Sep 30, 2022; Thundridge, United Kingdom; Minnesota Vikings linebacker Eric Kendricks (54 at press conference at Hanbury Manor. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports,
Monday marked the end of the Eric Kendricks era with the Minnesota Vikings, as the franchise released the 31-year-old linebacker to clear cap space for 2023.
Kendricks played for the Vikings in eight seasons, a Rick Spielman pick from the 2nd Round of the 2015 NFL Draft. He was the second Vikings linebacker in team history to earn 1st-Team All-Pro kudos (2019), along with Matt Blair in 1980.
Various Vikings players, media personalities, and fans paid tribute to Kendricks on social media on Monday, and on Tuesday, Kendricks posted one to fans.
Kendricks wrote on Instagram, “Minnesota, I gave you my all. They told me it was a business, but I’ll always treat it like the game I love. Heart on my sleeve for everyone to see. I don’t know any other way. Skol.”
And the paragraph is assuredly on-brand for the man. Kendricks was one of the “good guys” in the Vikings locker room, universally revered by, well, everybody. His departure is not a drop in the hat like dozens of others in recent years, and the defensive stalwart will be missed.
Vikings owner Zygi Wilf released the following statement Monday:
Eric’s impact on our franchise over the past eight years has been immeasurable. At the core of our defense, Eric exemplified perfectly what it means to be a Minnesota Viking. He was the ultimate competitor and an incredible leader who set a high standard and consistently carried himself with class. Off the field, Eric set an example for others with his passion for giving back and using his platform to drive positive change. We especially appreciate his immediate contributions as an original member of the team’s social justice committee and his partnership with us in the fight against social and racial inequities. We are grateful to Eric and his wife, Ally, and look forward to watching them continue to make a difference in the future.
Zygi Wilf | Vikings owner
General manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah echoed similar sentiments:
As a Pro Bowler and team captain, a Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee and a leader of the Vikings social justice efforts, Eric leaves a powerful, permanent legacy within our organization and the Minnesota community. While he is best known as a playmaker and respected linebacker across the league, Eric’s contributions to the Vikings extend far beyond the field because of his selfless and unwavering commitment to improving societal issues. I have the utmost respect for Eric and wish him and Ally, along with their growing family, continued success in their next chapter.
Kwesi Adofo-Mensah | Vikings general manager
Kendricks was at the zenith of his power in 2019, tabulating a splendid 90.2 Pro Football Focus grade in the same season Minnesota knocked off the New Orleans Saints in the playoffs. Thereafter, Kendricks scored an 82.6 PFF grade in 2020, 59.2 in 2021, and 61.1 last year.
The UCLA alumnus also earned a Pro Bowl nod in 2019, coincidentally the last time Minnesota won a playoff game. Kendricks played most of his career in purple with college teammate Anthony Barr — also a linebacker — before Barr bolted for the Dallas Cowboys in 2022.
Kendricks is expected to command attention on the free-agent open market and can sign anywhere as early as now.
Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. Subscribe to his daily YouTube Channel, VikesNow. He hosts a podcast with Bryant McKinnie, which airs every Wednesday with Raun Sawh and Sal Spice. His Vikings obsession dates back to 1996. Listed guilty pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, ‘The Sopranos,’ and The Doors (the band).
All statistics provided by Pro Football Reference / Stathead; all contractual information provided by OverTheCap.com.