Fans Protest Release of Speedy Viking
Generally speaking, they don’t like it.
Fans Protest Release of Speedy Viking
The Minnesota Vikings released running back + kick returner Kene Nwangwu on Tuesday, mere hours before the NFL’s 53-man roster trimdown deadline.
NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero tweeted, “The Vikings are moving on from RB/KR Kene Nwangwu, per source. He’ll be cut or traded by today’s deadline.”
The NFL implemented a new kickoff return rule in 2024 that does not quite value Nwangwu’s straight-line speed, and the Vikings evidently didn’t want the speedster for the gig. Ty Chandler and Brandon Powell are listed as alternate kick returners right now on the team’s website, though the pecking order could change before Week 1, which is 12 days away.
Vikings fans never enjoy watching speed walk out the door, so social media flooded with Nwangwu-release grievances. Boo Radley tweeted, “One of the most dynamic returners in the league right now, in a year that has a new emphasis on returning the ball in the new system. I don’t get it and I don’t like it.”
@bgauvin32 posted, “huh thats interesting. He’s a dynamic returner and they dont have much depth at RB. Maybe back on the PS and is a call up on game days?”
@natetakess added, “WHAT THE HELL??? WHO GONNA RETURN KICKS??? DOES THAT MEAN VIKINGS ONLY HAVE 2 RBS? plus ofc CJ Ham.”
Shaun Bowman weighed in, “Had a great postseason, looked good running out of backfield. Blocking was a bit of a hot mess. Doesn’t make sense (other than protectingQB) they are down to 2 rbs, easy 2 pick up depth rbs though invl Gaskins later. I’m thinking they want to protect one of the defensive guys.”
It’s also worth noting that dozens of replies on Twitter featured simple commentary of “WHAT?” or “WTF?” or “WOW.” The w-words were out in full force.
The Vikings grabbed Nwangwu out of the 4th Round of the 2021 NFL Draft, and he’s returned three kickoffs for touchdowns in three years. His kick return touchdown on Thanksgiving night versus the New England Patriots in 2022 was a game-saver for Minnesota. The Vikings forced no turnovers against Bill Belichick’s team, curiously couldn’t stop quarterback Mac Jones — he looked like Tom Brady for a night — leaving Nwangwu’s heroics as the seesaw that swung the game.
Because of his speed, Nwangwu will find employment quickly. Meanwhile, Minnesota likely needs a third running back: Nwnangwu, Myles Gaskin, DeWayne McBride, and Mohamed Ibrahim have been waived or released in the last 24 hours.
Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. Subscribe to his daily YouTube Channel, VikesNow. The show features guests, analysis, and opinion on all things related to the purple team, with 4-7 episodes per week. His MIN obsession dates back to 1996. Listed guilty pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, ‘The Sopranos,’ Basset Hounds, and The Doors (the band). He follows the NBA as closely as the NFL.
All statistics provided by Pro Football Reference / Stathead; all contractual information provided by OverTheCap.com.
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