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game-day guide 2 Big Pics: Week 14 KIRK 4 Game Preview cousins 7 Promotions 11 Vikings Snapshot 13 Bears Snapshot 14 Depth Charts & Rosters FEATURES 17 Water Break: Ameer Abdullah 20 Adam Thielen: Joining the Ranks 26 Eric Kendricks: Vikings Man of the Year 33 Purple Pups: Robison Menagerie 37 Metrodome Roof Collapse: The Moment & The Response 41 60 Greatest Fans extras 44 In the Community: Vikings Spread Holiday Cheer 46 Minnesota Vikings Foundation 49 Minnesota Vikings Cheerleaders 50 Viktor the Viking 52 Vikings Radio Network

editor: Craig Peters copy editor: Lindsey Young writers: Craig Peters, Eric Smith & Lindsey Young art direction & design: Elizabeth Bazany, Alicia Dreyer, Karlie Place, Jackie Ramacher & Taylar Sievert page 26 photography: Travis Ellison, Andy Kenutis, Kam Nedd & The page 20 Associated Press published by: GameDay Sports; [email protected]

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2020 vikings playbook 1 2020 season big pics 01

week 14 MIN VS TB The Vikings visited the Buccaneers in Week 14 and wore white-on- white uniforms for the second time in 2020 but were unable to record their second win of the year in that combination. Minnesota fell 26-14.

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A limited number of fans — the paid attendance was 16,031 — were allowed under the 02 COVID-19 protocols in place in Florida. It was the largest crowd Minnesota has played in front of this season.

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Dalvin Cook rushed 22 times for 102 yards and a score. He was the first player to rush for more than 100 yards against Tampa Bay since Week 9 of the 2019 season. Antoine Winfield, Jr., the son of the Vikings Legend, led the 02 Buccaneers with 11 tackles.

2 2020 vikings playbook big pics 2020 season

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Tyler Conklin led the Vikings with a career-high five receptions. He totaled 40 yards in working with fellow tight end Irv Smith, Jr., in the absence of Kyle Rudolph. Smith added 63 yards and a touchdown on four catches.

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The Vikings defense limited the Buccaneers to 303 net yards. 04

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Kirk Cousins passed for 225 yards and the score to Smith. He also totaled a career-high 41 yards on 05 five rushes.

2020 vikings playbook 3 sunday’s game is presented by

2020 minnesota high school all-state team Ben Alsleben, Litchfield Joe Alt, Totino-Grace Cameron Anderson, Blue Earth Area Camdyn Bauer, Rocori Nate Becker, Maple Grove Wyatt Block, Mankato West Zach Bruns, Morris Area/Chokio-Alberta Nyle Dickel, Minneapolis Washburn Deven Eastern, Shakopee This will be the 120th overall meeting pass. David Montgomery rushed for an 80-yard Trey Feeney, Moorhead between the Vikings and Bears franchises, touchdown the first time a Bears player touched Mitchell Fiebiger, Blooming Prairie the ball against the Texans. Chicago closed the Nick Flaskamp, Minneapolis SW second quarter with 16 straight points for a 30-7 which includes one postseason contest that Marcus Hansen, Waseca Chicago claimed on Jan. 1, 1995. lead at halftime. Since returning to the lineup in Week 12, Bears QB Mitchell Trubisky has Terrance Kamara, Minneapolis North The teams enter Week 15 with 6-7 records. The completed 76 of 113 passes for 776 yards with Cade Kramer, Eden Prairie Vikings claimed a 19-13 win at Soldier Field last seven touchdowns against two interceptions Bryce Lance, Marshall month and would like to claim their first season (passer rating of 100.0). Michael Leidenfrost, Pierz sweep of the Bears since 2017. Vikings Offense vs. Bears Defense: Riley Mahlman, Lakeville South Minnesota is trying to close its home slate Dalvin Cook recorded his seventh 100-yard Bode Magnuson, Pequot Lakes with a 4-4 record and build momentum for the game of the season and ranks second in the final two games of the regular season. Chicago Eli Mau, Chanhassen NFL with 1,352 rushing yards. He is tied for the defeated Houston 36-7 on Sunday for its first Jaden Norby, NFL lead with 14 touchdowns. Adam Thielen is win since Oct. 18. West Central Area/Ashby third in the NFL with 12 receiving touchdowns, Ben North, East Ridge first glance and rookie Justin Jefferson ranks seventh with Carter Otto, Elk River Vikings Defense vs. Bears Offense: 1,078 receiving yards. Minnesota could protect Minnesota’s defense is filled with young players Kirk Cousins a bit more than in recent weeks. Jake Raines, Woodbury that have showed signs of improvement while The Bears recorded one sack and five QB hits Jake Ratzlaff, Rosemount filling major gaps caused by injuries. The Vikings on Cousins at Soldier Field, but opponents Nolan Rueter, Albany limited the Buccaneers to 303 net yards of have totaled 14 sacks and 42 hits in the past Kaleb Skelly, Spring Lake Park offense, with 48 occurring on one touchdown four games. Garrison Solliday, St. Thomas Academy Josh Streit, Eden Valley-Watkins Vikings fans can connect with home games in a new way thanks Adam Tonsfeldt, Barnesville to Vikings Pregame All-Access presented by The Minnesota Brayden Weber, Becker Lottery, a livestreaming of pregame events and player warm-ups Gavin Wysong, Hills-Beaver Creek on vikings.com, the team’s mobile app and official social media coach of the year platforms. The livestream is designed to virtually bring fans Rex Metzger, Hills-Beaver Creek into U.S. Bank Stadium. It begins an hour before kickoff.

4 2020 vikings playbook

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2020 vikings playbook 7 promotions

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the minnesota vikings and sleep number again teamed up this year to recognize five community captains.

The Vikings Community Captain awards “He does a ton of other things for presented by Sleep Number were the community and he’s just a great created to recognize outstanding varsity representative from the Alexandria area, athletes throughout Minnesota who so we’re really proud of him,” Swor said. demonstrate strong leadership on and Bridget Blaney, a captain of the Hill- off the field, excelling in sport, in school Murray soccer team, led an effort to paint and the community. vases for a nursing home and deliver Varsity athletes with a 3.0 GPA or them with flowers and cards. This service higher and a history of community brightened the lives of people drastically service are eligible. affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Each winner received a Sleep Number “I was just kind of raised that way, 360® smart bed, a $1,000 scholarship, a to think of others before you think of $1,000 donation to the charity of his or yourself,” Blaney said. win a vikings homegating her choice, custom Vikings merchandise 2020 vikings prize pack from pepsi and tickets to a 2021 Vikings game. community captains: Instead of an in-person surprise like in Simply scan your commemorative 60th kristen hoskins Anniversary cup (available at Hy-Vee gas past years, videoconferences were used alexandria area high school to inform recipients of their selections stations) with the Vikings app OR select bridget blaney ‘Augmented Reality’ within the Vikings as Community Captains. hill-murray school app to unlock Vikings photo filters. “I’m so excited because all of the work sam bronk Share yours using #VikingsGameFace I’ve been putting in is paying off,” said lewiston-altura high school for your chance to win! For full Alexandria Area High School receiver haley reeck Kristen Hoskins. contest rules, visit Vikings.com/ edina high school VikingsGameFace. Jeremiah Swor, who nominated Hoskins, said the senior impresses with luke swanson fieldhaven academy/ “his attitude and willingness to serve northwest homeschool other people.” athletic cooperative

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8 2020 vikings playbook © Star Tribune 2020

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ON AIR EVERYWHERE The NFL’s Largest Radio Network www.kfan.com snapshot vikings

2o20 season leaders Passing (Yds) Kirk Cousins 3,298 Rushing (Yds) Dalvin Cook 1,352 Receiving (Yds) Justin Jefferson 1,078 Tackles Eric Kendricks 107 Sacks Ifeadi Odenigbo 3.5 Interceptions Harrison Smith 4 KOR (Yds) K.J. Osborn 303 PR (Avg.) K.J. Osborn 3.9

