Vikings – Page 8 – David Shama's Minnesota Sports Headliners

U Record Setter Morgan Gushes about New QB Drake Lindsey

Posted on September 7, 2025September 7, 2025 by David Shama

In two season opening wins the Golden Gophers have yet to face a Power Four team but that will change next Saturday night when they play in Berkeley against the California Golden Bears. The game will be another test for redshirt freshman quarterback Drake Lindsey who has already impressed big time including yesterday when he completed eight of 9 passes, and had a 45-yard touchdown throw in a 66-0 romp over FCS Northwestern State.

In six quarters this season he has completed 61.4 percent of his passes and thrown for three touchdown passes in his starting debut. But he has caught the attention of many observers for more than his statistics, including former Gopher QB Tanner Morgan.

Morgan sees a possibility of Lindsey being a coveted NFL Draft choice, perhaps as soon as the end of next season. By then Lindsey will be draft eligible. “I am really excited about him and what he can become,” Morgan said yesterday.

The Gopher passing record book prominently features Morgan and Adam Weber in many categories. Morgan, who played from 2018-2022, is the season leader in passing yards, passing yards per game, completion percentage and touchdown passes. Weber (2007-2010) holds career records in passing yards, passing yards per game, passing yards attempts, completions and TD passes.

Morgan said: “I wouldn’t be shocked if in two to three years you look up and every record is Drake Lindsey. It’s not Adam Weber or Tanner Morgan. It’s No. 5 Drake Lindsey. He has that talent and has proven to be aggressive with it. …

“Now we don’t want to put too many high expectations on him as a young player, but the potential is there and he’s a worker. He’s very calm, very cool (and) collected but loves football and that’s very evident.”

Arm strength is one of the most obvious traits an NFL quarterback must have, and Morgan offers more praise. “He has a hose. He has NFL level arm talent. …He’s not a one pitch thrower. He’s not just a fast ball guy. He has multiple pitches in his bag. He can throw a curve.

“What I mean by that is anticipation throwing to guys into windows. When you have that it allows you to do a lot of things offensively.”

Worth Noting

Wendell Avery, the former Gopher quarterback who lettered from 1977-1979, is the wide receivers coach for the Toronto Argonauts of the Canadian Football League. His son Quincy Avery is a renowned quarterback trainer who posted on X he believes Minnesota QB Drake Lindsey will one day be an NFL first-round draft choice.

The Gophers Greg Johnson, who played center last season, made a successful debut at left guard in the season opening game August 28 against Buffalo. He was Pro Football Focus’s top Minnesota lineman in all five rating categories.

Joe Buck and Troy Aikman have the call on ESPN for Monday night’s opener between the Vikings and Bears from Chicago. Minnesota has won seven of the last eight games and is favored by about a point.

Based on yesterday’s practice report, it looks like the Vikings may play without starters Harrison Smith (safety) and Christian Darrisaw (offensive tackle). Smith, dealing with an undisclosed illness, was listed as doubtful, while Darrisaw, with a knee issue, was questionable.

Wide receiver Adam Thielen at 35 years old could come up big for the Vikings in the game which marks his return to the franchise after two seasons with the Panthers. He ranks third in club history for receptions (534) and receiving touchdowns (55). He’s fifth in receiving yards, 6,682.

A vote by The Athletic’s staff had the Vikings near the top in a survey of which NFL team will be the biggest disappointment in 2025. The Steelers topped the list by one ahead of the Vikings and Cowboys. Jimmy Durkin of The Athletic wrote he could “definitely” see the Vikings with first-year quarterback J.J. McCarthy finishing at 8-9, or 9-8.

That kind of record probably leaves the Vikings out of the playoffs. Bill Barnwell of ESPN.com is predicting Minnesota will miss the postseason. https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/45934298/2025-nfl-season-14-playoff-teams-chances-return-super-bowl

The way it looks now the Vikings play in the NFC’s most powerful division featuring the Packers and Lions. Those two, plus the Eagles who the Vikings also play this season, comprise the conference’s big three.

A consensus of authorities likely ranks the Vikings between seven and 14 among the NFL’s 32 teams going into the season.

Jon Gruden showed his knowledge of Gopher football in a recent video while opening gifts from Fleck that included the coach’s signature on a RTB oar. While sorting through the bounty, Gruden referenced a long list of former Minnesota players from Bud Wilkinson to Daniel Faalele, from Bronko Nagurski to Blake Cashman, and from Tony Dungy to Antoine Winfield Jr. https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1MQXmZYyYF/?mibextid=wwXIfr

The former NFL head coach, now a social media influencer, said recently “I’d die to coach in the SEC.” If that happens, it should be a relief to Big Ten programs who wouldn’t have to compete against the savvy and tenacious former Super Bowl winner.

