Vikings – Page 2 – David Shama's Minnesota Sports Headliners

Athletic QB ‘Freak’ Awaits U Saturday in ‘Barometer Game’

Posted on September 6, 2026September 6, 2026 by David Shama

The Golden Gophers will need to contain multiple quarterbacks this season who not only can scramble from the pocket but also excel on designed runs. None may be more dangerous than Kamario Taylor from Mississippi State who Minnesota plays Saturday at Huntington Bank Stadium.

The sophomore Mississippi native ran untouched for a 26-yard touchdown last night in his team’s 62-13 season opening win over ULM. Bigger news was his passing improvement that paid off with four touchdown throws. He showed development in his progressions while passing for 354 yards.

Taylor made two starts last season and played in 11 games during his freshman year. The 6-4, 230-pound athletic freak was third on the team in rushing yards with 458 on just 82 carries while leading the team in touchdown runs with eight. He threw 629 yards and five touchdowns, with one interception on 43-of-77 passing.

The Bulldogs, 5-8 last season, aren’t considered a title favorite in the mighty SEC but could be a dark horse spoiler, partly because of their quarterback. An opposing SEC coach, quoted by Athlon Sports in its college football preview, referred to Taylor as a “phenom.”

“…He can do a lot of things for them this year, not only with his arm, but also with his feet. He can keep plays alive, which turn into big plays.”

Legendary former Alabama coach Nick Saban said this at the SEC media gathering this summer: “…This guy could be the truth and the light now. He is really, really good.”

In three of the next four games Minnesota defensive coordinator Danny Collins must deal with quarterbacks who are formidable runners. On September 26 in Seattle Minnesota will see electric quarterback Demond Williams and then on October 3 faces Michigan quarterback Bryce Underwood who is expected to be a frequent runner in new coach Kyle Whittingham’s system. The Gophers end the season at Wisconsin where quarterback Colton Joseph figures to be among the Badgers primary ball carriers.

Collins said in training camp the Gophers are “ready” for the challenges presented by scrambling and run by design quarterbacks. The offseason planning started last winter and continued in the spring and summer. Collins talked about having a “menu” of options depending on what the offense presents. Anticipating a designed run, for example, might prompt an additional safety on the field.

The planning gets its first test Saturday in a “barometer game” for the Gophers who are 1-0 like the Bulldogs. The early wagering lines have the Gophers as slight favorites, a couple of points.

After a final nonconference game September 19 at home with Akron, the Gophers face a second “barometer game” against a promising Washington team that will be favored. If Minnesota could enter the Michigan game 4-0 the Bank would be rocking in the battle for the Little Brown Jug.

Worth Noting

The NFL season starts Wednesday night in Seattle where the Seahawks and Patriots play in a rematch from last February’s Super Bowl. Minneapolis-based attorney, sports historian, and Sports Headliners advertiser Marshall Tanick noted in an email that the Vikings and Chiefs opened the 1970 season at Met Stadium after playing against each other in Super Bowl IV in January of that year.

That was an NFL first, matching the Super Bowl teams in the next season opener, and something that has happened only twice (Carolina at Denver in 2016) going into Wednesday’s game.

The Vikings lost 23-7 in the Super Bowl but earned redemption in a 27-10 September win. Chiefs coach Hank Stram had mocked the Vikings during the Super Bowl, so the victory felt like extra revenge for Minnesotans.

Via team voting the Vikings selected eight captains for the coming season:

Offense: Justin Jefferson, Aaron Jones, Sr., Kyler Murray, Brian O’Neill.

Defense: Blake Cashman, Joshua Metellus, Andrew Van Ginkel.

Special Teams: Andrew DePaola.

While Forbes isn’t out yet with its annual valuation of NFL teams, Sportico has done so. The Vikings rank No.23 in the 32-team money machine league. Their valuation is $8.26 billion and ranks ahead of the Packers at No. 24 and Lions at No. 27. Sportico figures the Vikings are worth 32 percent more than last year. https://www.sportico.com/feature/nfl-team-values-ranking-list-1234684165/

The Cowboys at $15.5 billion top Sportico’s valuations. That figure tops the valuation of any other American pro sports franchise.

