Welcome to episode 305 of the Minnesota Vikings Podcast! Tatum Everett welcomes back Brian Asamoah II and Aaron Jones to TCO Performance Center as the 2025 Minnesota Vikings open Training Camp. Brian and Aaron recap their life changing trip this summer to help support the NFL Africa Camp held in Ghana. Brian talks about how important it is to give back to his parental homeland, the passion of the participants at these camps, the impacts his foundation have made so far, and Aaron Jones discusses how blessed he feels to have been a major part of such an important program. Plus, Tatum gives a quick Training Camp primer before everything kicks off this weekend at Vikings Omni Training Camp. All of this and more is in episode 305 of the Minnesota Vikings Podcast!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:06):
The MVP Minnesota Vikings Podcast is back and better than
ever for the twenty and twenty five twenty twenty six
football season. I am your host Vikings Entertainment Networks Tatum Everett,
and I'm excited to sit down with you each and
every week, bringing to exclusive interviews, some behind the scenes stories,
all the latest from inside the Vikings organization. Before we
(00:27):
get into today's episode, which is a really, really fun
one to kick it off with, I just want to
share a couple of exciting upcoming events around here. For
training camp at TCOPC, which of course is twin Citi's
Orthopedics Performance Center. Training camp practices are listed at Vikings
dot com, Backslash training Camp, or you can check them
out on the Vikings app. But a couple of my
(00:50):
ones to watch out for This Saturday, July twenty six,
We're kicking off training camp with Back Together Weekend, the
Saturday edition presented by the Salvation Army. It features youth
football and cheer clinics, a taste of the Twin Cities
from Soulbol, and then on Monday, August fourth, you better
circle this one because that is our annual night practice
(01:10):
in TCO Stadium.
Speaker 2 (01:11):
From five to ten. Practice will start at seven that night.
Speaker 1 (01:15):
It's an adventure not gonna want to miss with the
Viking's Table food truck on site and a local artisan market.
And finally, just another note for you, the joint practices
are always going to be fun. That's Wednesday, August thirteenth
and Thursday August fourteenth, the New England Patriots come to
town before that preseason matchup on Saturday. And of course,
these no doubt are the two most intense practices all
(01:38):
training camp long.
Speaker 2 (01:39):
So let's get into the show.
Speaker 1 (01:41):
We're gonna kick things off with a special episode featuring
Brian Assimwa and Aaron Jones, who recently returned from an
unforgettable trip to Ghana. From flag football camps to cultural
deep dives. They've got some amazing stories to share.
Speaker 2 (01:56):
Let's get into it.
Speaker 1 (01:59):
Spallon Montan is the Twin Cities premier salon and spa
destination and proud official hair sponsor of the Minnesota Vikings cheerleaders.
With three convenient locations any Dinah, Woodbury and chan Hassen.
Speaker 2 (02:11):
There's a Spalan close to you.
Speaker 1 (02:13):
Visit online at spelan dot com.
Speaker 2 (02:17):
Joining us here in TCO Radio Studios.
Speaker 1 (02:19):
We've got Brian Asmat and Aaron Jones, and it's a
really special conversation we're going to have today because we're
going to go to your off field adventures that you
had this off season and talk a little bit more
about your trip to Ghana with NFL Africa. Now, Brian,
obviously you're kind of spearheaded this with your be Authentic foundation.
You're an NFL Flag Football ambassador. What was it like
(02:42):
and what does it mean to you to be able
to bring that program there that summer.
Speaker 3 (02:46):
Honestly, it's the unbelievable feeling because I always tell this
story when I was ten years old and I lived
in Ghana.
Speaker 4 (02:52):
You know, when I was when I said football, they
thought soccer.
