1 00:00:06,320 --> 00:00:10,400 Speaker 1: Welcome into the MVP the Minnesota Vikings Podcast. I'm your 2 00:00:10,400 --> 00:00:12,959 Speaker 1: host Tatum Everett, and today we're diving into the latest 3 00:00:12,960 --> 00:00:16,040 Speaker 1: from Egan. As the team wraps up another intense week 4 00:00:16,120 --> 00:00:19,760 Speaker 1: of practice, it feels like training camp is just flying 5 00:00:19,880 --> 00:00:22,640 Speaker 1: by as the players put on pads for the first time, 6 00:00:23,120 --> 00:00:27,040 Speaker 1: leading to some spirited play. The energy is certainly building 7 00:00:27,040 --> 00:00:29,280 Speaker 1: in the competition, heating up as the players fight for 8 00:00:29,440 --> 00:00:32,839 Speaker 1: roster spots and starting roles. There is a lot of 9 00:00:32,920 --> 00:00:36,320 Speaker 1: national attention around this twenty twenty five Vikings team, which 10 00:00:36,320 --> 00:00:40,760 Speaker 1: has led to some visits from national and even international media. 11 00:00:41,080 --> 00:00:44,320 Speaker 1: In this episode of MVP, we're joined by CBS Sports's 12 00:00:44,360 --> 00:00:48,840 Speaker 1: Evan Washburn and Sky Sports' Neil Reynolds. Now, if you're 13 00:00:48,960 --> 00:00:51,599 Speaker 1: unfamiliar with Neil, I can tell you it is a 14 00:00:51,760 --> 00:00:55,120 Speaker 1: real treat to talk to him. He's a true pioneer 15 00:00:55,160 --> 00:00:58,920 Speaker 1: in bringing American football to fans across the UK and beyond. 16 00:00:58,960 --> 00:01:02,600 Speaker 1: As the voice the NFL on Sky Sports, he's one 17 00:01:02,640 --> 00:01:07,360 Speaker 1: of the most respected figures in the game's international media landscape, 18 00:01:07,400 --> 00:01:10,920 Speaker 1: with over two decades of experience covering the NFL. He's 19 00:01:10,959 --> 00:01:14,759 Speaker 1: interviewed legends like Jerry Rice, Joe Montana, Dan Reno, and 20 00:01:14,800 --> 00:01:18,280 Speaker 1: even Tom Brady, and he's helped grow the sports popularity 21 00:01:18,319 --> 00:01:22,440 Speaker 1: throughout his career. He's made the game more accessible, more exciting, 22 00:01:22,520 --> 00:01:25,480 Speaker 1: and more global. And he told me that Minnesota is 23 00:01:25,520 --> 00:01:28,520 Speaker 1: one of his favorite stops every summer on his training 24 00:01:28,560 --> 00:01:33,120 Speaker 1: camp tour. Making his annual trip out here to Vikings 25 00:01:33,120 --> 00:01:37,039 Speaker 1: training camp, it feels like is sky Sports as Neil Reynolds, Neil, 26 00:01:37,040 --> 00:01:38,800 Speaker 1: how is the trip over? What's it like being back 27 00:01:38,800 --> 00:01:39,560 Speaker 1: in Minnesota. 28 00:01:39,640 --> 00:01:43,120 Speaker 2: I always enjoy coming here watching the Vikings practice. Always 29 00:01:43,120 --> 00:01:45,360 Speaker 2: get treated so well. So, yeah, this is stop number 30 00:01:45,360 --> 00:01:48,360 Speaker 2: two on my training camp trip. I'm seeing seven teams 31 00:01:48,360 --> 00:01:52,000 Speaker 2: in eight days. Started in Jacksonville and then just arrived 32 00:01:52,040 --> 00:01:54,680 Speaker 2: here in Minneapolis. And then as I was just telling you, 33 00:01:54,760 --> 00:01:56,360 Speaker 2: I'm going to drive the rest of the way to 34 00:01:56,400 --> 00:01:58,600 Speaker 2: New York. So it doesn't look that far on the. 35 00:01:58,520 --> 00:02:00,800 Speaker 1: Map, doesn't look that far. You got to drive on 36 00:02:00,800 --> 00:02:01,640 Speaker 1: the right side of the road. 37 00:02:03,600 --> 00:02:06,480 Speaker 2: I'm all right. And you actually have roundabouts in Minneapolis. Yes, 38 00:02:06,600 --> 00:02:08,440 Speaker 2: they don't have them in America very much, do they. 39 00:02:08,480 --> 00:02:10,359 Speaker 2: It's all four ways stops. Very confusing. 