Long-time Minnesota sports personality Dick Jonckowski will emcee the Minnesota Amateur Baseball Hall of Fame gathering for the 42^nd time on September 20 in St. Cloud. Jonckowski, the former Gophers public address announcer for multiple sports, was inducted into the hall in 2024. He’s a member of 10 halls of fame.

Inductees of the 2025 class are: Marlin “Mandy” Helget, Dallas Jelmberg, Dale “Lumber” Lindmeier, Kyle Messner, and Tom Niehaus. The event will be held at the River’s Edge Convention Center. https://www.mnbaseballhof.com/

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McCarthy’s Missed Season May Pay Dividends for him in 2025

Posted on September 1, 2025September 1, 2025 by David Shama

J.J. McCarthy makes his NFL regular season debut next Monday night in a nationally televised game against the Bears in Chicago. That career, of course, was supposed to have started last year but didn’t because the then 21-year-old Vikings quarterback sustained a season-ending knee injury in preseason.

The deflating season on the sidelines may well prove to have a silver lining to it.

Local football authority Daniel House, known for his football film breakdown and data driven research, thinks so. House, recognized by football followers for his Vikings Corner and Gophers Guru websites and posts on X @DanielHouseMN, said fans don’t realize “how complex the (Vikings) system is.”

Purple followers, House told Sports Headliners, should be “encouraged” by the process McCarthy has gone through. “He had time to learn and I think that’s going to be very beneficial for him.”

House believes that despite McCarthy’s inexperience and youth the former No. 1 draft choice could finish the season statistically ranked something like 15-16 among NFL quarterbacks in production. “I would say, yeah, that’s a good spot for him to be in just based off not just the talent standpoint, but (coach) Kevin O’Connell’s ability to maximize what he (McCarthy) does best. And then you look at the skill players around him (adding support). …”

McCarthy will benefit from a surrounding group of offensive and defensive players loaded with talent. Included will be an improved offensive line and running back depth. That development is expected to have the Vikings running more than at any time in O’Connell’s three previous seasons in Minneapolis. It’s a strategy designed to take some responsibility and pressure off the quarterback.

Even with a “pound the rock” running game and elite defense, the Vikings will need plenty of outstanding performances from McCarthy. That starts on the big stage of Monday Night Football and House doesn’t think the scene will be too much for McCarthy.

“He excels in those big moments,” House said while reminding a listener that McCarthy delivered in the spotlight in pressure filled high school and college games, including 2023 when he quarterbacked Michigan to the national championship.

House said McCarthy has the persona to lead in the locker room and on the field. “The one thing I notice about J.J. is just how his teammates rally around him. He’s got that dynamic presence about him. …

“I know some people that know J.J. well and were around him at Michigan. And…the thing is this guy has an electricity to him from the personality standpoint that every top quarterback has to have. “

Worth Noting

House believes the Vikings could win 10 or 11 games. He thinks a four-game stretch between October 19 and November 9 where the Vikings play the Eagles, Chargers, Lions and Ravens is “going to define the season.”

Asked about a breakout Vikings player, House identified second-year defensive lineman Jalen Redmond. “He popped at me when I was at practices. I thought that he looked more refined, quick. Feeling comfort in the system.”

House added that the Vikings’ willingness to trade veteran defensive tackle Harrison Phillips earlier this summer for future draft capital looks like a vote of confidence in Redmond as a starter. “I am on the Jalen Redmond train. I think he’s going to have a nice year.”

The Athletic’s Scott Dochterman wrote recently about how college football players are spending their Name, Image and Likeness money. Included were Gopher defensive stars Anthony Smith who bought a Dodge Ram TRX and Koi Perich’s expenditure on a scooter.

Smith said the Dodge makes him happy and he “can’t stop smiling.” Perich said he loves his scooter and it’s the only thing he rides.

Gopher Jameson Geers, who had a game shifting fumble in last year’s loss at Rutgers and dropped two passes in the 2025 season opener while also making a touchdown catch, is on the John Mackey Award watch list for best tight end in the nation. Geers, who has two seasons of remaining eligibility, caught four passes for 38 yards in the 23-10 win over Buffalo.

Geers was stopped short on a tush-push from the Buffalo 11-yard line in the first quarter of last Thursday night’s opening game. P.J. Fleck said the distance for the first down was about 1.5 yards, not one, and the Gophers head coach took the blame for the failed play, explaining it was the wrong call.

