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Yahoo
14-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
3 Minnesota Vikings underrated sleepers who could break out in 2025 NFL season
The post 3 Minnesota Vikings underrated sleepers who could break out in 2025 NFL season appeared first on ClutchPoints. As the Minnesota Vikings prepare for the 2025 NFL season, all eyes are on established stars like Justin Jefferson, Christian Darrisaw, and Brian O'Neill. But beneath the marquee names, there's a group of under-the-radar talents ready to step into the spotlight. These hidden gems, Dallas Turner, Theo Jackson, and Ivan Pace Jr., could be the difference-makers who elevate the Vikings from a playoff contender to a legitimate Super Bowl threat. Here's a closer look at each sleeper and why their emergence is critical to Minnesota's success this year. Dallas Turner is the Breakout Edge Rusher-in-Waiting Matt Krohn-Imagn Images Dallas Turner enters his second NFL season with sky-high expectations, but he remains a sleeper to the casual fan. Drafted in the first round in 2024, Turner's rookie campaign was modest by the numbers, just three sacks and 12 pressures, but context is key. He was buried on the depth chart behind established veterans, finishing fourth on the team in pass-rush snaps. With Patrick Jones II now in Carolina, Turner is primed for a significant increase in playing time. Advertisement NFL analysts and Vikings insiders are bullish on Turner's Year 2 prospects. Marc Ross of has already included Turner on his list of second-year players poised for breakout seasons, pointing to the Vikings' offseason moves, adding veteran defensive linemen Javon Hargrave and Jonathan Allen, as a catalyst for Turner's potential leap. These interior additions should command double teams, freeing up Turner to wreak havoc off the edge. Head coach Kevin O'Connell has publicly predicted a 'huge jump' for Turner, and the coaching staff has emphasized the need to get him on the field more often. Turner's blend of speed, bend, and relentless motor makes him a nightmare for opposing tackles, and with more snaps, he could easily double or even triple his rookie sack total. If Turner can translate his physical tools into consistent production, he'll be a household name by season's end and a cornerstone of Minnesota's defense for years to come. Theo Jackson is the Versatile Defensive Weapon The Vikings Need While Theo Jackson may not be a name that rolls off the tongue for most NFL fans, his versatility and instincts make him a valuable asset in Minnesota's secondary. Jackson, a former sixth-round pick, has quietly carved out a niche as a hybrid safety/nickel defender, capable of covering slot receivers, blitzing off the edge, and supporting against the run. Advertisement What makes Jackson such an intriguing sleeper is his fit in Brian Flores' aggressive, multiple-look defense. Flores loves to deploy defensive backs in creative ways, and Jackson's ability to wear multiple hats gives him a unique advantage. Over the past two seasons, Jackson has flashed playmaking ability in limited snaps, and with veteran safety Harrison Smith nearing the twilight of his career, there's a clear path for Jackson to earn more playing time. The Vikings' depth in the secondary is solid, but injuries and attrition are inevitable over a 17-game season. Jackson's emergence as a reliable, high-upside contributor would provide the coaching staff with valuable flexibility and insurance. If he can continue to hone his coverage skills and capitalize on increased opportunities, Jackson could become a key piece of Minnesota's defensive puzzle and a fan favorite in the process. Ivan Pace Jr. is the Undersized Linebacker with Oversized Impact Ivan Pace Jr. is the kind of player who defies conventional wisdom. Undersized by NFL linebacker standards, Pace makes up for his lack of ideal height and length with elite instincts, toughness, and playmaking ability. After going undrafted in 2023, Pace quickly proved he belonged in the NFL, earning a spot on the Vikings' roster and making an immediate impact on special teams and in sub-packages. Advertisement Pace's rookie season was a revelation, as he consistently found himself around the football and made big plays when called upon. His quickness and football IQ allow him to diagnose plays and explode to the ball, making him a nightmare for opposing offenses in the run game. While he may never be a traditional every-down linebacker, Pace's ability to excel in passing situations and as a blitzer gives him a unique role in Flores' defense. With