2020 schedule 1 9/13 Green Bay Packers L 43-34 2 9/20 at Indianapolis Colts L 28-11 3 9/27 Tennessee Titans L 31-30 4 10/4 at Houston Texans W 31-23 5 10/11 at Seattle Seahawks L 27-26 6 10/18 Atlanta Falcons L 40-23 7 10/25 Bye Week 8 11/1 at Green Bay Packers W 28-22 9 11/8 Detroit Lions W 34-20 Harris is set to play in his 10th game and make his seventh start against Chicago. 10 11/16 at Chicago Bears W 19-13 He has recorded 38 tackles, two interceptions, five passes defensed and recovered a 11 11/22 Dallas Cowboys L 31-28 fumble in those contests. Harris enters Week 15 with a career-high 78 tackles, including 12 11/29 Carolina Panthers W 28-27 two for loss, and has started every game for Minnesota this season. He recorded 13 12/6 Jacksonville Jaguars W 27-24* a season-high 11 tackles against Carolina. Harris’ role has been different in 2020, 14 12/13 at Tampa Bay Buccaneers L 26-14 compared to 2019 when he tied for the NFL lead with six interceptions. Injuries up 15 12/20 Chicago Bears front and inexperience at cornerback have altered the approach of the Vikings defense 16 12/25 at New Orleans Saints at times this season. Harris and Hall of Famer John Randle are the only two players 17 1/3 at Detroit Lions in Vikings history to garner an NFC Defensive Player of the Week award. The safety *in OT earned his after Week 1 of the 2019 season in which he recorded two interceptions and recovered a fumble against the Falcons. top 2 against bears rushing yards 224 Adrian Peterson on 20 attempts at Chicago (Oct. 14, 2007) first starts, first picks 211 Adrian Peterson on 35 attempts Back in 2015, Harris made his first two career starts (at Arizona on Dec. 10 and against in Minnesota (Dec. 1, 2013)

Chicago on Dec. 20). Three years later, his first career interceptions occurred against passing yards Arizona (one) and at Chicago (two). The twin picks against the Bears were part of a 436 Tommy Kramer on 28-of-55 passing career-best three passes defensed. in Minnesota (Sept. 19, 1985) 392 Brett Favre on 32-of-48 passing in Minnesota (Nov. 29, 2009)

receiving yards Harris has recorded two or more passes defensed in four different games 204 Randy Moss on 12 catches during his career on the way to totaling 26. Those numbers include nine at Chicago (Nov. 14, 1999) interceptions in 44 starts. 177 Sammy White on 10 catches 4 in Minnesota (Nov. 28, 1982 with 2+

2020 vikings playbook 11 AD snapshot bears

2o20 season leaders Passing (Yds) Nick Foles 1,852 Rushing (Yds) David Montgomery 760 Receiving (Yds) Allen Robinson II 1,027 Tackles Roquan Smith 122 Sacks Khalil Mack 7.5 Interceptions Tashaun Gipson Sr. 2 KOR (Yards) Cordarrelle Patterson 873 PR (Avg.) Anthony Miller 13.5

2020 schedule 1 9/13 at Detroit Lions W 27-23 2 9/20 New York Giants W 17-13 3 9/27 at Atlanta Falcons W 30-26 4 10/4 Indianapolis Colts L 19-11 5 10/8 Tampa Bay Buccaneers W 20-19 6 10/18 at Carolina Panthers W 23-16 7 10/26 at Los Angeles Rams L 24-10 8 11/1 New Orleans Saints L 26-23* A 2013 first-round pick by the Vikings, Patterson will be facing his original squad for the 9 11/8 at Tennessee Titans L 24-17 fifth time. The first meeting occurred in 2018 in New England. Patterson then joined 10 11/16 Minnesota Vikings L 19-13 11 11/22 Bye Week the Bears in 2019, so this will be his second time to leave the visitors’ locker room at 12 11/29 at Green Bay Packers L 41-25 U.S. Bank Stadium. A year ago, he totaled 14 yards on two rush attempts. Last month in 13 12/6 Detroit Lions L 34-30 Chicago, Patterson rushed a career-high 12 times for 30 yards on a night the Bears were 14 12/13 Houston Texans W 36-7 without starter David Montgomery. He added two receptions for 19 yards and returned 15 12/20 at Minnesota Vikings two kickoffs a total of 135 yards, highlighted by his 104-yard kickoff return touchdown 16 12/27 at Jacksonville Jaguars to open the second half. “Flash” is one of the hardest open-field runners to tackle, 17 1/3 Green Bay Packers leading the Bears to move him to their backfield quite a bit. He enters Week 15 with a *in OT career-high 59 rush attempts for 211 yards and leads the NFL this season with 29 kickoff returns and 873 yards. top 2 against vikings rushing yards 275 Walter Payton on 40 attempts metrodome memory at Chicago (Nov. 20, 1977) Nearly seven years ago, Patterson closed his rookie season and the Metrodome with 197 Gale Sayers on 17 attempts at Chicago (Dec. 18, 1966) the final two Vikings touchdowns at the venue that served as the team’s home from passing yards 1982-2013. His day included a 50-yard rushing touchdown and an 8-yard reception 422 Jim Miller on 34-of-48 passing from Matt Cassel for a 14-13 win over the Lions on Dec. 29, 2013. at Chicago (Nov. 14, 1999) 381 Brian Griese on 26-of-45 passing at Chicago (Oct. 14, 2007) receiving yards Patterson has eight career kickoff return touchdowns, including five with 249 Alshon Jeffery on 12 catches Minnesota and one against the Vikings in November. He is tied with Josh in Minnesota (Dec. 1, 2013) Cribbs and Leon Washington for the most such plays in NFL history. 198 Marty Booker on eight catches 8 at Chicago (Sept. 8, 2002) for 6 for

2020 vikings playbook 13 vikings roster

2 Britton Colquitt P 4 Sean Mannion QB 5 Dan Bailey K 33 30 8 Kirk Cousins QB running back 8 fullback Dalvin Cook C.J. Ham 12 Chad Beebe WR quarterback Kirk Cousins 17 K.J. Osborn WR 18 Justin Jefferson WR 19 Adam Thielen WR 20 Jeff Gladney CB 19 82 75 72 56 78 71 18 22 Harrison Smith S wide receiver tight end right tackle right guard center left guard left tackle wide receiver 23 Mike Boone RB Adam Thielen Kyle Rudolph Brian O’Neill Ezra Cleveland Garrett Bradbury Dakota Dozier Riley Reiff Justin Jefferson 25 Alexander Mattison RB 26 Chris Jones CB vikings offense 27 Cameron Dantzler CB bears defense 30 C.J. Ham FB 31 Ameer Abdullah RB 32 Mark Fields II CB 33 Dalvin Cook RB 33 92 98 96 23 cornerback defensive end nose tackle defensive tackle cornerback 38 Harrison Hand CB Jaylon Johnson Brent Urban Bilal Nichols Akiem Hicks Kyle Fuller 39 Dylan Mabin CB 94 52 40 Todd Davis LB outside linebacker outside linebacker Robert Quinn Khalil Mack 41 Anthony Harris S 59 58 44 Josh Metellus S inside linebacker inside linebacker 45 Troy Dye LB Danny Trevathan Roquan Smith 47 Hardy Nickerson LB 38 39 50 Eric Wilson LB safety safety 51 Hercules Mata’afa DE Tashaun Gipson Sr. Eddie Jackson 54 Eric Kendricks LB vikings special teams 56 Garrett Bradbury C 57 Ryan Connelly LB 58 Austin Cutting LS 61 Brett Jones C 5 2 42 17 kicker punter long snapper punt/kick returner 67 Jordan Brailford DE Dan Bailey Britton Colquitt Andrew DePaola K.J. Osborn 69 Rashod Hill T 71 Riley Reiff T 72 Ezra Cleveland G 73 Dru Samia G 74 Olisaemeka Udoh T 75 Brian O’Neill T MINNESOTA VIKINGS DEPTH CHART & ROSTER

78 Dakota Dozier G offense defense 81 Bisi Johnson WR 82 Kyle Rudolph TE 83 Tyler Conklin TE WR Jefferson B. Johnson Chisena LDE Holmes Wonnum 84 Irv Smith Jr. TE LT Reiff Hill NT Stephen Watts 85 Dan Chisena WR LG Dozier Samia DT J. Johnson Lynch 87 Hale Hentges TE C Bradbury Jones RDE Odenigbo Mata’afa Brailford 90 Jalyn Holmes DE RG Cleveland Samia WLB Wilson Nickerson 92 James Lynch DT RT O’Neill Udoh MLB Kendricks Davis 93 Shamar Stephen DT TE Rudolph I. Smith Jr. Conklin SLB Dye Connelly 94 Jaleel Johnson DT WR Thielen Beebe Osborn LCB Dantzler Jones Hand 95 Ifeadi Odenigbo DE QB Cousins Mannion RCB Gladney Mabin 96 Armon Watts DT RB Cook Mattison Abdullah SS H. Smith Metellus 98 D.J. Wonnum DE FB Ham FS Harris Metellus

