Budding Vikings Playmaker NaJee Thompson Issues Official Goodbye After Injury
Budding Vikings Playmaker NaJee Thompson Issues Official Goodbye After Injury originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
"How to make an NFL roster in seven seconds:" the masterclass Minnesota Vikings cornerback Najee Thompson put on in his first preseason game as an undrafted rookie in 2023.
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The former state champion sprinter scorched downfield and snared a Seattle Seahawks punt return at the point of the catch. It was seven seconds that secured Thompson's role as Minnesota's special teams ace two years ago.
He popped with several meaningful plays as a gunner several times throughout his rookie year, including a forced fumble and recovery that gave the Vikings life in an otherwise demoralizing late-season loss to the Green Bay Packers.
Thompson claimed the role as special teams ace with his effort no matter the score. However, injuries ultimately ended Thompson's time in Minnesota.
After missing the entire 2024 season with a knee injury, Thompson failed a team physical in April and was waived from the team.
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While Thompson has reacted to the tough news before, he seemed to be holding onto some hope of a return before ultimately issuing an official farewell on June 6.
Former Minnesota Vikings cornerback NaJee Thompson (11)Jamie Sabau-Imagn Images
"It's surreal. Thank you all for making the first part of my dream something. I'll never forget and very grateful to have the opportunity here," he wrote. "But so long, Minnesota. Officially outta here and to the cold weather you will be the only thing not missed but on to new beginnings.'
Without Thompson for the 2024 season, the Vikings deployed wide receiver Trent Sherfield for the gunner role.
Sherfield signed with the Denver Broncos in the offseason, prompting the Vikings to sign former Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Tavierre Thomas, who is assumed to fill a prominent role on special teams this season.
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Related: Vikings Coach Reveals J.J. McCarthy Message He Told Aaron Rodgers
Related: Concerns Grow Over Vikings Team Captain's Behavior at OTAs
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 8, 2025, where it first appeared.
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