Speaker 3 (02:55):
And then now going back, you know you say football,
They're like, Okay, I get what it is. So I'm
to see the growth the transition of like how American
sports have transitioned to Ghana. It's it's amazing and I'm
happy that I was able to, you know, bring a
couple of guys, guys that I you know, are really
close with on the team and some guys just probably
live next to me too, So it's even a wonderful
(03:16):
feeling just being able to just go back, give back
to the youth because they deserve that opportunity to try
a new sport, but also like have the opportunity to
play it at a high level.
Speaker 1 (03:25):
Right because you brought Jordan Addison and Aaron Jones. Aaron,
you making a significant contribution to Brian's foundation.
Speaker 2 (03:32):
We did, which helped with the invitation to come up.
So what part of it?
Speaker 1 (03:36):
I mean you you worked it into your schedule, which
was not easy. So why was it so important for
you to do not only to donate, but to be
there in person.
Speaker 5 (03:44):
I've seen what he was doing on a big scale,
and uh, part of that's part of what I want
to do is give back to the to the kids
and give the game back as well, be a resource
and use my platform in that way. And Ba had
called me, he was like, hey, you want to go
to you want to come to go I'm doing a camp.
I'm like, what are the dates? He told me? And
I was already going to Kuwait. So I just called
(04:06):
my my marketing people. I'm like, hey, I want to
go to Kuwait?
Speaker 4 (04:09):
Does this work?
Speaker 5 (04:10):
Can we get the flights changed from here to from
from Ghana to Yeah, it was. It was honestly, God
because I can't believe I still talking about it yesterday.
I was like, bro, I still can't believe I was
in Africa, like sitting back and I thanked him. I'm like,
thank you for making that happen, because I don't know
if I've ever would have.
Speaker 6 (04:28):
Went over there.
Speaker 5 (04:29):
And then just the experience I had was so real,
Like I'm like, man, like I've got to meet the King.
Speaker 6 (04:35):
I got to uh talk.
Speaker 5 (04:36):
To so many kids, and some of these kids knew
who I was, and so You're like, man, I'm I'm
all the way over.
Speaker 2 (04:43):
Here across they know who I am.
Speaker 5 (04:45):
Right, they knew who he was, they knew who the
Vikings were, like they were, and they were just so
blessed and so thankful for us being there. So it
was it was life changing for me.
Speaker 2 (04:55):
That's amazing.
Speaker 1 (04:56):
I want to get more into what you did outside
of the camp, but let's talk more about the camp
and bringing football to Ghana. It was in road to
La twenty eight, which obviously is a nod to the
Summer Olympics, adding flag football, and you had the National
Flag Football Talent Scouting Camp at the University of Ghana.
You're able to have them run through drills and things
(05:17):
like that.
Speaker 2 (05:18):
Over one hundred, over one hundred. That's incredible for the
first thing.
Speaker 1 (05:21):
Yeah, yeah, what was the standout moment for you when
you had, I mean all these these guys looking up
to you, what was the standout moment?
Speaker 3 (05:30):
The standout moment for me would be, Uh, there was
a kid that tried with five hours to get to
the camp to showcase his ability, and that just speaks
to the volume of the talent and like the type
of guys that are in Ghana that.
Speaker 4 (05:44):
Just are seeking an opportunity.
Speaker 3 (05:45):
So he drove five hours, came in, didn't stretch, and
ran a forty yard dash and ran like a four
to four or something like that, and it was just unbelievable.
Like the grip the like want to to be a
part of something so special like this. I think that
was the highlight of my day, but also like it
was my birthday and being able to spend that with
(06:06):
you know, all the kids that show up, the participants
was something that I just, you know, absolutely appreciated, just
because I don't think there will ever be a birthday
like that where I'm able to spend you know, my
day giving back to the community, especially a place where
you know I'm from.
Speaker 4 (06:23):
So it was amazing.
Speaker 2 (06:24):
Aaron, what was.
Speaker 1 (06:25):
The energy like having conducted camps yourself and now you're
halfway across the world doing this at the University of God,
what was the energy like?