40 00:02:10,560 --> 00:02:17,040 Speaker 1: We're coming around. Well, let's talk a little about the 41 00:02:17,160 --> 00:02:20,359 Speaker 1: Viking schedule that came out because we have played over 42 00:02:20,400 --> 00:02:22,760 Speaker 1: there before a couple of few times on that but 43 00:02:22,800 --> 00:02:26,160 Speaker 1: the first trip to Ireland and then they're staying over 44 00:02:26,480 --> 00:02:28,720 Speaker 1: to go play at Tottenham hartsbre Sadium. When you saw 45 00:02:28,800 --> 00:02:30,680 Speaker 1: that and you saw it was the Vikings, what were 46 00:02:30,680 --> 00:02:31,400 Speaker 1: your first thoughts? 47 00:02:31,919 --> 00:02:33,880 Speaker 2: Not surprised that it was the Vikings because I think 48 00:02:33,880 --> 00:02:36,639 Speaker 2: the team are very open minded internationally and I think 49 00:02:36,639 --> 00:02:39,080 Speaker 2: they've had great success. Of course winning all those games 50 00:02:39,120 --> 00:02:42,560 Speaker 2: in London. Not losing a game in London touch would 51 00:02:42,639 --> 00:02:44,840 Speaker 2: keep it going. But I felt like it was a 52 00:02:44,840 --> 00:02:48,079 Speaker 2: piece of history. Again. The NFL's continuing to push that 53 00:02:48,680 --> 00:02:52,160 Speaker 2: envelope and see how much they can do internationally. This 54 00:02:52,240 --> 00:02:54,640 Speaker 2: is the first time we'll have a team play in 55 00:02:54,680 --> 00:02:58,480 Speaker 2: America then in two different countries internationally as well. So 56 00:02:58,520 --> 00:03:00,959 Speaker 2: to go from home gaming, it's the Bengals, right, I 57 00:03:00,960 --> 00:03:03,040 Speaker 2: think Week three against the Bengals and then straight to 58 00:03:03,120 --> 00:03:06,800 Speaker 2: Dublin and then on to London again. It's that testing 59 00:03:06,880 --> 00:03:10,919 Speaker 2: of the international market and how it impacts a team logistically. 60 00:03:10,960 --> 00:03:13,079 Speaker 2: So yeah, very exciting and feels historic. 61 00:03:13,480 --> 00:03:16,400 Speaker 1: How do you think the game in Ireland is going 62 00:03:16,480 --> 00:03:19,280 Speaker 1: to feel out there? What's your take from being you know, 63 00:03:19,320 --> 00:03:21,200 Speaker 1: in the UK being out there like, what's your take? 64 00:03:21,360 --> 00:03:23,799 Speaker 2: I mean, I love the London games and they are 65 00:03:23,880 --> 00:03:26,040 Speaker 2: fantastic and they're very close to my heart of course, 66 00:03:26,080 --> 00:03:29,080 Speaker 2: but Dublin's the one. Dublin is the one that's going 67 00:03:29,160 --> 00:03:32,080 Speaker 2: to catch everyone's attention this year. It's going to really 68 00:03:32,120 --> 00:03:35,040 Speaker 2: move the needle because the Irish fans, I've done a 69 00:03:35,080 --> 00:03:37,680 Speaker 2: lot of stuff in Ireland the last few years. They 70 00:03:37,840 --> 00:03:41,280 Speaker 2: really love their NFL. They're so passionate, so knowledgeable, a 71 00:03:41,320 --> 00:03:44,000 Speaker 2: lot like the UK fans. But what you're going to 72 00:03:44,000 --> 00:03:46,320 Speaker 2: see as well is so many people coming over from 73 00:03:46,320 --> 00:03:49,800 Speaker 2: America because everyone's got Irish heritage, and it seems like 74 00:03:50,000 --> 00:03:53,080 Speaker 2: everyone's got an Irish aren't or an Irish grandparent. So 75 00:03:53,080 --> 00:03:55,640 Speaker 2: there's going to be a real sentiment that game is 76 00:03:55,680 --> 00:03:56,840 Speaker 2: going to be off the charts. 77 00:03:57,040 --> 00:04:00,240 Speaker 1: Yeah, we have a couple of coaching coaches and our 78 00:04:00,320 --> 00:04:02,080 Speaker 1: quarterback with a little bit of an Irish shared. 79 00:04:03,040 --> 00:04:05,800 Speaker 2: And mister Steelers and Vikings. I know this from London 80 00:04:05,840 --> 00:04:09,840 Speaker 2: in twenty thirteen, those two fan bases travel. It is 81 00:04:09,880 --> 00:04:11,360 Speaker 2: going to be incredible. I can't wait. 82 00:04:11,440 --> 00:04:15,240 Speaker 1: Well, speaking of our quarterback, JJ McCarthy, will you get 83 00:04:15,280 --> 00:04:18,520 Speaker 1: a chance to talk to him while you're here. Yeah, 84 00:04:18,560 --> 00:04:20,599 Speaker 1: he's on my list. Okay, that's amazing. So what are 85 00:04:20,680 --> 00:04:23,000 Speaker 1: some of the things you want to know from him 86 00:04:23,120 --> 00:04:24,680 Speaker 1: as you pursue that storyline? 