the Raise the Barr Foundation, started by the Vikings linebacker who was raised by a single mother. The annual holiday party hosted by Barr is an event heavily anticipated by him and the families alike. “They’re basically a big family living under the same roof,” Barr said. “It’s important that they have that experience and that they feel loved and appreciated, so we just bring a little Christmas spirit during the holidays.” On this night, cameras will capture images of the festivities. But Barr regularly volunteers in the childcare center during visits that go unnoticed and unpublicized – and that’s exactly the way he wants it. “I kind of see myself in these kids … And I see my mom in the moms there, working hard to better themselves,” Barr said. “It’s a natural fit. I grew up with a big family, a lot of kids around, so I know how to interact in that arena.” Born in Indiana and raised in California, Barr said spending time with the mothers and their children “kind of fills the gap” when he lives so far from his own family. The Vikings drafted Barr No. 9 overall in 2014; he’s since started 84 games and been to four Pro Bowls. by lindsey young It would be easy for the linebacker to make a donation and walk away. But that’s simply not enough for him. “Writing a check, that’s great and all, but it’s really about the time,” he explained. “That’s invaluable. You can’t get that back. You can’t replicate that in a dollar anthony barr eases into a smile amount. “Being there physically and kind of setting that just seconds after walking through example … hopefully that will impact the kids and they’ll remember it going forward,” he added.

the door. he sees a young child across ‘Where my heart is.’ the room, points in recognition and Nine months ago, Barr stood at a podium at Twin Cities Orthopedics Center, having recently signed an extension naturally breaks into a laugh. with the Vikings. He had come close to leaving, however, even going so far to tell his agent he planned to join the Jets. He knew just a couple of buddies reuniting. immediately, however, that he had made the wrong

2019 vikings playbook 29 in March to sign an extension with Minnesota. The jerseys may have been greener in New York, but Barr knew the grass likely wouldn’t be. “If I had a chance to come back here and run with these guys again, it was going to happen. Fortunately, I was able to,” he said. Taking ownership of his career and staying in Minnesota has given Barr a different perspective and new type of passion on game day. It makes it easier to pour his heart and decision to stay put. “I feel comfortable decision and proceeded to leave money on SKOL into his craft. being here, I feel comfortable being myself, the table in favor of staying in Minnesota. “It’s easy to come to work every day, and and I think that’s important.” “This is where my heart was,” he told it’s easy to go out on the field and play for That comfort level has shown up on the reporters that day. “This is where it’s always the guys next to you,” Barr said. “It’s been field. been; this is where it will be.” such a blessing to do what I love to do with Barr has started all 13 games he’s played Anyone who knows Barr’s heart knows it’s people that I love doing it with.” this season, totaling 90 tackles (coaches’ a big one – and that he truly cares about Tonight’s Border Battle is a big game on tally), 1.5 sacks, 1 INT, 7 PBUs, 6 TFLs and 1 community. a big stage. But win or lose, Barr won’t be fumble recovery. Adia Singh has been a resident at Jeremiah heading out West for the holidays, as he And although he’s been relaying play calls Program, along with her children, for three and the team turn the page to Week 17 for the defense since his rookie season, Barr years while attending nursing school. She and the Vikings final regular-season game. this year has done more talking outside the spoke about the impact Barr has made, What Barr has come to realize, however, white lines. saying that children in the program “think is that Minnesota – from the Jeremiah “I feel great about where I am as a football Anthony Barr is their best friend.” Program youth, to the fans who stop him player and what I’ve been able to do this Given the opportunity to express her own at the mall to say “thank you” for his work year,” Barr said. “I’ve definitely accepted the sentiments to Barr, Singh said, “Thank you on the field, to his Vikings teammates – role of being more vocal and getting guys for being humble enough to remember has become a family all of its own. lined up, chastising guys when it’s necessary where you came from.” “Even within the team and the and then patting them on the back when What does it mean to hear about the community, people are always asking they deserve it. difference you’re making? around the holidays, … ‘Do you have “I’ve found that balance, and I think For Barr, it all boils down to one thing: somewhere to go? Want to come to my sometimes people look to me when things people from all backgrounds and experiences house?’ I’ve even had strangers ask me aren’t going well,” he continued. “It’s always need – and deserve – to be loved and that,” Barr said. “It just feels right. It’s important to keep it cool. Things are going respected. really a loving, caring environment. to happen, but we’ll respond in the right “That doesn’t change when you make “It’s kind of what I was raised in,” he way, and we’ve done so. We’ve had some x-amount of dollars. That doesn’t change added with a smile. “It feels like home.” when you don’t have some things,” he said. adversity this year, but every time we’ve “It’s about being human, it’s about being a been hit with it, we’ve always bounced back.” good person, it’s about doing the right thing When Mike Zimmer took the Vikings “it’s [time] that’s invaluable. and doing it consistently.” helm in 2014, he made Barr his first-ever draft selection as a head coach. Since then, you can’t get that back. the defensive group has stayed largely you can’t replicate that Home Sweet Home intact. From reading each other’s cues and tendencies on the field to Friday meals in a dollar amount.” Barr carries that same mentality at work. together in the locker room and summer This season marks his sixth with the trips to Tokyo, the players have built a bond - anthony barr Vikings; he’s quite aware that it almost that’s unbreakable. became his first with a new team. That brotherhood, Barr said, is “at least “I’m thankful every day,” Barr said of his half, if not more” of the reason he chose