Speaker 6 (06:32):
The energy was electric.
Speaker 5 (06:34):
You just see those kids their bright eyed listening, waiting
for instruction, waiting to be coached up, but also competing
because we did like a combine drill and you were
hearing like when one person's going on there cheering each
other on and you think like, okay, we're competing, I'm
gonna beat your time, but these kids are getting hyped
for each other, and it was it was something that
(06:55):
it was something to see, especially once they got to
plan got to playing actual flag football after that, and
you're like sit back and you're like, hey, these guys
got some talent, like yeah, they need to be playing.
Speaker 4 (07:07):
Raw talent that just need to be worked on, and you.
Speaker 6 (07:10):
Can like these guys can put on some pads and
play like.
Speaker 1 (07:12):
And so now they're a part of a training program
right where they are trying to feel the team for
the twenty twenty eight flag football Olympics. So I mean
it's tough competition. How do you hope to help with
their pursuit in.
Speaker 3 (07:26):
This just I think it's just always just giving back.
I think now we've set up an infrastructure. The Authentic
Foundation has you know, found a way to you know,
give these guys resources, a pitch to practice on, you know,
coaches to help them advance their skill sets. So that's
kind of you know, my way of helping us just
(07:46):
set up the Authentic Foundation, and now my brother has
done a tremendous job of you know, giving guys tasks
to you know, make sure that these guys are getting
better every single day.
Speaker 1 (07:54):
Not to mention the cleats two hundred cleats from the Bikings.
Speaker 6 (07:59):
Might have been a real part the.
Speaker 2 (08:00):
Teammates and staff. Yeah, why so, because as.
Speaker 5 (08:03):
Soon as be a that's the hard work that people
don't see behind the scenes. After the season's over, he's
going around collecting cleats and he's telling guys, hey, I'm
gonna send this back home, and some guys probably don't
believe them, but he actually got them over there and
shipped them over there himself, and then camps over he
puts them out and you just see the kids going
crazy for him. And then there's kids probably grabbing the
(08:23):
socks twelve and they're probably the size eight, and they're like.
Speaker 6 (08:25):
I'm gonna make this work, make it.
Speaker 5 (08:28):
And they were just so so thankful to be given
something for free. And even that that kid who he
was talking about who ran the four to four, he
ran that in no cleats, no stretching, no just tennis
shoes hopped out there and ran.
Speaker 2 (08:43):
I mean, you probably didn't even believe your eyes at
that point.
Speaker 5 (08:45):
You're like, twice he read it twice?
Speaker 2 (08:50):
Oh my gosh, that's crazy.
Speaker 1 (08:53):
I mean so clearly, like the town is there, you're
working on on on helping them learn the drills, like
the actual game itself. How do you hope that what
you're doing there and maybe the Olympics is a possibility
even if it's not. What do you hope this does
for the sport of football in Ghana?
Speaker 3 (09:08):
I think it's just lifelong impact. You know, it's bigger
than just the Olympics. It's you know, creating an atmosphere
where you know, kids like me can say, Okay, I
want to play this sport and it actually comes to reality.
You know, you look at the NFL right now, you
know there, you know a lot of players that are
from Africa. You know a lot of Nigerians, a lot
of actually you know a small amount of Ghanians. So
(09:29):
you know, what I want to do is to give
Ghana a platform to say, hey, you know, we've got
the talent there too, and the NFL should come, you know,
look out for the players there. So that that's kind
of my main objective is to continue to broader the
the perception of players in Ghana so that you know,
they're once given the opportunity to change their family like
(09:49):
I was. I know, you know with the football how
I was able to change my entire family. And I
just look at you know, those kids in their eyes
and say, man, you got the talent, but you just
can't get the exposure.
Speaker 4 (10:02):
It's crazy to me.
Speaker 3 (10:02):
So giving them the exposure to change not only their
lives but their family's life is something that you know,
I just love because I know how I was able
to do that.
