Latest news with #KevinO'Connell
Toronto Star
5 days ago
- Sport
- Toronto Star
Vikings sideline Justin Jefferson with ‘very mild' hamstring strain
EAGAN, Minn. (AP) — The Minnesota Vikings will keep wide receiver Justin Jefferson off the field for awhile because of a mild strain of his left hamstring. Coach Kevin O'Connell said before practice on Friday that Jefferson would be re-evaluated next week. The two-time All-Pro, who has the most receiving yards in NFL history through a player's first five years, felt some tightness in his leg during the team's session on Thursday and cut short his participation as a precaution. The Vikings sent him for an MRI exam afterward.
New York Times
5 days ago
- Sport
- New York Times
Vikings fan survey results: High confidence in team, high expectations for J.J. McCarthy
When was the last time Minnesota Vikings fans were as optimistic as they are now? Anecdotally, this question has seemed relevant. That was only validated by the responses to our annual fan survey. More than 3,700 of you answered our questions. Some related to general confidence, while others revolved around specific decision-makers. Unsurprisingly, both the team's ownership and coach Kevin O'Connell received sterling reviews. More surprisingly, the overwhelming majority believes a Super Bowl victory is coming in the next 10 seasons. Advertisement 'We are putting together the scaffolding for success,' one survey taker wrote. 'I have more confidence now than at any point in the past 15 years.' The hope comes with some concerns. Twenty-eight people used the word 'cautious' in their feedback on the final question about their thoughts on the organization. Four mentioned feeling 'nervous.' Three referenced 'heartbreak.' One respondent wrote that they chose not to participate in the Super Bowl question: 'If you answer no, you manifest it. If you answer yes, you jinx it.' In the short term, J.J. McCarthy's inexperience and the team's general durability are the primary worries. General manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah's draft history concerns others in the long run. Still, these doubts don't cloud the overall positivity coursing through this year's responses. Faith is flowing through the fan base's bloodstream. That's the overarching takeaway. As for the fundamental results and how they compare with the past couple of years, here is a complete breakdown: Perhaps the most valuable aspect of this survey is the ability to track feedback over time. It's one thing to get a sense for the present. It's another to contrast this summer's results with another season of data. In 2023, a smidge over half of the survey takers said they thought the Vikings would win a Super Bowl over the next 10 years. The figure eclipsed 63 percent last year. This year's increase dwarfs the past numbers, and it aligns with the general belief in the franchise's direction. Most of the positive energy flows from the combination of vision from team ownership, the front office's creativity, O'Connell's intentionality and McCarthy's promise. One respondent summed up their feelings this way: "This is the first time in a long time that I feel like the Vikings are building something rather than trying to patch together a winning team." No comparison here is apples-to-apples fair. For reference, though, consider how Cincinnati Bengals fans said they feel about their leadership group. Not even 1 percent of Bengals fans rated their team's ownership a 5. Less than 1 percent gave a 5 to director of player personnel Duke Tobin. And less than 10 percent gave a 5 to coach Zac Taylor. Advertisement Vikings fans were on the opposite end of the spectrum. If you were to ask a similar question of every NFL fan base, you'd have a hard time finding more than a handful who think as highly of the people running their team. "Because of KOC," one survey taker wrote, "I have faith that McCarthy can be successful as soon as this year." O'Connell's NFL coach of the year honor doesn't hurt. Adofo-Mensah's wizardry in last year's free-agency period assured fans even more. And then there's ownership, which rarely gets enough credit or blame when professional sports teams suffer. These reviews aren't sticky, meaning all parties must continue to work to maintain their standing. But these are unequivocal high marks since the Adofo-Mensah/O'Connell tenure began. This is maybe my favorite portion of the yearly survey. Why? Because it offers the clearest indication of what fans want, what they'll feel content with when it's all said and done. Last year's was hilarious to examine in hindsight. More than 57 percent of the respondents felt the oddsmakers had pegged Minnesota's outlook correctly, that the Vikings would likely win around 6.5 games. That expectation didn't prevent them from feeling disappointed with what happened in the playoffs, but it's worthwhile to recall that, before the season, only 2.2 