30 2019 vikings playbook

announced for

Three Vikings have been selected to the 2020 Pro Bowl, the NFL and Vikings announced on Tuesday as a special program aired on NFL Network. Defensive end Danielle Hunter, safety Harrison Smith and running back Dalvin Cook received the honor through a voting process that involves fans, players and coaches. The NFL announced last week that Cook got the fourth-most votes of any player in the NFL (431,748). Only quarterbacks (704,699), Russell Wilson (539,768) and (468,838) received more votes than Cook. The NFL is the only major sports league that combines voting by fans, coaches and players to determine its All-Star Teams. Each group’s vote counts one-third toward determining the 88 players selected to the Pro Bowl. Players representing teams from the AFC and NFC will meet in Orlando, Florida, for festivities and a game scheduled for 2 p.m. (CT) on Jan. 26, 2020. ESPN and ESPN Deportes will televise the game. It also will be simulcast on ABC and Disney XD, marking the third time the Pro Bowl will be available on broadcast and cable networks.

2019 vikings playbook 33 A big accomplishment. A shout-out to all of my teammates “ and the o-linemen and everybody that contributed to me getting to this point. - COOK

defensive end safety running back DANIELLE HUNTER HARRISON SMITH DALVIN COOK 2x pro bowler 5x pro bowler 1x pro bowler

2019 STATS 2019 STATS 2019 STATS 71 tackles (coaches’ stats), 13.5 sacks, 15 79 tackles (coaches’ stats), 4 TFL, 1.0 sack, 1,135 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns on TFL, 21 QB hits, 3 FF, 1 FR, 1 PBU 2 FF, 2 FR, 3 INT, 12 PBU 250 carries (4.54 yards per attempt); 53 receptions for 519 yards Fastest to 50: It’s been a milestone BACK-TO-BACK: Smith has recorded year for Hunter, who set an NFL record interceptions in consecutive weeks, DID YOU KNOW? Cook is one of two for career sacks with 48.5 before turning picking off Detroit rookie David Blough and running backs (along with Carolina’s 25. He also set a record by becoming the Los Angeles Chargers veteran Philip Rivers Christian McCaffrey) with at least 1,000 youngest player to record 50 sacks (25 in the past two weeks. It is the sixth time rushing yards and 500 receiving yards in years, 40 days), doing so with 3.0 sacks he has done so in his eight-season career. 2019. Cook is only the third running back against Detroit in Week 14. in Vikings history to accomplish that feat, IMPRESSIVE STREAK: Smith is the joining Chuck Foreman (1975, 1976) and ELITE COMPANY: Hunter is the sixth 13th player who has made five consecutive Ted Brown (1981). Vikings defensive end in franchise history Pro Bowls after Vikings seasons. Joey to receive a Pro Bowl nod. He joins Vikings Browner is the only Vikings safety with A BREAKOUT YEAR: Cook has set a Ring of Honor member Jim Marshall more consecutive Pro Bowls with six from career-high with 1,135 rushing yards on 250 (1968-69), Hall of Famers Carl Eller (1968- 1985-90. Hall of Famer Paul Krause totaled attempts in 2019 and has produced five 71; 1973-74) and Chris Doleman (1987-90; six Pro Bowls, including five in a row from different 100-yard rushing performances. 1992-93*), Jared Allen (2009; 2011-12*) and 1971-75. The former 2017 second-round pick tallied Everson Griffen (2015-17). Hall of Fame defensive tackle Alan Page just 969 rushing yards in 15 games in his *Does not include Pro Bowl nods with other teams. set the Vikings record for a defensive first two seasons due to injuries. player with nine consecutive Pro Bowls Cook also scored six total touchdowns from 1968-76. Hall of Fame guard Randall (four rushing and two receiving) in 2017 It just means a lot to us because of McDaniel has the most of any Viking with and 2018. Entering Week 16, Cook is tied what others think of us and people 11 consecutive selections from 1989-99. for second among running backs with 13 respecting our play. rushing touchdowns. “ - HUNTER