Gophers hoops player Cade Tyson, image by David Shama — Cade Tyson

No final litigation word yet as to whether players seeking a fifth year of NCAA eligibility like Cade Tyson from Gophers basketball will be eligible this fall and winter. But, if so, Tyson will need to choose a team, and he likely can command seven figures. And $2 million might be the ceiling.

Tyson’s presence might be worth more than a couple of extra wins to Minnesota next season.

Former Gophers point guard Marcus Carr, who recently played professionally in Germany, is a member of the Canadian Senior Men’s National Team this summer and is averaging 16.2 points and eight assists in the FIBA Basketball World Cup Qualifiers.

Former Timberwolves point guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker, now with the Hawks, is averaging 15.3 points and 5.3 assists per game for Canada.

It’s stunning to view the late season batting averages of MLB players. There are only eight players hitting over .300, with former Twin Luis Arraez leading at .318. The Twins Luke Keaschall is 30th in the majors at .276.

Arraez, who won the AL batting crown in 2022 with Minnesota hitting .316, could win his fourth batting title in the majors. Now with the Phillies, that would be four with four different teams.

The average MLB batter is hitting .244, per A.I. That reminds baseball historians of 1968, The Year of the Pitcher when the average reportedly was .237.

The dismal hitting in 2026 is a combination of factors including the swing for the fences approach and minimizing bat contact as a priority (Arraez is the opposite). Also, pitching supremacy is fueled by powerful arms, technology (analytics and more), improved body mechanics, and the proliferation of quality pitching available from beginning to end each game.

For those who want to follow the teams in the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference, the MIAC Sports Network offers streaming annually of more than 1,000 contests. The network app is free.

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Vikings Cutting QB J.J. McCarthy Today? Fuhgeddaboudit

Posted on August 30, 2026August 30, 2026 by David Shama

Enjoy a Sunday notes column.

NFL rosters must be reduced to 53 men tonight (Sunday) by 5 p.m. Minneapolis time. Any speculation the Vikings will cut disappointing third year quarterback J.J. McCarthy from their roster is ludicrous.

McCarthy, who has won six regular-season games as the team’s starter and lost the No. 1 job to Kyler Murray in training camp this summer, could be traded over the weekend or later. Dismiss any speculation, though, the Vikings will give him up for a late round future draft choice, or cut him for the roster with nothing in return.

J.J. McCarthy, Vikings QB, image by David Shama — J.J. McCarthy

The likely scenario is the Vikings won’t receive trade offers that entice them, and it makes sense that decision makers Kevin O’Connell (head coach) and Nolan Teasley (general manager) aren’t giving up so soon on Minnesota’s 2024 first round draft choice. Even if the 23-year-old is going to be replaced for now by Carson Wentz as backup quarterback, it doesn’t mean McCarthy can’t follow a path where he emerges as at least a serviceable NFL starter.

Other predictions about today’s cutdown include a nod here to rookie Brett Thorson winning the punting job from veteran Johnny Hekker, and linebacker Ivan Pace and offensive tackle Walter Rouse, both veterans, being cut. Bubble RB Zavier Scott makes the team but second-year former Golden Gopher QB Max Brosmer does not.

It wouldn’t be surprising at all to see the Vikings add a player or two from the Seahawks roster after they make their cuts, partly because Teasley, as a former Seattle executive, worked for the organization for 13 seasons.

Promising Vikings rookie defensive lineman Domonique Orange has potential to have one of the better nicknames in franchise history. Known as “Big Citrus,” he is listed by the team at 6-2 and 322 pounds. If he becomes a mainstay his handle can be up there with “Harry the Hitman” (Harrison Smith), “All Day” Adrian Peterson, Randy “The Freak” Moss, and “Benchwarmer” Bob Lurtsema.

BTW, a source said word inside the Vikings organization is that it’s “highly doubtful” the 37-year-old Smith decides to play another season.

Former Twins general manager Thad Levine talks weekly with prominent sports newsmakers on his podcast Rosters to Rings. It’s the kind of in-depth content you’d expect from the cerebral Levine.

