Tag: Minnesota

Dec 26, 2025; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers quarterback Drake Lindsey (5) against the New Mexico Lobos during the Rate Bowl at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Minnesota QB Drake Lindsey arrested on fake ID, alcohol charges

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Minnesota starting quarterback Drake Lindsey was arrested Friday for allegedly using a fake ID and for possessing alcohol as a minor.

The arrest took place in Lindsey’s native Arkansas, where Fayetteville police responded to a call from a bar in town about a possible fake identification.

Per a preliminary police report, the 20-year-old Lindsey admitted to owning the ID and said he drank alcohol before going to the bar.

He spent about seven hours in the Washington County Detention Center and posted a $470 bond, according to outlets that viewed detention records. He has district court hearings set for June 1 and June 29.

A Minnesota spokesperson told ESPN that the university is “aware of the situation and will address it internally.”

Lindsey was the Golden Gophers’ starting quarterback as a freshman last season and set a program record for wins by a freshman QB with eight. He threw for 2,382 yards and 18 touchdowns with six interceptions on 63.2% passing.

–Field Level Media

Nov 16, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings fans perform the “Skol” prior to a game against the Chicago Bears at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images

Report: NFL drafts in Minnesota in ’28, Cincinnati in ’29

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The favorites to host future NFL drafts are Minnesota in 2028 and Cincinnati in 2029, Sports Business Journal reported.

The NFL’s events committee is scheduled to meet next week to discuss the hosting rights, with an ownership vote expected at the May 19-20 meetings in Orlando, Fla.

The 2027 NFL Draft is taking place on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.

The Minnesota Vikings and Minnesota Sports and Events announced a bid to host the draft in March, with the action centered around U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis. Other events would take place in St. Paul, the Mall of America and the Viking Lakes development around the team’s headquarters in Eagan, Minn., per the report.

The Vikings and NFL declined to comment on the SBJ story published Thursday.

Buffalo also has expressed interest in hosting the 2028 draft.

If the league decides to award two drafts at the same time, Cincinnati reportedly has the inside track for 2029.

Commissioner Roger Goodell told “The Pat McAfee Show” last week that “we’re going to probably have to start allocating the drafts a little further in advance” due to the event’s size. Pittsburgh set an attendance record during last month’s draft with 805,000 attendees, and D.C. officials have set a goal of 1 million fans attending the three-day festivities next year.

–Field Level Media

Dec 14, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) is tackled by Minnesota Vikings defensive tackle Jalen Redmond (61) during the first half at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images

Vikings DL Jalen Redmond signs 1-year contract

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Minnesota Vikings defensive lineman Jalen Redmond signed his exclusive rights free-agent tender for the 2026 season, the team announced on Tuesday.

Redmond, 27, started 15 of the 17 regular-season games and recorded 62 tackles, six sacks, 12 tackles for loss, eight quarterback hits, one forced fumble, two fumble recoveries and five passes defended.

He was in on 74% of the defensive snaps (793) and 19% on special teams (86).

In two seasons with Minnesota, Redmond has 80 tackles, seven sacks, 18 tackles for loss, nine QB hits, one forced fumble, two fumble recoveries and seven passes defended in 30 regular-season games (17 starts).

The Carolina Panthers signed the undrafted free agent out of Oklahoma in May 2023. They later placed him on the physically unable to perform list during his first training camp before waiving him that August.

He signed with the Vikings in June 2024 after playing for the XFL’s Arlington Renegades.

–Field Level Media

Minnesota Vikings  fans are shown before the start of the first round of the NFL Draft Thursday, April 24, 2025 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. It is the first time the draft will be held in Green Bay, the smallest market in the National Football League.

Minneapolis submits bid to host 2028 NFL Draft

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Minneapolis has submitted a formal bid to host the 2028 NFL Draft at U.S. Bank Stadium.

