Latest news with #SpecialTeams
Yahoo
a day ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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.
Edmonton Journal
09-05-2025
- Sport
- Edmonton Journal
Player grades: Edmonton Oilers win OT thriller over Vegas Golden Knights
Article content Connor McDavid, 7. Tough game, not getting a tonne done at least until he got an absolute tonbe done, setting up Draisaitl in OT. He stickhandled and fought his way in for a Grade A early on. Blocked off a dangerous Vegas slot play late in the first. Took an inadvertent high-sticking penalty in the third, with Vegas scoring. Jammed a shot on net early in the OT. He got a wonky bounce off the boards in OT but put it off the post. Huge deke in OT to win it with the brilliant pass, two bonus marks. Contributions/mistakes on Grade A Shots (GAS): Even Strength +4/-2; Special Teams +2/-0 Leon Draisaitl, 7. Drilled big McNab with a hard hit early on. Caught up ice on a first period VGK odd-man rush. He finally got going a bit in the second, drilling his Executioner's Shot on net on Edmonton's first power play. Won a battle to kick off Virtuous Cycle on Nurse's goal. Set up McD for a Grade A early in the third. He failed to block Pietrangelo's outside shot on the fourth Vegas goal. Great pass on Perry's late third period 5-alarmer, then almost put in shot of his own, Perry blocked it. Drained the OT winner for two bonus marks. GAS: ES +4/-3; ST +3/-0.