14 2020 vikings playbook bears roster

2 Cairo Santos K 9 Nick Foles QB 41 22 10 Mitchell Trubisky QB 50 safety 54 safety 45 11 Darnell Mooney WR Anthony Harris Harrison Smith linebacker linebacker linebacker 12 Allen Robinson II WR Eric Wilson Eric Kendricks Troy Dye 16 Pat O’Donnell P 17 Anthony Miller WR 20 Duke Shelley DB 20 95 93 94 90 27 22 Kindle Vildor DB cornerback defensive end nose tackle defensive tackle defensive end cornerback 23 Kyle Fuller DB Jeff Gladney Ifeadi Odenigbo Shamar Stephen Jaleel Johnson Jalyn Holmes Cameron Dantzler 24 Buster Skrine DB 26 Deon Bush DB vikings defense 27 Sherrick McManis DB

bears offense 32 David Montgomery RB 33 Jaylon Johnson DB 35 Ryan Nall RB 36 D. Houston-Carson DB 12 72 65 67 64 74 80 11 38 Tashaun Gipson Sr. DB wide receiver left tackle left guard center right guard right tackle tight end wide receiver 39 Eddie Jackson DB Allen Robinson II Charles Leno Jr. Cody Whitehair Sam Mustipher Alex Bars Germain Ifedi Jimmy Graham Darnell Mooney 45 Joel Iyiegbuniwe LB 46 Artavis Pierce RB 48 Patrick Scales LS 17 50 Barkevious Mingo LB 10 wide receiver quarterback 32 Anthony Miller 52 Khalil Mack LB Mitchell Trubisky running back 55 Josh Woods LB David Montgomery 58 Roquan Smith LB 59 Danny Trevathan LB 64 Alex Bars OL bears special teams 65 Cody Whitehair OL 67 Sam Mustipher OL 69 Rashaad Coward OL 2 16 48 19 84 71 Arlington Hambright OL kicker punter long snapper punt returner kick returner 72 Charles Leno Jr. OL Cairo Santos Pat O’Donnell Patrick Scales DeAndre Carter Cordarrelle Patterson 73 Lachavious Simmons OL 74 Germain Ifedi OL 75 Daniel McCullers DT 78 Jason Spriggs OL 80 Jimmy Graham TE CHICAGO BEARS DEPTH CHART & ROSTER 81 J.P. Holtz TE 83 Javon Wims WR offense defense 84 Cordarrelle Patterson WR 85 Cole Kmet TE WR Robinson II Patterson DT Hicks 86 Demetrius Harris TE LT Leno Jr. Spriggs NT Nichols Jenkins 88 Riley Ridley WR LG Whitehair Coward Hambright DE Urban Edwards Jr. 90 John Jenkins DT C Mustipher Whitehair OLB Mack Tr. Gipson 92 Brent Urban DE RG Bars Coward ILB Smith Woods 93 James Vaughters LB RT Ifedi Spriggs Simmons ILB Trevathan Iyiegbuniwe 94 Robert Quinn LB TE Graham Kmet Harris OLB Quinn Mingo Vaughters 96 Akiem Hicks DT WR Miller Wims CB Fuller Skrine 97 Mario Edwards Jr. DE WR Mooney Ridley Carter CB Johnson Shelley Vildor 98 Bilal Nichols DT QB Trubisky Foles S Ta. Gipson Sr. Bush Houston-Carson 99 Trevis Gipson LB RB Montgomery Nall Pierce S Jackson McManis

*Depth charts are unofficial and as of print deadline (Dec. 16) 2020 vikings playbook 15 LIVE GENEROUSLY AND LIFE WILL TREAT YOU ROYALLY

P L E A S E D R I N K R E S P O N S I B L Y .Crown Royal Blended Canadian Whisky. 40% Alc/Vol. The Crown Royal Company, Norwalk, CT. by craig peters Ameer Abdullah’s eyes have been open for quite some time. His ears have, too, but they’ve become even more attentive in 2020. His head? Creative and philosophical but balanced by a grounded realism. His heart? Filled with empathy.

Abdullah is a Renaissance Man to say the appreciation for Outkast while riding in his least, and that goes well beyond the fact brother’s “old” Mustang. that he’s rushed, caught passes (including “A lot of kids my age weren’t a 22-yard touchdown against his former listening to Outkast,” he said with team, Detroit), returned kickoffs and a laugh. “I don’t even know recorded tackles as part of his work on what they were listening to special teams this season. Abdullah’s life at that time, but it definitely inside the helmet is just the beginning. wasn’t Outkast.” He is the youngest of nine siblings, Abdullah’s cousin Victoria children of a father who participated in the Monét is a talented singer/ Selma to Montgomery March during the songwriter with tracks Civil Rights Movement. performed by Ariana Grande. Growing up in an Islamic family in “I’m a pretty big music fan, Alabama, Abdullah learned about cultural and I think the impact of the differences at a young age, particularly art of music is a lot deeper in December when classmates and their than a lot of people want to families were celebrating Christmas or give credit,” he said. Hanukkah. Less recognition seemed to be As much as Abdullah paid to his family’s observance of Ramadan appreciates multiple types of in the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. music, he doesn’t produce it. December meant a time of togetherness Instead, his passion for reading with sisters and brothers returning home that appeared at an early age from winter breaks. has blossomed into a love for “I do remember having everyone in the scriptwriting. house at one time was always cool because Abdullah is continuing to work I have six sisters and two brothers, and the on films. An executive producer older kids kind of brought a certain energy, for Hell on the Border, which and the younger kids brought a certain debuted in 2019 and is available energy, but to have all of those different on Amazon Prime, Abdullah has realities under one roof was always cool. another project in the works that he “It was my time where I actually felt wasn’t quite ready to discuss. included with the older kids, and that’s We caught up with Ameer where my love for a lot of different styles this week for a Water of music that are before my time surfaced,” Break, presented by said Abdullah, who recalled gaining his Crown Royal. This has been a tough year on people in Do you usually make new year’s Q: numerous ways. You and your teammates Q: resolutions, or do you just set goals have found your voices on tough issues. What throughout the year? advice do you have for people who are hoping to “I’m not a huge resolution guy, mainly find their voices? A: because I feel like a lot of my goals roll “Make sure you definitely feel whatever over into the new year, so I’ll put myself on A: you’re speaking on. I don’t think it’s a timeframe, but I won’t necessarily have necessarily anyone’s role to go out and a goal, ‘I want to stick to this this year.’ I speak on issues or take one stance or think we’re constantly evolving. I’ve grown another. I think there has to be a passion more in the last three months of this behind it, there has to be a want to year than I have in the entire year. It was understand. One thing 2020 has done is unforeseeable change, too.” kind of lit a fire for a lot of people to want to understand the facts, to want Q: How so and why do you think that is? to understand what’s going on, ‘Why are issues still persisting? Is there an “I would say I’m a lot more prone issue in certain situations? What can A: to listen than talk these days. we look forward to in the future?’ I see Jimi Hendrix is one of my favorite past a lot of people asking questions, and what entertainers, and he always used to say, I would ask them to do is to critically look ‘Knowledge speaks, but wisdom listens.’ at history. I double-majored in pre-law and I think that’s so profound, because history when I was in college because I like you could say that in a lot of different to read. I love to read, so that’s something situations. Sometimes the loudest person Are you hopeful people will I like to do in my free time. A lot of people in the room is the person that’s the Q: continue to increase their don’t really like to read, so reading becomes most afraid. For me, as much as I kind understanding of differences? a task, so when you look at anything as a of already knew this as a young man, in task, you don’t really put your heart into the past three months, just being a part “Yes, but not for the it. It’s something you have to do, right? of different conversations about reform, A: specific reason of just So I would definitely tell people to critically being a part of different conversations so they can observe more look at history, to pinpoint a certain time with all of these other programs that holidays, right? If I wanted period, look at what was going on socially, are active in Minnesota, being a part people to expand their what was going on economically, what was of conversations with leaders on my knowledge of other cultures going on psychologically, bookmark that team and the community, I’ve had the and things just so we can and look at where we are today and ask opportunity to just gain so much more get notoriety, then I’m only yourself tough, personal questions of, ‘Have perspective from other lives that are scratching the surface of the we come far? Where has my family gone happening outside of myself. That is potential of the movement consciously from this standpoint,’ maybe the one goal that a lot of people may that can be shaped by look back at the lineage of your family need to work toward in the new year if encouraging people to actually history and what your family did during you’re making a resolution, to realize not diversify their knowledge.” that time because it all plays a role.” everything is about you.”