87 00:04:24,760 --> 00:04:27,160 Speaker 2: Yeah, I mean it's his team now, if it's a 88 00:04:27,240 --> 00:04:29,960 Speaker 2: quarterback driven league, it's his team. So how does he 89 00:04:30,040 --> 00:04:32,919 Speaker 2: handle that? How does he feel about that? How excited 90 00:04:33,040 --> 00:04:36,560 Speaker 2: is he? I like to capture the stories from the 91 00:04:36,800 --> 00:04:38,479 Speaker 2: you know, take the helmet off and get to know 92 00:04:38,520 --> 00:04:40,720 Speaker 2: the player and the person as well. So you know 93 00:04:40,800 --> 00:04:42,880 Speaker 2: you're waiting to come into the NFL, you're a first 94 00:04:42,960 --> 00:04:45,799 Speaker 2: round draft pick, You play a preseason game, it goes great, 95 00:04:45,880 --> 00:04:48,719 Speaker 2: everyone's excited, and then you don't play. So how do 96 00:04:48,760 --> 00:04:50,360 Speaker 2: you deal with that? How do you deal with that? 97 00:04:50,440 --> 00:04:52,720 Speaker 2: How do you come back from that? And how does 98 00:04:52,720 --> 00:04:56,000 Speaker 2: he work with coach O'Connell because we know his reputation 99 00:04:56,480 --> 00:04:59,600 Speaker 2: what he can do for quarterbacks as a former quarterback himself. 100 00:04:59,680 --> 00:05:02,240 Speaker 2: So haven't written all my questions yet, but I think 101 00:05:02,279 --> 00:05:03,479 Speaker 2: those three be a good start. 102 00:05:03,480 --> 00:05:05,080 Speaker 1: You've got a litle bit of time before, but it's 103 00:05:05,120 --> 00:05:06,640 Speaker 1: a really good start. I think you get some good 104 00:05:06,640 --> 00:05:09,480 Speaker 1: answers from him. What are some other storylines that really 105 00:05:09,520 --> 00:05:12,320 Speaker 1: intrigue you about this twenty twenty five Vikings team. 106 00:05:12,760 --> 00:05:15,280 Speaker 2: I think it's just can you pick back up and 107 00:05:15,560 --> 00:05:18,320 Speaker 2: get to where this team was. Remember, this team was 108 00:05:18,800 --> 00:05:21,320 Speaker 2: playing for the number one seed in week team was 109 00:05:21,360 --> 00:05:24,120 Speaker 2: one of the very best teams in the NFL. Yes, 110 00:05:24,200 --> 00:05:26,880 Speaker 2: the quarterback has changed, but it's a quarterback everyone's really 111 00:05:26,880 --> 00:05:29,920 Speaker 2: excited about. To me, everything else is still there, so 112 00:05:30,720 --> 00:05:33,440 Speaker 2: it's not always easy to climb back up to that 113 00:05:33,520 --> 00:05:36,039 Speaker 2: mountain that you're almost at the top of. So that's 114 00:05:36,080 --> 00:05:37,960 Speaker 2: the big thing for me. Can they bounce back? It's 115 00:05:37,960 --> 00:05:41,479 Speaker 2: a team absolutely loaded with talent. I love all the 116 00:05:41,480 --> 00:05:43,800 Speaker 2: additions that were on defense last year. I thought that 117 00:05:43,839 --> 00:05:47,120 Speaker 2: all came together brilliantly. We know that Justin Jefferson is 118 00:05:47,160 --> 00:05:50,440 Speaker 2: going to be spectacular again. So yeah, I think all 119 00:05:50,440 --> 00:05:53,279 Speaker 2: the pieces are still there. So it's just a case 120 00:05:53,320 --> 00:05:55,440 Speaker 2: of stacking those wins and getting back because they were 121 00:05:55,480 --> 00:05:58,240 Speaker 2: so close. But no seasons the same, is it? Everything 122 00:05:58,240 --> 00:06:01,360 Speaker 2: can change from year to year. But yeah, fingers crossed always. 