Speaker 4 (10:11):
For my family.
Speaker 1 (10:11):
Now, the camp was obviously a big part of this,
but you were able to experience getting culture. What was
something that stuck out to you as a like, Wow,
I'm never going to forget this moment, I would.
Speaker 6 (10:25):
Probably say, me and the king.
Speaker 5 (10:26):
I don't know how many people get the opportunity to
meet a king and then just to sit there and
listen to them talk. And he thanked us for coming
and he's like, you guys don't have to do this,
but you're doing in the South of the kind of
so your heart. He thanked b A. And then also
the sports ministry. Everything goes there goes through a sports ministry,
so we got to meet with them as well see
(10:48):
what like see how they do it there and what
goes into it and just how it's it's a little
different from the States, like everything is, and they're they're
building it up there.
Speaker 6 (10:59):
So it was cool to see, uh.
Speaker 5 (11:02):
And then I would say just walking the streets as well,
we were getting food on the on the street.
Speaker 3 (11:10):
It's basically like a Frida egg with a sweet bread. Yeah,
it's done right in front of you, so we cook
it right there.
Speaker 4 (11:19):
I took them boys out.
Speaker 3 (11:20):
It was like six or seven am and we're just
standing out there and like how Ghana is, Like they're
cooking on the street, like the main streets.
Speaker 4 (11:26):
So probably walked a couple of blocks.
Speaker 3 (11:28):
From down from a hotel and you know, took them
to the spot and the ladies literally making it right
there in front of us, like and it was.
Speaker 5 (11:34):
Delicious and everybody was so friendly. Yes, yeah, so friendly.
It's no like no violence there.
Speaker 6 (11:40):
It was. You're like, man, I could I told you,
I'm definitely coming back.
Speaker 1 (11:45):
I mean as as someone whose parents immigrated from Ghana
and meeting the king, like what kind of a moment
was that.
Speaker 2 (11:51):
Being able to share with with your parents.
Speaker 4 (11:53):
It was a it was a good moment.
Speaker 3 (11:55):
So my family is actually from Kumasi, so we were
actually in a kra so I met the Akra king.
You know, my next goal is to meet the Kumasa King,
which is not a say to to the second and
you know that much that will hit much harder for
me because my family like comes from that distinct like culture,
like that Seco tribe. You know what I'm saying that
just those tribes, so it I can't wait. But honestly,
(12:18):
just meeting him too is just it was just amazing,
you know, seeing how important he is to the god,
the god culture. You know, it was good.
Speaker 1 (12:26):
How do you think this trip Aaron changed your perspective
on football outside of the United States?
Speaker 5 (12:34):
The game is glowing globally, globally, and that's part of
why I wanted to go there to help spread it
as well. But you guys, you have guys who are
interested in playing who may not just have that resource
to make it over to here or make it over
to UH college and the States, which is BA is
providing that now, which is so cool to see.
Speaker 6 (12:54):
Uh.
Speaker 5 (12:54):
But there there's a huge interest. They know who is
the top guys in the NFL are I follow some
of them on Instagram.
Speaker 1 (13:03):
You see the many times they ask you about Justine.
Speaker 5 (13:10):
Too much.
Speaker 6 (13:11):
They were happy with who was who was there?
Speaker 5 (13:14):
Yes, so it was to see that and then sorry,
I forgot the other party.
Speaker 1 (13:21):
What oh, just the role as an athlete in glow
and I interrupted, you.
Speaker 2 (13:27):
Know, you're fine, but the role as.
Speaker 1 (13:29):
An athlete to bring football outside of the United States,
Like how that changed your.
Speaker 5 (13:33):
Perspective that that it is kind of already there, but
they need to see it, like they need to.
Speaker 6 (13:40):
I say, if you can see it, you can touch it.
It's attainable.
