Latest news with #KevinO'Connell
USA Today
a day ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Minnesota Vikings training camp Day 1 medical updates: OL remains the focus
The Vikings roster has reported to Eden Prairie, and as a result, they have started their journey into the 2025 season. It starts at home in Minnesota, but they hope it ends on the road in Santa Clara, where they have a chance to raise the Lombardi Trophy for the first time. The worst part of football, especially during training camp, is waiting for injury updates as they occur or as players attempt to return from injuries sustained the previous season. In the case of the Vikings, they had to battle the injury bug more than they did any divisional opponent. It will make monitoring injuries throughout camp a big part of our coverage here on Vikings Wire over the next couple of weeks. After day one, the stars on offense who are fighting their way back dominated the news cycle, though Kevin O'Connell and the players offered updates on most who were dealing with injuries.
Newsweek
7 days ago
- Sport
- Newsweek
Vikings Linked to Needed Roster Move Before Training Camp
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. As the 2025 NFL season continues to draw closer with training camp right around the corner, the Minnesota Vikings are a team to keep a close eye on. Last year, the Vikings finished the regular season with a 14-3 record. They were one of the best teams in the NFL, but were eliminated in the Wild Card round of the playoffs by the Los Angeles Rams. Heading into the upcoming campaign, the team looks quite a bit different. Kevin O'Connell head coach of the Minnesota Vikings celebrates after the game against the Chicago Bears at U.S. Bank Stadium on December 16, 2024 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Kevin O'Connell head coach of the Minnesota Vikings celebrates after the game against the Chicago Bears at U.S. Bank Stadium on December 16, 2024 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Photo byWhile a lot of the roster remained intact, Sam Darnold is no longer in town. He will be replaced by J.J. McCarthy as Minnesota's new starting quarterback. Read more: Report: Steelers, TJ Watt Reach Historic Contract Agreement Another key player is not on the roster. Stephon Gilmore, the veteran cornerback, remains a free agent. He has not been brought back and he has not signed elsewhere. With the Vikings still having a need for better cornerback talent, could a reunion with Gilmore still be on the table? That is something that has now been suggested. USA Today analyst Nick Brinkerhoff has named Minnesota as one of the top potential suitors for Gilmore ahead of the regular season. During the 2024 season with the Vikings, Gilmore was a key part of Brian Flores' defense. He played in 15 games, racking up 56 total tackles to go along with an interception and nine defended passes. At 34 years old, the veteran cornerback is still more than capable of being an impact player. He may not be the elite superstar that he once was, but his fit in Minnesota was obvious last season and that has not changed to this point. Read more: Lions Named Top Potential Suitor for 8-Time Pro Bowler Outside of the Vikings, Brinkerhoff also mentioned the Atlanta Falcons, Las Vegas Raiders, and Miami Dolphins as possible suitors. All three of those teams badly need help in the secondary as well. It will be interesting to see where the top free agents remaining land. There are quite a few high-impact players still waiting for the right move. Gilmore is among the best and the Vikings should strongly consider a reunion. He might very well be the missing piece that helps the Minnesota defense remain among the NFL's elite. For more Minnesota Vikings and NFL news, head over to Newsweek Sports.
Business Wire
14-07-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
'We See You. We Thank You.' Convenience Stores Nationwide Honor First Responders During Annual 24/7 Day
ALEXANDRIA, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--On Thursday, July 24, the U.S. convenience store industry will unite for the seventh annual 24/7 Day, a nationwide celebration recognizing everyday heroes—including first responders, EMTs, doctors, nurses, 9-1-1 professionals and American Red Cross volunteers—who serve our communities around the clock. Organized by the NACS Foundation, the day offers a visible show of gratitude from an industry also known for its 24/7 support of communities. Convenience stores act as lifelines in times of crisis—offering first responders a place to assess emergency situations, recharge, reconnect and stay fueled. This celebration is about honoring a shared commitment to the communities we both serve. This year's theme 'We See You. We Thank You.' speaks to the often-unheralded work that first responders do—running toward disasters when others must evacuate or flee. The national 24/7 Day celebration raises awareness and recognizes these heroes from one of their largest supporters—convenience store retailers and industry suppliers. Across the country, more than 90 convenience retailing companies and brands representing 35,000 stores will have unique offers (such as free coffee, free meals or branded merchandise) for first responders and Red Cross volunteers in uniform or with a valid badge. The event will also raise awareness of and donations for the Red Cross. As part of this year's celebration, the NACS Foundation debuted its First Responder of the Year Award program, honoring outstanding individuals who go above and beyond in service to their communities. The winner will be selected from nationwide nominations and receive free gas for a year, thanks to NACS Foundation partner GSTV. Like all the initiatives that are part of 24/7 Day, this specific spotlight for local heroes and their stories on a national stage gives the convenience store industry a meaningful way to thank and celebrate the people who keep their local communities safe every day. 