Deepest condolences to the family and many friends of former 1960s Gophers football player and assistant coach Mike Reid who passed away August 24 after battling a heart issue. A Spring Valley, Wisconsin native, Mike made his home in the Twin Cities area, and his warm personality was worthy of “All-American” status. https://obituaries.pellachronicle.com/obituary/michael-reid-1093061208

There is a write-in campaign by friends of the late Jim Carter to have the South St. Paul High School football stadium named after the Gophers’ 1969 football captain and former Packers high school star athlete.

Former Gophers quarterback Tanner Morgan will provide color commentary on Saturday’s Big Ten Network telecast of the Minnesota-Northwestern State game at Huntington Bank Stadium. The FCS Demons are located in Natchitoches, Louisiana and the football team snapped a 20-game losing streak last Saturday with a 20-10 win over Alcorn State.

Gopher communications boss Paul Rovnak writing on X about ESPN legend Lee Corso who retired last Saturday at age 90: “Before big games coach Corso would call to learn more about the Gophers. Last time was Dec. 24 to prep for our bowl game vs VT (Virginia Tech). I told him my kids loved him and thanked him (for) what he did for Minnesota. He then asked to talk to my kids so he could wish them Merry Christmas.”

Wild owner Craig Leipold told Sports Headliners he wants his team to develop a “mindset like Florida,” winners of the last two Stanley Cups. Leipold wants a team that plays together and executes on each play.

The 2026 USA Special Olympics Games will be held in Minnesota next June. CEO Christy Sovereign, along with Special Olympic athletes, will speak at the Capital Club at Mendakota Country Club on September 24. More information about the club is available from Patrick Klinger, patrick@agilemarketingco.com.

Twins’ right-hander Pablo López made his third start on rehab assignment last night for Triple-A St. Paul at Toledo. He pitched 5.2 innings, giving up four hits, no runs and striking out 7. The staff ace was placed on the Injured List June 4 with a right shoulder strain.

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Wild Contract Sit Down with Kaprizov Coming in September

Posted on August 24, 2025August 24, 2025 by David Shama

Enjoy a Sunday notes column.

Wild owner Craig Leipold told Sports Headliners superstar forward Kirill Kaprizov has been out of the country this summer but in person conversation will start next month regarding a contract extension. Leipold and general manager Bill Guerin will meet with Kaprizov who signed a five-year contract in 2021 and is eligible for an extension.

The Wild leaders have already communicated proposed contract information to Kaprizov. “All signs indicate we’re not that far apart,” Leipold said. “He’s in Russia (and) we’re going to wait until he comes back here. Let’s hope we can get something done before the season has started.”

Leipold said the Wild will offer an eight-year extension but wouldn’t identify a dollar amount. Kaprizov, 28, is among the NHL’s elite goal scorers and his next contract is certain to reflect that. Online speculation has Kaprizov receiving $14 to $15 million per season on a new deal that might make him the highest paid player in the NHL for at least a short time.

Kaprizov can become an unrestricted free agent next summer, but Leipold made it clear the Wild are determined to keep him in Minnesota. The owner said he and Guerin talk all the time about the face of the franchise.

Leipold also said the Wild will continue to request financial support from the state of Minnesota for major renovations to Grand Casino Arena. Disappointed with funding efforts during the last legislative session, the Wild will now pursue $100 million from the state, plus use $200 million each from the team and city of St. Paul/Ramsey County, to spend $500 million in improvements for the 25-year-old facility. Plans are on hold for updates to the St. Paul RiverCentre and Roy Wilkins Auditorium.

Marc-André Fleury, the Wild’s veteran goalie who retired after last season, is a Leipold favorite. Fleury, a native of Canada, is building a home in the metro area, where he and his wife will raise their family.

Leipold said Guerin “has made it known to him that we’d love to have him involved (with the organization)” when Fleury decides on his post-playing career direction.

“He is such a persona,” Leipold said of Fleury. “He is so well thought of (and) people just love this man. His family is a wonderful, beautiful family and they’re going to be a big part of the Twin Cities for many, many years. …We think that’s pretty cool.”

Pro football is a billion-dollar business with millions dedicated to scouting players. That doesn’t mean with all the technology and scouts mistakes aren’t made. The sleuths blew it, for example, in not drafting former Golden Gophers quarterback Max Brosmer.

All 32 NFL teams passed on him last spring in the seven-round draft before the Vikings signed him as a free agent. He has wowed in training camp with his work ethic, inquisitive nature, ability to process information and decision making including under game pressure.

If he doesn’t make the team’s 53-man roster to be announced Tuesday, it will be stunning. And if he is cut by the Vikings, it’s certain another team will snatch him up as a free agent.