Speaker 5 (13:42):
So we we we gave them that. Now they have
something to work towards, like, hey, there's people here who
care about me. There's he's setting up the infrastructure the
resources there to help me continue to grow my game
and hopefully, like he said, they the NFL goes there
and starts a pathway program like they did in Nigeria.
And then now you're putting kids there in the NFL,
(14:03):
and like I said, the interest is there already everywhere.
That's why I feel like, that's why you see games
going to We're going to Dublin week. They got Spain,
they got Spain her possibly in the future, Dubai things
like that.
Speaker 1 (14:19):
So one day and one day, right, yeah, what what
how can fans in the community help you out, Brian
with this, Like how can they be a part of
this growth of football?
Speaker 4 (14:31):
Okay?
Speaker 3 (14:31):
So one way to help is first follow the be
Authentic Foundation page on Instagram. It's literally the Authentic Foundation.
And then also I have a website called the Brian
asa dot Com website and through that you'll also be
able to see all the things that we've done our
mission and how we plan to continue to serve the
youth out there in Ghana. And then also there's a
(14:51):
you know, ninth donation link, So we appreciate donations to
help this cause because you might not see the impact now,
but you will see it one day when you see
a guy you know what the last name is of,
Assam Want or you know I Jimi or whatever it is,
you know playing in the NFL or even college, Like
giving these guys and resources and opportunity to play at
another level, that itself is huge because again they don't
(15:14):
they don't get that that luxury of two four seven sports,
or you know, a college coach going to recruit them
in state. So you know, you might not see now,
but one day, you know you'll look back and be like, wow,
like I help this kid get to where he is.
Speaker 2 (15:27):
So it's exciting, it is.
Speaker 1 (15:28):
It's really really great what you guys are doing. I'd
be remiss if I didn't ask you about just the
start of camp. I mean, we're back here, Aaron. How's
it feeling You're back again for another season? Fans are
so pumped to.
Speaker 5 (15:39):
Have you back.
Speaker 1 (15:39):
I'm sure as as Ava well obviously, but what are
you really looking forward to as you just kind of
have your first practices today.
Speaker 5 (15:47):
Definitely, I'm super blessed to be be back. Didn't want
to go anywhere, so glad to be back, and I'm
just looking forward to getting after competing, and I said.
Speaker 6 (15:56):
It's like riding bike.
Speaker 5 (15:57):
We're out there and the walkthrough and you can tell
everybody a sharp they're ready to they're already go.
Speaker 6 (16:01):
Yeah, And I think most of.
Speaker 5 (16:04):
Us because we got a lot of our team back,
so a lot of us aren't trying to learn the offense.
We're comfortable with it now and it's like, hey, we
have we have some unfinished business. We know what we
have here. We have all the talent that we that
we need and now it's on us to just get
it done.
Speaker 1 (16:19):
Yes, speaking of consistency, third year with defensive coordinator Brian Flores,
you're kind of more comfortable in that system. Now, what
are you excited about, Brian, about this camp just kicking off.
Speaker 3 (16:29):
I think for me, I'm excited just for another opportunity
to go out there and just play the game that
I love. Every day is a wonderful day just to
go out there and play. So for me, it's just
having that level of consistency, just like you just said,
so stacking days with the opportunities I'm giving and making
sure that I capitalize because you know, I know how
(16:49):
I'm able to use my skill set to my advantage
and playing it within the defense could be a good way.
So I'm excited too. It's gonna be a good year.
Speaker 1 (16:57):
Well, I thank you so much. Thank you for your time.
I know it's probably lunchtime.
Speaker 2 (17:00):
You guys got to get fuel up.
Speaker 1 (17:02):
Before you go back out to practice, so we appreciate
you talking about that.
Speaker 4 (17:04):
Thank you. I appreciate you for real.
Speaker 2 (17:06):
Thank you, guys.