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2019 vikings playbook 35

ORION & ATLAS

breed: siberian husky (orion) & german shepherd (atlas)

cartoon comparison: pinky & the brain

nashville natives: traveled from tn as puppies

playmates: love the local dog park

A tennis ball flies through the air, followed German Shepherd and large ears that stand closely behind by two streaks of white fur. at attention. Gravel sprays from beneath the dogs’ paws Vikings defensive end Stephen Weatherly as they race each other across the fenced-in got both as puppies in Nashville, Tennessee, play area. and chose their names based on his love for A first glance might lead one to believe that Greek mythology. the pups share a bloodline, but a closer look “Orion was first. I really liked the name; I reveals distinct differences between the two. used it in a project that I had in college for a There’s Orion, a Siberian Husky who struts line of mineral water,” Weatherly explained a sleek build and has silvery-blue eyes and a with a chuckle. “And then Atlas, same thing, majestic, curled tail. Greek mythology.” Atlas, meanwhile, has dark brown eyes, At the time of this interview, Weatherly the tell-tail (pun intended) backend of a had his eye on a white cat at a nearby

PACKERS VS. VIKINGS STEPHEN WEATHERLY BY LINDSEY YOUNG

2019 vikings playbook 37 shelter. Although it didn’t end up working here, Orion, and Atlas is [his sidekick],” I was,” Weatherly admitted. “And Atlas out to adopt the feline, he already had a Weatherly added. “Do you remember Pinky jumped in and kind of nibbled on Ameer.” name picked out: Adonis. For the “trifecta,” and the Brain? Yeah, that’s Pinky, and this Whoa, whoa, whoa. Interference. he explained. is the Brain.” “Nibbled? Nibbled?” Abdullah interjected Maybe someday. Both have learned various tricks – good-naturedly. Weatherly points out that while their they will sit, lie down, shake and stand “He gave him a love nip right behind his variances in appearance may be subtle, the on their back legs on command – but shoulder,” Weatherly countered. contrast in personalities is much starker. only Orion takes after his “dad” in the “I’m probably going to get an infection, Orion loves to be the center of attention athletic category. I don’t know,” Abdullah said. “And they and shows off a craftier demeanor, “Atlas can’t catch unless you throw shed, as you can see.” according to his owner. it directly at him,” Weatherly quipped, He laughed and then added, “No, I love “He’s very mischievous, and he does patting the German Shepherd on the head. these dogs. They’re great dogs.” things on purpose. He knows how to open “And then, still, it’s like 50-50.” Weatherly concurs. doors,” Weatherly said. “He doesn’t get Continuing to compare the pair of pups, Although he’s an animal lover in general into anything unless he feels like he’s he pointed out that Orion is independent – he’s been known to babysit turtles, being disrespected. He’s very much that and “only loves me because he knows Genevieve and Gretchen, and enjoys his kind of guy.” I control the food.” He explained that roommate’s bunny, Benny – he will always Weatherly first noticed Orion’s “evil- while Orion tends to toe the line and be the biggest fan of dogs. genius side” early on when he realized the require more discipline, Atlas is truly a “I had a dog growing up, and being an puppy was feigning an injury. man’s best friend. only child, I feel like that was like my “He would fake limps on walks so “German Shepherds, just love them brother in some regards,” Weatherly he wouldn’t have to walk anymore,” unconditionally, and then they’ll love explained. “I’ve always just loved them. Weatherly laughed. “I thought I had hurt you back,” Weatherly said. “Atlas is a big, They’re always there. [Whether] I had a him because he was like 12 weeks and loveable protector.” great day at practice or a horrible day at wouldn’t walk and started limping, and I’m He recalled an experience in which he and practice, they don’t know which one is like, ‘Oh my [gosh], I’ve over-walked him. his then-roommate, Vikings running back which. They just love me the same. This is a problem.’ Ameer Abdullah, were rough-housing. “I always tell people that dogs are the “So I pick him up, I run inside … and “Ameer and I were wrestling, and Atlas only creatures capable of unconditional poured some food into his bowl, hoping thought his father was being beat – which love,” he added. he would feel a little bit better, and he sprinted over to the bowl like everything was fine,” Weatherly continued. “So that was his M.O. Also when he was younger, if you ever [scolded] him and flicked your finger at him, not hitting him, but “I’ve always just loved just flick your finger at him, he would immediately start wincing, winking one them. They’re always there. eye like you blinded him, so that was also his way to get pity.” [Whether] I had a great day And as for Atlas? The younger dog is called “a big dummy” at practice or a horrible day by Weatherly. “But I love him for it,” the defensive end at practice, they don’t know said. “He’s training to be a lap dog; he doesn’t understand personal space at all. which one is which. They He’ll crawl on the bed, he begs, drops his ears. He tries to get as small as possible, just love me the same.” which is hilarious because he’s 85 pounds. “But yeah, this is the evil genius right - STEPHEN WEATHERLY

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where he envisioned and opened the meets, the fans that he spends time with It seemed fitting that Kyle Rudolph 10,000-square-foot End Zone. after a game, and all the other countless What may be lesser-known, however, is people he sees – whether it is on the road, would receive his 2019 Walter the multitude of other ways Kyle has made back in his hometown community, Elder a difference. High School, he has truly touched the Payton NFL Man of the Year trophy From his consistent commitment to lives of more people than you could ever the Muscular Dystrophy Association possibly imagine. Muscle Team and the Kelly Cares “I am humbled and honored, on behalf of from 9-year-old Megan Wagner. Foundation, to hosting a youth football the Wilf family and the Minnesota Vikings camp on a U.S. Army base in Germany organization, to officially announce that Kyle and his wife, Jordan, regularly have and meeting with Gold Star Families, Kyle Rudolph is our 2019 Walter Payton visited Megan, who is facing heart failure there is one common thread: NFL Man of the Year nominee,” Taber later due to complications after beating cancer, Kyle Rudolph cares. added. “We wish Kyle the best of luck and at the University of Minnesota Masonic Vikings Director of Social Impact Brett know that there’s nobody more deserving Children’s Hospital. Taber was on-hand to announce Kyle as in the NFL than Kyle for this award.” It’s there that Megan and countless other the nominee for the third consecutive year, Kyle called the nomination “extremely patients and family members utilize Kyle saying he’s “not just a player, but a man humbling” for both him and Jordan. Rudolph’s End Zone, an interactive space who’s meant so much to our community, “We’re extremely honored to represent that provides a respite from everyday [along with] his family, from the time he the Vikings,” Kyle said. “I know the hospital life. first got here.” quality of men that we have, and there’s And it’s the main reason — out of dozens He emphasized Kyle’s never-ending so many great nominees in our locker — why the Vikings have named Kyle their commitment to the Minnesota community room. People who are just as deserving Man of the Year nominee. and, in turn, what he means to so many of this honor as we are. All 32 teams nominate one player each across the state and even beyond. “Hopefully someone will be accepting year; the winner will be announced during “That’s because of the heart that Kyle this award on our behalf because we’re NFL Honors in Miami before Super has – not just for his teammates and for getting ready for a in Miami,” Bowl LIV. his coaches but for the individuals in this he added with a smile. “But it would be an Most may be familiar with Kyle’s community,” Taber said. “The patients here incredible honor, and we’re very humbled longstanding commitment to the hospital, at this hospital, the individuals that he to be nominated.”