The ‘Water Break’ presented by Crown Royal will post on Vikings.com on Wednesdays before home games. AD department story title

by eric smith

20 2020 vikings playbook story title department

A glance at the Vikings record book reveals a legendary duo of names when searching for the most receiving touchdowns in a single season. Cris Carter initially set the record of 17 in 1995 when the Hall of Famer had seven different games with two scores. Randy Moss — a Hall of Famer himself — tied Carter’s mark in 1998 while also setting an NFL rookie record. The dynamic Moss then equaled the mark in 2003 when he caught at least one touchdown in all but five regular-season games.

Moss’ 15 touchdown catches in 2000 are pop up. It’s actually your son’s name up from Teddy Bridgewater in a 13-9 win that the fourth-most in a season in franchise there with them.” ended his first season on the Vikings roster. history. The “SuperFreak” also had 13 scores Adam, as usual, refuses to get lost in He remains a consistent threat for big plays (tied for fifth-most) in 2004. Carter hit that the history books. He’s not about to start and tough catches that move the sticks, but number in 1997 and 1999. comparing himself to the pair of Hall of it’s his ability to get into the end zone that And a look at the eighth-most touchdown Famers he grew up watching and emulating has made his 2020 season special. Thielen, catches in a Vikings single season shows in his yard. a two-time Pro Bowler and a Second-Team Carter is there with a dozen. But so, too, is a “Not even thinking about it,” Thielen said. All-Pro by The Associated Press in 2017, kid from Detroit Lakes. “When I’m done playing, I’ll be able to look didn’t have a double-digit touchdown season After delighting in the exploits of Carter back at that and have an opinion about it. before his current one. and Moss during his youth, Adam Thielen Right now, we’re just so focused on this Thielen has excelled in the red zone in 2020, has put together a historically great game this week and the challenges we face as his past 11 scores have all come from inside campaign in 2020 to join their ranks. week-to-week. the 20-yard line. The wide receiver credited Truth be told, it’s a bit surreal for Jayne and “Obviously, I have tons of respect for them Minnesota’s entire offense for helping him Pete Thielen, the 30-year-old wide receiver’s and loved watching them play the game and have success in the crucial area. parents who had Purple pride long before the impact they made,” Thielen added. “Even “There’s a lot of things that play into it, and their son even came into this world. when everybody knew they were getting that’s why this game is the greatest game “Each year, his name comes up in more the ball, they somehow found ways to make there is,” Thielen said. “There’s so many factors stats. We cheered those guys on … Cris plays and score touchdowns.” that lead to success … it’s not an individual Carter was my favorite player,” Pete Thielen Thielen’s scoring prowess has been sport where it’s kind of on you and that’s it. said. “So for him to be close to those guys, noticeable in 2020, as he’s set a career-high “You have so many things you need to go it’s really something to be proud of. with those 12 touchdown catches. But he’s your way, whether it be play-calling, guys “He loved Cris Carter and, of course, also moved up a handful of other lists in blocking, guys in other spots they have to Randy Moss [growing up]. We sat down Vikings lore. key on, a quarterback that can give you every Sunday and watched the games Entering Week 15’s game against the chances,” Thielen added. “It’s 11 guys that together,” Pete Thielen added. “In his Chicago Bears, the undrafted product of have to perform to have success.” mind, he always thought, ‘Well, I’m going Minnesota State, Mankato now ranks A pair of Thielen’s coaches offered a deeper to be a receiver like them.’ He would eighth in team history with 5,075 receiving explanation for why No. 19 has been so good always play in the yard with his jersey on yards. He’s ninth all-time with 383 catches, inside the 20. and get the neighbors to come over and and his 37 touchdowns rank sixth among all “I think the key this year has been our play football.” Vikings players. balance … [including] Justin [Jefferson’s] Added Jayne: “I guess the way to explain It’s been quite a ride for the player who emergence as a player,” said Vikings Offensive it would be to say that it’s unbelievable caught his first receiving touchdown nearly six Coordinator Gary Kubiak. “We get down there, when you see him on TV or see the stats years ago against the Bears, a 44-yard strike and people aren’t doubling this guy or that

2020 vikings playbook 21 guy. So, we’re pretty balanced offensively, as far “His quarterback [in the yard] was the neighbor’s as what we do. daughter,” Pete Thielen said. “Time and time again he’d “And then the other thing is that Adam is a guy that just say, ‘Put it out in front of me.’ doesn’t miss plays. Look at some of the tough catches “Of course, he’s diving for the ball and I thought he was he’s made, especially over the course of the last few going to break his arm or something,” he added. “He weeks that some guys may not make,” Kubiak added. made some pretty good catches when he was a kid, too.” “That’s the difference in being maybe a seven- or eight- But even so, Thielen’s parents were impressed by his touchdown guy and being a 15-touchdown guy at the one-handers in back-to-back weeks this season. end of the year. His ability to make plays when he gets “We both looked at each other,” Jayne quipped, “and his hands on the ball is exceptional, and it’s showing.” said, ‘How in the world?’ ” Added Vikings Head Coach Mike Zimmer: “His Pete quickly chimed in: “We’ve said that many times.” best asset is he catches the ball great, and he’s very Thielen said there’s no secret to the ability to bring competitive. So those two things, and he’s very smart. the ball down. It’s a skill he’s honed since he was a kid He understands where to get the defender.” and one he’s now trying to pass on to his own son, Thielen added to his highlight reel this season with a 4-year-old Asher. pair of spectacular one-handed grabs in the end zone. “Absolutely. Those are the ones … every single day Against the Bears on Monday Night Football in Week 10, you’re playing in the backyard with your buddies … the wide receiver used his left mitt to bring down a Kirk you’re doing whatever it takes to come down with Cousins pass while falling down. the football. My son does it right now,” Thielen added A week later, it was his right hand that cradled in a with pride. “Pretty much every night, I throw it to him lofted Cousins pass against the Cowboys. and he’s begging me to go downstairs and throw it for Vikings fans have become accustomed to seeing him. You just kind of do it. Just find a way to come up Thielen make such plays since entering the starting with the football.” lineup in 2016. Pete and Jayne Thielen said they’ve seen Perhaps we shouldn’t be surprised Thielen has turned such catches for an even longer period of time. into a touchdown machine of late. A season ago, he

I guess the way to explain it would be to say that it’s unbelievable when you see him on TV or see the stats pop up. It’s actually your son’s name up there with [Cris Carter and Randy Moss].

- jayne thielen

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had six touchdown catches in six-plus games But much like Thielen’s own traits, before a hamstring injury in Week 7 in Detroit Minnesota relied on work ethic and hampered the rest of his season. preparation to make a run at an NFC playoff The other thing is that The reliable and durable wide receiver spot as the calendar turned to December. totaled just 90 offensive snaps across His parents know his humility well. three of the final nine games and missed “He’s still our kid,” Jayne Thielen said. “We Adam is a guy that six entirely. For a guy who hadn’t missed a haven’t seen him change his personality, game in his first five seasons on the the way he handles himself. He’s still the kid doesn’t miss plays. Look 53-man roster, the lingering hamstring we’ve always known.” issue was maddening. With three regular-season games left, at some of the tough “It was very frustrating for Adam with that Thielen hardly cares if he joins his boyhood particular type of injury,” Pete Thielen said. idols in the annals of Vikings history. “He’s had a lot of different types of injuries, He’s focused on helping his childhood team catches he’s made... but he’s kind of just played through them. get back to the postseason for a second “This was one injury where he couldn’t play consecutive season and seeing what possible His ability to make plays through, and he was frustrated,” he added. fun they could have in January and beyond. “He thought it could get healed up in a week “Obviously not a normal season,” Thielen or two, but that didn’t work out.” said with a laugh. “A lot of things are a lot when he gets his hands As a result, Thielen mapped out an even different, but that’s kind of life as an athlete. clearer offseason plan with personal trainer Things don’t always go to plan. Even having on the ball is exceptional, Ryan Englebert. He’s been reliable so far in a 1-5 start, those things aren’t planned and 2020, playing 730 of 797 offensive snaps of you just adapt, overcome and figure out the 12 games he’s appeared in. ways to make it as smooth as possible. and it’s showing. “It definitely woke me up last year to say, “To be able to get through something ‘Hey, I’ve got to focus a little more on my like that in this league is not easy. To be body and how I’m taking care of myself,’ ” able to push and fight and scratch and claw - gary kubiak Thielen said. “I was able to talk with my ...and have all the doubters in the world … trainer and put a good plan together. that why you play this game,” Thielen added. “That was training, nutrition, recovery “You play each week to try to get to that … just a good plan for the offseason and ultimate goal that everybody’s looking for continue that into the season,” Thielen at the start of the season. We have to make added. “Just try to do what I can to have the sure that each week from now on is almost most … probability, I guess is a good word … like a playoff game.” of staying healthy and feeling good.” As Thielen continues to climb the Vikings record books, he insists that his main focus isn’t on personal accolades, but instead on a team goal. Like all other NFL teams, Minnesota navigated a virtual offseason, endured an odd training camp and no preseason before the 2020 season began. And when it did, the Vikings languished to a 1-5 start as they were plagued by inconsistent play and an unfavorable turnover margin.