123 00:06:01,720 --> 00:06:03,400 Speaker 2: I'm not allowed to root for anyone because I'm in 124 00:06:03,440 --> 00:06:04,720 Speaker 2: the media, but I do root for the fun. 125 00:06:04,920 --> 00:06:06,160 Speaker 1: I was going to say, I kind of feel like 126 00:06:06,200 --> 00:06:08,160 Speaker 1: you've got a little bit of love there, but you've 127 00:06:08,160 --> 00:06:09,960 Speaker 1: been covering them for so long that you feel that 128 00:06:10,000 --> 00:06:12,200 Speaker 1: affinity towards Yeah. 129 00:06:12,240 --> 00:06:14,840 Speaker 2: So been coming regularly since twenty thirteen, when the team 130 00:06:14,880 --> 00:06:16,960 Speaker 2: first played at Wembley Stadium. I've been making it a 131 00:06:17,000 --> 00:06:20,200 Speaker 2: regular trip. I always get treated so well. I always 132 00:06:20,279 --> 00:06:23,520 Speaker 2: enjoy seeing, you know, the players and the and the 133 00:06:23,560 --> 00:06:26,440 Speaker 2: coaching staff. And last year we did the game in 134 00:06:26,760 --> 00:06:29,840 Speaker 2: Week two against the forty nine ers inside that stadium, 135 00:06:30,560 --> 00:06:34,040 Speaker 2: US Bank Stadium, and it was deafening. It was incredible. 136 00:06:34,080 --> 00:06:35,920 Speaker 2: There was a moment just before kickoff when they were 137 00:06:35,920 --> 00:06:38,880 Speaker 2: doing the skull chant and I just thought, you know what, 138 00:06:38,920 --> 00:06:41,040 Speaker 2: why am I talking? I just stopped and I was 139 00:06:41,080 --> 00:06:43,400 Speaker 2: on camera and I just stopped and just started looking around. 140 00:06:43,560 --> 00:06:45,720 Speaker 2: So I'm just going to enjoy. It was so good. 141 00:06:45,800 --> 00:06:47,440 Speaker 1: It was so going to give me goosebumps. I'm like 142 00:06:47,480 --> 00:06:47,920 Speaker 1: ready to go. 143 00:06:48,040 --> 00:06:50,280 Speaker 2: I had goosebumps. The hairs on my head, No, they 144 00:06:50,279 --> 00:06:52,400 Speaker 2: weren't on the neck for standing up. 145 00:06:53,880 --> 00:06:57,520 Speaker 1: You did mention a second ago about the new defensive editions. 146 00:06:58,080 --> 00:07:00,839 Speaker 1: What about your three brian ors and some of those 147 00:07:00,839 --> 00:07:02,000 Speaker 1: new pieces excite you. 148 00:07:02,600 --> 00:07:04,919 Speaker 2: I think with him, what always excites me is you 149 00:07:04,960 --> 00:07:07,560 Speaker 2: never quite know what you're going to get, and you 150 00:07:07,600 --> 00:07:09,640 Speaker 2: know I followed follow what Even when I'm back in 151 00:07:09,680 --> 00:07:11,800 Speaker 2: the UK, I follow what players are saying about the 152 00:07:11,840 --> 00:07:15,560 Speaker 2: team and how much they enjoyed playing for him. Last year. 153 00:07:15,600 --> 00:07:19,000 Speaker 2: I was talking to Jonathan Grenard and Andrew Van Ginkell 154 00:07:19,040 --> 00:07:21,520 Speaker 2: and they were saying, you know how special it was, 155 00:07:21,600 --> 00:07:24,000 Speaker 2: and Gink was saying that, you know, a lot of 156 00:07:24,000 --> 00:07:25,560 Speaker 2: the players were coming to him because he knew all 157 00:07:25,560 --> 00:07:28,800 Speaker 2: the terminology and we saw what a great season he had. 158 00:07:30,000 --> 00:07:32,240 Speaker 2: But it's how they all do so many different things, 159 00:07:32,760 --> 00:07:35,320 Speaker 2: and they all cross train and do different things. You know, 160 00:07:35,440 --> 00:07:37,840 Speaker 2: Josh Mattellus is a linebackers he a safety? 161 00:07:37,880 --> 00:07:38,280 Speaker 3: Is he rushing? 162 00:07:38,440 --> 00:07:38,480 Speaker 1: No? 163 00:07:39,680 --> 00:07:42,880 Speaker 2: I mean that's that's what's so fascinating. We always talking 164 00:07:43,520 --> 00:07:46,520 Speaker 2: football about coaches and their chess pieces, and that's what 165 00:07:46,600 --> 00:07:48,280 Speaker 2: I see with this defense. I have to feel like 166 00:07:48,360 --> 00:07:51,120 Speaker 2: Brian Flores is just literally playing chess every Sunday. 167 00:07:51,600 --> 00:07:54,160 Speaker 1: So we did talk about that Ireland game, but the 168 00:07:54,240 --> 00:07:57,840 Speaker 1: Vikings will be back at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium playing the Browns. 169 00:07:58,120 --> 00:08:01,320 Speaker 1: What are you excited to have about having those fans 170 00:08:01,400 --> 00:08:03,760 Speaker 1: back in that part of the country. 171 00:08:03,880 --> 00:08:06,880 Speaker 2: Yeah, I just think Vikings fans travel so well and 172 00:08:06,920 --> 00:08:08,520 Speaker 2: we have a great fan base in the UK. And 173 00:08:08,600 --> 00:08:11,880 Speaker 2: we always have a really good atmosphere at Tottenham Hotspas Stadium. 