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

Kevin O'Connell pushed hard this summer to get Vikings players behind J.J. McCarthy -- before he proved himself on the field. It largely worked. Aaron Jones: "We could play kickball, and I'd say, 'Yeah, this guy is a gamer. I want him on my team.'" STORY: www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/...

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

Vikings having a closed walk-through today. From last week: Patience required for J.J. McCarthy: www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/... Jeff Okudah getting lots of run: www.espn.com/video/clip/_... The Jones/Mason split: www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/... Our daily camp nuggets: www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/...

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Over the past ~14 months, Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy has compiled a bigger inventory of practice and reps than you might realize. Here's what he has shown us, or at least the people who have taken the time to watch him. www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/...

Vikings WR Jordan Addison has a jury trial scheduled for July 15, per online records, in Superior Court of California. The date was scheduled in a hearing today in connection to his 2024 DUI citation near LAX. Addison has pleaded not guilty.

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

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

The Vikings signed tight end Josh Oliver to a 3-year contract extension just as mandatory minicamp was set to begin. www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/...

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

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

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

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

Sincere congrats to Kevin O'Connell for winning the @pfwa.bsky.social's Horrigan Award. See details below. www.profootballwriters.org/2025/05/30/v...

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

And here I thought the Vikings wouldn’t be able to use the critics, haters and doubters for motivation this season. www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/...

"Simply put, a team can't commit multiple fouls in an effort to prevent the score." -- NFL referee Shawn Hochuli, during the 2024 NFC Championship Game. Posted for no reason, and definitely not because I watched the end of last night's NBA contest between OKC and MIN.

NFL owners are expected to approve player participation in flag football during the 2028 Olympics today. @stephenholder-nfl.bsky.social and I went deep on why and how this is happening — and the risks involved.

Tremendous

According to @sethwickersham.bsky.social's new book, Caleb Williams told his father that he wanted to play for the Vikings after meeting Kevin O'Connell during the 2024 combine. The book also details the Williams' doubts about playing in Chicago, who drafted him No. 1. www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/...

The Seahawks had the 4th-worst rest differential last season. They have the 5th-best this season. Here's the full list of teams ranked by most positive differential to most negative for the 2025 NFL Season.

Here's how I assessed the Vikings' difficult 2025 regular-season schedule...

Time, books and movies probably have mythologized who Shoeless Joe Jackson was. But I've rarely felt as certain as I do that he should be in the Baseball Hall of Fame. I really hope it happens and that he's not weighed down by whatever people think of Pete Rose.

The NFL paused a program it used to connect diverse job candidates with owners/execs, to be reimagined in 2026. "We're steadfast in our commitment to strengthen our talent pipeline and create an environment that reflects the diversity of our fan base."

The Vikings are indeed playing consecutive int'l games: 9/28 in Dublin (vs. Steelers) + 10/5 in London (vs. Browns). They avoid trips to Heinz Field, where they've never won, and to Cleveland (1 win since 1989). They're 4-0 in London. But 10ish days abroad will be tough.

The Vikings like to say they want smart, tough players who love football. Judging that final criteria has changed amid the NIL revolution in CFB. Here's how the Vikings decided OL Donovan Jackson, who will debut today at rookie mini-camp, loves football.

The Vikings have created a perfect environment to both develop and evaluate JJ McCarthy. Discussed their offseason on the pod with @dannybkelly.bsky.social 👇 🎧: apple.co/4kcswLw 📺: youtu.be/rTltrZmgJC8?...

The Vikings have built a strong personnel cocoon around J.J. McCarthy, on and off the field. He's got the NFL's most expensive O-line, it's 3rd-priciest backfield + the support of teammates. "We don't need him to come in and be the Patrick Mahomes of the team right now." www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/...

Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy spoke to local reporters today for the first time since last fall. A lot has happened since then. But McCarthy is certain of one thing. "I know I'm ready to start." Story from Eagan ....

The UFL is investigating an incident between Michigan Panthers players and a fan in St. Louis last night, the league said Sunday. STORY:

Here's our updated @espn.com story on the Vikings' acquisition of QB Sam Howell, with Kwesi Adofo-Mensah's explanation for why they decided not to draft him in 2022. Via @bradyhenderson.bsky.social and me... www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/...

Per Hennepin County (MN) sheriff jail records, former NFL running back Adrian Peterson was arrested this morning on a charge of 4th degree misdemeanor driving while impaired. He has been released on bond. Peterson had attended the Vikings' public draft party last night. www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/...

Of the Vikings' last 4 first-round picks, 3 have made pre-draft (30) visits to Minnesota: Jordan Addison, Dallas Turner and Donovan Jackson. And rather than host J.J. McCarthy, the Vikings visited him in Michigan. Food for thought in future mock drafts, if nothing else.

And here's my extended analysis of the Vikings drafting Ohio State OG Donovan Jackson at No. 24, with insight from GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and coach Kevin O'Connell. You don't often see a team overhaul a position group this aggressively in one offseason. www.espn.com/nfl/draft202...

Our ESPN Pros and Cons file has my initial take on the Vikings' selection of OG Donovan Jackson. www.espn.com/nfl/draft202...

The NFL Draft Day Predictor (via ESPN Analytics) is updated. (It's a consensus of public mock drafts with team needs mixed in.) Here are the likeliest picks for the Vikings No. 24. The world thinks safety, but that world doesn't necessarily include team decision-makers...

From my many days in Green Bay during the NFC North blog days ... Cheese Cake Heaven on Oneida. An easy walk from the parking lot if IRC...

JUST IN: I took South Carolina S Nick Emmanwori at No. 24 in our NFL Nation mock draft. This is what I think the Vikings would do, not necessarily what I would do. A big, versatile player for Brian Flores. Position in flux with Cam Bynum's departure and Harrison Smith's age (36).

"He's ready to hit the ground running as of today." The Vikings' voluntary offseason program opened today with J.J. McCarthy prepared, from a physical standpoint, to assume QB1 duties. First phase is mostly classroom work, with some on-field conditioning.

The biggest story of the Vikings' 2025 draft is scarcity. They have 4 picks. Since the NFL draft went to 7 rounds in 1994, 98% of teams have had more. Here's how it happened, what Kwesi Adofo-Mensah thinks about it and how the team is dealing with it.

Amen

this is gonna stick with me (complimentary)