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it was a gorgeous september $1 million to be awarded by the Vikings Social investment All Square has ever gotten is afternoon when eric kendricks Justice Committee. going directly to our fellows. “As you guys know, I came here about a “They are the reason we exist,” Hunt showed up at all square, one of his year ago with some teammates. You guys Turner added. “It’s a beautiful thing, not favorite spots in the twin cities. changed the way we think about the justice only to see the check, but to know that is All Square is a nonprofit social enterprise system and the flaws it has,” Kendricks what the check is for. It was a moment of that includes a craft grilled cheese restaurant, said. “We appreciate your efforts, and true happiness.” professional development institute and we’re really proud. It really has changed the Unbeknownst to Kendricks, the group had blossoming Civil Rights law firm. way we think about giving back. But we’re a surprise of its own. And as he stood on the The restaurant is closed on Tuesdays, mostly proud of the fellows. They’re the restaurant’s patio, the tables would soon be but the Vikings linebacker showed up on ones that this is all about. turned on him. his off day ready to deliver a jovial surprise “We wanted to get the fellow fund started, “We also have something for you, too, sir,” announcement to leaders and workers who and get it started real big,” he added. “We’re said Randall Smith, a fellow who works at had been asked to meet in South Minneapolis. proud of you guys and know you’re going All Square. Kendricks — a key member of the Vikings to continue to fight. But we’re all going to Another fellow, Terrein Gill, also spoke up. Social Justice Committee — soon presented continue to fight. We all have to strive to be “We appreciate how much you support an oversized check for $250,000 for All the best we can be. So, let’s do it.” the fellows and our fund, and how you’re so Square’s Fellow & Fellow Alum Fund, which Smiles and happy tears abounded from the transparent with us and All Square,” said Gill, supports formerly incarcerated individuals in All Square associates. before telling the sixth-year pro that he had their efforts to rejoin society. “I was elated, and I think I can speak for been chosen as the Vikings Community Man The donation was part of a $5 million everyone in that sense,” said Emily Hunt of the Year and nominated for the Walter overall commitment by the Wilf family Turner, the founder and CEO of All Square. Payton NFL Man of the Year Award. ownership group of the Vikings, with “I think it’s important that the biggest Moments later, Kendricks was presented with a customized No. 54 Purple Vikings jersey. But instead of his own name on the back, embroidered on the jersey was WP MOY. “That’s what’s up!” Kendricks exclaimed. “Hell, yeah.”

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Kendricks grew up in Fresno, California, In the wake of George Floyd’s death while help in any type of way — small way or big a diverse city in the state’s Central Valley. in custody of Minneapolis police, Kendricks way — I think there’s got to be light shed Fresno is about a three-hour drive to San knew he had to say more. He had to do more. on the fact these are just people who have Francisco. The trek from Fresno to Los Kendricks has raised his voice and used his aspirations and goals,” Kendricks said. Angeles, where Kendricks attended UCLA on time, effort and energy for causes close to “Unfortunately, they made a mistake and a football scholarship, takes about 30 more his heart. it’s defined a big part of their lives. Rather minutes. That includes staying connected with All than just putting them in jail and forgetting The 28-year-old came from a single-parent Square, which aims to combat recidivism, about them, we have to rehabilitate and home and noted that it took a village to the cycle of people returning to prison for start to teach and do other things to where raise him, whether it was the help of friends, repeating past offenses or committing they have another shot.” family or coaches. His older brother, Mychal, new ones due to their circumstances or On the field, Kendricks is known as one of played eight seasons in the NFL. surroundings. the game’s best linebackers. “I was blessed enough to have older And it includes monthly meetings with He can flow sideline to sideline, tracking siblings. And my family put me in sports youth from the Juvenile Detention Center in down running backs or hanging in coverage right away to have that structure,” Kendricks Hennepin County, just steps from U.S. Bank with some of the league’s top pass catchers. said. “But yeah, I went to school and grew Stadium. “He’s been tremendous. I think he’s playing up with kids who made those one or two Kendricks and his teammates visited even better than he did last year,” Vikings decisions that put them in a bad situation. the JDC seven times in person in 2018 and Co-Defensive Coordinator Adam Zimmer, “It was something so small and something 2019. And when the COVID-19 pandemic who is also Kendricks’ position coach, said that could have been avoided, but yet, I feel hit in March, the linebacker increased his in November. “I think he’s playing as good like they had a crossroads of what to do,” efforts, making sure to hop on monthly as he ever has and probably better than he Kendricks added. “You never know what videoconferences with the youth. ever has.” people are going through.” By the time the calendar flips to 2021, And Kendricks has fun doing so, oftentimes Kendricks excelled for the Bruins so much Kendricks will have made 17 total visits — either with his hair bouncing around out the back that the Vikings drafted him in the second in-person or virtual — with kids at the JDC. of his helmet. He nabbed interceptions in round of the 2015 NFL Draft. Their conversations range from how the three consecutive home games in Weeks Quietly reserved and low-key off the field Vikings are doing, to what Kendricks’ hobbies 9, 11 and 12, enjoying big celebrations with in his first few pro seasons, Kendricks felt are away from the field (hint: he’s really into teammates. no choice but to speak up in response to the cars) to how the kids in the JDC can make Just above where the hair branches out, events of 2020. better life choices going forward. however, is another reminder of strife. He “I feel like sometimes they’re forgotten opted this season to wear a sticker with about. Honestly, that’s what it comes the name of Breonna Taylor, a 26-year-old down to. Ever since the first time I went African-American woman who was fatally and visited, I felt like I had an obligation to shot in her Kentucky apartment on March 13. go back and give a little bit of my time if I Taylor’s case could be another statistic, can,” Kendricks said. “That’s what I want to but instead it’s another reason for his continue doing. I don’t feel like it’s that big determination to find social justice solutions. of a deal, but it could be a big deal to them. Those within the Vikings organization Maybe hearing from someone who plays have taken notice of Kendricks’ continued sports, or hearing how I dealt with things commitment to help make the world a better growing up, it could be beneficial. place around him. “I feel like the system we have in place, “Eric is a special person who makes it puts people in jail and doesn’t set them the entire Vikings organization proud by up to be functioning members of society displaying his heart for our community,” afterwards. I feel like if I can come and said Vikings Owner/President Mark Wilf.

