One month ago, the Minnesota Vikings wrapped up minicamp, the new players stood off the page, and the enterprise was filled with enthusiasm.
Vikings Optimism Quickly Fades, at Least for Now
In mid-July, optimism surrounding the team faded after a couple of unfortunate events, one unthinkable.
Rookie cornerback Khyree Jackson passed away on July 6th in a Maryland car accident, the latest in Vikings-themed tragedies that have been all too frequent in the last couple of decades. Authorities are still investigating the crash’s circumstances, with more details to be gleaned in the coming weeks.
Less than a week later, wide receiver Jordan Addison was arrested in California on suspicion of DUI for reportedly blocking a lane of traffic on a freeway in California. California Highway Patrol released Addison two hours later, have mentioned no further details about the incident’s circumstances, and for now, onlookers await clarification. Los Angeles Daily News published, “The California Highway Patrol was dispatched at about 11:10 p.m. Friday to a report of a disabled vehicle blocking lanes from the westbound Glen Anderson (105) Freeway to northbound Sepulveda Boulevard, according to a CHP statement.”
LADN also noted on the Addison matter, “Addison, 22, was arrested at approximately 11:36 p.m. after a DUI investigation was complete. He was released at 1:36 a.m. Saturday, the CHP added.”
California Highway Patrol also reported that Addison was asleep in his Rolls-Royce when officers arrived on the scene.
Before both incidents, the Vikings conducted a change-filled offseason, saying goodbye to franchise headliners Kirk Cousins and Danielle Hunter while onboarding rookies J.J. McCarthy and Dallas Turner. For about three months, an aura of change dominated all things Vikings, but as of late, tragedy, controversy, and confusion have taken over. Fans’ feelings have morphed from excitement and optimism to, “What happened?” or “What’s going on?” or “Why does this stuff always occur?”
Of course, training camp is mere days away, so the buoyancy can — and probably will — return, at least on the football side of the operation. Training camp and the preseason were supposed to be about J.J. McCarthy’s first impression, Dallas Turner’s acclimation to Brian Flores’ defense, and how Kevin O’Connell’s team would fare in the head coach’s third season.
One notable Vikings fan, @MissAlissaS, tweeted Sunday, “I’m pretty worried about this season — vibes are no longer where they had been. With the passing of KJ & now Addison doing something so incredibly negligent right after … I’m just very bummed out. Sending all the positive vibes to the rest of our Vikes guys & all fellow fans too.”
And that’s a summation of where the fanbase sits on July 15th.
For now, everything is at a standstill, with fans contemplating tragedies and suspected tomfoolery, Googling the ramifications of each incident more than the team’s depth chart or training camp battles.
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,’ Basset Hounds, and The Doors (the band).
All statistics provided by Pro Football Reference / Stathead; all contractual information provided by OverTheCap.com.