Oct 9, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; A view of a Minnesota Vikings fan's helmet the first half of a game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-USA TODAY Sports.
The Minnesota Vikings employ Brian Flores as their defensive coordinator. This offseason, there was plenty of reason to believe the former Miami Dolphins head coach would land another job. Still here taking up his post, a few veterans stepped up massively on Tuesday.
When Brian Flores was the coach of the Miami Dolphins, he apparently rubbed Tua Tagovailoa the wrong way. The Dolphins quarterback noted that his then-head coach consistently tore him down, and as a young player in the league, it clearly had ripple effects.
Media was on hand Tuesday and got a chance to talk with Flores. The Vikings coach noted how he had grown as a human being, coach, and person. I’m sure there was plenty he said or how he looked to direct his team that he would now do differently. Regardless of the content or context used in his former job, his current players clearly have his back.
Seeing Josh Metellus and Harrison Phillips stand at Flores’ side was a powerful statement. Human beings are not rigid in their actions, and people change all the time. As we experience more of life, there are opportunities for growth. We test ourselves in different situations and may wind up handling similar scenarios to the tune of a different outcome.
Whatever Brian Flores was in Miami, five years ago, or yesterday, doesn’t define who he is today. It was evident that the Minnesota Vikings locker room players respect their coach. There was no call for the actions of his defensive leaders to step up. They did so on their own accord and that speaks volumes.
It is great that Tua has matured as a player, and Mike McDaniels has fostered his development. It is also great that Brian Flores was able to speak publicly on the matter and that those he works with on a daily basis testified to his character.
People change all the time. The hope is always that it is for the better. Growth and development are an individual and personal journey. Seeing that take center stage in sports is sometimes just a necessary reminder.
Ted Schwerzler is a blogger from the Twin Cities that is focused on all things Minnesota Twins and Minnesota Vikings. He’s active on Twitter and writes weekly for Twins Daily. As a former college athlete and avid sports fan, covering our pro teams with a passion has always seemed like such a natural outlet.