Golden Gophers – Page 9 – David Shama's Minnesota Sports Headliners

Max Brosmer Makes a Positive Out of Seahawk Performance

Posted on August 11, 2026August 11, 2026 by David Shama

Max Brosmer, the Vikings second-year quarterback, may lead the QB roster in playing time on Saturday when the team opens its preseason schedule on the road against the Giants.

All four of the team’s quarterbacks could see the field, but perhaps only briefly for Kyler Murray and J.J. McCarthy. Head coach Kevin O’Connell is in the process of choosing between the two as his regular season starter.

Veteran Carson Wentz, 33, is the presumed backup to Murray and McCarthy. That leaves Brosmer, signed as an undrafted rookie free agent last year, trying to make a QB roster that appears already settled.

O’Connell is a fan of the 2024 Golden Gophers starter. “…Might not have more than one interception in camp. Limited reps but he’s been really good,” O’Connell said Sunday.

NFL teams usually carry three quarterbacks on their final rosters. The mindset for KOC this summer may be that he wants to put his 25-year-old QB on the practice squad but to do so Brosmer would have to clear waivers with 31 other organizations.

And that’s pretty iffy, despite a challenging rookie season for Brosmer.

Former Gopher QB Max Brosmer — Max Brosmer photo courtesy of University of Minnesota

He played in seven regular season games and started two. He threw four interceptions and no touchdown passes. His subpar quarterback rating of 53 spoke to the difficulty of his rookie season.

His first start came against the Seahawks, a 26-0 road loss. He threw four interceptions and was sacked four times. He finished the game with a 32.8 rating.

Brosmer knew the game plan but wasn’t prepared for the moments. He rushed his reads and threw a bit too quickly trying to complete passes.

Processing too fast, forcing the ball and rushing decisions under pressure is not unusual for a rookie quarterback, but that doesn’t change the emotions of a difficult experience. Brosmer said it took a few weeks to “flush” his thoughts about the Seahawk game.

Brosmer told Sports Headliners he took a positive learning approach about the game. “You can either decide to look at that as ‘Woe is me. This is a terrible situation.’

‘Or hey, this is the best thing that ever happened to me.’

“And that’s my mindset about it.”

Brosmer is a savant when it comes to attitude and work ethic. He said he is an improved player because of having more time in the offensive system.

Wentz has helped him grow. The two are often on the same practice field and he watches how Wentz calls plays, does things in the huddle and causes defenders to move around. “It’s been really cool. I’ve been doing my best to apply that and it’s going to help me a lot.”

Brosmer isn’t in an ideal situation as he tries to extend his time with the Vikings. But he’s committed to all the physical and mental effort while enjoying the process “because that’s what I love.’

Worth Noting

Two predictions on subjects that interest Vikings fans the most:

Murray, the 29-year-old veteran of seven prior NFL seasons, will be named the No. 1 quarterback in 14 days or less.

Safety Harrison Smith, 37, will not join the Vikings in training camp and won’t play this season.

The Vikings-Giants game, with a noon start Minneapolis time, will be telecast in this market by FOX 9.

Capital Club founder Patrick Klinger has lined up MSHSL executive director Erich Martens and acclaimed Eden Prairie educator and football coach Mike Grant to speak about the state of youth sports at Mendakota Country Club on August 20. For more information about the breakfast club gathering, contact Patrick Klinger, patrick@agilemarketingco.com.

John Anderson, the beloved former Golden Gophers baseball coach who passed away last month, was so admired by University of Minnesota boosters that some thought he would be a terrific athletics director.

Minnesota’s Mark Coyle and P.J.Fleck, working together since 2017, are the longest tenured athletics director and head football coach duo in the 18 member Big Ten Conference.

In two series this season, the Brewers won four times against the Twins, with Milwaukee earning each of its victories by one run.

Tim Murray, the longtime Murray’s Restaurant advertiser with Sports Headliners, will throw out the ceremonial first pitch at Target Field on August 18 before the Twins and Braves game in celebration of his establishment’s 80-year anniversary.

Minnesota baseball hall of famer Paul Molitor turns 70 on August 22. Former Gophers women’s basketball coach Pam Borton will be 61 on the same day.

