Latest news with #KevinO'Connell
NBC Sports
3 days ago
- Sport
- NBC Sports
Kevin O'Connell wins the PFWA's Horrigan Award for his professionalism with the media
Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell is the winner of the 2025 Horrigan Award, the Pro Football Writers of America announced Friday. The Horrigan Award is given to the league or club official for his or her qualities and professional style in helping the pro football writers do their job. O'Connell was recognized for his openness and helpfulness with reporters. He routinely gives one-on-one interviews, meets regularly with beat writers for off-the-record discussions, provides thoughtful explanations for his decisions after games, and he creates an environment where both players and assistant coaches feel free to tell their stories. O'Connell, the 53rd Horrigan Award winner, is the first member of the Vikings franchise to receive the award. He is the first head coach to win the Horrigan since Ron Rivera with the Commanders in 2023. Other 2025 nominees for the Horrigan Award were Rams president Kevin Demoff, 49ers General Manager John Lynch, NFL VP of communications Brian McCarthy and NFL EVP of football operations Troy Vincent. Jack Horrigan was a sportswriter for UPI and the Buffalo Evening News, public relations director for the American Football League (1963-66) and vice president of public relations for the Buffalo Bills (1966-73). Joe Horrigan is in his 46th year with the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The Hall of Fame's current senior advisor was executive director (2017-19), executive vice president of museums, selection process and chief communications officer (2014-17) and vice president, communications and exhibits (1996-2014).
Newsweek
4 days ago
- Sport
- Newsweek
Vikings Linked as Possible Trade Suitor for Packers Star
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Looking ahead to the 2025 NFL season, the NFC North division once again looks to be the best in football. All four teams in the division will have a shot at making a run to the playoffs. Last year, the Detroit Lions, Minnesota Vikings, and Green Bay Packers all made it to the postseason. Kevin O'Connell and the Vikings are going to be an intriguing team to watch this year. They no longer have Sam Darnold under center, with second-year signal caller J.J. McCarthy set to take over the reigns at quarterback. There are also some questions marks on the defensive side of the football, especially at the cornerback position. Head coach Kevin O'Connell of the Minnesota Vikings stands on the sidelines during the second half of an NFC Wild Card game against the Los Angeles Rams, at State Farm Stadium on January 13, 2025... Head coach Kevin O'Connell of the Minnesota Vikings stands on the sidelines during the second half of an NFC Wild Card game against the Los Angeles Rams, at State Farm Stadium on January 13, 2025 in Glendale, Arizona. More Photo byStephon Gilmore was a huge part of Brian Flores' defense in 2024. However, he is still a free agent it at this point there is no reason to think Minnesota is going to bring him back. Read more: Vikings Urged to Pursue Trade for Star Cornerback If the Vikings were planning to bring Gilmore back, it seems likely that they would have done so already. Minnesota should look into options to beef up its secondary. One possible option could be pursuing a trade with the arch-rival Packers. It would be a major shock, but it has been suggested by one NFL analyst. Cody Benjamin of CBS Sports has suggested Minnesota as one of the possible trade destinations for Green Bay star cornerback Jaire Alexander. While he thinks Alexander will remain with the Packers when all is said and done, he name-dropped the Vikings as a possible landing spot. Alexander has been unable to stay on the field over the last two years. In both the 2023 and 2024 campaigns, he has played in just seven games. Read more: Packers Dealt Brutal Honesty About QB Jordan Love Despite that fact, the 28-year-old cornerback was very productive in seven games last season. He recorded 16 tackles, a fumble recovery, two interceptions, a defensive touchdown, and seven defended passes. More than likely, this possible option will not become a reality. Alexander would be a big step towards Super Bowl contention for Minnesota, but Green Bay seems ready to keep him. Even if the Packers were to trade him, would they really send him to the Vikings? Other possible options could include Jalen Ramsey or simply re-signing Gilmore. Either way, it would be best for the defense to add another proven cornerback for the upcoming 2025 season. For more Minnesota Vikings and NFL news, head over to Newsweek Sports.
