Minnesota has been rocked by the assassination of House Democratic leader Melissa Hortman and her husband in their home, along with the attempted assassination of Senator John Hoffman and his wife.
The Vikings have issued a statement condemning the senseless act of political violence.
“As Minnesotans and a team that cares deeply about our state, we are shocked and saddened by the targeted overnight attacks that took the lives of State Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, and seriously injured State Senator Jon Hoffman and his wife, Yvette.
“Our organization has worked closely with both legislators and appreciated their duties as civil servants. Speaker Emerita Hortman was a friend of the Vikings for more than 15 years and a tremendous state leader who worked tirelessly to make Minnesota a better place for all residents. She was a mother, a wife and a friend who genuinely cared about people and relationships. Our prayers are with the Hortman family as they grieve this tragedy and with all government officials who are mourning the loss of a colleague and friend. We hope for fast and full recoveries for Senator Hoffman and Yvette and safety for all members of law enforcement who continue to search for those responsible.
“These senseless acts should have no place in our communities, our state or our society. We must all unequivocally condemn political violence, reject hateful division, and deliberately work toward mutual respect, compassion and unity.”
The suspected shooter remains at large.
The Vikings agreed to a contract extension with offensive coordinator Wes Phillips, Ben Goessling of the Star Tribune reports. Phillips was entering the final year of his deal, and the extension keeps him under contract through 2026.
The team signed General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and coach Kevin O’Connell to new deals earlier this offseason.
Phillips followed O’Connell to Minnesota in 2022 when the Vikings hired O’Connell as their head coach. Phillips was one of O’Connell’s first hires, giving Phillips an offensive coordinator job for the first time.
Phillips first coached with O’Connell in Washington in 2017-18, and they were together again on the Rams in 2020-21.
Phillips, 46, does not call the plays, but he helps organize the team’s game plan during the week and plays a big role on game day.
Defensive coordinator Brian Flores also is entering the final year of his contract, per Goessling. Flores hopes for a second chance as a head coach after interviewing for three jobs this offseason.
The Vikings made a change to their roster after the end of this week’s mandatory minicamp.
They announced the signing of offensive lineman Vershon Lee. Lee worked out for the team on Thursday and also met with them prior to going undrafted earlier this year.
Lee started 40 games while at South Carolina and saw time at center, guard and tackle for the Gamecocks. He spent the 2024 season at center, which is a spot the Vikings plan to fill with free agent acquisition Ryan Kelly.
The Vikings waived safety Bubba Bolden in a corresponding move. Bolden signed with the team in March and has previously spent time with the Seahawks, Browns, and in the UFL.
The Vikings, like all teams, will have an extended break before training camp opens next month. Quarterback J.J. McCarthy intends to maximize any opportunity to work with his receivers during the otherwise down time.
Talking to reporters on Thursday, McCarthy said he plans to “take advantage of this time with the guys and just get as many reps as I can, with Justin [Jefferson], Jordan [Addison], T.J. [Hockenson], all the guys, and just make sure that, you know, we hit this ground running when we get back here.”
Where will the workouts happen?
“I’ll stay here,” McCarthy said “but if I have to go find them, I will. For sure.”
That’s the kind of thing Vikings fans will want to hear from a 2024 first-round quarterback whose rookie season was scrapped by a knee injury. He’s still unproven, but the commitment he’s showing will make a difference when the time comes to show what he can do in September.
A full meniscus repair wiped out all of quarterback J.J. McCarthy’s rookie season. He’s officially ready to go for 2025.
McCarthy told reporters on Thursday that he recently received full medical clearance.
It happened at a physical last Monday, June 2.
McCarthy also said the knee wasn’t an issue for him during the offseason program.
“I’ve never felt it at all,” McCarthy said. “You know, it feels honestly stronger than ever.”
That’s great news for McCarthy and for the Vikings’ offense. The team has taken a calculated risk by rolling the dice on an unproven commodity, given that the rest of the roster is ready to contend for a division title — and a potentially deep playoff run.
