The Minnesota Vikings Bring a Former Gopher Home
This offseason saw the Minnesota Vikings make a major swap at the running back position.
The team made the decision to release Alexander Mattison, and they almost instantly found a replacement for their 2023 starter in former Green Bay Packer, Aaron Jones.
Now, the Vikings have made another move at the running back position, and this move comes in the form of what may be a familiar face for many fans: former Minnesota Gopher Mo Ibrahim.
Minnesota Vikings Bring a Former Gopher Home
The news was reported by insider Jordan Schultz, who tweeted, “Former Minnesota Gophers star RB Mo Ibrahim is signing with the #Vikings, per his agency, LAA @LAASportsEnt.”
Ibrahim was one of the best running backs in all of college football throughout his five years at the University of Minnesota from 2018-2022. He led the Big Ten in rushing yards during both the 2020 and 2022 seasons while his 20 rushing touchdowns in 2022 led the entire FBS.
In all, Ibrahim put together 867 carries during his five seasons which resulted in 4668 yards (5.4 yards per carry) and 53 touchdowns. His rushing yardage and touchdowns totals are the most in Minnesota Gophers history.
Ibrahim did struggle through some injury troubles during his Minnesota career though, missing all but one game in 2021 due to an Achilles tear.
Ultimately, Ibrahim went undrafted in 2023 despite his success as a rusher in college, and he was picked up by the Detroit Lions. The running back was waived with an injury settlement in August, but he returned to Detroit’s practice squad in October.
However, in his first game with Detroit, Ibrahim took a massive hit while returning a kick, and he had to undergo immediate surgery to repair a dislocated hip. The injury ended the running back’s rookie season.
Ibrahim now heads back to Minnesota, likely hoping to show the NFL what he can do post-surgery in the Vikings’ final preseason game.
Editor’s Note: Statistics for this article were found via Sports Reference CFB.
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