Latest news with #HarrisonPhillips
CBS News
4 days ago
- Sport
- CBS News
Vikings, Patriots players lead Special Olympics flag football teams in matchup between Minnesota, Massachusetts
The Special Olympics flag football team from Minnesota and Massachusetts faced off at TCO Stadium on Wednesday with some big names as their coaches. Patriots quarterback Drake Maye led team Massachusetts. "It's a humble reminder of the joy you have in the game, and the fun and the ability to celebrate," Maye said. Vikings tackle Harrison Phillips led team Minnesota. "My ignorance is that maybe I was going to have to come in here and dumb things down and make it really elementary and that is not the case here," Phillips said. 'We have individuals who are teaching me passing concepts because I'm not an offensive player, and I'm out there calling this a doo-dad and zig zag, and they're, 'No, that's a hitch and that's a go-ball.'" The players got to show off their skills to the pros, including a pick-six for Minnesota's Dan Pratt. "I was like, if I'm not going to get it on offense, I'm going to get it on defense," he said. "Like when I make plays like that, I get hyped." That kind of play earned Minnesota an 18-12 win over Massachusetts. But this moment was bigger than that. UnitedHealthcare flew Massachusetts athletes free of charge. CEO Brett Edelson says it's a company priority to share in this special moment. "We're proud here at UnitedHealthcare to be part of the 'inclusion revolution,' and Special Olympics does it better than anyone," Edelson said.
USA Today
4 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Vikings' Javon Hargrave and Jonathan Allen have looked the part in practices
The interior defensive line of the Vikings was an issue at times in 2024. While Harrison Phillips was a reliable piece, he needed some help. Kwesi Adofo-Mensah recognized that, and the team went out and signed two bulls who play in the trenches of the defense. Fast forward from free agency to the present, and both Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave are making impacts early. In a mailbag piece put together by The Star Tribune's Vikings writers, Mark Craig was asked how the new faces on the defensive line have looked in camp. His answer not only speaks to the success they are having, but also to how high the potential is for the group with their presence. Craig writes, "They've looked outstanding and long overdue to a unit that's been lacking in elite, run-and-pass-defending talent for some time. Even better is they've also looked healthy and available every day a year after both of them missed significant time with injuries. . .Look at the world-champion Eagles and their Mahomes-pounding D-line depth as the template for what the Vikings, and many others, are trying to replicate. . ." The depth along the edge rusher and defensive line positions has been something the Eagles have found success with in their two recent Super Bowl wins. The more depth you have, the easier it is to overwhelm opposing offensive lines, who cannot rotate players in and out. Brian Flores should have a good time utilizing both Hargrave and Allen this year and beyond in the Vikings defense.
Yahoo
14-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Minnesota Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy Announces ‘Surprise' Pregnancy With Fiancee Katya
Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy will have plenty on his hands when the 2025 NFL season rolls around this fall. McCarthy, 22, and his fiancée, Katya Korupas, announced they are expecting their first baby in a joint Instagram post on Wednesday, May 21. Advertisement 'The best surprises come when you least expect them,' the couple shared. 'Our sweet baby boy is arriving in September and we couldn't be happier 🩵🍼.' McCarthy, who won a national championship at the University of Michigan in 2023, received congratulatory comments from many of his former Wolverine teammates, including Colston Loveland, Blake Corum and Will Johnson. Celeb Pregnancy Announcements of 2025: Stars Who Are Expecting Babies The quarterback's Vikings teammate Harrison Phillips also left a supportive comment on the post, writing, 'Y'all are going to be the best mom and dad 🙏.' McCarthy and Korupas, 22, got engaged in January 2024, which the couple announced via an Instagram photoshoot with their dog. Advertisement 'Me, You & Marley Forever & Ever✨🤍,' Korupas shared. In January, McCarthy celebrated Korupas' birthday with a carousel of photos from their recent adventures, which included a Vikings practice and a trip to a Detroit Red Wings hockey game. 'I'd go to hell and back for her,' McCarthy wrote. 'She's my everything - my muse, my rock, and the heart of my universe. There is never a J without a K standing her ground behind him. For what is a flame without its wick. A Viking without a star to guide him. Thank you forever, my love, for never wavering when the inevitable storms arise on our voyage together.' Celebrity Babies of 2025: See Which Stars Gave Birth This Year Advertisement He added, ''I love you' doesn't express my deep and intense feelings towards you enough, only will my actions for as long as I am alive will suffice. Happy 22nd My Queen.' After being selected with the 10th overall pick by the Vikings in the 2024 NFL Draft, McCarthy tore his meniscus in his right knee during a preseason game in August 2024. McCarthy underwent surgery and was forced to miss the entire season. McCarthy is expected to be the starting quarterback for the Vikings next season after last year's starter, Sam Darnold, signed a three-year deal with the Seattle Seahawks in March. "They haven't told me, and I'm happy they didn't because I try to earn it every single day," McCarthy said of the starting job on Up & Adams in March. "I never want that to be given to me. It's such a privilege and an opportunity to give me that chance. I'm just gonna make the most of it every single day."
