DAVE CAMPBELL Pro Football Writer, Author at The Rapid City Post

FILE - Minnesota Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah watches his team prepare before the start of a preseason NFL football game against the New England Patriots Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Bruce Kluckhohn, File)

Vikings fire general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah after 4 seasons and contract extension last year

January 30, 2026

The Minnesota Vikings have fired general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah after mixed results over four seasons and giving him a contract extension last year. The Vikings appointed executive vice president of football operations Rob Brzezinski as the interim replacement through the NFL draft. The search for a new general manager will take place after that. Vikings owners Zygi Wilf and Mark Wilf said they made the decision following their annual end-of-season organizational meetings. The Vikings finished 9-8 and missed the playoffs for a second time in Adofo-Mensah’s four years. They didn’t win a postseason game.

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison runs to score a touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions, Thursday, Dec. 25, 2025, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Bruce Kluckhohn)

Vikings receiver Jordan Addison faces misdemeanor trespassing charge after arrest in Florida

January 13, 2026

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison faces a misdemeanor trespassing charge following his arrest in Florida. Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office arrest records show Addison was detained in Tampa at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino at 3:46 a.m. Monday. He was released on $500 cash bond in the afternoon. Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and coach Kevin O’Connell both declined to speak specifically about it at a season-ending news conference Tuesday. Addison served a three-game suspension to start the 2025 season for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy. That stemmed from his drunken driving arrest the previous year.

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson, right, celebrates near Detroit Lions safety Jalen Mills after making a catch for a first down during the second half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Dec. 25, 2025, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)

Vikings aim to help Jefferson end a frustrating season on a good note by hitting the 1,000-yard mark

January 2, 2026

The Minnesota Vikings would love for wide receiver Justin Jefferson finish a frustrating season on a good note by getting 1,000 yards receiving. The four-time Pro Bowl pick has the most yards receiving in NFL history over a player’s first six years. The Vikings were eliminated from contention for the playoffs before they took the field in Week 15. They host the Green Bay Packers on Sunday. The Packers have secured the last wild-card spot in the NFC for the third straight season. J.J. McCarthy returns at quarterback for the Vikings after missing the last game with a hand injury.

Minnesota Vikings safety Harrison Smith (22) reacts linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel intercepted a pass against the Washington Commanders during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 7, 2025, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Matt Krohn)

Harrison Smith stays in the moment with the Vikings, as his 14th season winds down

January 1, 2026

Harrison Smith’s 14th year as a steadying presence and energizing force in the secondary for the Minnesota Vikings has hardly been smooth. His setback with a health-related matter during training camp was followed by a 4-8 start that precipitated the team’s elimination from playoff contention. Smith has been having plenty of fun lately, though. His performance on Christmas Day against the Detroit Lions earned him the NFC Defensive Player of the Week award. He’s not ready to think about whether he will return for a 15th season. The Vikings have made no secret of their desire to have him back.

Minnesota Vikings cornerback Byron Murphy Jr. and linebacker Andrew van Ginkel are interviewed after the team's win against the Detroit Lions in an NFL football game, Thursday, Dec. 25, 2025, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)

Vikings still finding value and fun in winning down the stretch despite being out of contention

December 26, 2025

The Minnesota Vikings are trying to practice the process of winning in December despite being eliminated from contention for the playoffs. The Vikings beat the Detroit Lions 23-10 on Thursday for their fourth consecutive victory to improve to 8-8. Coach Kevin O’Connell clearly believes in the carryover value of finishing strong this season. Safety Harrison Smith spearheaded the defense’s six-turnover, five-sack performance against the Lions. Minnesota finishes at home in Week 18 against Green Bay. The Packers have clinched their spot in the playoffs but could still be alive in the division race behind Chicago.

Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff, left, is chased by Minnesota Vikings linebacker Dallas Turner during the first half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Dec. 25, 2025, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Bruce Kluckhohn)

Vikings eliminate Lions with defense-dominating 23-10 victory, racking up 6 turnovers and 5 sacks

December 25, 2025

Jordan Addison took a jet sweep handoff 65 yards for the game-sealing touchdown with 3:43 left after the Minnesota Vikings forced six turnovers and eliminated the Detroit Lions from contention for the playoffs with a 23-10 victory. Harrison Smith had one of the two interceptions and one of the five sacks of Jared Goff as the Vikings won their fourth straight game. Goff was charged with three lost fumbles, once on a sack and twice on errant snaps by backup center Kingsley Eguakun. The Lions lost their third straight to clinch a wild-card spot for the Green Bay Packers.

Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff, left, speaks with head coach Dan Campbell during the first half of an NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings, Thursday, Dec. 25, 2025, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)

Lions eliminated after turnover-fueled loss to Vikings, send Packers to playoffs

December 25, 2025

The Detroit Lions have gifted the division rival Green Bay Packers a spot in the playoffs. With six turnovers in a 23-10 loss to the Minnesota Vikings on Thursday, Detroit was eliminated from postseason contention. That clinched at least a wild-card berth for Green Bay. The Lions took the past two NFC North titles. They fell to 8-8 with their third straight loss.

Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) reacts during the second quarter of an NFL football game against the New York Giants, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)

Vikings will start Brosmer at QB vs. Lions with hairline fracture found on McCarthy’s throwing hand

December 23, 2025

J.J. McCarthy has a hairline fracture in his throwing hand that will keep him out of Minnesota’s upcoming game against Detroit and make Max Brosmer the starting quarterback this week. Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell said further examination of McCarthy’s right hand revealed the small fracture. Initial X-rays at the stadium were negative for broken bones after McCarthy was injured late in the second quarter against the New York Giants and unable to properly grip the ball. Brosmer started for McCarthy on Nov. 30 at Seattle and threw four interceptions in a 26-0 loss. The Vikings host the Lions on Thursday.

Minnesota Vikings quarterback Max Brosmer (12) passes against Seattle Seahawks defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence (0) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 30, 2025, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Stephen Brashear)

Vikings realize reasons for reeling offense run much deeper than QB inexperience

December 1, 2025

The glaring inexperience at quarterback has ultimately doomed the Minnesota Vikings this season. They’ve got a system-wide mess to address with an offense that was one of the most dynamic and productive in the league just last season. Max Brosmer threw four interceptions in his first career start at Seattle on Sunday. The 26-0 loss was lowlighted by a fourth-and-1 play from the 4-yard line late in the second quarter with the Seahawks leading by a field goal. Brosmer recklessly threw the ball underhanded to try to avoid a sack before it was picked off for an 86-yard return for a touchdown.

FILE = Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Adam Thielen warms up before an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Oct. 19, 2025, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Ellen Schmidt, File)

Vikings waive wide receiver Adam Thielen to allow veteran to pursue more playing time elsewhere

December 1, 2025

The Minnesota Vikings have waived wide receiver Adam Thielen to allow the 13-year veteran an opportunity for more playing time elsewhere down the stretch of his expected final NFL season and ending a disappointing return to his original team. Thielen had just eight catches for 69 yards for the Vikings this year and was a healthy scratch for their game Sunday at Seattle. Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah said Thielen’s agent asked last week for his release so he could find a more significant role with another club. Thielen plans to retire after this season.

Minnesota Vikings quarterback Carson Wentz answers questions after an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers Thursday, Oct. 23, 2025, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Jessie Alcheh)

Vikings’ Carson Wentz to IR with shoulder injury that requires season-ending surgery, AP source says

October 27, 2025

The Minnesota Vikings have placed quarterback Carson Wentz on injured reserve. Wentz will have season-ending surgery on his left, non-throwing shoulder, according to a person with knowledge of the plans. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the Vikings had not yet announced those details. Wentz played through the injury for 2 1/2 games. He made five starts in place of J.J. McCarthy, who’s recovering from a high ankle sprain. McCarthy was already on track to return this week.

Minnesota Vikings quarterback Carson Wentz (11) prepares to throw a pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, Oct. 19, 2025, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Ellen Schmidt)

Vikings will start Wentz at QB on short rest in LA, with McCarthy lacking time to keep up progress

October 21, 2025

Carson Wentz will make his fifth straight start at quarterback for the Minnesota Vikings with J.J. McCarthy lacking time in a shortened week to keep building up his sprained right ankle. The Vikings play at the Los Angeles Chargers on Thursday night on the heels of a 28-22 loss at home to the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday. The Vikings determined after McCarthy went through a workout on the field that his ankle wasn’t quite strong enough yet to give him or them the best chance to succeed against the Chargers. The Vikings are 3-3 overall and 2-2 with Wentz.