174 00:08:12,160 --> 00:08:14,840 Speaker 2: But the fact that the Browns and the Vikings will 175 00:08:14,840 --> 00:08:17,240 Speaker 2: bring their own fans as well just brings that little 176 00:08:17,280 --> 00:08:20,760 Speaker 2: bit of American flavor to it as well. The Jags 177 00:08:20,760 --> 00:08:23,480 Speaker 2: talked about playing back to back games in London. It 178 00:08:23,520 --> 00:08:26,680 Speaker 2: was a really good experience for their players. Another in 179 00:08:26,760 --> 00:08:29,080 Speaker 2: season training camp if you will, chance to be together. 180 00:08:30,200 --> 00:08:32,080 Speaker 2: So how the Vikings cope with that? I think is 181 00:08:32,080 --> 00:08:33,520 Speaker 2: going to be key, But I think they'll I think 182 00:08:33,520 --> 00:08:35,679 Speaker 2: they'll actually thrive. I think it'd be really good for them. 183 00:08:35,720 --> 00:08:38,960 Speaker 1: Well, we are so excited for the double dip overseas. 184 00:08:39,000 --> 00:08:41,280 Speaker 1: Thank you so much for your time, Neil. Always a pleasure, 185 00:08:41,320 --> 00:08:42,240 Speaker 1: have a wonderful visit. 186 00:08:42,400 --> 00:08:45,079 Speaker 2: Thank you. 187 00:08:45,080 --> 00:08:48,640 Speaker 1: Say hello to flawlessly smooth skin at pure Lux Medspa, 188 00:08:48,960 --> 00:08:53,160 Speaker 1: the preferred medspa of the Minnesota Vikings cheerleaders, specializing in 189 00:08:53,240 --> 00:08:58,680 Speaker 1: elite laser hair removal, body contouring, botox, cosmetic filler, and 190 00:08:58,800 --> 00:09:02,040 Speaker 1: age defying skincare treatments such as diamond Glow and skin 191 00:09:02,120 --> 00:09:06,200 Speaker 1: pen for collagen induction therapy. Visit mypure Lux dot com 192 00:09:06,200 --> 00:09:12,120 Speaker 1: backslash Vikings for exclusive offers to Vikings fans. Thanks to 193 00:09:12,160 --> 00:09:14,800 Speaker 1: Neil Reynolds for giving us the tea from across the pond. 194 00:09:15,200 --> 00:09:17,520 Speaker 1: Looking forward to catching up with him again when the 195 00:09:17,600 --> 00:09:21,559 Speaker 1: Vikings go international on September twenty eighth in Dublin. In 196 00:09:21,640 --> 00:09:25,760 Speaker 1: October fifth in London. Also making the trip to Egan, 197 00:09:25,800 --> 00:09:29,439 Speaker 1: Minnesota with CBS Sports reporter Evan Washburn, who's one of 198 00:09:29,480 --> 00:09:33,480 Speaker 1: the most recognizable voices on the NFL sidelines. He kicked 199 00:09:33,480 --> 00:09:35,559 Speaker 1: off our chat by telling me why to stop at 200 00:09:35,559 --> 00:09:41,720 Speaker 1: Twin City's Orthopedics Performance Center was a must continuing our 201 00:09:41,800 --> 00:09:45,880 Speaker 1: Vikings training camp coverage. We have a visitor today CBS 202 00:09:45,920 --> 00:09:49,040 Speaker 1: Sports is Evan Washburn. And you've had that. This is 203 00:09:49,240 --> 00:09:53,280 Speaker 1: ten teams in fourteen days. What made you make us 204 00:09:53,320 --> 00:09:54,920 Speaker 1: stop here in Eagan, Minnesota. 205 00:09:55,000 --> 00:09:57,800 Speaker 3: Well, I like to see teams that our crew at 206 00:09:57,800 --> 00:10:00,720 Speaker 3: CBS Tom with iin Eagle, JJ Watts make his debut 207 00:10:00,800 --> 00:10:03,520 Speaker 3: this year and myself and you can kind of track 208 00:10:03,880 --> 00:10:07,400 Speaker 3: the teams that will often see CBS usually gets the AFC. 209 00:10:07,520 --> 00:10:09,640 Speaker 3: Now it's a bit more mixed, but then I think 210 00:10:09,640 --> 00:10:12,439 Speaker 3: it's also important to see the teams that you think 211 00:10:12,440 --> 00:10:15,240 Speaker 3: are going to be part of the conversation in January 212 00:10:15,320 --> 00:10:18,080 Speaker 3: and maybe even early February, and I would put Minnesota 213 00:10:18,200 --> 00:10:21,520 Speaker 3: in that conversation and the ones that have the most 214 00:10:21,720 --> 00:10:25,200 Speaker 3: intriguing storylines, And I think again, Minnesota falls into that 215 00:10:25,280 --> 00:10:26,520 Speaker 3: category for a lot of reasons. 