Wendy Blackshaw, president and CEO of the Minnesota Sports and Events Commission, confirmed the bid to ESPN on Wednesday.

The draft is taking place in Pittsburgh next month and in Washington, D.C., in 2027.

The NFL typically selects a site about two years out, so Minneapolis could receive an answer soon, per ESPN.

After being staged in New York every year from 1965-2014, the draft has taken place in Chicago (2015-16), Philadelphia (2017), Arlington, Texas (2018), Nashville, Tenn. (2019), Cleveland (2021), Las Vegas (2022), Kansas City (2023), Detroit (2024) and Green Bay, Wis. (2025).

There was a virtual draft in 2020 due to the pandemic.

–Field Level Media

Nov 26, 2022; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; A Minnesota Golden Gophers helmet sits on the sidelines during the game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images

College Hall of Famer Tom Brown, a Minnesota great, dies at 89

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Tom Brown, the Minnesota two-way standout whose 1960 season remains one of the defining years for a lineman in college football history, died March 12 at age 89.

Brown played guard and on defense for the Golden Gophers from 1958-60 and became the rare interior lineman who didn’t just anchor a championship team, he helped drive it. Minnesota went from the bottom of the Big Ten the year before to a national title and a Rose Bowl berth in 1960, with Brown at the center of everything.

“Tom Brown was a dominant player on the field, but just as important, he carried himself with humility and took great pride in wearing the Maroon and Gold,” National Football Foundation chairman Archie Manning said in a statement. “His 1960 season remains one of the greatest ever by a lineman, and his place in the NFF College Football Hall of Fame is a testament to his remarkable achievements.”

That year, Brown earned unanimous first-team All-America honors, won the Outland Trophy as the nation’s top lineman and finished second in Heisman Trophy voting — still the highest finish for an interior lineman.

Inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2003, he later built an equally respected pro resume in the Canadian Football League with the B.C. Lions from 1961-67, including a Grey Cup championship in 1964, and was enshrined in the Canadian Football Hall of Fame in 1984.

–Field Level Media

Nov 23, 2025; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; General view of an Minnesota Vikings helmet during the warmups prior to the game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images

Former Virginia Tech, NFL DB Ronyell Whitaker dies at 46

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Ronyell Whitaker, a former defensive back for Virginia Tech and in the NFL, died on Sunday, his family said in an announcement communicated by the Minnesota Vikings. He was 46.

Information on the location and a cause of death for Whitaker, who would have turned 47 on March 19, was not provided.

“… Ronyell lived a life marked by passion, perseverance and purpose,” the family said. “A gifted athlete, he proudly played high school football for Lake Taylor High School in Norfolk, Virginia, and college football for the Virginia Tech Hokies, where his talent, determination and leadership on the field made a lasting impact.”

He played at Virginia Tech from 1999-2002, totaling seven interceptions in 47 games, including five in 11 games in the 2000 season. He also returned 20 punts for a 13.7-yard average.

He went undrafted in 2003 and signed as a free agent with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and later was assigned to their practice squad. He played in four games (one start) and totaled 12 tackles with one tackle for loss and two passes defended.

He played in 16 games (two starts) for Minnesota in 2006 and 11 games as a reserve for Vikings in 2007, totaling 31 tackles, one fumble recovery and one pass defended.

The Detroit Lions signed him in May 2008 and released him the next month. He spent time in the Canadian Football League before retiring from professional football in 2010, his family said.

Whitaker served as defensive backs coach at Chanhassen (Minn.) High School from 2014-18 and was owner and CEO of Whitaker Group, LCC, specializing in relocation transactions and short sales since 2011, per the family’s statement.

“While many knew him for his athletic accomplishments, those closest to him knew him best for his generous heart, unwavering loyalty and deep love for his family,” the family said. “He was a protector, a mentor and a source of strength and laughter to all who had the blessing of knowing him.”

The former Viking’s death came one day after the death of former Minnesota receiver Rondale Moore at age 25.