Retired Star Tribune sports columnist Jim Souhan has relocated to Hilton Head, South Carolina.

1 comment

Painful Loss, But So Much to Celebrate about John Anderson

Posted on August 9, 2026August 9, 2026 by David Shama

Minnesotans will offer their tributes tomorrow to University of Minnesota legendary baseball coach John Anderson. Funeral services will be at 3 p.m. Monday at St. Olaf Catholic Church in Minneapolis, with a celebration of life open to the public starting at 6 p.m. at Maturi Pavilion at the University.

The events can be viewed via the following links:

www.youtube.com/user/SaintOlafChurch/live

https://www.youtube.com/live/R_p5bjmcka4?si=NlW2OfIAt8vvcDaO

Anderson died unexpectedly at age 71 last month, just a few days after experiencing heart failure. Friends have extended condolences to wife Jan, daughter Erin and other family, while also processing the stunning loss of the man who so deeply impacted the lives of many others.

Golden Gophers baseball is a special sport at the U. It’s the oldest program in the 22-team athletic department, dating back to 1876. Gopher baseball has an extraordinary tradition of leaders, players and championships.

The great Dick Siebert coached the Gophers from 1948-1978. He led Minnesota to national championships in 1956, 1960 and 1964. His extraordinary players included Paul Giel, Paul Molitor and Dave Winfield. They were Minnesota natives as were most of the players on his teams.

Anderson, born in Hibbing and a graduate of Nashwauk-Keewatin High School, wanted to pitch for the coach they called “The Chief.” An arm injured in 1975, after one year with the program, punctured that balloon so Anderson became a student assistant coach and later a grad assistant. He learned about the legacy of the program. And who better to have as a college baseball tutor than “The Chief”?

In 1981 it was Giel, then the school athletics director, who asked Anderson to become head baseball coach. At 26, he succeeded George Thomas (1979-1981) as head coach. He had been an assistant coach to Thomas.

Former Gophers baseball coach John Anderson — John Anderson

Anderson retired as Minnesota’s coach after the 2024 season. What a run it was over 43 seasons with a 1,390-1,021-3 record, ranking first in the Big Ten and 20th all-time among NCAA Division I coaches in career victories. Minnesota had winning seasons in 38 of his years as head coach, and the Gophers had 31 seasons with at least 30 wins and 10 seasons with at least 40.

Minnesota finished first or second in the Big Ten standings 24 times, advanced to 20 Big Ten Tournament championship games and qualified for the conference tournament in 31 of 38 Anderson’s seasons. He was named Big Ten Coach of the Year eight times, first as a rookie head coach in 1982 and most recently in 2018.

Anderson led the Gophers to 19 NCAA postseason appearances, including a historic and dramatic 2018 year that included hosting an NCAA Regional for the first time since 2000 and advancing to the program’s first NCAA Super Regional, achieving the program’s best postseason finish since reaching the College World Series in 1977.

But there was so much more to the man affectionately referred to by his uniform number, “14.” Awhile back he told Sports Headliners: “It’s not just about wins and losses. My philosophy has always been I am here to prepare people for the next 50 years of their lives. Kids have to understand there’s a 50 percent less chance to play professional baseball today because the draft got reduced by 20 rounds. You better be preparing people for life after baseball.”

Anderson had over 330 All-Big Ten Academic selections. He was proud to tell a reporter in 2024 his entire senior class that year would graduate with degrees. The academic progress rate for the last five years was a perfect 1000.

He cared deeply about the well-being of his players. He knew his role was that of a teacher devoted to guiding his players way beyond baseball, helping develop their academics, life skills and character with the intent they can thrive as adults in a competitive and changing world.

There was no doubting his leadership and devotion to the U. He could have left for better paying jobs, including ones with more resources for winning but he was loyal to the end to his program, players and school.

Remarkably, he spent 49 years at the U counting time as a player, student assistant coach, graduate assistant, and assistant coach. He loved Minnesota and in a final gesture keeping with the selfless spirit that defined his life, his body was returned to the University for organ donation.