2019 vikings playbook 41 CASINO • HOTEL • DINING • NIGHTLIFE MYSTICLAKE.COM

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’s experiences on both Vikings were established. sides of the border battle are the most McNally set an NFL record with 13 total documented in modern times, but the touchdowns (11 receiving, 2 rushing) in 1931. quarterback isn’t the only member of the Pro After playing for the Pittsburgh Pirates in Football Hall of Fame who suited up for an 1934, he played two more seasons for the NFL franchise in Minnesota as well as the Packers, then two more for the Pirates, which Green Bay Packers. were renamed the Steelers in 1940. McNally The adventures of John Victor McNally earned also coached the Pirates from 1937-39. him the nickname “Vagabond Halfback.” He later served in World War II and eventually The native of New Richmond, Wisconsin, made his way back to St. John’s, where he didn’t play high school sports but lettered at preceded legendary coach John Gagliardi. St. John’s in football, baseball, and The Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrined track before transferring to Notre Dame. He McNally in its first class in 1963. was suspended and returned to Minnesota McNally attended the 1966 ceremony on where he met up with former St. John’s behalf of former teammate Walt “Babe” teammate Ralph Hanson. Kiesling, who was posthumously enshrined for Desiring to play semipro football for the his play as an offensive lineman. East 26th Street Liberties but protect college Kiesling was born in St. Paul in 1903 and eligibility, McNally and Hanson used fake attended Cretin-Derham Hall and St. Thomas names after seeing a movie marquee on before joining the Eskimos for their two Hennepin Avenue for Blood and Sand. They seasons. Like McNally, Kiesling also played played as Johnny Blood and for the 1928 Maroons, but he then headed Ralph Sand. to Chicago where he played for the Cardinals McNally entered the NFL as a member (1929-33) and Bears (1934). The two reunited of the Milwaukee Badgers in 1925 before again in Green Bay and Pittsburgh. joining the Duluth Eskimos for the 1926-27 Kiesling coached the 1940-42 and 1954- seasons that included a 0-0 tie with the 56 Steelers as well as the 1943 Eagles- Packers. He then played for the Pottsville Steelers and 1944 Cardinals-Steelers Maroons in 1928. McNally’s first stint wartime combo teams. with the Packers lasted from 1929-33, pictured: John McNally, right, with 1966 Hall of during which he was on the Fame enshrinee Joe Guyon. winning side of four games McNally, who was in the between Green Bay and the 1963 inaugural class, Minneapolis Red Jackets represented Walt (1929-30), Minnesota’s final Kiesling, who passed NFL team until the away in 1962.

2019 vikings playbook 43 Vikings Table increased This is the second year that Pepsi has supported a fundraising campaign to benefit the Minnesota Vikings Foundation its outreach by and Mary’s Place.

DALVIN “THE CHEF” COOK, WHO distributing 200 meals HAS DONATED TIME AND MONEY TO VIKINGS TABLE’S EFFORTS IN ITS FIRST YEAR, WAS HELPED and partnering with AT THE EVENT BY ALEXANDER MATTISON, MIKE BOONE AND TONY Pepsi to provide 600 BROOKS-JAMES. Vikings Table, which delivers free healthy meals and nutrition education winter hats at Mary‘s to youth, is planning to do multiple distributions during the winter break Place on Tuesday. from school. Follow @vikingstable on Twitter for updates.

nonprofit of the game: mary’s place

Mary’s Place offers transitional apartments for homeless families with children. Named in honor of Blessed Mother Mary, the complex was born out of love, compassion and concern for women and children in poverty. Funded with private donations, Mary’s Place offers 100 fully furnished apartments that provide a safe space and hope to residents. For more information, visit sharingandcaringhands.org.