Newsweek
4 days ago
- Sport
- Newsweek
Vikings Urged to Pursue Trade for Star Cornerback
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The Minnesota Vikings were one of the best teams in the NFL last season. Kevin O'Connell and company finished the regular season with a 14-3 record before promptly losing in the Wild Card round of the playoffs to the Los Angeles Rams. It was a heartbreaking way to end what had been a special season for the Vikings. Heading into the 2025 campaign, some major changes have been made. Most notably, Minnesota has a new quarterback. Head coach Kevin O'Connell of the Minnesota Vikings stands on the field prior to an NFC Wild Card game against the Los Angeles Rams, at State Farm Stadium on January 13, 2025 in Glendale, Arizona. Head coach Kevin O'Connell of the Minnesota Vikings stands on the field prior to an NFC Wild Card game against the Los Angeles Rams, at State Farm Stadium on January 13, 2025 in Glendale, Arizona. Photo bySam Darnold left town early on in NFL free agency to sign a three-year, $100.5 million contract with the Seattle Seahawks. After that, the Vikings were heavily connected as a potential destination for future Hall of Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Read more: Packers Dealt Brutal Honesty About QB Jordan Love Despite those rumors, Minnesota has decided to move forward with J.J. McCarthy as its likely starter. McCarthy will compete with Sam Howell for the job, but it's his to lose. Another change is that the Vikings no longer have star veteran cornerback Stephon Gilmore on the roster. He's still a free agent, but Minnesota could use help at the cornerback position. That has led to the team being urged to pursue a major trade for a star cornerback. CBS Sports analyst Mike Renner has suggested that the team pursue a trade with the Miami Dolphins for Jalen Ramsey. That addition would take the defense to the next level under defensive coordinator Brian Flores. "Obviously, Jalen Ramsey requested a trade," he added. "I think he's perfect for Brian Flores' defense, and I think he would be an upgrade from Stephon Gilmore, from what he was a year ago, and bring you back to that potential. It's a move that, if I'm looking around the NFL, like, who makes the most sense? It's the Minnesota Vikings. I think they can afford to make a play like this when you have that cheap, rookie contract in J.J. McCarthy." Read more: Steelers Given Shocking Suggestion at QB and It's Not Aaron Rodgers During the 2024 NFL season with the Dolphins, Ramsey played in all 17 regular season games. He racked up 60 total tackles to go along with a sack, two interceptions, and 11 defended passes. Even at 30 years old, Ramsey is one of the more feared defensive backs to throw at. He is always capable of making a play on the football. While a trade for Ramsey would not come cheap, this would be the kind of all-in move the Vikings need to make if they want a shot at a championship. For more Minnesota Vikings and NFL news, head over to Newsweek Sports.
USA Today
7 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Sam Darnold remains in contact with Vikings, Kevin O'Connell after departure
Sam Darnold remains in contact with Vikings, Kevin O'Connell after departure It is not unusual for teams and players to remain in contact. Sports are like any other profession; just because you leave them doesn't mean that the relationship ends. D.J. Siddiqui spoke to Sam Darnold recently, and he discussed several topics, including his continued talks with Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell and his ex-Vikings teammates. The turnaround for Sam Darnold in 2024 was special, something that no other coach has done for him in his career. One would have to think a special connection came of that so a continued relationship makes sense. Darnold spoke on the relationships saying, 'You've gained trust with everybody, and then all of a sudden you're gone, but that friendship, those relationships, they don't just go away. I've stayed in contact with quite a few teammates, former teammates in Minnesota, and stayed in touch a little bit with Kevin O'Connell. Obviously, he's got a pretty busy schedule — as do I — obviously getting ready for next year. But it's been good, just being able to stay in touch with some of those guys. . ." Sam Darnold signed with the Seahawks and he is now ready for him to carve out a path of his own. He will have a new first-round pick in Grey Zabel to protect him, as well as Cooper Kupp to pass to. Of course, Jaxon Smith-Njigba is still there so he will have talent around him to have success. Success is on his mind, but replicating 2024 isn't, he knows how special that was. 'The biggest thing for me is to not think about replicating a season like that. I think that it's really starting from square one, what can I do to put myself in a good position every single day to just get better? It's a cliche, but it's a cliche for a reason. I'm going to continue to try to get better every single day, as are all my teammates.'
Yahoo
25-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
How one Des Plaines man honors veterans despite terminal cancer diagnosis
DES PLAINES, Ill. — Even at a place meant for eternal rest, you can find those with the drive to soldier on. 'It means a lot to me to serve veterans. They did a lot for us and it's time to be there for them,' Kevin O'Connell said. For the better part of two decades, O'Connell has spent the first part of his Memorial Day weekend at All Saints Cemetery in Des Plaines. 'We come out here and plant flags on every veteran's grave that's marked 50, so typically on a day like today, we will have flags put on more than 5,500 monuments,' O'Connell said. O'Connell never served in the military, but he did serve his community as a police officer for many years. He also served by honoring those in uniform, like his dad. 'The year after my dad passed away, I went to his gravesite, and I put a flag down on his grave,' he said. 'I looked around and saw all these other veterans' graves and there was no marking on it, and I thought, 'How sad is that?' These guys served our nation so we can be free, so we should remember them.' Since 2009, he and others have been the driving force behind Operation Flags for Vets at the cemetery. 'We have soldiers buried here from World War I, World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Iraq, Afghanistan,' O'Connell said. 'It's interesting when you walk the cemetery and you read their histories. It all comes to light why we are a free nation.' The first year, O'Connell says about 60 people showed up to place the American flags on gravesites. This year, there were about 400 volunteers. 'It was just really exciting to watch,' he said. Not only because of the mission he began 16 years ago but because of the battle he has been waging for the last two months. 'I was diagnosed with terminal cancer. Typically, I would not be out here in the field walking around but it's something near and dear to my heart,' O'Connell said. It's why his daughter, Melissa Samp, stepped up to rally the troops this year. To honor her did, his mission and his battle. 'We're facing a short timeline, and this is very important to him. It's his legacy,' Samp said. 'He's handling it with grace, integrity… all of his neighbors have put up signs that say K.O. Strong.' It's a testament that even if we don't put on the uniform, we can still make an impact and honor those who did. Even when our mission faces its biggest challenge yet. 'If I were to just sit home in a chair, it would go a lot faster. But if I get my tail in gear and move forward, I'll last a lot longer and that's what I intend on doing,' O'Connell said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
