On Saturday, July 27 the Minnesota Vikings allowed fans to attend practice for the first time. The purple and gold faithful flocked from all walks of life to get their first glimpse of the 2024 Vikings team.
Head coach Kevin O’Connell met with the media in the early afternoon to address media questions and shed light on fans being in attendance for the first time this summer. O’Connell opened up his press conference discussing the fan excitement saying, “We hope to be able to put on a great training camp for our fans. I’m looking forward to that energy”. Additionally, O’Connell mentioned seeing and meeting players is a huge deal to many fans. He states, “We talk a lot about how important it is to get some of the young folk out here and up close and personal to some of their favorite NFL players”.
A pair of rookie offensive linemen in Michael Jurgens and Walter Rouse ran up to the crowd to continue a team tradition of the “Skol” chant with the fans.
Vikings rookie linemen Michael Jurgens and Walter Rouse leads fans in the Skip chant. #Skol pic.twitter.com/jcX9UOHCK6
— The Flag Sports (@TheFlagSports) July 28, 2024
After the Skol chant practice was in full swing with players running drills and getting in work for the remainder of the afternoon. There were position specific drills, 7-on-7 drills, and full team plays. The vets knocked off some of the rust while the new guys continued to improve and learn the Vikings scheme. During team drills the Vikings QBs that included Sam Darnold and rookie JJ McCarthy continued to build up chemistry with the receiving core.
Coach O’Connell also talked about having the opportunity to speak at Cornerback Khyree Jackson’s funeral saying, “It’s easy to share thoughts and messages that you truly do believe”. He continued, “But it didn’t help make it any easier in that setting. I just hope I did Khyree justice”.
Jackson passed away in a car accident in early July. The Vikings will honor Jackson this season with his initials “KJ” on their helmets.
The Vikings will return to the gridiron on Monday.
