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Vikings Teammate Would Pay to Watch WR Justin Jefferson

Posted on September 15, 2026September 15, 2026 by David Shama

In the Vikings’ season opening win Sunday, Justin Jefferson performed like…well…Justin Jefferson. The gifted 27-year-old wide receiver had two touchdown receptions and a catch for a two-point conversion in his team’s 39-22 comeback win over NFC North Division rival Green Bay at U.S. Bank Stadium.

Teammates are accustomed to his heroics. “I don’t want to take anything for granted but that’s just kind of what I expect at this point,” offensive tackle Brian O’Neill told Sports Headliners.

Familiarity with Jefferson’s extraordinary standard of excellence, however, doesn’t mean teammates can’t gush over his skills that include route running, sure hands, speed, competitiveness, clutch play and work ethic.

“The things he does on the field, I am astounded (by). I am flabbergasted. He puts my jaw on the floor,” said Andrew DePaola, a team captain and the Vikings’ long snapper.

“I still can’t believe some of the stuff he’s able to pull off but I am just grateful I get to bear witness to that every Sunday…because he is a special, special player.”

Would DePaola pay admission to see his destined to be a Pro Football Hall of Fame teammate?

“Without a doubt, without a doubt. Yeah.”

Teammates refer to Jefferson as the “best in the world” at his position. They also see how much he loves to play.

“He’s just a ball player,” O’Neill said. “He’s just a kid playing football. You can tell he loves it. Loves everything about it. He just enjoys the heck out of playing the game.”

Vikings WR Justin Jefferson — Justin Jefferson image courtesy of Minnesota Vikings

Jefferson’s first pro season was in 2020. He has totaled 8,572 career receiving yards in 95 games and on Sunday became the third-fastest player in NFL history to reach 8,500 yards. He trails only Pro Football Hall of Famer Lance Alworth (90 games) and Julio Jones (90).

The Vikings lost starting quarterback Kyler Murray early in the first quarter when he was hit in the head by the shoulder of Packer Javon Bullard. The cornerback was flagged for unnecessary roughness.

O’Neill thinks it was “probably a cheap hit” by Bullard. “I gave him a shove. I probably should have gone after him a little bit more, but I knew we were going to have a first down. I didn’t want to have anything offset (that).”

The Packers also had unnecessary roughness called later in the game on safety Evan Williams, but Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson didn’t think Green Bay played a chippy game. “It was a divisional game. It was a tough football game. It is what it is.”

It was a brief debut for Murray, the much-anticipated offseason free agent acquisition. “It sucks but Carson came in and did a good job,” O’Neill said.

Wentz, 33, helped the Vikings rally from a 19-10 halftime deficit. He didn’t receive a lot of reps in training camp and preseason games, but his experience and poise allowed him to meet the moment. He completed 12 of 19 passes for 133 yards, with three touchdown throws and an impressive QB rating of 123.6.

Wentz has started 99 games (played in 104) in his NFL career that dates back to 2016. “He’s always on point,” O’Neill said.

Worth Noting

The Vikings outscored the Packers 29-3 in the second half. In Green Bay’s last six regular season or playoff games dating back to 2025 the Packers have been outscored 134 to 56 in the second half. All defeats.

Harrison Smith, the Vikings’ 37-year-old safety who played part-time Sunday after just re-joining the team earlier in the month, told Sports Headliners his offseason debate on whether to continue his career included coming back after the regular season started.

The division rival Bears, who beat Carolina 59-37 on Sunday, are about a touchdown favorite against the Vikings next Sunday in Chicago.

Deepest condolences to Gary Smith and family over the passing of his wife Linda. Gary, the well-known athletics trainer whose career stops included the University of Minnesota, pro sports and the 1980 Olympics, was married to his wife for 64 years.

Rudy Gobert, the Wolves 34-year-old 7-2 center, is playing for his native France in the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 European Qualifiers and averaging 8.3 points and 8.3 rebounds. Remarkably durable, Gobert has never played in fewer than 70 regular-season games since joining the Wolves in 2022.

Former Armstrong High School and Indiana University basketball standout Race Thompson is playing professionally in Germany for the Skyliners Frankfurt team whose season recently started.

A certain longtime and uber passionate Golden Gophers football fan who refuses to invest time and money attending away games against quality opposition because of likely losses—and also undesirable start times—was amused yesterday. Not only did Minnesota let the air out of the balloon for a big season in their one-sided loss last Saturday to unranked Mississippi State, but on Monday came the news the Gopher-Washington game on September 26 in Seattle will kick off about 10 p.m. Minneapolis time.

The Akron Zips, who lost their opener 38-16 to Wake Forest and defeated Robert Morris 45-10 last Saturday, are about a 24 to 28 point underdog to the Gophers (also 1-1) this Saturday in Minneapolis.

Byron Buxton, the Twins center fielder now out for the season because of hip surgery, finished 2026 having played in 93 games. In 12 years with the club, he has played in over 100 games only three times.

An authoritative Wild source texted yesterday that “all is quiet” on the Quinn Hughes contract extension.

