Byron Murphy Jr. Shines at Pro Bowl, Vikings Legend Fran Tarkenton Celebrates 85th Birthday
It was a big weekend for the Minnesota Vikings—both on the field and in franchise history.
First, Byron Murphy Jr. delivered a standout performance at the Pro Bowl, earning Defensive MVP honors after a clutch pick-six helped the NFC secure the victory. Justin Jefferson also found the end zone, adding to the conference’s success.
Meanwhile, a legendary Viking reached a milestone as Fran Tarkenton turned 85. The Hall of Famer and Vikings Ring of Honor member is one of only six players in franchise history to have his jersey retired (No. 10). Tarkenton, always generous with his time, hosted a group of Vikings media members at his Buckhead office in 2023, sharing incredible stories from his time in the league.
Other Notable Milestones
February 3 also marked birthdays for Harrison Smith (36) and Dallas Turner (22). Smith, after a strong season, is weighing his options between returning or retiring, while Turner finished his rookie year with flashes of promise that the Vikings hope will define his future.
Personal Reflections & A Look Ahead
On a personal note, February 4 brings back memories of Super Bowl XXXIV, a game that defined football history. The Rams’ iconic goal-line stop against the Titans remains one of the sport’s most dramatic moments. For some, it was “The Tackle.” For others, it was the moment Steve McNair nearly pulled off the impossible.
This weekend also brought a return to Mississippi State, where a journalism conference provided a chance to reconnect with colleagues and future sports media stars. It was my first time back since the Bulldogs’ big Thursday night win over Kentucky, featuring Dak Prescott at QB and Chris Jones on defense.
Super Bowl LIX: Chiefs vs. Eagles Rematch
Now, all eyes turn to Super Bowl LIX, where the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles are set for a rematch of their thrilling 38-35 battle two years ago. With both teams hungry for another championship, the countdown to another epic showdown is officially on.
Highland Popcorn Celebrates First Anniversary During Super Bowl Week with Special Vikings Event
As Super Bowl week ramps up, Highland Popcorn in St. Paul (2138 Ford Parkway) is marking a special milestone—its first anniversary! The celebration kicks off at noon (CT) on Feb. 6 with a live recording of Conor’s Corner, featuring co-host Frank Vascellaro. Fans can stop by for Vikings souvenir popcorn buckets, special guests, and “Popcorn with Personality!”
Store Hours This Week:
- Tuesday – Saturday: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
- Sunday: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
If you can’t make it to the store but still want to stock up for your Super Bowl party, look for Highland Popcorn at select grocery stores, including newly added Hy-Vee locations.
QB Decisions Loom Large for the Vikings
With J.J. McCarthy poised to be the future of the franchise, the Vikings have some tough decisions to make—especially regarding Sam Darnold.

One hypothetical scenario suggests signing Darnold to a three-year, $30 million-per-year deal ($50 million guaranteed), then potentially trading him to a QB-needy team for draft picks or a player. The financial implications of such a move would mean the Vikings would absorb this year’s cap hit and any bonus money, but they’d clear future cap space.
Another approach? Franchise tagging Darnold—a cheaper short-term option that gives the Vikings flexibility. He could either compete for the starting role, serve as insurance, or become a trade asset. With the team currently holding only three draft picks, securing additional selections would be valuable.
If Darnold is moved, Daniel Jones could be a viable alternative to back up McCarthy or push for the starting job. Head coach Kevin O’Connell (K.O.) has already proven he can develop quarterbacks, so this scenario could make sense.
Kevin O’Connell Up for Coach of the Year
Speaking of K.O., we’ll find out this Thursday if he wins AP Coach of the Year—an honor well deserved after a strong season. Regardless of the outcome, his contract extension is already locked in, securing stability at the top.
Brian Flores Sticking Around? A Boost for the Defense
Despite speculation, Defensive Coordinator Brian Flores has been overlooked for another head coaching job, meaning the Vikings benefit from his return for a third season. If he stays, expect the defense to continue its upward trajectory, especially if they can shore up weaknesses that led to late-game collapses.