In last Friday night’s final exhibition game Brosmer out played his presumed rival for the third quarterback spot on the roster. Brosmer completed 15 of 23 passes, including a touchdown throw, while compiling 161 yards. Brett Rypien was seven of 14 for 62 yards, and threw an interception.

He could make the Minnesota roster as an under-the-radar rookie story that is already drawing some comparisons to Brock Purdy, the former Iowa State star who wasn’t selected until the final pick of the 2022 NFL Draft. Dubbed “Mr. Irrelevant” for his draft position, he has been starting for the 49ers since his rookie season.

“It doesn’t surprise me at all,” Golden Gophers coach P.J. Fleck said on KFAN Radio recently about Brosmer’s splash this summer. “That kid is going to play in the NFL for 10 or 12 years. I really believe that.

“I’ve never been around a quarterback that processes the way he processes. …I am thinking when you look long term this isn’t a kid that you want to just let go and let some other team develop him and next thing you know you’re playing against him. …”

It will be interesting to see how the Vikings sort out their special teams decisions. Last season their 24.4 yards per return of kickoffs was second lowest in the NFL, while the 6.8 average on punt returns ranked last.

The Vikings got a setback when Rondale Moore, a free agent acquisition, was lost for the season earlier this summer with a knee injury. He could have contributed (perhaps dramatically) on both punt and kickoff returns.

Ryan Wright, the team’s punter the last two seasons, has been challenged in training camp by Australian newcomer Oscar Chapman. The punter puts the football in place for field goal kicker Will Reichard and Chapman didn’t help his standing when he mishandled the football on a Reichard kick Friday night.

Fleck also said on KFAN that Syracuse transfer Brady Denaburg, who will have one season of eligibility with the Gophers, will handle field goals. He won the assignment in a competition with true freshman Daniel Jackson who also ran track at Alexandria High School and has a personal best time of 10.65 in the 100 meters. Fleck teased that could prompt “fake” punts in the future, taking advantage of Jackson’s speed.

Former UCLA punter Brody Richter, who will have two seasons of eligibility with Minnesota, and Aussie native Tom Weston, with three seasons of eligibility ahead after transferring from Ouachita Baptist, are in a close competition for the starting punting job.

The Twins are on course to miss the playoffs for the fourth time in five years. Concerns about the organization include the collective work of president Derek Falvey and his staff in being productive in trades, free agent signings and development of talent inside the organization.

A disturbing trend, for example, is young players who initially excel with the Twins in the big leagues but falter after rivals figure out strengths and weaknesses. The poster boy for that is Royce Lewis who a couple of years ago was a candidate for the face of baseball but since has declined dramatically in production.

Not only is his batting average a lowly .233 but his power is minimal with only eight home runs. Are Twins coaches effective in helping players like Lewis, Matt Wallner, Trevor Larnach and Austin Martin make adjustments?

Something else to ponder: why is Falvey not only president on the baseball side, but also leading business operations? Is that too much of a workload for one person?

With a run scored Friday night against the White Sox, Byron Buxton became the third player in Twins history to reach 500+ runs, 150+ home runs, 100+ stolen bases and 400+ RBI in a career with Minnesota. The others are Kirby Puckett and Torii Hunter.

Minneapolis-based attorney Marshall Tanick wrote a timely and comprehensive article for the Minnesota Lawyer publication that details the late Hulk Hogan’s tie to Minnesota and litigation over the years involving professional wrestling. Tanick recounts litigation involving Hogan, Jesse Ventura and others as he takes on the “legal lore of wrestling in this state.”

The former sports editor of the Minnesota Daily is not only an attorney but a prolific journalist whose articles are seen frequently in various publications.

Happy birthday to football lifer and former Golden Gophers coach Jerry Kill who turns 64 today.

Sending best wishes to former Golden Gophers basketball guard Melvin Newbern as he faces health challenges.

Tommies men’s basketball will play old MIAC rival Saint John’s on December 11 at the new UST Lee & Penny Anderson Arena. Their last game was in 2021.

Phil Esten, UST vice president and director of athletics, told Sports Headliners earlier this month that public season tickets for men’s basketball have increased from about 200 to the 400 range as the Tommies get ready for their first season in the arena. Students are admitted free to the arena that will seat over 5,000 for basketball.

The Lindenwood (St. Charles, Missouri) football program that started Division I competition in 2022 plays at St. Thomas Thursday night in the opener for both teams. The Lions will play at Minnesota in 2027.

The MIAC league office reported the MIAC Sports Network has for two consecutive years streamed more than 1,000 conference events, generating more than one million uploads across all platforms. The network app can be found and installed free by searching MIAC Sports Network on various devices, or at https://miacsportsnetwork.com/

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