'Convenience stores often serve as lifelines in times of crisis—offering first responders a place to assess emergency situations, recharge, reconnect and stay fueled,' said Kevin O'Connell, executive director of the NACS Foundation. 'This celebration is about honoring a shared commitment to the communities we both serve.' Participating retailers each support 24/7 Day with a tailored offer to first responders. A full list of participants, as well as what each store is offering, is available at and a map sharing the location of each participating store in the country is at This year, the celebration includes: 36 Lyn Refuel Station, Allsup's and Yesway, Car-Go Express, Casey's, CEFCO, CFCA, Circle K, Coen Markets, EG America brands (Certified Oil, Cumberland Farms, Fastrac, Kwik Shop, Loaf 'N Jug, Minit Mart, Quik Stop Markets, Sprint Food Stores, Tom Thumb, Turkey Hill Minit Markets), Enmarket, Estepp's, Fastime, FavTrip, G Spot, Gas N Wash, Good 2 Go, GPM Investment Brands (1-Stop, Admiral, Apple Market, BreadBox, Express Stop, E-Z Mart, fas mart, fastmarket, Flash Market, Handy Mart, Jiffi Stop, Jiffy Stop Food Marts, Li'l Cricket, Next Door Store, Pride, Quarles, R Store, Roadrunner Markets, Scotchman, shore stop, Town Star, UNCLE'S, Village Pantry, Youngs), High's, Hop Shops, Ideal Market, Kwik Trip, Loop Neighborhood Markets, Louisiana Truck Stop & Gaming Administration (Bigtop Travel Center, Coushatta Truck Stop, Houma Coteau Travel Plaza, I-220 Travel Plaza, Mansfield Travel Plaza, Opelousas 190 Truck Stop, Southern Belle Truck Stop, Quick Draw Travel Plaza, Waverly Truck Stop), Minuteman Food Mart, Mountain View Co-op, OnCue, On the Run, Onvo, Poppy Market, RaceTrac, Rmarts, Rutter's, Sheetz, Spinx, Sprint Mart, St. Romain Oil Co./Y-Not Stop, The Convenience Group, The Hub Convenience Stores, The Markets of Tiger Fuel Company, Thorntons, TXB, U-Stop Convenience Shops, United Pacific (Rocket and Alta Convenience), Wawa and the Wawa Foundation, and Weigel's. Leading supplier brands like Anheuser-Busch, Keurig Dr Pepper, Reynolds American, and NENA are also joining the celebration through in-store activations, giveaways and national awareness efforts. 'Our continued partnership with the NACS Foundation and its member convenience stores is one of the strongest examples of how we ensure our incredible volunteers and other community heroes are recognized,' said Nathan Measom, director of national cause marketing for the American Red Cross. 'Whether it's responding to disasters, organizing blood drives or supporting families, our volunteers go above and beyond to serve others. Taking a moment to celebrate these everyday acts is incredibly important.' The NACS Foundation invites the public to join in 24/7 Day celebrations by: Spreading the word to first responders to visit participating convenience stores on July 24 Donating to the American Red Cross directly to support disaster relief funds Share appreciation stories on social media using #247Day and #conveniencecares About the NACS Foundation NACS Foundation is the 501(c)3 charitable arm of NACS, the global industry association dedicated to advancing convenience and fuel retailing. In partnership with fuel retail, convenience and suppliers across the U.S., the NACS Foundation propels brighter futures by unifying and amplifying the philanthropic and charitable activities of the industry in communities across America. To learn more, visit or visit us on Facebook at @ TheNACSFoundation and X at @ NACS_Foundation. About NACS For more than 60 years, NACS has been recognized as the premiere association for convenience and fuel retailers. NACS has more than 1,000 retail member companies that cumulatively represent more than 200,000 stores in 50-plus countries, including 90,000 stores in the United States alone. The U.S. convenience store industry, with more than 152,000 stores nationwide selling fuel, food and merchandise, conducts 160 million transactions daily and had sales of $837 billion in 2024. For more information, visit Follow NACS on LinkedIn, X, Facebook and Instagram. About the American Red Cross: The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit or or follow us on social media.
USA Today
26-06-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Minnesota Vikings continue to be tied to a reunion with a former quarterback for 2025
The quarterback discourse surrounding the Minnesota Vikings refuses to settle down even after the signing of Aaron Rodgers with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Instead, we move from one NFC North veteran to another. Bleacher Report's Kristopher Knox dropped his latest NFL Trade Block Big Board, and on it was Kirk Cousins, who is buried on the Falcons depth chart. The veteran remains in limbo, and many expect him to have to be on a new team ahead of the new season. Knox lays out the scenario that it would take for Cousins to reunite with his former team in 2025. "The Falcons will almost certainly deal the four-time Pro Bowler for a reasonable price, and he'll likely agree to a deal if it allows him to see the playing field. However, his trade value won't really spike until/unless another starter is injured or a QB camp competition fails to yield a reliable starter. . .The Vikings have turned to second-year quarterback J.J. McCarthy, who missed his entire rookie season following knee surgery. If head coach Kevin O'Connell doesn't believe McCarthy is ready to start toward the end of camp, he could consider adding a familiar face in Cousins." While we have heard that discussion time and again from people, the idea of Kevin O'Connell not being happy with McCarthy being the started doesn't carry much weight at this point. They had all offseason and the NFL Draft to add more insurance, and they didn't. The team has been vocal in support of him both as a coaching staff and a roster; it is full-steam ahead for the former Michigan Wolverine.