Building a Stronger Offense—OL & Backfield Needs
Another key priority? Improving the offensive line, whether through free agency or the draft. The running back situation also remains uncertain—will Aaron Jones Sr. re-sign? Can Cam Akers step up? A 1-2 punch in the backfield will be crucial to wearing down defenses and controlling the clock.
As for J.J. McCarthy, some scouts have downplayed his passing stats at Michigan, but that overlooks the reality—he was leading a dominant rushing attack and managing the game at an elite level. With the right supporting cast, he could thrive in Minnesota.
The Vikings have plenty of decisions ahead, but one thing is certain—this offseason will be critical in shaping the team’s future.
Vikings Offseason Uncertainty: QB Situation, Roster Moves & Key Decisions Looming
The Minnesota Vikings are facing a crucial offseason, with multiple decisions that could shape the team’s future. One of the biggest questions? What to do with QB Sam Darnold.
A tag-and-trade scenario remains an option, allowing Minnesota to capitalize on Darnold’s 2024 success rather than losing him in free agency for a compensatory pick in 2026—similar to what’s expected this April after Kirk Cousins’ departure.
Meanwhile, Daniel Jones is set to hit free agency for the first time in his career, leaving a possible opening for him to stay in Purple depending on how the Vikings approach their QB strategy for 2025.
Brian Flores Likely to Stay, Ground Game a Priority
With New Orleans as the only remaining team searching for a head coach, it looks increasingly likely that Brian Flores will return for a third season in Minnesota, continuing to develop his aggressive defensive system.
A stronger run game is another focus. Whether Aaron Jones Sr. returns or the team makes a move in free agency or the draft, a consistent rushing attack will benefit whoever is under center in 2025.
Fan Frustrations: Inconsistency, Poor Clock Management & Fixing the Roster
Some Vikings fans aren’t holding back about the team’s inconsistent performances this past season.
“The QB situation is up in the air, the defensive backs are questionable, the front defensive line needs help, and the O-line has been an issue for years,” said Keith Rieland, echoing concerns many share.
Rieland also called out Darnold’s struggles with pocket awareness, which resulted in costly sacks and poor clock management.
“Then we hear later, ‘We’ve gotta play better’—way too many times. Fix this team!”
What’s the Vikings’ Long-Term QB Plan?
Another major talking point—who will be the Vikings’ 2025 QB?
Is J.J. McCarthy ready to take over? Or will the team pursue a veteran option to bridge the gap? Jan Thobe posed the question on many fans’ minds:
“What is the master plan at this point?”
Right now, the Vikings are preparing for multiple scenarios, knowing that keeping options open is crucial. In about a month, the first major moves will start to unfold.
Do the Vikings Need a More Mobile QB?
Several teams that made deep playoff runs—Kansas City, Buffalo, and Philadelphia—have mobile QBs who thrive in play-action-heavy offenses.
Fan Paul Brye noted that pure pocket passers have struggled against elite defenses and questioned whether Darnold’s limitations or coaching/playbook constraints were the issue.
While Darnold’s mobility declined late in the season, McCarthy has shown the ability to make plays on the move—something to keep an eye on in spring practices.
Kwesi Adofo-Mensah’s Contract Status
While Kevin O’Connell (K.O.) has already received a contract extension, there’s been no word on one for GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah.
Jeff Wolfe asked if there’s anything to read into the situation. The reality? It’s too early to speculate. With Adofo-Mensah set to speak at the NFL Scouting Combine in three weeks, an update will likely come soon.
A Trick Play for Brian O’Neill?
Fan Tom Manders had a fun suggestion—using Brian O’Neill as a tight end in a trick play.
O’Neill, a former tight end in college, actually scored a touchdown on a screen pass at Pitt, later joking, “I told them I could tote that thing.”