Select Wild training camp practices at TRIA Rink will be open to the public. Fans need to register at www.wild.com/openpractices to attend.

The Wild is joining other organizations in sponsoring the annual Used Hockey Equipment Drive. AAA Movers will collect drop-off boxes with used equipment from select rinks on September 30. Goalie equipment sticks and helmets and other items will be distributed free to hockey associations and individuals at Grand Casino Arena on October 11.

Drop-off locations include Bloomington Ice Garden, Braemar Rink (Edina), Burnsville Ice Arena, CG Logistics Arena (Cottage Grove), Dakotah Sports and Fitness (Prior Lake), Eagan Civic Arena, Hastings Civic Center, M Health Fairview (Woodbury), Minnetonka Arena, Parade Ice Arena (Minneapolis), New Hope Ice Arena, Rogers Activity Center, St. Croix Valley Rec Center (Stillwater), St. Louis Park Rec Center, Tartan Ice Arena (St. Paul) and White Bear Lake Sports Center.

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In Off-Season Byron Buxton & Twins Need to Part Ways

Posted on September 1, 2026September 1, 2026 by David Shama

Byron Buxton has a no-trade $100 million contract with the Twins that runs through 2028. The pros outnumber the cons for huddling during the offseason and figuring out a new home for the long-time fan favorite.

On Sunday Buxton went on the 10-day Injured List with right hip impingement (retroactive to August 27). It’s his third time on the list with a hip-related injury this season.

Over the years injuries have limited Buxton’s playing time like few or any other Twins players. In 12 seasons with the club, he has played in over 100 games only three times. The numbers: 140, 126 and 102.

This season the total stands at 93. Whether he tops 100 in the 162-games schedule is TBD, but what can’t be disputed is the Twins are paying a lot of money for a part-time player and have done so over the years. Buxton turns 33 years old in December and it’s unlikely his durability will change in future summers.

The metrics say he is no longer an elite center fielder, and his glove talent would be better utilized as a corner outfield spot. The Twins are already using elite rookie and recent call up Walker Jenkins in center field. At 21, Jenkins looks like the club’s fixture in center field for a decade or more.

Buxton, although a streaky hitter who only once in his career has topped 70 RBIs, still has considerable value at the plate. In 2026 he has a .254 average, with 18 doubles, one triple, 25 home runs, 46 RBI, 65 runs scored, a .511 slugging percentage and an .829 OPS.

He brings value on the base paths, too, and historically has been among the most efficient base stealers in MLB. Last season, he stole 24 bases in 24 attempts. He’s only been thrown out once in 2026 in eight attempts.

The Twins payroll is modest among peers, entering this season reportedly around $100 million. Buxton, at about $15 million in 2026, is second only to sidelined pitcher Pablo Lopez in compensation (nearing $22 million).

Ownership isn’t expected to go on an overly aggressive spending spree in the next couple of seasons. That means two valued players, catcher Ryan Jeffers and starting pitcher Joe Ryan, face uncertainty when their contracts expire after the 2026 and 2027 seasons. Freeing up payroll from Buxton’s departure presumably could encourage ownership to retain those players.

While the Twins aren’t approaching World Series ambitions, teams like the Yankees, Phillies and Braves are positioned to compete for championships. Their budgets can afford a contributor like Buxton, who even in a limited playing role could mean the difference in a postseason game or two.

Buxton has been a Twin since being drafted in 2012, the second player selected that year. It’s understood he’s a positive in the clubhouse and on the field, but it sounds like a convincing proposal to suggest he plays his “golden years” chasing a career-first World Series.

A win-win situation could be in the offering, with the Twins not only lightening payroll but receiving quality from a trade partner either in MLB talent or top prospects, or both.

Gophers Notes

Furian Inferrera, a pocket passer, is the lowest ranked player among Minnesota’s 29 verbal commits in the class of 2027, per 247Sports. He also may turn out to be an impactful addition to the program.

That’s the opinion of Minnesota-based recruiting authority Ryan Burns from GopherGazette.com. Inferrera, from Mission Hills High School in San Marcos, California and listed by 247 at 6-3 and 210-pounds, was sidelined with a knee injury last season and was a backup quarterback as a sophomore.

“I saw him perform live at Minnesota camp and I watched him do his stuff, and I think he’s got a chance to be special if he can stay healthy. He just needs to play,” Burns told Sports Headliners.

Former Golden Gophers running back Barry Mayer emailed that his friend and former teammate, flanker Terry Addison, passed away last Sunday morning. Terry, a flanker, lettered in 1968 and 1969, and he later was an administrator at Augsburg College and more recently a dean at Brown University. Barry was the best man at Terry’s marriage to Loni. Deep condolences to Loni and others on their loss!

Jeremiah Salem, grandson of former Gophers’ head football coach Joe Salem, is a graduate student reserve quarterback on the Eastern Illinois football team that plays Minnesota on Thursday night in Huntington Bank Stadium. Joe, 88, will travel from his South Dakota residence to see the game and Jeremiah whose father is Brad Salem.

The FCS Panthers, who defeated Murray State 28-14 last week, are about a 42-point underdog.