I last communicated with him several weeks ago regarding the honor of being named the latest recipient of the prestigious Lefty Gomez Award from the American Baseball Coaches Association. The annual award was to be presented next January and is given to an individual who has contributed significantly to baseball locally, nationally, and internationally.

Anderson texted the following regarding the award: “Humbling honor that is an achievement by an army of people that contributed to the program’s success during my leadership of the Gopher baseball program. Nothing is accomplished by one individual. I am grateful for all those special relationships that I shared over the years.”

To further detail Anderson’s impact on others, Sports Headliners reached out to individuals via text and email asking for their comments. Their replies about “14” are below:

Charlie Nelson, Gopher baseball player 1991-1994 and leader of KLN Family Brands, a Sports Headliners advertiser

“John Anderson taught me the importance and the value of caring for someone even when they might have nothing to offer up at the time.

“I was a freshman on the baseball team and at the time, I wasn’t providing value as a student, baseball player, or teammate. When John sat me down, I didn’t know what to expect. Instead of telling me that maybe the U of M wasn’t for me…he spent time talking to me about life. He shared some of his own struggles with me and he reminded me that being a student athlete at the U of M was a longer journey than I had mentally prepared for.

“I worked hard over the next few years earning the opportunities he gave me and the patience he had with me when he didn’t need to. John was teaching me lessons about life and leadership before I even knew it. I was beyond fortunate to have played for “14” and to have called John Anderson a good friend.”

Patrick Klinger, former Twins marketing executive and now leader of the Saint Paul Winter Carnival

“John was an exceptional coach and an even better human. We smoked many cigars, raised a few glasses of vino and played numerous rounds of golf together.

“One of my favorite memories was rooming with John on golf trips to Arizona. We’d stay up late in our room discussing life, family, friends and sharing experiences. Funny, I never recall talking baseball with him even though we’d both been in that business.

“He was a special man, and I was honored by his friendship. And when I think of those whom I’d like to emulate, John Anderson is near the very top of that list.”

Joel Maturi, former Gopher athletics director from 2002-2012

“I wish I had something original to say about John Anderson but cannot find the words.

“As I have shared with others, I was an athletic administrator for 40 years and worked with and evaluated many coaches. No one embodied a whole person approach emphasizing the total growth and well-being of those he coached better than John.

“Every person I have spoken to or read comments of on his passing all spoke of his impact on their life, not baseball. It is what John believed his mission was and no one did it better.”

Bill Robertson, former sports executive including with the Minnesota Wild

“Coach John Anderson (14) was more than just a baseball coach at the University of Minnesota for so many seasons. He was a mentor of mine, relationship-builder and most importantly a caring husband and father.

“His knowledge of the environment in college baseball was off the charts. He saw things others could not (do) in developing talent. He knew the limitations and climate of playing college baseball in the Upper Midwest.

“John taught me a lot about being professional and how to treat others. Even players who did not play much for him still revere him as he was honest and upfront while truly caring about their future.

“If my son wanted to play college baseball, I would want him to play for John.”

Comments Welcome

Smith’s Vikings Decision May Come in About 3 Weeks

Posted on July 22, 2026July 22, 2026 by David Shama

With the Vikings opening training camp in a few days, the Harrison Smith watch will prompt even more attention from fans and media. Will the 37-year-old safety and 14-year-veteran play another season in Minneapolis?

Smith and the Vikings leadership have been quiet about his future. A former leader with NFL front offices who knows about Smith and Viking head coach Kevin O’Connell spoke to Sports Headliners about the situation.

While acknowledging he doesn’t know if Smith will retire or join the team in training camp, he believes both Smith and O’Connell know what the decision is. “They’re just not saying,” the source said.

“…I suspect he’ll come back for one more year, but it wouldn’t surprise me either way,” he added.

The source believes if there is a return, Smith will be back in time for the two joint practices with the Ravens August 19 and 20. The Vikings will host the Ravens for scrimmages at TCO Performance Center, prior to their August 22 preseason home game against the Baltimore-based team.

Those practices are important to Minnesota’s preparation for the regular season and the authority referred to them as a “tipping point” during training camp.