44 2019 vikings playbook No Poverty No Poaching

- Communities Surrounding Wildlife - 96 African Elephants Killed per Day Lack Basic Needs - Extinction by 2027 - Food, Water & Education are Key Unless you help! Help Us Save African Elephants www.ElephantCooperation.com ENRICHING LIVES. Innovation. Dedication. Trust.

Parsons Electric | pecsolutions.com | 763-571-8000 Get to know Courtney HOMETOWN: OAK GROVE, MN

OCCUPATION: SOCIAL MEDIA/ MARKETING SPECIALIST

CHARITY YOU ARE PASSIONATE ABOUT?

I’m most passionate about the American Cancer Society. My mom had cancer six years ago and has been cleared for the past five years. It’s an organization that I hope will one day cure such a terminal disease and save the lives of loved ones.

FAVORITE QUOTE?

“don’t wait for the perfect moment; take the moment and make it perfect.”

» CHECK OUT COURTNEY IN THIS YEAR’S CALENDAR OR ON THE VIKINGS APP GET YOUR 2019-2020 VIKINGS CHEERLEADER CALENDAR FEATURING ALL 33 CHEERLEADERS AT TONIGHT’S GAME OR ONLINE AT VIKINGSLOCKERROOM.COM. FOR EXCLUSIVE VIKINGS CHEER PHOTOS, DOWNLOAD THE OFFICIAL VIKINGS APP BY GOING TO MNVKN.GS/APPDOWNLOAD ON ANY DEVICE.

2019 vikings playbook 47 entertainment viktor the viking

Mustache Maze

Viktor needs help finding his mustache. See if you can trace the path to get Viktor through the maze to his missing mustache!

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Viktor The Viking @ViktorTheViking Official Viktor @ViktorTheViking @ViktorTheViking The Viking

48 2019 vikings playbook

u.s. bank stadium skol service

spotlight on karl wachholz

KARL WACHHOLZ’S JOURNEY TO U.S. BANK STADIUM STARTED 20 YEARS AGO as an NPO concession worker at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. He enjoyed the job and wanted to become more involved with the stadium, going on to work as a parking attendant and eventually as an usher at Lambeau Field for 10 years. “I cherished the games when the Vikings came to town, and perhaps the best experience I had there was the game when Brett Favre returned to Green Bay wearing a Vikings jersey and led the Vikings to victory,” Karl said.

HAVE YOU WITNESSED A SKOL SERVICE TEAM Upon learning that the Vikings were people at U.S. Bank Stadium; our zone building a new stadium, Karl sought out a job really works well together and certainly MEMBER GOING ABOVE in Minnesota. makes me feel like I am part of something “After four seasons at U.S. Bank Stadium, I bigger than myself. I look forward to AND BEYOND? do not regret my decision, and I have enjoyed working with each of them every game every minute of working here,” he said. day,” Karl said. “The Vikings are certainly Karl does not hesitate when it comes to delivering memorable experiences on E-MAIL YOUR STORY TO anticipating guests’ needs. He continues to the field, and I believe the Guest deliver SKOL Service that is motivated by Experience team is doing the same his desire to create memorable experiences thing in the stands.” [email protected] for fans. Thank you, Karl, for your continued “Additionally, I work with a terrific group of SKOL Service!

