The Vikings’ Standout Defender Confirms New Leadership Role for Game Day
Convincing Minnesotans that Ivan Pace was among the Vikings’ standout defenders shouldn’t be too difficult.
A smaller linebacker who slipped out of the draft, Pace got onboarded as a UDFA in a classic Kwesi Adofo-Mensah move. A three-year contract was offered to the defender with a reasonably hearty amount of guaranteed money: $236,000. Not only did he make the team, but he became an impact starter as a rookie, a testament to his athletic abilities, work ethic, and his smarts.
Ivan Pace, The Vikings’ Standout Defender, to Wear The Green Dot
Making things even more notable is that Ivan Pace also took on green-dot duties when Jordan Hicks went down with injury.
In other words, Pace was entrusted with having the ear piece in his helmet. He could then relay the call from Brian Flores to the rest of the defense in the huddle. Traditionally, a middle linebacker does this assignment, so the position makes sense. What’s so notable is simply that the UDFA rookie was just 22 going into the season.
While chatting with Kay Adams of The Up & Adams show, Pace noted that he thinks he’ll be wearing the green dot for the upcoming season. Take a look at the clip:
Initially, Pace enters into the possibility with a bit of trepidation. Adams asks about whether he’ll wear the green dot in 2024, prompting the linebacker to respond, “I believe so.”
Pace goes on to explain he will “definitely wear the green dot next year, this coming season.”
Giving the distinction to the sophomore suggests at least a few things. Not only is he locked and loaded as a starter, but he’s also someone who understands the Flores scheme in a sophisticated manner. Only 23, Pace must be a hard worker and must be someone who devotes a lot of time to his craft.
Keep in mind that Jordan Hicks was 31 last season and operating from within his ninth NFL season, so the simple fact that Pace is taking on the assignment is impressive.
As a rookie, Ivan Pace picked up 102 tackles, 2.5 sacks, 9 QB hits, 2 tackles for a loss, 2 passes defended, 1 interception, 1 forced fumble, and 1 fumble recovery. He plays with decisive aggression that makes him a fan favorite.
Quite evidently, the coaches are also impressed. Pace ended up starting eleven games as a rookie and was on the field for 706 defensive snaps. Plus, he was on the field for 249 special teams snaps.
Going into 2024, Pace will account for just $921,666 against the cap.
Editor’s Note: Information from Pro Football Reference and Over the Cap helped with this piece.
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K. Joudry is the Senior Editor for Vikings Territory and PurplePTSD. He has been covering the Vikings full time since the summer of 2021. He can be found on Twitter and as a co-host for Notes from the North, a humble Vikings podcast.
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