It’s been 11 years since the horrific terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 and yet it feels like yesterday when life as we knew it changed.  Being an American and living in the greatest country is about each person having freedom to dream big and live their life to the fullest. Although the terrorists attempted to pull our country down, we came together as one to prove there is no country like the United States and we truly are proud to be American.

“Terrorist attacks can shake the foundations of our biggest buildings, but they cannot touch the foundation of America. These acts shatter steel, but they canny deny the steel of American resolve. America was targets for attack because we are the brightest beacon for freedom and opportunity in the world. And no one will keep that light from shining.” – George W. Bush

We are lucky to be American and to live in this great country.  No matter what is thrown our way, we will stand as one.

September 11th is one of those days where everyone stops and reflects on our great country and to thank those who lost their lives or loved ones due to senseless acts of terror.

Below are some Vikings players who took time to reflect on 9/11 on Twitter:

» Continue reading “Twitter Tuesday: Vikings Players Remember 9/11″

Adrian Peterson Watch: Will Vikings fans be celebrating RB Adrian Peterson’s return to the field on Sunday? Stay Tuned.

It’s two days before the Vikings season open and Adrian Peterson Watch is still in full effect.

On Friday, the Vikings released their injury report for the game, which you can see below via Vikings.com.

Vikings
RB Adrian Peterson (knee) is listed as questionable, and Vikings Head Coach Leslie Frazier said he’d be a game-time decision.

S Robert Blanton, TE John Carlson (knee), DT Letroy Guion (knee), OL Geoff Schwartz (abdomen) and CB Marcus Sherels (ankle) are listed as probable.

LB Marvin Mitchell (ankle), S Andrew Sendejo (ankle) and WR Jarius Wright (ankle) are listed as out.

It’s also worth pointing out that the two newest Vikings, CB A.J. Jefferson and OL Mark Asper, will not suit up for the game, according to Leslie Frazier.

Notes Leslie Frazier’s Friday Presser:

» Continue reading “Vikings Injury Report And Other Notes Heading Into Season Opener”

Although the Vikings cut their roster down to 53 players on Friday, they were no wear near done finalizing their roster.

Additions:

• Vikings acquired CB A.J. Jefferson from the Arizona Cardinals on Saturday for an undisclosed draft pick.  Jefferson is in his third season in the NFL out of Fresno State.
• Vikings were awarded rookie OL Mark Asper off of waivers.  Asper was released by the Buffalo Bills, who selected him in the 6th round in the 2012 Draft.  Asper, who is out of Oregon, joins fellow-Duck Geoff Schwartz on the Vikings offensive line.

Cuts

• In order to make room for Jefferson and Asper, the Vikings cut CB Zack Bowman and OL Pat Brown.

Practice Squad (Vikings are allowed to have eight members on their practice squad — 6 spots are filled as of Sunday)

• WR Tori Gurley; WR Chris Summers; DT Chase Baker; DB Bobby Felder; OL Tyler Holmes; and RB Jordan Todman

Offensive lineman Geoff Schwartz, who was expected to compete for a starting job at right guard, will likely miss the remainder of the preseason.

Schwartz underwent an MRI yesterday after “having trouble changing direction in practices,” according to the Pioneer Press.

“Obviously, for an offensive lineman, we want him to be able to turn in either direction with ease,” Frazier said. “He’s having trouble doing that, and so we wanted to go back and get it checked out and find out what’s going on.”

Schwartz was diagnosed with a sports hernia that will require surgery.

With the lack of depth at the o-line due to injuries with Schwartz, Pat Brown, and DeMarcus Love, the Vikings brought in additional help to bolster the depth of the line.  The Vikings added  Grant Cook, who was released by Packers, and Bridger Buche, who was released by Steelers, as insurance.

Percy #1 man at kick returner — is this part of the plan to keep him happy?
Credit: Mike Wobschall

Vikings have completed two days of practices at training camp in Mankato.  Below are some observations of practice number two from those that were there:

• Rookie CB Josh Robinson sat out of practice after pulling his hamstring yesterday.  Vikings are listing him as day-to-day.  Stephen Burton, Nick Taylor, Eric Latimore, and Adrian Peterson also did not practice today.
• Mickey Shuler is off the non-football injury list and took some backup reps at tight end
• Special teams coach Mike Priefer told reporters “Percy is our number one kick returner.” Other players who got looks at return man include Bryan Walters, Kerry Taylor, Jarius Wright, Marcus Sherels, and Josh Robinson.
• Geoff Schwartz and Brandon Fusco got reps at right guard with the ones
• Mistral Raymond and Jamarca Sanford got reps at starting safety
• Emmanuel Arceneaux looks like he has improved his route running
• Jerome Simpson dropped a pass and as self-punishment did a set of push-ups. Supposedly the crowd loved it.  Simpson also banged knees with Zackary Bowman and was slowed to get up, but returned to action.
• Adrian Peterson looks better than he did when he worked out in front of the media a few months ago
• Kicker update: Blair Walsh hit four straight 46-yard kicks and went two-of-three from 55-yards out

Well Vikings fans, football season is back in full gear with players reporting to training camp tomorrow! HOORAY!

Over the past few days, Vikings players have returned to Minnesota to prepare for their 2012 season.  Players have sent tweets expressing their excitement for a new season.

» Continue reading “Twitter Recap: Vikings Players Prepare For Training Camp”

Minnesota media flooded Winter Park today to get a glimpse of the 2012 Minnesota Vikings on the field during their first day of their three day mandatory mini-camp.  Below are the top tweets from the reporters in attendance.

Tom Pelissero (1500ESPN)

» Continue reading “Twitter Recap of Vikings Mini-Camp Day 1″

On Wednesday June 13th, the Minnesota Vikings hosted a golf tournament at the Rush Creek Golf Club in Maple Grove, MN, according to Vikings.com.

The tournament featured 30 Vikings players, including QB Christian Ponder, RB Toby Gerhart and TE Kyle Rudolph.  The entire coaching staff, executives, Victor the Vikings mascot, and the Vikings cheerleaders were also in attendance.

Proceeds of the event will benefit the Vikings Children’s Fund.

“Good chance for us to go out and do something in the community and raise some funds for some kids and people who are less fortunate than we are,” Vikings Head Coach Leslie Frazier said.

Below are pictures and tweets from the event: » Continue reading “Vikings Go Golfing For Charity”