According to multiple reports by news outlets in Minnesota and Indiana on Saturday, New Albany (Ind.) Chief of Police Todd Bailey said Moore was found inside a garage and that he died from a suspected self-inflicted gunshot wound. An autopsy was scheduled for Sunday.

Moore, who starred at Purdue University, also played for the Arizona Cardinals and Atlanta Falcons.

–Field Level Media

Vikings DC Brian Flores signs contract but still head-coaching candidate

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The Minnesota Vikings announced a contract extension on Wednesday for defensive coordinator Brian Flores, contingent on him not landing a head-coaching job in the current cycle.

Flores, a former head coach of the Miami Dolphins and regarded as one of the league’s top defensive coordinators, is a candidate for vacancies with the Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers. He also interviewed for the Washington Commanders’ opening for a DC but now will not make a lateral move.

“Brian has a unique ability to connect with players, understand their skill sets, and put them in positions to maximize their impact on the field,” Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell said in a statement. “The identity of our defense is a reflection of his leadership and preparation.

“On a personal level, I’ve really valued the relationship we’ve built over the last three years, and that shared trust, alignment and high standard will continue to be critical to our success.”

Flores, who turns 45 next month, has been the Vikings’ defensive coordinator for three seasons. They ranked third in total defense (282.6 yards per game) in 2025 after ranking No. 16 in each of the previous two seasons. Minnesota was second in 2025 in passing defense (158.5), 21st in rushing defense (124.1) and seventh in fewest points allowed per game (19.6).

His three-year contract expired last week, opening options for Flores with other franchises.

Flores was 24-25 as head coach of the Dolphins from 2019-21. Since then, he has been a senior defensive assistant and linebackers coach for the Steelers (2022) and the defensive coordinator for the Vikings since 2023.

He filed a lawsuit against the NFL and several teams in early 2022 after he was fired by Miami and interviewed for other jobs. He claimed that the league was “rife with racism,” particularly in hiring and promoting of Black coaches. The lawsuit remains in the court system and the league is seeking for the case to move to private arbitration.

–Field Level Media

J.J. McCarthy tabbed to start Vikings’ finale against Packers

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After sitting out Week 17 with a hairline fracture in his throwing hand, Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy will start Sunday’s season finale against the Green Bay Packers.

McCarthy was a full participant in the Vikings’ practices on Thursday and Friday, which inspired head coach Kevin O’Connell to give the thumbs-up.

“He did a great job this week,” O’Connell told reporters.

Sunday’s game will mark McCarthy’s 10th start during a roller-coaster debut season that has featured three injuries and a wide range of performances.

McCarthy has recorded a 5-4 record in his starts with a 57.3% completion rate, 1,450 yards, 11 touchdowns and 12 interceptions while being sacked 27 times. His 71.2 pass-efficiency rating ranks next-to-last among the 41 NFL quarterbacks who have started at least four games this season. Only Cleveland Browns rookie Shedeur Sanders (68.5) rates worse.

The Vikings have won McCarthy’s last three starts – highlighted by his 16-of-23 passing for 163 yards and 3 touchdown passes during Minnesota’s 31-0 win over the Washington Commanders on Dec. 7.

In his start immediately prior to that win, however, McCarthy threw for just 87 yards and 2 interceptions while taking five sacks in a 23-6 loss Nov. 23 at Green Bay.

McCarthy suffered a hairline fracture in his right hand during the Vikings’ 16-13 road win against the New York Giants on Dec. 21. He missed five games during the first half of the season with a high ankle sprain. He sat out Week 13 while in the concussion protocol.

–Field Level Media

Jalen Smith catches game-winner for Minnesota vs. New Mexico in Rate Bowl

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Jalen Smith made two touchdown catches, including a diving grab in overtime to win the game, to lead Minnesota to a 20-17 win over New Mexico in the Rate Bowl on Friday in Phoenix.