2020 vikings playbook 29 department story title

“We have a strong history with our Man And even for those who don’t know him an excuse for him,” Stamschror-Lott added. of the Year nominees, and Eric certainly as well as his teammates or coaches, it’s “What you make room for shows who you belongs in this group. clear that Kendricks isn’t one to support are. He doesn’t have to do this, and people “Eric has proven to be a great player but endeavors for notoriety or attention. His would still love him anyways.” he is an even better man,” Wilf added. “The passion is real and genuine. Ten days after Floyd died in police custody need for community involvement has never “As a spectator, I watch him on the field, in Minneapolis, Kendricks delivered a been greater, and Eric has accepted that and he operates with such authenticity,” profound message. challenge and led by his thoughts, words and Hunt Turner said. “To see the way that He struggled with his emotions at times actions. We are honored to have Eric as our translates here and the way he operates when describing his thoughts on the social Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee.” with us … it’s one thing to care about injustice happening in Minnesota and across Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins has said the issues, but it’s another to build the nation, but Kendricks’ nearly 3-minute multiple times this season that not only relationships. long speech came from his heart. is Kendricks his own favorite player on the “He’s the kind of human who doesn’t just Kendricks said he was going to apply team, but that is off-field endeavors are want to know or understand, and frankly, pressure to himself to keep the conversation ones to strive for. doesn’t just want to throw money at going and to find tangible actions to make a “Eric’s someone who’s not only talking the something,” Hunt Turner added. “He wants difference. talk, but he’s walking the walk,” Cousins to build relationships. There’s an authenticity And in the months that have followed, said. “He’s been a great leader for us in that, so to know he’s nominated for [the Kendricks has delivered. His passion for through the Social Justice Committee. He’s Walter Payton Man of the Year Award] … we change has never been higher, and his impact done a lot to educate himself, he’s done a couldn’t imagine a better candidate.” on the world has never been greater. lot to have great conversations with other Gill added: “He doesn’t let his helmet “Just becoming more involved. That’s what people, including myself. hide him. He knows he has a platform, we all kind of learned through this whole “He’s been big on ‘What are real, tangible so he comes at that just like he plays on process,” Kendricks said of his evolvement steps that we can take?’ He asks those defense. It’s cool to see an athlete like in 2020. “We need to become more involved questions in humility and wants to get that. We’ve had a lot of people come down in our communities and whether that’s the answers and wants to work to find answers,” and talk to us, but the chemistry with him, election — we had a lot of people vote — but Cousins added. “That takes time, that takes you could feel it.” on the local level as well. energy, but he’s willing to put in the work Jamil Stamschror-Lott is All Square’s “Social justice work in the city, things like to do that. It’s been an inspiration and an Institute Director, meaning he facilitates that,” Kendricks added. “We all just need to encouragement for me to just be able to be the personal and professional development keep our eyes and ears open and not forget alongside that kind of class and character.” programming for the fellows. He is also about these things and understand we have Added Zimmer: “I’m very proud of Eric. Eric is a former Division-I basketball player at to make this world a better place. If you have very smart, intelligent, but most importantly Marquette and knows firsthand how fickle that in mind, you can’t really lose.” his heart is in the right place. He’s a tremendous some athletes can be. man. Obviously, he’s a great football player, and Not Kendricks. we’ve all seen him grow throughout the years, “He’s not reading from a script,” said but I have a lot of pride in the whole group of Stamschror-Lott, who has gotten to know our Social Justice Committee. Those guys have Kendricks through All Square and jumped carried themselves in a professional manner. on some JDC calls with him. “One way to They’ve been very articulate and spoken from measure a person’s integrity is if they the heart. I have a great deal of appreciation continue to come back. and pride for the way that group has gone “He’s committed. We all have stuff to do about their business.” in our lives and we’re all busy, but that’s not

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Horses and hamsters and... peacocks, oh my? ROBISON Brian and Jayme Robison’s ranch is a modern-day menagerie. And on certain days, by lindsey young “circus” might feel like a more apt word to the MENAGERIE former Vikings defensive end. After spending 11 seasons with the Vikings, during which he played 173 games (103 starts) and totaled 60 sacks, Brian pivoted to whole- owner: heartedly support Jayme’s career as not only a brian robison professional barrel racer but as the co-owner of Miller-Robison Performance Horses. The Robisons last year built their home in Bellville, Texas, and along with it a massive barn that currently houses 60-plus horses. horses galore: jayme robison is a While Brian doesn’t do much riding himself, professional barrel he says he does enjoy the horses – contrary to racer, and their barn what Jayme might believe. houses 60+ horses. “I know my wife will argue with me because I always give her heck for it – because it’s quite costly to own horses,” he quipped. “[But] I team dogs: do go out there periodically – Jayme doesn’t robison’s two labs know it all the time, but I go out there, and remind him of former I’ll pet them, and I’ll give them treats. I’m the teammates harrison smith treat guy. So when I come around it’s like, and jaleel johnson. ‘This guy’s got treats; we need to butter him up a little bit.’ “But yeah, I love them and love that [she loves them],” Brian added. “She’s grown up peacocks, oh my! with it, she’s done it since she was 3 or 4 years the peacocks make up old, and I’d give her anything I could.” for their irritating `In addition to the horses – including 12 behavior by flashing their beautiful foals; brood mares; Jayme’s barrel racers and feathers. Spirit, who belongs to Brian and Jayme’s daughter, Madelyn – the Robisons have nearly every type of pet one could imagine. There’s Hammy the Hamster, a little guy

2020 vikings playbook 33 department story title

“Drake ended up becoming my dog. He’s a great bird hunter. He’s 11 years old now so he’s getting up there in age, and we don’t get out as much as we used to. He’s a great dog.”

- brian robison

who is owned, loved and affectionately and-through, which means they’re also He’s a great bird hunter. He’s 11 years old named by 6-year-old Parker Robison. dog owners. now, so he’s getting up there in age, and They have fish (“of course,” says Brian the Brian conducted this particular virtual - wetroy don’t dyeget out as much as we used to. angler), goats, chickens and even miniature interview in the company of the family’s two He’s a great dog.” ponies. There’s Layla the Savannah cat, canines: Sadie, a chocolate Lab; and Drake, The two dogs’ personalities differ as much who joined the family last December a black English Lab. Sadie belongs to Jayme as demeanors within a locker room. The shortly after the family mourned the and is named after her previous chocolate Vikings locker room, to be more specific. loss of Honey Bun the rabbit. Maddy Lab who passed away. Drake, a bird-hunting “Oh, goodness. Sadie would remind me of and Parker each have a kitten, and Parker pup named after a mallard duck, is Brian’s Jaleel Johnson,” Brian answered when posed spends most evenings searching for frogs right-hand dog. with the challenge. “Because – and I mean in the warm Texas twilight. It didn’t start out that way, though. this in the best of ways, Jaleel – she gets kind And don’t forget the peacocks. Brian recalled years ago attending a of lazy, she likes to stay in the kitchen. … But Why would one own peacocks, exactly? Sheriff’s Youth Program auction in Le Sueur, then in the mornings, in the evenings, she gets “I don’t know, but if anybody wants them, Minnesota, with Jayme and former Vikings super hyper. She likes to run around with her they are more than welcome to message teammate Pat Williams. While at the auction, tail tucked between her legs and play with you me, and I will gladly give them away,” Brian Jayme caught sight of the black pup for sale. and jump on you and things like that. So yeah, I laughed. “They are annoying. Very beautiful “Jayme had been talking about how she would say Jaleel Johnson.” birds. Listen – no doubt about it, the wanted this dog … and Pat ended up buying And Drake? attraction to them is how pretty they are with the dog,” Brian laughed. “[And] oh no, he “He’s like the calm vet presence. their feathers and stuff like that. It’s not an didn’t hand it to me – he handed it straight to So I would say maybe like a Harry?” Brian understatement. But they are annoying. They Jayme. He knew what he was doing. He was said, referencing Vikings safety Harrison Smith. get on everything, they poop on everything, going to rub it in my face and give [the puppy] “He’s not going to bark, he’s not going to talk they make these loud noises in the morning to my wife. about it – he’s just going to go out and do it and at night.” “Which, hey, I was OK with it,” Brian added. and kind of mosey around and do his deal, and The Robisons are animal lovers through- “But yeah, Drake ended up becoming my dog. he’s A-OK with that.”

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Jared Allen and Chad Greenway didn’t ‘ALL I COULD SEE WAS BLACK SKY’ Eisenschenk: “I heard a slide on the pay much attention to the forecast While players and coaches may have been opposite side of the roof, on the west side unconcerned about the weather’s impact on of the building, and that was followed by an predicting a blizzard for the Twin the game, a select few felt that a significant immense explosion. All I could see was black Cities on Dec. 11, 2010. problem could be looming. sky. I was on that forklift and by the time I Instead, they simply focused on Pete Eisenschenk worked on the stadium got to the ramp itself, the [roof] was down. team meetings and the next day’s operations team and was plenty familiar with I wasn’t looking back. I was just in a hurry to game against the New York Giants at the Metrodome’s air-supported roof that get out of there. featured an exterior layer of Teflon-coated “What I did, as I took off on that forklift, I the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome. fiberglass material and inner layer of fabric looked up at the field clock thinking, ‘I’m going “Guys coming into the hotel from that served as the bowl’s ceiling. to die just after 5 in the morning.’ That’s what their houses, [weather could be] a What made the roof vulnerable, Eisenschenk I thought: ‘If I don’t make this run, I won’t concern, but never did you think that explained, was if it fell victim to even a make it out of here.’ It was frightening.” the game would be canceled because small hole or rip, which could tear the unique Allen received an early morning phone call material “like a bed sheet.” from Giants kicker Lawrence Tynes, who had of a blizzard,” Allen recalled before If to this point you’ve thought Eisenschenk been his teammate with the Chiefs. Tynes and deadpanning, “I mean, you’re in a was unfamiliar, think again. the rest of the Giants team had been forced dome, right? So weather’s never even While the name might not ring a bell, to stay the night in Kansas City due to the in the forecast for the game plan.” thousands have no-doubt seen the grainy snowstorm. But just after 5 a.m., the outline of Eisenschenk recording the fastest Allen: “I just thought he was messing with 40-yard dash by a forklift driver ever. me, right? Trying to wake me up early the Metrodome’s roof collapsed under the Eisenschenk was on the field when the day of the game. And he’s like, ‘Hey man … immense weight of snow and ice built breech began and worried his time was up. He your guys’ dome collapsed.’ I’m like, ‘What?’ I up on its billowy surface. sped away to safety. thought he was messing around. I turn on