While the Vikings have experimented with trick plays, the downside is taking one of their best offensive linemen out of pass protection—a risk the coaching staff would need to weigh.
Final Thoughts
The Vikings’ offseason is just getting started, and with key decisions on QB, defense, and the offensive line, the next few months will be pivotal.
As Minnesota looks to reload for 2025, one thing is certain—big moves are coming soon.
Will the Vikings Re-Sign Aaron Jones Sr. & Byron Murphy Jr.? The Offseason Questions Looming
One of the biggest offseason questions facing Minnesota Vikings GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and Head Coach Kevin O’Connell is whether to bring back key contributors Aaron Jones Sr. and Byron Murphy Jr.
Fan Cael Genkinger asked the straightforward question:
“Are you going to re-sign Aaron Jones Sr. and Byron Murphy Jr.?”
The honest answer? Nobody outside the Vikings’ front office knows yet. But what we do know is that both players thrived in Purple and were vital pieces of Minnesota’s 2024 success.
Aaron Jones Sr.: A Leader & Offensive Workhorse
After signing with the Vikings last offseason, Jones delivered a career-best 1,138 rushing yards, proving he still has plenty left in the tank. More than just stats, his leadership helped define the team’s chemistry, making him a beloved presence in the locker room.
Byron Murphy Jr.: A Defensive Playmaker
Since arriving in Minnesota in 2023, Murphy has been the experienced leader in the Vikings’ secondary, mentoring younger DBs while elevating his own play. In 2024, Murphy posted a career-high six interceptions and 14 passes defensed, earning his first Pro Bowl selection.
To put that in perspective, only two players in the entire league hit those marks—Murphy and Baltimore’s Marlon Humphrey.
At just 27 years old, Murphy is bound to draw interest from other teams, but Minnesota could also bring him back on a third NFL contract.
Both Jones and Murphy have spoken openly about enjoying their time in Minnesota, making their situations ones to watch in the coming weeks.
Did the Vikings Get Too Aggressive Before Halftime? Key Moments Under Scrutiny
Fan Daryl C. raised another hot topic—questionable play-calling before halftime in key games, particularly against the Rams and Seahawks.
“Can we just take a knee there on Thursday night vs. the Rams? Another over-aggressive before-half sequence vs. Seattle. Should have run the ball and killed the clock. Gave Seattle a cheap TD before half. Please look at those sequences.”
Christian Darrisaw’s Injury vs. Rams: A Costly Decision?
The Week 8 game against Los Angeles took a major turn when star left tackle Christian Darrisaw suffered an injury on the final drive before halftime.
With 35 seconds left in the half, tied at 14, the Vikings ran a play deep in their own territory rather than playing it safe. The result? Darrisaw went down, leaving Minnesota without one of its most crucial players.
In hindsight, the timing couldn’t have been worse. But the one silver lining? The injury occurred before the trade deadline, allowing the Vikings to acquire Cam Robinson, who helped stabilize the offensive line during the team’s nine-game win streak.
Aggressive Playcalling vs. Seattle Backfires
A similar issue arose against the Seahawks, where Minnesota’s aggressive approach before halftime gave Seattle a crucial touchdown.
The Vikings got the ball at their own 29-yard line with 1:57 left, leading 17-7. Instead of burning clock, they threw back-to-back incompletions, followed by a short gain and a punt.
Seattle capitalized with an 88-yard TD drive in just 1:05, capped off by an 18-yard touchdown to Jaxon Smith-Njigba—swinging momentum before halftime.
Kevin O’Connell’s Mindset: Confidence in the Defense
Throughout the season, O’Connell stuck with an aggressive philosophy, citing his trust in Brian Flores’ defense to hold firm. But as Daryl C. pointed out, giving an opponent a free 2-minute drill opportunity can sometimes do more harm than good.
As the Vikings evaluate their offseason approach, these game management decisions could be a focus for improvement heading into 2025.