The presumptive sale of the Los Angeles Lakers for $12.5 billion this summer is a startling contrast to the historical purchase prices of the NBA franchise, per A.I. The Detroit Gems were purchased for $15,000 and moved to Minneapolis in 1947. Bob Short bought the club for $150,000 in 1957, moved the team to L.A. in 1960 and sold it for about $5 million in 1965.

With the addition of 23-year-old power forward Jonathan Kuminga, the Timberwolves now have a starting lineup that averages a youthful 26.4 years. Point guard LaMelo Ball, shooting guard Anthony Edwards and small forward Jaden McDaniels are all 25, and center Rudy Gobert is 34. Remove Gobert, and the Wolves have a foursome averaging 24.5 years.

With that youth, the Wolves may be positioned for a long time to compete against two other dominant and youthful teams in the Spurs and Thunder. Those franchises are wagering favorites to win the 2027 NBA title with the Wolves a top 10 bet.

Possibility that the NHL will add an expansion team in Texas (Houston or Austin) could prompt speculation the new team will play in the Western Conference’s Central Division and allow the Wild to join a less competitive division. Minnesota might jump at the chance to escape the Avalanche and Stars.

A big storyline to follow when the Wild heads into training camp and preseason next month will be who establishes himself as the team’s No. 1 goalie. Filip Gustavsson, 28, has the edge in experience but the NHL Network recently gave Jesper Wallstedt, 23, the No. 9 spot on its list of top 10 league goalies.

The Avalanche’s Cale Makar’s new contract extension is expected to prompt a new deal for the Wild’s Quinn Hughes. It’s believed the Hughes camp has been waiting for the Makar signing to set the market for defensemen as they are two of the best in the world.

Makar’s new compensation is reportedly at $20. 4 million in annual average value. Hughes may become the Wild’s highest compensated player, exceeding the $17 million annual average value reported deal of teammate Kirill Kaprizov.

Fordy Leipold, son of Craig Leipold, is director of marketing of his dad’s new Minnesota Forge pro volleyball team based in St. Paul.

New gameday food items will be available at Huntington Bank Stadium for Golden Gophers football and include Papa Pete’s Mini Donuts (Section 121), Cold Stone Creamery (Sections 131, 121), Sushi Flip Pops (Section 143), Salads & Sides (Section 127) and Original Fried Chicken Tenders in the West Plaza. Mini Sloppy Joe’s will be featured at the Game Day Cart (Section 143).

New Spam-inspired offerings include Spam Corn Dogs at Curds & Cakes (Section 123), the Spam Stadium Dog at the Sizzle Stand (Section 135) and Spam Fries in Club Cambria. Dominos Pizza, BBQ Cabin, Maui Wowi, Minnesota’s Original Brat Dog, The Lotus Vietnamese and Parlour Burger locations return this season. Proceeds from Parlour Burger benefit Dinkytown Athletes.

Gophers starting center Ashton Beers attended a media gathering for food sampling at the stadium. Asked what’s the best food option in small town Slinger, Wisconsin, he replied: “Culver’s.”

Linemate Tony Nelson, the right guard who was raised on a family farm near Tracy, got married recently to Amber Findlay.

University of Minnesota athletics lost two extraordinary boosters with the deaths this summer of Kay McReavy and Lee Sundet, both of whom passed away in their 90s. Condolences to friends and family.

Probably safe to say there will be more than a little grumbling among Gopher football fans that want to watch the opener in their homes Thursday night against Eastern Illinois; they need the Peacock platform.

The Gophers are the only Big Ten football program returning their head coach, offensive and defensive coordinators, and starting quarterback.

Pickle ball sources say former Gopher basketball player Andre Hollins, 2011-2015, is outstanding at the game.

No details announced yet, but big names are expected for signings at the Minnesota Card Show September 17-20 at the St. Paul RiverCentre. Over 600 vendor tables will feature sports cards and other memorabilia.

Quarterback Anthony Policare, the first- year starter who threw the winning touchdown pass in the last minute of the St. Thomas 15-9 season opening win against Winona State last week, is a transfer from Buffalo University where he spent three years.