the Vikings' linebacker room in flux—veterans like Jordan Hicks and Brian Asamoah providing stability but also aging, Pace has a golden opportunity to carve out a larger role in 2025. If he can continue to develop his coverage skills and prove he can hold up against the run, Pace could become a staple in Minnesota's defense and one of the most underrated playmakers in the league. If these three sleepers can take the next step in their development, the Vikings' depth will be one of their biggest assets, and a major storyline, throughout the 2025 NFL season. Their growth could be the difference between a good Vikings team and a true contender, and fans should keep a close eye on their progress as the season unfolds. Related: Key protector for Vikings' JJ McCarthy takes big step in return from 2024 season-ending injury Related: Vikings give $23.25 million contract extension to J.J. McCarthy weapon


Daily Mail
05-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
The ultra-exclusive mountain hideaway revealed
As rental properties in the Hamptons remain empty this year, those who love to summer are headed elsewhere. The luxury hotspot that's seducing the ultra-rich has long been known as a winter hub for the wealthy, who come to ski and après-ski in the town's many resort chalets. Nestled deep in Colorado 's San Juan Mountains, Telluride has turned into the latest summer destination for billionaires, celebrities, and Silicon Valley moguls. Telluride offers privacy and exclusivity without the fuss of many summer getaway areas. 'I've seen the transformation first hand,' local luxury realtor Brian O'Neill told He's watched the town — once sleepy in the summer — morph into a playground for the one percent. 'It's funny, the same saying has always gone around here. I came for the winter and stayed for the summer,' O'Neill said. People stay for the $20 million ranches, private hiking trails that start from your front door, and, for celebrities, a paparazzi free summer. With limited commercial flights, Telluride is perfect for private jets, which isn't a problem for its residents, including Oprah Winfrey, who owns four properties there. The upcoming arrival of a Four Seasons — the first five-star hotel and luxe condo development in over 15 years — is a sign of what's to come. 'This project is going to have a significant impact on the sophistication of our community,' says O'Neill, who is handling sales for the property. 'The developer is amazing… they're creating something that not only elevates Telluride but maintains its low-key vibe. 'You go to Aspen where people want to be noticed. You come here and people don't really care where they came from – New York, Miami, or LA. They're low-key folks with a great appreciation for that.' He says many of the Four Seasons' residences have already been snapped up by elites fleeing California, Florida, and the Southwest for Telluride's cool mountain air. The fun-filled summers are also starting to heat up the local real estate market. 'We do 57 percent more real estate sales in the summer than in the winter,' O'Neill told 'Occupancy rates are higher too. It's grown so much, the area has a packed calendar of summer events. 'Everybody in Telluride said, "We need a more year-round economy,"' O'Neill said. 'Festivals started coming and are now almost every weekend. We have our own self-proclaimed title: the festival capital of the world. Some of the festivals include the iconic Telluride Bluegrass Festival, MountainFilm, jazz, blues, wine, science talks, and even mushroom hunting. Telluride is built for families, too. They can bike outside, easily ride the local rivers on inner tubes, zip-line, bungee, and jump on trampolines in Mountain Village. Locals can sip coffee outside of the charming cafés that line Main Street while admiring a backdrop of 14,000-foot mountain peaks. Visitors can hike the Via Ferrata or explore the ghost towns left behind on the old mining roads. 'There's just a lot of merit to what you can do here that you don't have the option to do elsewhere,' said O'Neill. 'You can hike, fly fish, rock climb, mountain bike, downhill bike, cross-country bike. 'You can go to a food and wine event, then go to a science talk. We even have an incubator for startup companies. It's endless.' He added that the town probably has more quality restaurants per capita than anywhere — maybe even more than Aspen. That includes the legendary New Sheridan Hotel, where visitors can belly up to the 122-year-old bar once frequented by outlaws and miners. But, O'Neill warns, rentals don't come cheap.