216 00:10:26,640 --> 00:10:29,760 Speaker 1: Yeah, check and check. Why do you think they can 217 00:10:29,800 --> 00:10:33,439 Speaker 1: be a contender down the line in those late month 218 00:10:33,520 --> 00:10:35,280 Speaker 1: playoff games and towards that stretch. 219 00:10:35,360 --> 00:10:38,040 Speaker 3: Well, I always think about teams that have one talent 220 00:10:38,400 --> 00:10:41,079 Speaker 3: across the roster on both sides of the ball. Minnesota 221 00:10:41,160 --> 00:10:44,600 Speaker 3: has that continuity, both on the coaching staff and within 222 00:10:44,679 --> 00:10:46,920 Speaker 3: the roster. Are their players that have been a part 223 00:10:47,120 --> 00:10:49,360 Speaker 3: of the build that are now part of what they 224 00:10:49,400 --> 00:10:51,760 Speaker 3: hope to be kind of that next step, whether it's 225 00:10:51,760 --> 00:10:54,440 Speaker 3: a playoff win in the Vikings case or pushing through 226 00:10:54,760 --> 00:10:57,040 Speaker 3: to a super Bowl. I think the Vikings have that. 227 00:10:57,600 --> 00:11:00,560 Speaker 3: And then I think at the quarterback position that always 228 00:11:00,559 --> 00:11:02,920 Speaker 3: has to be part of the conversation as well. And 229 00:11:02,920 --> 00:11:06,200 Speaker 3: that's the one question mark for Minnesota, but not one 230 00:11:06,240 --> 00:11:08,600 Speaker 3: because you don't think the players talented, but we just 231 00:11:08,640 --> 00:11:10,800 Speaker 3: haven't seen him do it and he's very young. So 232 00:11:10,880 --> 00:11:13,000 Speaker 3: that all makes Minnesota to me one of the more 233 00:11:13,040 --> 00:11:15,160 Speaker 3: interesting teams in the league, at least in what I 234 00:11:15,200 --> 00:11:18,680 Speaker 3: call the talk season, which is what July in August 235 00:11:18,800 --> 00:11:19,400 Speaker 3: is right. 236 00:11:19,480 --> 00:11:21,200 Speaker 1: So when they come to you and they say, Evan, 237 00:11:21,200 --> 00:11:23,199 Speaker 1: you're about to watch practice, so I can't say that 238 00:11:23,240 --> 00:11:26,160 Speaker 1: you've seen JJ McCarthy in action yet at practice, they 239 00:11:26,200 --> 00:11:27,480 Speaker 1: come to you and they ask you, you know, what 240 00:11:27,720 --> 00:11:30,880 Speaker 1: is the situation like in Minnesota. How would you describe 241 00:11:31,480 --> 00:11:33,960 Speaker 1: the level of confidence in JJ McCarthy. 242 00:11:34,160 --> 00:11:36,800 Speaker 3: Well, I would start with what I know has been 243 00:11:36,800 --> 00:11:39,480 Speaker 3: built up around him, and that starts with the front 244 00:11:39,520 --> 00:11:41,960 Speaker 3: office and in my opinion, most importantly the head coach 245 00:11:41,960 --> 00:11:43,920 Speaker 3: and Kevin O'Connell, who I just got to spend a 246 00:11:43,960 --> 00:11:46,800 Speaker 3: bunch of time with and we go back a little ways, 247 00:11:46,880 --> 00:11:49,400 Speaker 3: and he's always been a guy that I've enjoyed talking to, 248 00:11:49,600 --> 00:11:51,520 Speaker 3: not just about ball, but about life. And I think 249 00:11:51,559 --> 00:11:55,520 Speaker 3: that they've been really diligent and thoughtful in how they've 250 00:11:55,760 --> 00:11:59,720 Speaker 3: set up a environment for JJ McCarthy to be successful, 251 00:12:00,080 --> 00:12:02,400 Speaker 3: recognizing there is going to be a lot on his shoulders, 252 00:12:02,600 --> 00:12:05,599 Speaker 3: but they have to make sure that it's not overwhelming, 253 00:12:05,720 --> 00:12:10,360 Speaker 3: both from outside expectations but also internally and from just 254 00:12:10,400 --> 00:12:13,040 Speaker 3: the nuts and bolts. They have a really talented defense, 255 00:12:13,320 --> 00:12:15,680 Speaker 3: They can take pressure off of a young quarterback. They 256 00:12:15,679 --> 00:12:18,760 Speaker 3: have invested heavily in an offensive line, which is probably 257 00:12:18,800 --> 00:12:20,840 Speaker 3: the most important thing, and then they have probably the 258 00:12:20,840 --> 00:12:24,240 Speaker 3: best set of skill position weapons for him. So everything's 259 00:12:24,280 --> 00:12:27,079 Speaker 3: there with also the thoughtfulness of those that are running 260 00:12:27,120 --> 00:12:30,520 Speaker 3: it to make sure that they don't do anything to 261 00:12:30,600 --> 00:12:31,959 Speaker 3: keep him from being successful. 