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown (11) celebrates his touchdown catch during the second half of an NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings, Sunday, Oct. 19, 2025, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Ellen Schmidt)

Jalen Hurts jump-starts the Eagles by passing for 326 yards and 3 TDs in a 28-22 win vs. Vikings

October 19, 2025

Jalen Hurts gave his lagging offense a jolt by throwing for 326 yards and three touchdowns, Jalyx Hunt returned an interception for a score, and the Philadelphia Eagles rebounded from back-to-back losses by hanging on to beat the Minnesota Vikings 28-22 on Sunday. Hurts went 19 for 23 in the highlight-reel revival of the passing attack that helped the Eagles win the Super Bowl last season. He hit A.J. Brown for two touchdowns and DeVonta Smith for a career-high 183 receiving yards that included a 79-yard score. Carson Wentz was picked off twice on an erratic afternoon for the Vikings.

FILE - Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores stands on the field during an NFL football workout in Eagan, Minn., Oct. 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr, File)

Vikings-Steelers game gives thriving Brian Flores a reflection of gratitude and a chance to catch up

September 24, 2025

Brian Flores found the perfect pit stop for his coaching career in Pittsburgh. He has clearly been enjoying the ride with Minnesota since then. The third-year defensive coordinator of the Vikings gets the chance this weekend to catch up with old friends from the Steelers when the two teams play the NFL’s first game in Dublin. Flores had recently been fired after a three-season run as coach of the Miami Dolphins when longtime Steelers coach Mike Tomlin offered him a job as a senior defensive assistant working with the inside linebackers in 2022. He joined the Vikings a year later.

Minnesota Vikings cornerback Isaiah Rodgers (2) celebrates his touchdown with linebacker Ivan Pace Jr. during the first half of an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2025, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)

Vikings sail past bumbling Bengals 48-10 in Wentz’s debut behind pair of TDs on D by Isaiah Rodgers

September 21, 2025

Isaiah Rodgers helped make Carson Wentz’s debut at quarterback for Minnesota a rousing success. Rodgers set a Vikings record with two defensive touchdowns and forced three of Cincinnati’s five turnovers in a 48-10 romp that was the worst loss in Bengals history. Jordan Mason rushed for 116 yards and two scores on just 16 attempts, Will Reichard made a 62-yard field goal — the longest in Vikings history — as the first half ended and Wentz threw for two touchdowns over three quarters. Jake Browning was picked off twice in a rough start for the Bengals, who missed Joe Burrow in their first game since their quarterback had toe surgery.

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase (1) walks off the field after a win over the Cleveland Browns in an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 7, 2025, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/David Richard)

Bengals-Vikings game highlights friendly Chase-Jefferson rivalry for NFL pass-catching superiority

September 19, 2025

Cincinnati Bengals star Ja’Marr Chase says he won’t hesitate to break out Justin Jefferson’s signature touchdown celebration if he scores in the game at Minnesota on Sunday. Chase actually picked up “The Griddy” dance from a childhood friend and showed it to Jefferson and the rest of their team at LSU in college. Jefferson brought it to the NFL as a rookie in 2020. Chase and Jefferson have become friendly rivals in opposite conferences in their jockeying for unofficial position as the best pass-catcher in the NFL. Both players were first team AP All-Pro picks last season.

Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson (7) runs the ball during the second half of an NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings, Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Bruce Kluckhohn)

Falcons trample J.J. McCarthy and Vikings 22-6 behind Bijan Robinson’s running, dominant defense

September 14, 2025

Bijan Robinson rushed for 143 yards and Parker Romo made all five of his field-goal tries in his debut for the Atlanta Falcons in a 22-6 victory over the Minnesota Vikings. The Falcons sacked J.J. McCarthy six times and forced three turnovers on Sunday night. Tyler Allgeier added 13 carries for 67 yards and a late touchdown run against a Vikings defense that didn’t have much left. Robinson and Allgeier helped the Falcons rush 38 times for 219 yards to keep the pressure off Michael Penix Jr. McCarthy struggled in his second career start after rallying the Vikings past the Chicago Bears in his debut.

Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) throws under pressure from Chicago Bears defensive lineman Gervon Dexter Sr. during the second half of an NFL football game Monday, Sept. 8, 2025, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)

New dad McCarthy back at practice with Vikings, while Darrisaw ruled out as knee recovery continues

September 12, 2025

Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy has returned to practice after his fiancée gave birth to their son. McCarthy must play again without left tackle Christian Darrisaw, who has not yet been cleared in his return from knee surgery. The Vikings have ruled out edge rusher Andrew Van Ginkel and backup cornerback Jeff Okudah for their game against Atlanta on Sunday night. Both are in concussion protocol. Safety Harrison Smith is questionable. If Smith isn’t cleared, the Vikings would be without three defensive starters. Linebacker Blake Cashman went on injured reserve this week and will miss a minimum of four games.

Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) on the sidelines during the second half of a preseason NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans, Friday, Aug. 22, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/John Amis)

J.J. McCarthy’s time with the Vikings has arrived. He’ll face his favorite childhood team, the Bears

September 7, 2025

J.J. McCarthy will play in his first NFL game on Monday night for the Minnesota Vikings when they visit the Chicago Bears. He grew up rooting for the Bears in the Chicago area. The Vikings were the opponent when McCarthy made his first visit to Soldier Field as a 4-year-old with his father. McCarthy was the 10th pick in the 2024 draft. His debut was delayed by a knee injury that required surgery and kept him out of his entire rookie season. The Vikings have a Super Bowl aspiration with several Pro Bowl players despite turning to an untested quarterback.

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Rondale Moore (4) leaves the field after an injury during the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the Houston Texans, Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Matt Krohn)

Rondale Moore’s comeback bid with Vikings ends painfully with season-ending knee injury

August 12, 2025

Wide receiver and return specialist Rondale Moore will miss another season because of a knee injury. The Minnesota Vikings confirmed Tuesday that testing on Moore’s left knee revealed a season-ending injury. Moore spent the first three years of his NFL career with the Arizona Cardinals. He dislocated his right knee during training camp with the Atlanta Falcons in 2024 and never played for them. His latest injury came while returning a punt Saturday for Minnesota in an exhibition game as he was tackled at the sideline. Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell described the situation as “heartbreaking.”

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison (3) takes part in drills during the team's NFL football training camp Wednesday, July 23, 2025, in Eagan, Minn. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)

NFL suspends Vikings’ Jordan Addison for 3 games over DUI case

August 5, 2025

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison has been suspended for three games by the NFL. The suspension is due to a violation of the league’s personal conduct policy related to a drunken driving case from last year. Addison avoided a trial by pleading no contest to a lesser charge last month. He was arrested in July 2024 when found asleep in his vehicle. The suspension will affect games against Chicago, Atlanta and Cincinnati. Addison, the 23rd pick of the 2023 draft, has been a key player alongside Justin Jefferson. The Vikings will rely on other receivers during his absence.

FILE - Minnesota Vikings safety Harrison Smith (22) takes part in drills during practice at NFL football minicamp, Tuesday, June 10, 2025, in Eagan, Minn. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr, File)

NFL longevity demands wisdom as much as determination and talent. These seasoned guys can explain

August 5, 2025

NFL careers are notoriously short. Yet the young man’s league still has some space for the most seasoned players. Wisdom is just as important to sticking around as determination and talent. There were 30 active players who were born in the 1980s when training camps opened. Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers is the oldest at age 41. Minnesota Vikings free safety Harrison Smith is 36 and the only defensive back in the group. He has focused his training in recent years around joint mobility to simulate game situations in pursuit of endurance, strength and injury prevention.

FILE - Minnesota Viking tackle Jim Marshall clutches the game ball as he is carried from the field by teammates Doug Southerland, left, and Scott Studwell after the Vikings defeated the Buffalo Bills 10-3 in an NFL football game in Bloomington, Minn., on Sunday, Dec. 9, 1979. (AP Photo/Jim Mone, File)

Vikings’ Purple People Eater Jim Marshall, the ‘all-time iron man,’ dies at 87

June 3, 2025

Former Minnesota Vikings defensive end Jim Marshall has died after a long hospitalization for an undisclosed illness. He was 87. Marshall was one of the four members of the famed Purple People Eaters front that formed the backbone of four Super Bowl teams. The Vikings announced Marshall’s death Tuesday on behalf of his wife, Susan. He played 19 of his 20 seasons in the NFL with Minnesota. The two-time Pro Bowl pick set a league record for position players with 282 consecutive games played. That mark was held by Marshall until Brett Favre broke it with the Vikings in 2010.

FILE - Minnesota Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah answers questions during an NFL football press conference Thursday, April 17, 2025, in Eagan, Minn. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr, File)

Vikings sign GM Adofo-Mensah to extension, keeping his contract in sync with O’Connell’s

May 30, 2025

The Minnesota Vikings have signed general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah to a multi-year contract extension that keeps his status in sync with head coach Kevin O’Connell’s for the long term. O’Connell’s extension was done in January. Both Adofo-Mensah and O’Connell were hired in 2022 on four-year deals. The length of their new contracts was not released. The Vikings are 34-17 in the regular season since they arrived. The 43-year-old Adofo-Mensah started his first career on Wall Street as a commodities trader and portfolio manager. He entered the NFL in 2013 with the San Francisco 49ers as a research and development specialist.

DAVE CAMPBELL Pro Football Writer.