percent of fans believed the Vikings would advance beyond the first round of the postseason. This year's projections are rosier in almost every regard. Fans are anticipating 10 wins, and they've said they'll remain satisfied if the team wins its first playoff game under this regime. "It all means nothing if we don't win in the playoffs," another respondent wrote. The Vikings' offseason additions should contribute to that goal. After years of offensive line skepticism among the fans, the Vikings secured three new interior players, including center Ryan Kelly, whose smarts should help McCarthy's acclimation. The excitement over interior defensive linemen Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave was also apparent in the responses. The Vikings will go as far as McCarthy can take them this season. He's the ultimate mystery box. It's why there's so much intrigue locally and nationally. This survey suggested there's a great deal of hope; only 6 percent of the feedback was negative. A large chunk is tentative, evidenced by the nearly 40 percent who responded with a 3. Advertisement "As McCarthy goes," another survey taker wrote, "so do the Vikes." The more notable takeaway might be that Vikings fans envision a 3,500-yard, 20-touchdown, 12-interception season as the most realistic result for the quarterback. This is around what Caleb Williams produced in his rookie season: 3,541 yards, 20 touchdowns and six interceptions. Imagining that level of production with this coaching staff and roster is why Minnesota's trajectory is so intriguing. For the second straight season, cornerback depth remains a question mark. The Vikings brass has not wavered in its feelings about Isaiah Rodgers and Jeff Okudah. The more relevant question relates to the defenders behind them in the event of an injury. Have Mekhi Blackmon and Dwight McGlothern shown enough to stave off another external addition? The fans don't think so. More than 70 percent would like to see another signing, but one person suggested, "I think Flores' scheme and the defensive line improvements can mask the weak cornerback room." Among the potential concerns, none was bigger than durability. But it's not just that the Vikings signed multiple veterans who are 30 or older and have navigated injuries in recent seasons. Many of the team's skill players have missed games in recent years. Star wideout Justin Jefferson's hamstring torpedoed the 2023 season. Tight end T.J. Hockenson tore his ACL that same year. Last year, receiver Jordan Addison sprained his ankle in Week 1. And running backs Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason have both struggled to stay healthy in spurts. Lose any of these weapons for a significant period, and Minnesota will be reliant on less-proven depth. Fortunately, the offensive line is more formidable than it has been. A quarter of last year's responses were confident about the offensive line, and now almost 80 percent of you are optimistic. Vikings fans still don't fear the Chicago Bears. They made that clear. They are also clear in their opinion that tickets are too expensive. As for the final question, in which we asked for any parting thoughts, here were some of the responses: • This is the most sustained period of positive, optimism-inspiring management of the team in my 40 years of living. • The J.J. hype train is out of control! • If they were a stock, I'd buy. Advertisement • They need to improve in the draft rather than relying on a free-agency bailout. • I love the consistency of the leadership. • I trust O'Connell to set McCarthy up for success, even if it's as a game manager. • No question about it; I'm ready to get hurt again. ~ Michael Scott • Can you take the bull by the horns for once? Be front-runners, be innovative, be unstoppable. • If they can keep the injuries down, then they are possibly a serious contender. • I'm pessimistically optimistic.
USA Today
6 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Minnesota Vikings training camp Day 1 medical updates: OL remains the focus
The Vikings roster has reported to Eden Prairie, and as a result, they have started their journey into the 2025 season. It starts at home in Minnesota, but they hope it ends on the road in Santa Clara, where they have a chance to raise the Lombardi Trophy for the first time. The worst part of football, especially during training camp, is waiting for injury updates as they occur or as players attempt to return from injuries sustained the previous season. In the case of the Vikings, they had to battle the injury bug more than they did any divisional opponent. It will make monitoring injuries throughout camp a big part of our coverage here on Vikings Wire over the next couple of weeks. After day one, the stars on offense who are fighting their way back dominated the news cycle, though Kevin O'Connell and the players offered updates on most who were dealing with injuries.