262 00:12:32,240 --> 00:12:34,920 Speaker 1: You have an interview with Aaron Jones that is coming out, 263 00:12:35,000 --> 00:12:36,880 Speaker 1: so it's some of the things that you wanted to 264 00:12:36,920 --> 00:12:38,920 Speaker 1: talk to him about. What were some of those questions 265 00:12:38,960 --> 00:12:40,199 Speaker 1: you wanted to find out from Aaron? 266 00:12:40,360 --> 00:12:43,560 Speaker 3: Well, one, just what he sees in this team coming 267 00:12:43,600 --> 00:12:46,200 Speaker 3: off of last year, what he sees in JJ McCarthy. 268 00:12:46,240 --> 00:12:48,480 Speaker 3: I thought he lent some great perspective to that. In 269 00:12:48,559 --> 00:12:50,839 Speaker 3: terms of his leadership as command of a huddle. I 270 00:12:50,840 --> 00:12:53,719 Speaker 3: think that's an important thing people don't think about. It's 271 00:12:53,760 --> 00:12:57,280 Speaker 3: not always the big time throws. It's literally how does 272 00:12:57,280 --> 00:12:59,480 Speaker 3: a twenty two year old step into a huddle with 273 00:12:59,600 --> 00:13:02,760 Speaker 3: an Aaron's case, a thirty year old, some older offensive 274 00:13:02,800 --> 00:13:05,640 Speaker 3: lineman and a future Hall of Famer and Justin Jefferson, 275 00:13:05,800 --> 00:13:07,800 Speaker 3: how does he handle that huddle? And for Aaron to 276 00:13:08,200 --> 00:13:10,960 Speaker 3: use the word commands a positive We talked about his 277 00:13:11,600 --> 00:13:14,280 Speaker 3: sort of situation right now as a thirty year old 278 00:13:14,360 --> 00:13:17,800 Speaker 3: running back coming off a career year, what he prioritizes 279 00:13:18,000 --> 00:13:21,240 Speaker 3: to maintain it in the running back position, how polarizing 280 00:13:21,280 --> 00:13:23,440 Speaker 3: it's been. And then we had some fun talking hoops 281 00:13:23,480 --> 00:13:26,640 Speaker 3: and he compared some of his teammates both with the 282 00:13:26,720 --> 00:13:29,000 Speaker 3: Vikings and the Packers to NBA guys, which I enjoy it. 283 00:13:29,200 --> 00:13:32,160 Speaker 1: If you are a Vikings fan, what do you think 284 00:13:32,280 --> 00:13:34,920 Speaker 1: you're most excited about for twenty twenty five? 285 00:13:35,640 --> 00:13:39,520 Speaker 3: I think it's hopefully not putting too much weight on 286 00:13:40,200 --> 00:13:44,840 Speaker 3: the early season results or production from your quarterback, but 287 00:13:45,040 --> 00:13:49,320 Speaker 3: seeing moments, whether it be in between the lines, on 288 00:13:49,400 --> 00:13:52,440 Speaker 3: the sideline in a press conference, things that you can 289 00:13:52,559 --> 00:13:55,760 Speaker 3: latch onto and say, hey, we've got somebody here and one. 290 00:13:55,840 --> 00:13:59,640 Speaker 3: Trust your coaches, whether it's Kevin O'Connell or any of 291 00:13:59,679 --> 00:14:02,000 Speaker 3: the play the vets telling you what they have. But 292 00:14:02,320 --> 00:14:04,000 Speaker 3: I think that's what you have to be most excited for, 293 00:14:04,040 --> 00:14:06,840 Speaker 3: because I think you know from the most part what 294 00:14:06,960 --> 00:14:10,000 Speaker 3: you have around him. In this league, for better or worse, 295 00:14:10,600 --> 00:14:13,520 Speaker 3: success is often defined and found based off of who 296 00:14:13,559 --> 00:14:16,080 Speaker 3: your quarterback is, and you had one in Kirk Cousins 297 00:14:16,080 --> 00:14:18,480 Speaker 3: for a number of years. He did a lot of 298 00:14:18,520 --> 00:14:21,880 Speaker 3: things that any team would want, and now it's do 299 00:14:21,920 --> 00:14:23,600 Speaker 3: we have the next guy? So I think I think 300 00:14:23,600 --> 00:14:26,240 Speaker 3: that's It sounds obvious, but that's what you have to 301 00:14:26,320 --> 00:14:29,120 Speaker 3: be most excited about. Do you have the next guy? 302 00:14:29,400 --> 00:14:30,160 Speaker 3: Is he your franchise? 