Yahoo
08-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Young QB Draws Josh Allen Comparison From Former Buffalo Bill
Young QB Draws Josh Allen Comparison From Former Buffalo Bill originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Buffalo Bills' first two selections in the 2018 NFL Draft were quarterback Josh Allen, taken with the No. 7 overall pick, and defensive tackle Harrison Phillips, taken with the No. 96 overall selection. Advertisement Phillips and Allen spent four years together as teammates on the Bills before Phillips signed with the Minnesota Vikings in 2022, where he has remained since. Phillips watched Allen grow from a rookie who threw more interceptions than touchdowns, to a budding star and Pro Bowler who developed into a leader. Phillips is getting deja vu with his new young quarterback, J.J. McCarthy. "I've commented before about (how) he came to me the week after his injury to try to learn more about the defense," the Vikings defensive tackle said on Monday, via "Asking those great questions. He's really stepped up in the personal power role (this year). In the locker room, I'm constantly seeing him go up to new guys, to new players, dapping each other up, sitting on the couches and just having conversation. Where last year it was off to rehab, off to meetings. He understands that we have to build a family here and that you can't have unique results without unique relationships." McCarthy was selected with the No. 10 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, but missed his would-be rookie season due to a torn meniscus discovered in the preseason. McCarthy became the first quarterback in NFL history to miss his entire rookie season due to injury after being a first-round selection. Advertisement The injury has not deterred the former Michigan standout, who won a National Championship in 2023. According to Phillips, his blossoming leadership is reminiscent of Allen. "And then, man, he's got some confidence. And he reminds me of Josh Allen when I was with him in Buffalo, coming into his own and understanding the power that he has to lead this organization, and he's doing a fantastic job doing that." McCarthy was a highly-touted prospect in the draft. He threw 22 touchdowns in back-to-back seasons, throwing just nine interceptions between his two final collegiate years. McCarthy led the Big Ten with a 72.3 percent completion rate in 2023. Related: Bills Signing Can Be More Than Just Emotional Reunion Related: Bills New Receiver Turning Heads in Josh Allen Offense This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 6, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
07-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy Dealt Josh Allen Comparison by Former Bills Teammate
Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy Dealt Josh Allen Comparison by Former Bills Teammate originally appeared on Athlon Sports. On the surface, there's a clear contrast between Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy and reigning MVP Josh Allen. Advertisement At 6-foot-5, 237 pounds, Allen's frame has made him one of the toughest players to tackle at the position and a runaway freight train in the open field. He's averaged 591.8 rushing yards per game in his career, exploiting his size and speed to find success in the NFL. McCarthy, standing 6-foot-3 and roughly 215 pounds, is of a smaller ilk at quarterback who will look to thrive playing primarily inside the pocket and behind the line of scrimmage. However, physical traits don't always translate to the NFL level. Defensive tackle Harrison Phillips, who spent four seasons with the Allen and the Buffalo Bills, said he sees some more important similarities between McCarthy and Allen. Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9).© Brad Rempel-Imagn Images After practice on Monday, June 2, Phillips likened McCarthy to Allen, who seized the leadership required of the position at a young age in Buffalo. Advertisement 'He's got some confidence, and he reminds me of like Josh Allen when I was with him in Buffalo coming into his own and understanding the power that he has to lead this organization, and he's doing a fantastic job,' Phillips told Minnesota Star Tribune reporter Emily Leiker. McCarthy's maturity and leadership have seemingly been his greatest strengths early in his career, especially after he was dealt devastating news that he would miss his rookie season due to a torn meniscus. The 22-year-old quarterback did not treat it like a year lost. He was diligent in studying film, chasing down teammates and coaches around the Vikings' team facilities to get clarity, and has rehabbed his body back into shape. Advertisement At Vikings organized team activities (OTAs), several beat reporters consider McCarthy to have picked up right where he left off before his injury last August. No longer playing catch-up, McCarthy appears even better equipped to be the team's starter after being selected 10th overall in the 2024 draft. "Everyone wants to be perfect, especially at the quarterback position, but the more you try to be perfect, it's going to kill you more than your imperfections will. And I feel like just being able to accept, in these learning and teaching phases, that it's OK to fail and try things and go out there and take risks," McCarthy said last week. "As long as you do that, whatever's down the road is going to come when it comes." Related: Vikings Named Landing Spot for NFC North Rival Defender Related: Vikings QB Move Called 'Worst Trade in 10 Years' This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 2, 2025, where it first appeared.