50 2019 vikings playbook

STANDS | u.s. bank stadium CONCESSIONS 1ST & FRY 129, 143 612 BURGER KITCHEN 339 AZ CANTEEN 341 favoritesfavorites GLUTEN FREE WILD ROASTED TURKEY 124, 329 SANDWICHES AZ CANTEEN ROTISSERIE 121 BUBBLE WAFFLE 124, 329 MARKET BBQ 122, 324 111, Upper Concourse Legacy GRILLED CHEESE 138 Gate 108 WINGS CARIBOU COFFEE 106, 112, 130, 131, 134, 347, HOT DOGS CURDS & CAKES 114 CHEESE CURDS Endzone Grill West Endzone 114, 129, 143 103, 105, 106, 111, 112, 113, 114, 118, ENDZONE GRILL WEST 124, 129, 130, 131, 132, 143, 304, ENDZONE (Event Level) DIPPIN DOTS desserts 311, 313, 317, 328, 336, 341, 345, HEGGIE’S PIZZA 114, 134, 307 129, 307 349, Endzone Grill West Endzone & treats MILL CITY CLASSICS 311, 317, MAC & CHEESE BRATS BOMBOLINI 341, 349 108, 111, 116, 310 103, 106, 112, 118, 124, 130, 131, 121, 344 MINNEAPOLIS COCKTAIL MINI DONUTS 132, 304, 311, 313, 317, 328, 336, FROZEN HOT CHOCOLATE 101, 130 111, 318 341, 345, 349, Endzone Grill 121 West Endzone NORTH STAR GRILL 103, 118, NACHOS A LA MODE ICE CREAM 124, 132, 304, 313, 328, 345 105, 106, 112, 113, 117, 122, 130, PEANUTS 124, 329 REDZONE GRILL 106, 112, 130, 132 131, 310, 311, 317, 341, 344, 349, All concession stands & Endzone Grill West Endzone portables REVIVAL 111 beveragesbeverages RUSTY TACO 105, 113, 122, 310 PIZZA POPCORN 114, 134, 307 103, 113, 122, 124, 304, 311, 318, ALL CONCESSION STANDS & 328, 341, 349 FOOD PORTABLES portable food Bottled Water, Bottled Soda food PRETZELS stands 110, 114, 118, 124, 134, 307, 311, ALL CONCESSION STANDS BRISKET SANDWICHES 341, 346, 349, Endzone Grill Fountain Soda, Gatorade, Draft AREPAS 131 324 West Endzone Beer AZ BRAT 317 CHEESEBURGERS PULLED PORK SANDWICHES ALL BEER PORTABLES 124, 329 103, 106, 112, 118, 124, 130, 131, BE GRACEFUL 121, 122, 324 16oz Canned Beer 132, 304, 313, 328, 339, 345, BUBBLE WAFFLE 111, Upper Endzone Grill West Endzone SALAD/WRAPS BLOODY MARYS Concourse Legacy Gate 124, 329 109, 110, 128, 301, 314, 326, 332 CHICKEN TENDERS DIPPIN DOTS 129, 307 103, 118, 124, 129, 132, 143, 304, STEAK SANDWICHES CRAFT BEER WALL & DORITOS WALKING TACO 132, 313, 328 107, 325, 334 COCKTAILS ON TAP Upper Concourse Legacy Gate 101, 130 CUBAN SANDWICHES TACOS FONG’S CHINESE 347 324 105, 113, 122, 132, 310, Upper CRISPIN HARD CIDER GOURMET HOT DOG 111, 130 & Concourse Legacy Gate 124, 329 FRENCH FRIES West Endzone 103, 106, 112, 118, 124, 129, 130, TATER TOT HOT DISH HENRY’S HARD SPARKLING HERITAGE TEA HOUSE 134 118 WATER 131, 132, 304, 313, 328, 345 IKE’S 119, 336 124, 318, 328 FRIED CHICKEN THE KERNEL 103, 318 111 WINE KRAMARCZUK’S 336 110, 130, 138, 301, 314, 325 LOLA’S 334 M ARTISAN PRETZEL 110, restaurant spotlight 311, 346 MAC N CHEESE 116 Find the fan favorite best mid-west Cheese Curds by sections 114, 129 1st & MARKET BBQ 122 Curds & Cakes Fry and our new location by section 143! Curds & Cakes premium MINI DONUTS 111, 318 Cheese Curds are made with Ellsworth Creamery Cheese Curds, NACHOS 117 PREMIUM CHEESE CURDS O’CHEEZE 108 hand dipped, fresh battered and deep fried to perfection. STEAK AND CHEESE 107

52 2019 vikings playbook ’TIS THE SEASON TO GET HOME SAFELY

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