Newsweek
18-07-2025
- Sport
- Newsweek
Vikings Linked to Needed Roster Move Before Training Camp
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. As the 2025 NFL season continues to draw closer with training camp right around the corner, the Minnesota Vikings are a team to keep a close eye on. Last year, the Vikings finished the regular season with a 14-3 record. They were one of the best teams in the NFL, but were eliminated in the Wild Card round of the playoffs by the Los Angeles Rams. Heading into the upcoming campaign, the team looks quite a bit different. Kevin O'Connell head coach of the Minnesota Vikings celebrates after the game against the Chicago Bears at U.S. Bank Stadium on December 16, 2024 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Kevin O'Connell head coach of the Minnesota Vikings celebrates after the game against the Chicago Bears at U.S. Bank Stadium on December 16, 2024 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Photo byWhile a lot of the roster remained intact, Sam Darnold is no longer in town. He will be replaced by J.J. McCarthy as Minnesota's new starting quarterback. Read more: Report: Steelers, TJ Watt Reach Historic Contract Agreement Another key player is not on the roster. Stephon Gilmore, the veteran cornerback, remains a free agent. He has not been brought back and he has not signed elsewhere. With the Vikings still having a need for better cornerback talent, could a reunion with Gilmore still be on the table? That is something that has now been suggested. USA Today analyst Nick Brinkerhoff has named Minnesota as one of the top potential suitors for Gilmore ahead of the regular season. During the 2024 season with the Vikings, Gilmore was a key part of Brian Flores' defense. He played in 15 games, racking up 56 total tackles to go along with an interception and nine defended passes. At 34 years old, the veteran cornerback is still more than capable of being an impact player. He may not be the elite superstar that he once was, but his fit in Minnesota was obvious last season and that has not changed to this point. Read more: Lions Named Top Potential Suitor for 8-Time Pro Bowler Outside of the Vikings, Brinkerhoff also mentioned the Atlanta Falcons, Las Vegas Raiders, and Miami Dolphins as possible suitors. All three of those teams badly need help in the secondary as well. It will be interesting to see where the top free agents remaining land. There are quite a few high-impact players still waiting for the right move. Gilmore is among the best and the Vikings should strongly consider a reunion. He might very well be the missing piece that helps the Minnesota defense remain among the NFL's elite. For more Minnesota Vikings and NFL news, head over to Newsweek Sports.
Business Wire
14-07-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
'We See You. We Thank You.' Convenience Stores Nationwide Honor First Responders During Annual 24/7 Day
ALEXANDRIA, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--On Thursday, July 24, the U.S. convenience store industry will unite for the seventh annual 24/7 Day, a nationwide celebration recognizing everyday heroes—including first responders, EMTs, doctors, nurses, 9-1-1 professionals and American Red Cross volunteers—who serve our communities around the clock. Organized by the NACS Foundation, the day offers a visible show of gratitude from an industry also known for its 24/7 support of communities. Convenience stores act as lifelines in times of crisis—offering first responders a place to assess emergency situations, recharge, reconnect and stay fueled. This celebration is about honoring a shared commitment to the communities we both serve. This year's theme 'We See You. We Thank You.' speaks to the often-unheralded work that first responders do—running toward disasters when others must evacuate or flee. The national 24/7 Day celebration raises awareness and recognizes these heroes from one of their largest supporters—convenience store retailers and industry suppliers. Across the country, more than 90 convenience retailing companies and brands representing 35,000 stores will have unique offers (such as free coffee, free meals or branded merchandise) for first responders and Red Cross volunteers in uniform or with a valid badge. The event will also raise awareness of and donations for the Red Cross. As part of this year's celebration, the NACS Foundation debuted its First Responder of the Year Award program, honoring outstanding individuals who go above and beyond in service to their communities. The winner will be selected from nationwide nominations and receive free gas for a year, thanks to NACS Foundation partner GSTV. Like all the initiatives that are part of 24/7 Day, this specific spotlight for local heroes and their stories on a national stage gives the convenience store industry a meaningful way to thank and celebrate the people who keep their local communities safe every day. 