A certain online sports columnist celebrates 20 years this month!

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Rookie Class Looks Like a Winner for Minnesota Vikings

Posted on August 23, 2026August 23, 2026 by David Shama

NFL teams must reduce their rosters to 53 players next Sunday, August 30. It looks like the Vikings may announce a roster that includes nine rookies.

Training camp and the preseason indicate the Vikings could have one of their highest value group of first season players in the last 10 years. Typically, NFL teams see 6 to 10 rookies make their final rosters of 53 players, so Minnesota likely ends in the high range in 2025.

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

Certainly, this class looks like a sharp contrast to the 2022 group that produced no high impact players and saw most of the rookies experience a brief stay in Minneapolis. The 2020 class is the best in recent years and contributed two starters still with the club, Justin Jefferson and Josh Mettellus. Cam Dantzler, D.J. Wonnum and K.J. Osborn were also solid rookie additions.

The way it looks here, eight drafted rookies make the roster next Sunday, plus one free agent first-year player. That surprise rookie is safety Jacob Thomas from James Madison who started his college career there as a walk-on quarterback.

The drafted rookies who project in making the roster are:

Defensive lineman Caleb Banks, first round.

Linebacker Jake Golday, second round.

Defensive lineman Domonique Orange, offensive lineman Caleb Tiernan and safety Jakobe Thomas; all third round.

Fullback Max Bredeson and cornerback Charles Demmings, fourth round.

Running back Desmond Claiborne, sixth round.

During the season Minnesota will have starters or frequent rotational players among the rookie class. Bredeson is the only fullback on the roster and has been impressive in training camp. The interior defense was an offseason priority and Orange could be a starter at nose tackle in September, while Banks, with a recent history of foot injuries, may be eased in at defensive tackle with his workload likely to increase during the fall.

Other rookies referenced here figure to contribute as rotation players and on special teams. Claiborne, with his elite speed and acceleration, could be among the most fun players to watch, possibly as a “home run” return man and situational runner out of the backfield.

If this group of rookies holds up in value, it warrants props to Rob Brzezinski who as interim general manager led the 2026 draft. He remains with the team as executive vice president of operations and works with GM Nolan Teasley who was hired in late spring.

BTW, in a glass half full view 11 rookies might make the 53-man roster for the regular season. Impressive Georgia alums and free agent signed wide receiver Dillon Bell and punter Brett Thorson are worthy of inclusion but face challenging competition from veterans to be included.

Props for Golden Gophers General Manager

An anonymous Big Ten Conference assistant football coach gave the Gophers and key leader Gerrit Chernoff props in the Athlon Sports College Football Preview. “They evaluate really well,” he said. “…Their GM (Gerrit Chernoff) is awesome. They have a really, really good personnel staff. They know exactly what their wheelhouse is, and they strike really well in it.”

Chernoff was named general manager of the Minnesota football staff in January 2017, the same month Fleck was hired. He was promoted to assistant athletic director/general manager in January 2021. Chernoff oversees all off-field aspects of the Minnesota football program including player personnel, where the Gophers have excelled in retention of their starters despite the lure of the transfer portal.

“I mean, Gerrit is the glue to our entire organization,” Fleck said. “He’s probably the most important person in the entire building, (and even) more important to me. He really is.

“One, he is very selfless. And I think as a head football coach—I was told this a long time ago—it might be your program…but don’t think every single person cares as much as you do about your program. And Gerrit does.

“And I think that’s what makes him incredibly valuable. He’s a tremendous friend, but he’s a very selfless worker, and there’s so much that he’s … (involved with), you can’t even put a job description together for him because he just does so much.

“We’ve known each other now 12 years and that’s a long time to work with somebody. We work cohesively at making a lot of decisions, not only just personnel, just day-to-day situations and decisions. But I don’t want to ever make a decision without running it by him because I think he knows me better than anybody inside the organization.

“Heather (Fleck’s wife) even says at times…like he knows me better than Heather knows me… spending every single waking hour together, especially in football. This program wouldn’t be where it is without Gerrit Chernoff for sure.”

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