The authority, who personally hopes Smith will play at least another season, said it’s clear to him that the Vikings want the six-time Pro Bowler to return, and that despite his age the veteran is still more than capable of playing at a high level. “I think they need him back. I think they’re a little thin at quality safeties.”

Smith is still athletic and able to run with younger rivals. Those skills haven’t deserted him like others who are moving toward their late 30’s.

And then there’s Smith’s high IQ for the game. He’s a defensive professor on the field knowing where to line up and getting his teammates adjusted if necessary. He can jump around and move before the snap, confusing and discombobulating quarterbacks. He’s a football encyclopedia with his knowledge of tendencies and rival players.

Smith may decide he’s still too interested and healthy to retire from the game he enjoys so much. The source wouldn’t rule out even another season in 2027.

“Hard to say. Probably but maybe not. If he plays healthy, stays healthy, I could see him continuing. I know he loves the game and I know he loves O’Connell and (defensive coordinator Brian) Flores.”

If retirement is the decision the factors could start with family. Smith is married with small children. He may decide he’s had a healthy and fulfilling career, and it’s just time to retire.

“He’s definitely a Hall of Famer,” the source said.

Worth Noting

NBA teams often build their rosters to compete with high impact individuals on other clubs who are championship caliber. And now there is a pattern going on in the Western Conference:

Monster talented Victor Wembanyama, 7-4 and 22 years old, has the attention of rivals with a window that has him as a possible league MVP annually and his Spurs team in the hunt for an NBA championship each year.

The 2025 NBA champion Thunder counter with Minneapolis native Chet Holmgren who is 7-1 and 24 years old. And in this year’s NBA Draft it looked like anti-Wemby strategy adding 7-3 Aday Mara who is 21.

The Lakers are rebuilding their roster including with the addition of 7-2 Walker Kessler, also 24. He was drafted by the Timberwolves in 2022, and was part of the trade that brought Rudy Gobert to Minneapolis. Gobert, 34, is 7-1 and is an annual contender for Defensive Player of the Year.

Now the Wolves could be grooming 7-3, 20-year-old center Rocco Zikarsky as a “Wemby Weapon.” The Bulls took him in the second round of the 2025 draft, then traded him to the Wolves where he played in five games last season. The Australian native averaged 2.8 points and 2.8 rebounds.

Arlene and Dick Jonckowski in their sports memorabilia-filled basement.

Minnesota funnyman and legendary public address announcer Dick Jonckowski celebrated his 60^th wedding anniversary with wife Arlene earlier this year. “The Polish Eagle” told Arlene they should get married in a bathtub and have a “double ring ceremony.”

Jonckowski, who turns 83 in October, treasures a lot of memories including the PA work at the first game played at Target Field when the Golden Gophers hosted Texas Tech before the Twins opened the new stadium. At Met Center he was once a last-minute replacement for the Harlem Globetrotters PA voice who was ill.

The other day Jonckowski recalled that famous St. Paul newspaper sportswriter Don Riley struggled remembering names, but recognized faces. His go to introduction with two people who were strangers was this: “Tiger, meet Ace. Ace, meet Tiger.”

There’s ongoing local interest in securing a National Women’s Soccer League team for Minneapolis-St. Paul. Craig Leipold has ownership not only in the Wild but is the principal investor in the new Minnesota volleyball team that debuts next year in Major League Volleyball, and he has a stake in the Twins.

Leipold is on record about this being an attractive time to buy sports franchises. Interested in a Minnesota NWSL franchise?

“I would never say never, but its never been presented to me,” Leipold told Sports Headliners. “So, I haven’t really thought much of it. So, I’d have to see what the opportunity is.”

Sunshine and warm temperatures figure to allow the 3M Open July 20-26 to go on without interruption at TPC Twin Cities in Blaine. World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler makes his 3M debut and will draw ticket buyers. Kurt Kitayama, 2025 winner, tries to become the first player to win back-to-back in the eight-year history of the 3M.

Nobody in the local media is more associated with golf than KFAN afternoon radio host Dan Cole. “The Common Man” is not only an avid player and reporter but also was declared long ago by Minnesota governor Jesse Ventura as the state’s ambassador of golf.

1 comment