July for Vikings Turned from Sad to Bad to Nervous to Happy to Whoa!
The Minnesota Vikings encountered a topsy-turvy July. Training camp formally began for all players on Tuesday, July 23rd, but it was a whirlwind before that.
July for Vikings Turned from Sad to Bad to Nervous to Happy to Whoa!
The emotions ran all over the place — from sad to bad to nervous to happy to whoa.
Here’s why.
1. Sad: Khyree Jackson Passes Away
Jackson passed away on July 6th in a Maryland car accident. The investigation into his death remains ongoing, and criminal charges could be filed against the driver who caused his death.
No strangers to tragic events, the Vikings and the team’s fanbase were stunned by the news the weekend after the 4th of July.
Thankfully, Vikings ownership stepped up in a big way to support Jackson’s family, paying $20,000 for his funeral, plus the entirety of his signing bonus. Jackson’s jersey No. 31 will be unused this season, Vikings players will wear a “KJ” decal on their helmets, and Jackson’s locker will remain intact.
2. Bad: Jordan Addison Arrested — Again
Addison was arrested by California Highway Patrol on July 12th for a suspicion of DUI while asleep in his Rolls-Royce, blocking a lane of freeway traffic. Last July, Minnesota Highway Patrol arrested Addison for driving 140 MPH in a 55 MPH zone. July is not a good month for the young playmaker. He later pleaded the reckless driving charge down to a misdemeanor and paid a $686 fine.
He likely won’t get off that easy this time.
“We’re disappointed in Jordan. We care about these players. We really do. We want to make sure we’re doing our part for the development on the field,” head coach Kevin O’Connell said at the start of training camp. “The other aspect of that is the off-the-field, the life skills, and the development of decision-making and learning how important it is within our culture — which we’re very proud of — that our players understand personal responsibility and accountability.”
This one feels like it will end with a suspension.
3. Nervous: J.J. McCarthy Hadn’t Signed his Contract
This tweet from June, which fans took seriously, started it all:
The account had accurately predicted Vikings-themed items in the past, so onlookers panicked a bit. They wondered if the shiny new quarterback would really hold out, making for an awful first impression.
He did not, signing his rookie deal last week. Never in doubt.
4. Happy: Christian Darrisaw’s Extension Completed ahead of Schedule
ESPN’s Adam Schefter tweeted Tuesday, the start of Vikings training camp: “Vikings and OT Christian Darrisaw have agreed on a four-year deal worth up to $113 million in new money, including $77 million guaranteed. Darrisaw had two years left on his rookie contract. Deal includes $43.7 million guaranteed at signing. Deal negotiated by Drew Rosenhaus, Jason Rosenhaus and Robert Bailey.”
The Minnesota Vikings said “no thanks” to procrastination on Christian Darrisaw’s contract, extending the man for four more years — on top of the two years left on his existing rookie deal. That’s right, Darrisaw is attached to the Vikings through the end of 2029.
Fans thought this extension saga would certainly bleed into 2025. But nope — Darrisaw is scheduled to be the last Viking standing among current teammates.
5. Whoa! — Duke Shelley Returns
The franchise re-signed Shelley on Tuesday, a folk hero of sorts after the veteran cornerback performed wonderfully in the 2022 season. Shelley is back in the saddle just in time for training camp to vie for a 53-man roster job — and maybe even a starter’s job if he plays his cards right.
When it was all said and done in 2022, Shelley was classified as the NFL’s fourth-best cornerback, according to Pro Football Focus, registering an 82.9 grade. Only Sauce Gardner (87.9, NYJ), Patrick Surtain (86.8, DEN), and Jalen Ramsey (86.4, LAR) outperformed Shelley.
Fans wanted Shelley back last offseason, but no one in the Vikings front office obliged. As for a reunion in 2024, the transaction arrived out of nowhere, and Vikings faithful universally cheered.
The Vikings Shocked the World on Tuesday
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 Vikings 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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