2020 vikings playbook 37 the TV, sure enough, the dome [roof] had Spielman: “I think the biggest thing was just season involved a loss to Chicago at the collapsed overnight. We get the phone call that finding out what stadium we were going to hurriedly prepared outdoor stadium at the the game’s postponed, we don’t know what’s use. I know it ended up being Detroit because University of Minnesota, trips to Philadelphia going to happen.” [the Lions] had played Green Bay there that for a game that was delayed from Sunday to Sunday, and all of the FOX TV trucks were Tuesday because of forecasted snow and a ON TO DETROIT there, already set up.” season finale at Detroit. By 5:15, phones were ringing across the metro. Consensus grew that the Metrodome had While General Manager Rick Spielman, HOME-FIELD AT FORD FIELD? served its intention and was past its prime. Vikings Director of Operations Luther Hippe The team tried to put the craziness of the Repairs were made by the 2011 season, but and others worked with the league to preceding 24 hours in the rear-view mirror. the Vikings maintained their quest for a new relocate and reschedule the game, longtime The delay wasn’t long enough for Brett Favre home, made possible when legislation passed Vikings equipment manager Dennis Ryan to recover from injury the previous week, in May 2012. and his staff arrived at the dome to gather and his NFL record streak of 297 consecutive Groundbreaking for U.S. Bank Stadium game-day essentials. starts ended. occurred on Dec. 3, 2013, and the Metrodome Ryan, who first started with the team Ryan: “Brett Favre … just wanted some hot hosted its final Vikings game 26 days later. when the Vikings still played outdoors at dogs when he got to the stadium. … He got Vikings Executive Vice President of Public Metropolitan Stadium, and his staff are his hot dogs, and he enjoyed them.” Affairs Lester Bagley said the design of U.S. professionals at preparation, even though a Minnesota tried to adapt with a makeshift Bank Stadium’s roof helps better shed snow shortened timeline created quite a challenge. “home-field crowd.” than the Metrodome and also included a noise Ryan: “Three of us stayed at the stadium, Greenway: “Calling Ford Field ‘home’ for a bonus effect. packed the entire locker room, sent [assistant game was bizarre. … It was weird to look up Bagley: “The Metrodome provided a great equipment manager] Adam Groene back to in the stands … and not have a home color. … home-field advantage in terms of volume Winter Park in Eden Prairie to start packing There were some Vikings fans who had flown level. … Designing [U.S. Bank Stadium] with cold-weather gear, wet-weather gear, whatever over and were a part of that, but it was just the ETFE roof … and the pivoting doors was we might need for the game, wherever it was really weird.” important. It also turned out that the angle going to be played. … We basically packed until of the roof … also helped as a reflector. It they told us to head to the airport, that the RESILIENCY REWARDED reflects the sound back and actually sort of airplane was there.” Minnesota’s final three games of the 2010 angles toward the visiting bench.”

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hub meeds looked the part. Meeds became such a part of Vikings lore at Metropolitan Stadium that he Wearing a “crummy” rented Vikings was featured on the cover of the 1973 costume along with his brother-in-law official team media guide. He also is Dan Jeans, an incredible portal — the included in a display from that era at player gate at Tulane Stadium before the Minnesota Vikings Museum, which Super Bowl IV between Minnesota and opened in 2018. Kansas City — opened for Meeds on Whether the weather was sunny, Jan. 11, 1970. rainy, windy, snowy or some Minnesota “It was crazy. We walk by this gate, combination of all the above, Meeds and the guy opens it up and lets us added to the mystique of the Old Met. in, so we went straight down to the He initially wore a fake beard before field,” Meeds said. “There was nobody growing bushy whiskers. The current on the sidelines. We were there the beard is more trim and gray but still whole game. iconic for generations of his fellow “I didn’t use my ticket,” he added. Vikings fans. “I’ve still got it.” “I [shaved] one time, and I was sorry Although the Vikings didn’t prevail, because I got invited out to New York Meeds approached team leaders about to be on the To Tell the Truth show, and becoming a permanent addition to the I was embarrassed,” Meeds said during game-day atmosphere. He joined the an interview after he was named one of team in an official capacity that fall and the 60 Greatest Vikings Fans. remained in his iconic role through 1992. “All through the years, I had to leave Meeds bolstered his look that [the beard] on because of calls for featured a faux fur vest and a cow parades and such,” Meeds said. “It was horn he bought in a St. Paul store an honor, really, to get asked to appear and sanded down for his personal in parades. I tried to not turn down Gjallarhorn. anything and never charged too much.” Hub Meeds served as the official mascot of the That shield of his? He cleverly Meeds helped enliven the Vikings from 1970-92. It all began with someone fashioned it out of a children’s sled. atmosphere in the Metrodome, else’s mistake at Super Bowl IV. And his sword? It was a prop that where the Vikings moved in 1982. had been made in Germany, dating to Outdoor elements that became a 1888. Meeds became the owner for home-field advantage under Hall Metrodome caused the game against $26 via an auction. of Fame Head Coach Bud Grant the Bears to move back to the elements were replaced by crowd noise that at the University of Minnesota. often seemed capable of taking the “It was a snowy, wet game. We had inflatable roof off. snow piled up all the way around the Meeds was invited back 10 years ago sides of the stadium. You couldn’t even on Dec. 20, 2010, when the Vikings walk around,” he said. celebrated the 50 Greatest Vikings. A That game didn’t go the Vikings way blizzard that collapsed the roof of the either, but Meeds again looked the part.

2020 vikings playbook 41 RAIMEY PASTOREK MARK PETERSON

Raimey first became a Vikings fan Mark has been a personal Vikings at age 6 and religiously follows the Suite Holder for 20 years. He drives team from his home in Fargo, where 10 hours roundtrip from Iowa for he tunes in for every single game. He every Vikings home game and loves current city: loves to support the team by wearing current city: attending games with his family. fargo, nd Vikings jerseys, is a big collector of reinbeck, ia Every year, Mark travels to two or favorite team memorabilia and is proud to favorite three road games and purchases all-time viking: all-time viking: have a Legacy Brick at U.S. Bank suites at the opponents’ stadiums, adrian peterson carl eller Stadium. One of Raimey’s favorite as well. On his first visit to U.S. Bank memories is witnessing Adam Stadium in 2016, he cried out of joy Thielen’s first career touchdown and amazement. He is a regular when he returned a blocked punt for supporter of the Minnesota Vikings a score in 2014. Foundation and has made donations on numerous occasions.

ISABELLE MONTGOMERY DANIEL MOYER

Approaching her 101st birthday in At just 7 years old, Daniel already January, Isabelle has been a Vikings bleeds Purple. He knows every player fan since the team’s inaugural 1961 on Minnesota’s roster and never season. Her family says she’s “sharp misses a play on game day. If it’s an current city: as a tack,” and Isabelle still watches current city: evening kickoff, he makes sure his white bear lake, mn her beloved Vikings every week – reinbeck, ia mom records the game so he can favorite she prefers to watch the games by favorite watch it the next day. He attended all-time viking: all-time viking: herself to “avoid interruptions.” In the Minneapolis Miracle game in everson griffen fran tarkenton January 2018 and can recite the addition, Isabelle is a vivacious reader & dalvin cook who consumes every article on the broadcasters’ call of the incredible Vikings she can find. She’s not only finish. Daniel is a wonderful big one of Minnesota’s best fans but brother. His willingness to put others one of the eldest, and she cherishes first resulted in his nomination as a memories of the early days. first grader for a community award.

Despite being a native of southern New Jersey, John became a Vikings fan in the JOHN DAMICO 1960s. He loved watching the Purple People Eaters and their “snowy advantage” at current city: Metropolitan Stadium, and he was inspired by Head Coach Bud Grant’s disciplined new bern, nc approach to the game. John survived a family of Eagles fans (“Need I say more?” favorite all-time he said) and maintained his Vikings pride throughout 27 years of service in the U.S. viking: alan page military. John also played rugby, where he “motored like John Randle.”