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Minnesota Twins Just Keep on With Surprising Good Vibes

Posted on June 21, 2026July 8, 2026 by David Shama

There’s an unexpected positive vibe around the Twins so far this season. At least there is in my head and that of acquaintances.

After the roster shuffling and gaffes of ownership in recent years, the bar for expectations was admittedly low going into the season. This spring the Twins are flirting with a .500 record and Wild Card spot in the playoffs.

Gasp.

With questions about the talent on the roster and unknowns concerning new coaches and manager Derek Shelton, it was easy to be pessimistic about the Twins last winter. The starting pitching has been surprisingly good and so, too, has the run scoring. The defense has been solid and sometimes spectacular. The preseason woebegone bullpen has been just that, but occasionally something better.

Check your pulse if you are not more interested in the Twins after last night’s 16-8 rout of the Diamondbacks in Phoenix. Byron Buxton hit a grand slam in a 10-run fifth inning and he’s now tied with Yordan Alvarez of the Astros for the American League lead in home runs with 24. Minnesota, 37-41 this season, has won seven of its last 10 games.

Shelton and staff have impressed. There’s emphasis on fundamentals and execution. It’s an exaggeration but it seems like the Twins have laid down more successful bunts in 78 games than they did in seven years under previous bench boss Rocco Baldelli.

Kudos to Shelton and the coaches including hitting coach Keith Beauregard for reviving the offense from last season. Only the Yankees with 388 runs scored have touched home plate more times than the Twins (384) among American League teams.

Pitching coach Pete Maki and assistant Luis Ramirez deserve kudos, too. Starters like Joe Ryan, Taj Bradley, Bailey Ober and Zebby Matthews can deliver outstanding performances. Reliever Yoendrys Gomez has been a surprise in the bullpen, stingy with runs, and he leads the team with six saves.

Buxton, 32, is having a career season with home runs and remains a superb centerfielder. Another outfielder, Trevor Larnach, has been hot at the plate—and often the third outfielder is utility journeyman Kody Clemens who has sharpened his stick enough to hit third in the lineup.

Royce Lewis, the man of many stances, has returned from exile in St. Paul to make enough contact with the ball to raise his batting average to .200 and match his 200 pound frame. He may also have found a home at first base while valued young performers Luke Keaschall and Brooks Lee play at second and third base respectively.

Then there are google guys, players you didn’t know about but are contributors to the spring vibe. Shortstops Tristan Gray and Ryan Kreidler have had their moments as have catchers Victor Caratini and Alex Jackson.

The Twins are playing without one of their key starters and veterans in catcher Ryan Jeffers. The injured Jeffers, along with Ryan and Buxton, are drawing trade speculation as the MLB August 3 Trade Deadline approaches.

Such rumors are partially fueled by ownership which has been unwilling in the past to pay pricy veterans. Burned by the past gaffes, fans are reluctant to embrace the Twins now. Parting ways with the team’s best veterans will only deepen the “wound.”

And oh, if the front office hadn’t traded away North St. Paul’s Louie Varland last season! He has 15 saves, with a 0.86 ERA for the Blue Jays. If he had remained a Twin, the club would likely have four or more wins.

Worth Noting

Murray’s restaurant owner Tim Murray, who has visited all the MLB stadiums, now gets his baseball travel fix going with friends every other year to World Series games. His favorite parks are Fenway, Wrigley and PNC. (Murray’s is a longtime advertiser of this space.)

Hats off to former Golden Gophers athletics director Joel Maturi and wife Lois for their volunteer role in hosting a hugely successful open house last week at Second Harvest Heartland in Brooklyn Park. Maturi is a board member for the food bank which is the second largest of its kind in the nation. Timberwolves coach Chris Finch is also on the board.

Spanish playmaking guard Sergio de Larrea is the most speculated pick by the Wolves at No. 28 in the first round of Tuesday’s NBA Draft, per AI.

Don’t be surprised if Wolves assistant coach Michah Nori is the new head coach of the NBA Trail Blazers.

With a corporate naming rights deal, Williams Arena is now The Barn by Blue Cross and Blue Shield. No word I am aware of as to how or if the University of Minnesota will preserve the name of Dr. Henry Williams, the longtime namesake of the arena.

Williams coached Minnesota football from 1900-1921 and has the best football winning percentage in school history. He was 136-33-11 (.786) as coach of the Gophers, and his team won or shared eight conference titles.

Former Gopher football great Bobby Bell — Bobby Bell

Bobby Bell turned 86 last week. He terrified opposing offenses as a defensive tackle for Gophers teams from 1960-1962 that won a national championship and Rose Bowl. He should be on a short list of Gopher football legends deserving statues at Huntington Bank Stadium.

The football Gophers figure to have at least a couple thousand fans in Seattle for their September 26 game against Washington. A friend is asking if anyone knows of people selling individual boat tickets for “sail-gating” on that Saturday. Anyone who has a connection can email ds@shamasportsheadliners.com.

My late father was in the Army during World War II. He was stationed in Panama and liked to quip: “The enemy never took the Panama Canal.”

Happy Father’s Day!

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