'Convenience stores often serve as lifelines in times of crisis—offering first responders a place to assess emergency situations, recharge, reconnect and stay fueled,' said Kevin O'Connell, executive director of the NACS Foundation. 'This celebration is about honoring a shared commitment to the communities we both serve.' Participating retailers each support 24/7 Day with a tailored offer to first responders. A full list of participants, as well as what each store is offering, is available at and a map sharing the location of each participating store in the country is at This year, the celebration includes: 36 Lyn Refuel Station, Allsup's and Yesway, Car-Go Express, Casey's, CEFCO, CFCA, Circle K, Coen Markets, EG America brands (Certified Oil, Cumberland Farms, Fastrac, Kwik Shop, Loaf 'N Jug, Minit Mart, Quik Stop Markets, Sprint Food Stores, Tom Thumb, Turkey Hill Minit Markets), Enmarket, Estepp's, Fastime, FavTrip, G Spot, Gas N Wash, Good 2 Go, GPM Investment Brands (1-Stop, Admiral, Apple Market, BreadBox, Express Stop, E-Z Mart, fas mart, fastmarket, Flash Market, Handy Mart, Jiffi Stop, Jiffy Stop Food Marts, Li'l Cricket, Next Door Store, Pride, Quarles, R Store, Roadrunner Markets, Scotchman, shore stop, Town Star, UNCLE'S, Village Pantry, Youngs), High's, Hop Shops, Ideal Market, Kwik Trip, Loop Neighborhood Markets, Louisiana Truck Stop & Gaming Administration (Bigtop Travel Center, Coushatta Truck Stop, Houma Coteau Travel Plaza, I-220 Travel Plaza, Mansfield Travel Plaza, Opelousas 190 Truck Stop, Southern Belle Truck Stop, Quick Draw Travel Plaza, Waverly Truck Stop), Minuteman Food Mart, Mountain View Co-op, OnCue, On the Run, Onvo, Poppy Market, RaceTrac, Rmarts, Rutter's, Sheetz, Spinx, Sprint Mart, St. Romain Oil Co./Y-Not Stop, The Convenience Group, The Hub Convenience Stores, The Markets of Tiger Fuel Company, Thorntons, TXB, U-Stop Convenience Shops, United Pacific (Rocket and Alta Convenience), Wawa and the Wawa Foundation, and Weigel's. Leading supplier brands like Anheuser-Busch, Keurig Dr Pepper, Reynolds American, and NENA are also joining the celebration through in-store activations, giveaways and national awareness efforts. 'Our continued partnership with the NACS Foundation and its member convenience stores is one of the strongest examples of how we ensure our incredible volunteers and other community heroes are recognized,' said Nathan Measom, director of national cause marketing for the American Red Cross. 'Whether it's responding to disasters, organizing blood drives or supporting families, our volunteers go above and beyond to serve others. Taking a moment to celebrate these everyday acts is incredibly important.' The NACS Foundation invites the public to join in 24/7 Day celebrations by: Spreading the word to first responders to visit participating convenience stores on July 24 Donating to the American Red Cross directly to support disaster relief funds Share appreciation stories on social media using #247Day and #conveniencecares About the NACS Foundation NACS Foundation is the 501(c)3 charitable arm of NACS, the global industry association dedicated to advancing convenience and fuel retailing. In partnership with fuel retail, convenience and suppliers across the U.S., the NACS Foundation propels brighter futures by unifying and amplifying the philanthropic and charitable activities of the industry in communities across America. To learn more, visit or visit us on Facebook at @ TheNACSFoundation and X at @ NACS_Foundation. About NACS For more than 60 years, NACS has been recognized as the premiere association for convenience and fuel retailers. NACS has more than 1,000 retail member companies that cumulatively represent more than 200,000 stores in 50-plus countries, including 90,000 stores in the United States alone. The U.S. convenience store industry, with more than 152,000 stores nationwide selling fuel, food and merchandise, conducts 160 million transactions daily and had sales of $837 billion in 2024. For more information, visit Follow NACS on LinkedIn, X, Facebook and Instagram. About the American Red Cross: The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit or or follow us on social media.