Daily Mail
05-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
The ultra-exclusive mountain hideaway the one percent have turned into a summer playground
As rental properties in the Hamptons remain empty this year, those who love to summer are headed elsewhere. The luxury hotspot that's seducing the ultra-rich has long been known as a winter hub for the wealthy, who come to ski and après-ski in the town's many resort chalets. Nestled deep in Colorado 's San Juan Mountains, Telluride has turned into the latest summer destination for billionaires, celebrities, and Silicon Valley moguls. Telluride offers privacy and exclusivity without the fuss of many summer getaway areas. 'I've seen the transformation first hand,' local luxury realtor Brian O'Neill told He's watched the town — once sleepy in the summer — morph into a playground for the one percent. 'It's funny, the same saying has always gone around here. I came for the winter and stayed for the summer,' O'Neill said. People stay for the $20 million ranches, private hiking trails that start from your front door, and, for celebrities, a paparazzi free summer. With limited commercial flights, Telluride is perfect for private jets, which isn't a problem for its residents, including Oprah Winfrey, who owns four properties there. The upcoming arrival of a Four Seasons — the first five-star hotel and luxe condo development in over 15 years — is a sign of what's to come. 'This project is going to have a significant impact on the sophistication of our community,' says O'Neill, who is handling sales for the property. 'The developer is amazing… they're creating something that not only elevates Telluride but maintains its low-key vibe. 'You go to Aspen where people want to be noticed. You come here and people don't really care where they came from – New York, Miami, or LA. They're low-key folks with a great appreciation for that.' He says many of the Four Seasons' residences have already been snapped up by elites fleeing California, Florida, and the Southwest for Telluride's cool mountain air. The fun-filled summers are also starting to heat up the local real estate market. 'We do 57 percent more real estate sales in the summer than in the winter,' O'Neill told 'Occupancy rates are higher too. It's grown so much, the area has a packed calendar of summer events. 'Everybody in Telluride said, "We need a more year-round economy,"' O'Neill said. 'Festivals started coming and are now almost every weekend. We have our own self-proclaimed title: the festival capital of the world. Some of the festivals include the iconic Telluride Bluegrass Festival, MountainFilm, jazz, blues, wine, science talks, and even mushroom hunting. Telluride is built for families, too. They can bike outside, easily ride the local rivers on inner tubes, zip-line, bungee, and jump on trampolines in Mountain Village. Locals can sip coffee outside of the charming cafés that line Main Street while admiring a backdrop of 14,000-foot mountain peaks. Visitors can hike the Via Ferrata or explore the ghost towns left behind on the old mining roads. Telluride has shed its winter only reputation and has become a summer destination too 'There's just a lot of merit to what you can do here that you don't have the option to do elsewhere,' said O'Neill. 'You can hike, fly fish, rock climb, mountain bike, downhill bike, cross-country bike. 'You can go to a food and wine event, then go to a science talk. We even have an incubator for startup companies. It's endless.' He added that the town probably has more quality restaurants per capita than anywhere — maybe even more than Aspen. That includes the legendary New Sheridan Hotel, where visitors can belly up to the 122-year-old bar once frequented by outlaws and miners. But, O'Neill warns, rentals don't come cheap. 'If you want to rent a house or condo in town, you're gonna spend $500 to $1,000 a night,' he says. 'It's not cheap.' For those wanting to make it permanent, Telluride is a wonderful option. 'We have our schools annually ranked in the top 10 percent of the state,' O'Neill said. 'This year we had kids go to Columbia and Berkeley. Great teachers want to live in a great place.'


Sky News
07-05-2025
- General
- Sky News
'I'm hanging on over the bridge. I don't want to die': Driver's terrifying ordeal in lorry
The driver of a lorry which crashed on a major road in the US has been rescued from the cab as it was dangling from an overpass. The drama unfolded on Sunday, when the vehicle, described by Sky's US partner, NBC News, as a tractor-trailer, smashed into an overpass on I-65 in Louisville, Kentucky. The cab, with the unnamed driver in it, was left hanging precariously over the edge. In an emotional 18-minute 911 call published by the Louisville Police Department, the male driver said: "Can someone please help me. I'm about to fall down from the bridge. I'm just hanging on over the bridge. I don't want to die." Operator Martyna Wohner tried to reassure him, saying "they're going to get you out. You're going to be okay". The driver asked: "If I don't survive, can you just leave the recording to my family?" The Louisville Fire Department stabilised the lorry with chains, before a firefighter was slowly lowered into the cab using a rope system connected to a fire engine ladder. The firefighter secured the driver to a harness and the pair were slowly lifted out of the cab and on to the carriageway in an operation lasting over 30 minutes. Louisville Fire Chief Brian O'Neill described the operation as "fundamentally dangerous". He explained: "Once [the firefighter was] in there, he has to get that climb harness on to the victim and then tie him in, so that it can then hoist them out of there." Mr O'Neill said he has only witnessed this kind of operation once before in his 24-year career. Last March, the department made another big-rig rescue with the driver hanging over the Ohio River. Remarkably, in both incidents, authorities say everyone made it out okay. Video shows that the driver in the latest incident, who has yet to be identified by officials, even flashed a thumbs-up as he was lowered to the ground. Fire chief O'Neill said he and his team "see people oftentimes on their worst day. And so when you get to know that this person who had this … terrifying moment that has now gone to safety, gets to be reunited with his family, that's exactly why we do the job."