Smith finished with six catches for 64 yards and the two scores for Minnesota (8-5). Drake Lindsey completed 18 of 28 passes for 147 yards and two touchdowns, and Darius Taylor had 24 carries for 116 yards and a score.

Minnesota won its ninth consecutive bowl game and improved to 7-0 in bowl games under coach P.J. Fleck.

Jack Layne completed 14 of 25 passes for 88 yards and an interception for New Mexico (9-4). Damon Bankston had a 100-yard kickoff return for a touchdown.

New Mexico notched a field goal on the first drive of overtime to pull ahead 17-14.

That set the stage for a potential winning touchdown for the Golden Gophers, and they took advantage of the opportunity. Lindsey tossed a 12-yard pass into tight coverage in the end zone, and Smith made the grab before tumbling to the turf.

Officials ruled the play a touchdown and confirmed it after video review.

New Mexico opened the scoring with back-to-back field goals by Luke Drzewiecki. He made a 31-yarder with 1:41 left in the first quarter, and he made a 29-yarder with 6:14 remaining in the second quarter.

Minnesota seized a 7-6 lead with 1:53 remaining in the second quarter. Lindsey had time in the pocket and lobbed a 10-yard pass to Smith, who caught the ball in stride in the back right corner of the end zone.

Minnesota made it 14-6 with 13:30 remaining in the fourth quarter. Taylor took a handoff, bounced to his left and shed a would-be tackler on his way to the end zone for a 5-yard touchdown.

New Mexico tied the score at 14-all moments later. Bankston fielded the Golden Gophers’ kickoff at the front of the end zone, sprinted forward and veered toward the right sideline for a 100-yard touchdown.

Teammates celebrated in the end zone with Bankston, who was not touched by any Minnesota defenders on the long run thanks to some key blocks by his teammates.

–Field Level Media

Vikings win fourth straight, knock Lions out of playoff race

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Jordan Addison broke free for a 65-yard rushing touchdown late in the fourth quarter, and the Minnesota Vikings pulled away for a 23-10 win over the eliminated Detroit Lions on Thursday afternoon in Minneapolis.

Aaron Jones Sr. also rushed for a touchdown for Minnesota (8-8), which won its fourth game in a row. Max Brosmer completed 9 of 16 passes for 51 yards in place of No. 1 quarterback J.J. McCarthy, who missed the game because of a hairline fracture in his right hand.

Jared Goff completed 18 of 29 passes for 197 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions for Detroit (8-8). The loss removed the Lions from playoff contention and secured a postseason berth for the Green Bay Packers.

Lions players watched despondently from the sideline as the final minutes ticked down. Detroit reached the NFC Championship Game two seasons ago and lost in the divisional round as the No. 1 seed last season, and it was considered a championship contender this season before encountering a bevy of injuries and narrow losses.

Addison gave the Vikings a double-digit lead with 3:43 remaining. He took a handoff and outraced the Lions’ secondary down the sideline before diving over the front right pylon for the touchdown.

Will Reichard made a 42-yard field goal to finish the scoring for Minnesota with 1:04 left.

The Vikings got on the board first with 1:35 remaining in the first quarter. On third-and-goal from the 1, Jones barreled into the end zone to steer Minnesota to a 7-0 lead.

Detroit pulled even at 7-all with 1:05 to go before halftime. Goff fired a high pass for wideout Isaac TeSlaa, who made a leaping grab and held on to the ball as he crashed to the turf.

Minnesota regained a 10-7 lead when Reichard drilled a 52-yard field goal with 3:03 left in the third quarter.

Reichard struck again, this time from 56 yards, to increase the Vikings’ lead to 13-7 with 1:57 to go in the third. An interception by Minnesota safety Harrison Smith set up the scoring opportunity.

The Lions pulled within 13-10 on a 48-yard field goal by Jake Bates with 4:39 remaining.

–Field Level Media