303 00:14:30,640 --> 00:14:30,800 Speaker 2: Yeah? 304 00:14:30,800 --> 00:14:32,200 Speaker 1: I wasn't trying to make a softball, but it was 305 00:14:32,560 --> 00:14:34,360 Speaker 1: a little bit. Thank you so much for sure, Evan, 306 00:14:34,400 --> 00:14:35,920 Speaker 1: and be sure to look out for his interview with 307 00:14:35,960 --> 00:14:39,920 Speaker 1: Aaron Jones on cbsports dot com. A big thanks to 308 00:14:39,960 --> 00:14:42,640 Speaker 1: Evan for lending us his insight. We are in the 309 00:14:42,680 --> 00:14:44,960 Speaker 1: thick of training camp and some exciting things are on 310 00:14:45,040 --> 00:14:49,200 Speaker 1: the horizon. The highly anticipated night practice at TCO Stadium 311 00:14:49,240 --> 00:14:52,040 Speaker 1: is coming up on Monday, August fourth, so mark your 312 00:14:52,040 --> 00:14:54,400 Speaker 1: calendars and get ready for one of the most exciting 313 00:14:54,640 --> 00:14:57,360 Speaker 1: nights of the summer. It's certainly shaping up to be 314 00:14:57,400 --> 00:15:00,520 Speaker 1: an unforgettable evening under the lights is Gates. It's open 315 00:15:00,840 --> 00:15:04,760 Speaker 1: at five o'clock. The action kicks off with happy hour specials, 316 00:15:04,840 --> 00:15:09,120 Speaker 1: a local artisan market featuring game day gear and handcrafted goods, 317 00:15:09,400 --> 00:15:12,480 Speaker 1: and plenty of fun for the whole family. Then at 318 00:15:12,520 --> 00:15:15,120 Speaker 1: seven o'clock, the Vikings hit the field for your chance 319 00:15:15,160 --> 00:15:18,080 Speaker 1: to see the guys in action. But that's not all 320 00:15:18,120 --> 00:15:22,600 Speaker 1: stick around afterwards for a team autographed football toss and 321 00:15:22,800 --> 00:15:26,720 Speaker 1: a spectacular fireworks show to cap off the night. I've 322 00:15:26,840 --> 00:15:28,640 Speaker 1: been for the last four years and that is a 323 00:15:28,680 --> 00:15:32,040 Speaker 1: spectacle to see. Let's pack the stands, bring the energy 324 00:15:32,120 --> 00:15:34,720 Speaker 1: and show the team some love. But if you can't 325 00:15:34,720 --> 00:15:36,760 Speaker 1: make it, lucky for you, it will be stream live 326 00:15:37,120 --> 00:15:40,440 Speaker 1: on Fox nine from six to eight on Monday night. 327 00:15:40,800 --> 00:15:44,440 Speaker 1: Paul Allen, Pete Bursag, and myself with maybe a few 328 00:15:44,480 --> 00:15:47,440 Speaker 1: other voices will be showing up on that broadcast on 329 00:15:47,600 --> 00:15:49,680 Speaker 1: Fox nine, so be sure to tune in if you 330 00:15:49,720 --> 00:15:54,040 Speaker 1: can't make it out to TCOPC. But guys, we are 331 00:15:54,160 --> 00:15:59,520 Speaker 1: only single digit days away from the Vikings first preseason game, 332 00:15:59,680 --> 00:16:02,000 Speaker 1: so help us kick off the twenty twenty five season 333 00:16:02,040 --> 00:16:04,920 Speaker 1: at US Bank Stadium. Kickoff is set for three pm 334 00:16:05,200 --> 00:16:09,560 Speaker 1: against the Texans, and I'm here at Tickets are still available, 335 00:16:09,600 --> 00:16:11,760 Speaker 1: so we'd love to see you out there. That'll do 336 00:16:11,800 --> 00:16:14,240 Speaker 1: it for us here on the MVP. We'll drop another 337 00:16:14,280 --> 00:16:17,240 Speaker 1: episode next week as we get closer and closer to 338 00:16:17,320 --> 00:16:23,920 Speaker 1: the regular season kickoff on September eighth. Spallan Montage is 339 00:16:23,920 --> 00:16:27,240 Speaker 1: the Twin Cities premier salon and spa destination and proud 340 00:16:27,320 --> 00:16:31,240 Speaker 1: official hair sponsor of the Minnesota Vikings cheerleaders. With three 341 00:16:31,320 --> 00:16:35,440 Speaker 1: convenient locations in DNA, Woodbury, and chan Hassen, there's a 342 00:16:35,440 --> 00:16:39,040 Speaker 1: spellan close to you. Visit online at spolan dot com.