Yahoo
14-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Should the Minnesota Vikings Sign THAT Newly Released Controversial CB
The Minnesota Vikings have been cooking with gas this offseason. Coach of the Year Kevin O'Connell and general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah both signed contract extensions. In between, the Vikings doled out more in new contract money than any other team in the league. There is no more important position in all of sports than NFL quarterback. And for the second-straight season offseason, the MN Vikings swapped out one starting QB for another. Are the Minnesota Vikings set at cornerback for 2025? If the team is going to contend for more than regular season relevancy in 2025, they'll have to do it with a well-constructed and balanced roster. And right now, the secondary leaves plenty to be desired. Byron Murphy Jr is back, but CB2 Stephon Gilmore and CB3 Shaq Griffin are both free agents. Advertisement Replacing them, for now, are guys with very little starting experience in the league like Isaiah Rodgers (13 starts in four seasons), Mekhi Blackmon (3 starts in one season) and former top 3 pick turned draft bust, Jeff Okudah. Credit: Tork Mason / USA TODAY NETWORK Of any position on the Minnesota Vikings depth chart, cornerback invites the most questions. And let's not forget that the Vikings' CB situation in June 2025 is very similar to what it was in June 2024, when it was Byron Murphy, the aformentioned Shaq Griffen… and a room of nobodies. Then on August 18, after the Vikings had already gathered for training camp, Kwesi inked Stephon Gilmore to a one-year deal. So… with minicamp starting on Tuesday and nearly two months until training camp starts, could Minnesota be planning the same type of high-end veteran cornerback signing between now and the start of the 2025 season? Advertisement Well, if they are, a new target was just made available on Monday, when longtime Green Bay Packer, Jaire Alexander, was released by our division rival to east. Could the 28-year-old Alexander be this year's version of Gilmore… except younger and more valuable? Kay Adams urges MN Vikings to sign Jaire Alexander Well, popular NFL voice Kay Adams thinks it's a no-brainer. After Jaire was just released today, the former Good Morning Football host urged on her independent show 'Up and Adams' for the Minnesota Vikings to go get Alexander under contract. 'My vote for landing spot for one Jaire Alexander would be the Vikings. Of course. We can do the funniest thing ever here. Join forces with he-who-you-like-drawing-against. He who you have, I don't know if this is bad blood or just two competitors who played the best at their position and enjoying each others company between the hash marks here. Go to the Vikings. So much has gone on between him and Minnesota over the years. They need a corner. I talked to Kevin O'Connell about that being the only thing maybe I don't love right now as far as keeping them from winning a Super Bowl. He gets a chance to play the Packers then twice a year. This would be perfect. Iron sharpening iron in practice against the Addison's and Justin Jefferson's. I would love Jaire to stay in that division.' Kay Adams – Up and Adams Kay Adams loves herself some Minnesota Vikings and there are few denying that the Minnesota Vikings — who have also been mentioned in rumors surrounding top CB Jalen Ramsey — could use more help on the outside. While acquiring Ramsey would require a trade, landing Alexander no longer would. Advertisement Related: Confirmed: Vikings Chose JJ McCarthy Over Aaron Rodgers It might be weird to think that the two-time Pro Bowl Packers cornerback could don purple, but both Za'Darius Smith and Aaron Jones have made the leap in recent seasons. Obviously, Packer legends like Brett Favre and Greg Jennings made the leap across the border, before them. Cornerback is still a need for the Vikings Alexander has played in 78 games (76 starts) for Green Bay and has 12 interceptions. He's coming off two injury plagued seasons in which he played just seven games apiece. He's also had a long-running beef with Justin Jefferson. Nonetheless, the seven-year NFL vet would bring desperately needed experience to an extremely unproven Minnesota Vikings secondary. Whether it's Alexander, Jalen Ramsey, or someone else, the Minnesota Vikings must do something at cornerback. They have invested a substantial amount across the roster this offseason, and they can't afford to stop short of positioning themselves for success. Advertisement We know what Murphy Jr. is capable of and the Vikings have shown incredibly strong belief in Rodgers, since bring him in. Still, a 2025 NFL defense needs three good cornerback options at the least. As of June 9, Brian Flores' defense does not have that. Related Headlines