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Holiday events might look different this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but that didn’t stop the Vikings from making a difference. Here are some of the ways players got creative and gave back to the Twin Cities community.

provide holiday for Kirk & Julie Cousins minneapolis shelter

Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins and his wife Julie, along with the couple’s two sons, Cooper and Turner, are partnering with families at People Serving People to provide holiday gifts for the entire shelter. The Cousins will be meeting virtually this week with two of the families experiencing homelessness to connect with them while they open some of the received presents.

sponsors families through Thielen Foundation the salvation army

Through the Thielen Foundation, Adam and his wife Caitlin, along with their two sons, Asher and Hudson, are sponsoring five families for the holidays. The Thielens have a strong partnership with The Salvation Army and are continuing their holiday tradition of “adopting” families enrolled in the organization’s Pathway of Hope program, which helps individuals set – and reach – goals such as stable housing and training for new careers. “[We] just love how they keep up with the families and continue to help them through their journey – not just during the hard times,” Caitlin said of The Salvation Army. In addition to providing Christmas gifts for each family, Thielen Foundation will be donating $5,000-plus for bills photo from 2019 event throughout the year as needs such as rent, utilities and medical assistance arise.

44 2020 vikings playbook story title department

partners with jeremiah Anthony Barr program to pack meals

Barr has been on Injured Reserve since Week 3, but he isn’t staying on the sidelines when it comes to community work. The Vikings linebacker has a longstanding relationship with Jeremiah Program, which supports single mothers and their children. This December, Barr partnered with the Twin Cities nonprofit to pack meals for local families in need.

photos from 2018 & 2019

continues connection with C.J. Ham boys & girls clubs ham family For the third holiday season, C.J. and his wife Stephanie, along with their daughters, Skylar and Stella, sponsored a family in need from the Twin Cities Boys & Girls Clubs. The Ham family dropped off gifts and on Wednesday had a virtual meet-and- greet with the family. C.J., a Duluth native, grew up as a member of his local Boys & Girls Club and has since felt an emotional connection to the organization and how it invests in the lives of young people.

mannion family

‘adopts’ twin Sean Mannion cities family

Vikings quarterback Sean Mannion and his wife Megan, along with their daughters, also “adopted” a family from the Little Earth Boys & Girls Club. They delivered gifts to the club on Tuesday and met via video conference with the family that evening. Sean signed with the Vikings as a free agent in 2019, and he and Megan feel strongly about giving back to the Minnesota community they have called home for the past two years.

2020 vikings playbook 45 departmentminnesota vikings story foundationtitle

july 2019 thank you so much for the meals! Nine months ago, the global pandemic “the consistent meal schedule allows us to With your donation today, you are disrupted communities here at home. engage with our program participants on a helping nonprofits like Hallie Q. Brown Within two weeks of the statewide deeper level. we have had a single mom, who Community Center serve more youth and families. stay-at-home order, the Minnesota lived in her car with her four children, Vikings Foundation shifted Vikings You can make a charitable donation at returning every week. they set up a picnic Table in-person meal service in order Vikings.com/Foundation or by scanning in front of the center so the kids could to continue serving the community. To this QR code with your camera phone. date, more than 12,000 healthy meals play and enjoy their vikings table meal. we have been delivered to nonprofit partners were finally able to secure a hotel room to serving youth and families in need. offer the family a safe place to stay. being scan here • A message from one partner, the Hallie able to provide individuals with a meal Q. Brown Community Center in St. Paul, means so much, especially during these shows the impact Vikings Table has had Donate tough times for our community. thank you on one family. for your continued partnership. ”

The Minnesota Vikings Foundation is governed by a Board of Directors and advised by a committee of local health and education professionals that serve in a volunteer role on the Advisory Board. Thank you for your service in 2020. Because of the dedicated oversight of these individuals, the Minnesota Vikings Foundation advances the well-being of youth through engaging health and education initiatives.

Thank board of directors advisory board elana wilf tanzman andrew miller monica l. hererra halle sarah wilf karin nelsen marilyn heskin rachel sarah wilf dr. mindy s. kurzer You stephanie ilyse wilf doug paulson lester bagley ben whitney 46 2020 vikings playbook AD AD

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WHAT DOES BEING A CAPTAIN MEAN TO YOU? It is an amazing honor, and it means the KALI world to me. These women mean everything to me and have become some of my best friends. To be someone they look up to as a teammate, as a leader, as a friend and as a mentor gives me such a feeling of accomplishment, and I love to be a helping hand or just a voice of encouragement as they embark on this incredible journey as an MVC and in life.

FAVORITE ON-FIELD EXPERIENCE: The Minneapolis Miracle. I can remember that moment like it was yesterday. My small team had been giving it our all, dancing, cheering and praying for our team to pull off a win. … The stadium was electrifying for hours after that touchdown, and our team made every memory possible in that moment.

FAVORITE OFF-FIELD EXPERIENCE: My rookie year calendar shoot. This was one of the first events we did as a team, and it represented such an accomplishment and dream come true. I never could have imagined the journey I was about to start, and I am forever grateful.

DID YOU KNOW? Kali represented the Vikings at the Pro Bowl in January 2020. viktor and his friends at midwest dairy teamed up to create “viktor’s home team huddle.”

Viktor is joined by Andrea from the Minnesota Vikings Cheerleaders and Vikings safety Harrison Smith in a fun three-part video series. Tune in to learn some delicious recipes and new ideas of activities you can do to get 60 minutes of exercise each day while at home. Visit the “Home Team Huddle” playlist on Viktor the Viking’s YouTube channel to access all three videos.

Share your favorite recipes on social media by tagging @viktortheviking and using #FUTP60.

50 2020 vikings playbook kids club extras VIKINGS REWIND presented by pentair tune-in info: 6:30-7 p.m. mondays Vikings Rewind takes listeners through a fast- paced recap of the previous day’s game. The program features in-game commentary by “Voice of the Vikings” Paul Allen, analyst Pete Bercich and sideline reporters Ben Leber and Greg Coleman.

X’S & 0’S WITH MIKE ZIMMER presented by u.s. bank tune-in info: 6-7 p.m. wednesdays

Paul Allen interviews Vikings Head Coach Mike Zimmer at the midpoint of each week for an in-depth recap of the team’s previous game and a look ahead to the upcoming opponent. Allen also connects with an assistant coach for THE VIKINGS RADIO NETWORK, DRIVEN BY POLARIS, FEATURES a deeper look at a particular position. The series features both video and audio components and is AUDIO PROGRAMMING ON AFFILIATE STATIONS AND FLAGSHIP KFAN available across multiple platforms. 100.3-FM THAT INCLUDES LIVE BROADCASTS OF GAMES AND THE FOLLOWING WEEKLY EVENING PROGRAMS DURING THE NFL SEASON. SKOL STORIES presented by centurylink presented by fleet farm tune-in info: 6:30 p.m. thursdays radio tune-in info: 6-7 p.m. tuesdays Embark on a voyage through Vikings history tv tune-in info: wednesdays at 8 p.m. with Mark Rosen, who covered the team on wftc | 10:35 p.m. on kmsp fox 9 for decades, and Pete Bercich, the former The Vikings starting quarterback teams up each linebacker and assistant coach. Skol Stories week with Twin Cities sports anchor Mark Rosen offers rich storytelling that reconnects fans to deliver unique content via a weekly series with their favorite memories and links younger that features current Vikings players, prominent listeners to the legacy of the franchise. Minnesotans and guests with connections to Cousins. Other segments focus on game highlights and reactions. Use #AskKirk to submit a question. MINNESOTA VIKINGS PODCAST The Minnesota Vikings Podcast features exclusive guests including players, coaches, staff and experts across the NFL. Go behind the scenes for presented by pepsi interviews, press conferences, highlights, quotes tune-in info: 6:30 p.m. fridays from the locker room and much more. Wind-down your week with Vikings Vantage by recapping the week at Twin Cities Orthopedics Performance Center. Vikings.com’s Gabe Henderson and Chris Corso co-host the program READY TO PLAY that includes interviews with current players and All of the audio programs are available on Vikings media members who cover the team. platforms (vikings.com, the official Vikings mobile and Vikings Now Connected TV apps and YouTube). They are also available at the following popular podcast sources: KFAN iHeart Radio App, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, etc. 52 2020 vikings playbook GRAB YOUR LIMITED EDITION VIKINGS CAN

Official Bank of the Minnesota Vikings. Our love of the game connects us, but it’s their ongoing effort to do more good on and off the field that make this world, and our community, a better place.