Speaker 1 (17:09):
Well, that'll wrap up today's episode of MVP. Huge thanks
to Brian and Aaron for opening up and sharing what
this trip meant to them, not just as athletes, but
also as people. It truly is amazing to see how
football can connect people from across continents and cultures. And
it's easy to get caught up in the game, but
moments like these remind us how powerful connection, culture and
(17:31):
giving back can be. Thank you guys so much for
tuning into the MVP. Now we're just getting started as
the season is quickly approaching, now.
Speaker 2 (17:39):
Is the time to stay connected.
Speaker 1 (17:41):
New episodes drop every Thursday on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube,
giving an inside look at training camp.
Speaker 2 (17:49):
I'm Tatum Everett.
Speaker 1 (17:50):
And we'll see you next week with more stories, more voices,
and more vikings.
Speaker 2 (17:53):
Football school.
Speaker 1 (17:57):
Say hello to flawlessly smooth skin at pure Lux Medspa,
the preferred medspa of the Minnesota Vikings cheerleaders, specializing in
elite laser hair removal, body contouring, botox, cosmetic filler, and
age defying skin care treatments such as Diamond Glow and
skin Pen for collagen induction therapy. Visit my pure lux
(18:18):
dot com backslash Vikings for exclusive offers to Vikings fans
The MVP Minnesota Vikings Podcast is back and better than
ever for the twenty and twenty five twenty twenty six
football season. I am your host Vikings Entertainment Networks Tatum Everett,
and I'm excited to sit down with you each and
every week, bringing to exclusive interviews, some behind the scenes stories,
all the latest from inside the Vikings organization. Before we
(00:27):
get into today's episode, which is a really, really fun
one to kick it off with, I just want to
share a couple of exciting upcoming events around here. For
training camp at TCOPC, which of course is twin Citi's
Orthopedics Performance Center. Training camp practices are listed at Vikings
dot com, Backslash training Camp, or you can check them
out on the Vikings app. But a couple of my
(00:50):
ones to watch out for This Saturday, July twenty six,
We're kicking off training camp with Back Together Weekend, the
Saturday edition presented by the Salvation Army. It features youth
football and cheer clinics, a taste of the Twin Cities
from Soulbol, and then on Monday, August fourth, you better
circle this one because that is our annual night practice
(01:10):
in TCO Stadium.
Speaker 2 (01:11):
From five to ten. Practice will start at seven that night.
Speaker 1 (01:15):
It's an adventure not gonna want to miss with the
Viking's Table food truck on site and a local artisan market.
And finally, just another note for you, the joint practices
are always going to be fun. That's Wednesday, August thirteenth
and Thursday August fourteenth, the New England Patriots come to
town before that preseason matchup on Saturday. And of course,
these no doubt are the two most intense practices all
(01:38):
training camp long.
Speaker 2 (01:39):
So let's get into the show.
Speaker 1 (01:41):
We're gonna kick things off with a special episode featuring
Brian Assimwa and Aaron Jones, who recently returned from an
unforgettable trip to Ghana. From flag football camps to cultural
deep dives. They've got some amazing stories to share.
Speaker 2 (01:56):
Let's get into it.
Speaker 1 (01:59):
Spallon Montan is the Twin Cities premier salon and spa
destination and proud official hair sponsor of the Minnesota Vikings cheerleaders.
With three convenient locations any Dinah, Woodbury and chan Hassen.
Speaker 2 (02:11):
There's a Spalan close to you.
Speaker 1 (02:13):
Visit online at spelan dot com.
Speaker 2 (02:17):
Joining us here in TCO Radio Studios.
Speaker 1 (02:19):
We've got Brian Asmat and Aaron Jones, and it's a
really special conversation we're going to have today because we're
going to go to your off field adventures that you
had this off season and talk a little bit more
about your trip to Ghana with NFL Africa. Now, Brian,
obviously you're kind of spearheaded this with your be Authentic foundation.
You're an NFL Flag Football ambassador. What was it like
(02:42):
and what does it mean to you to be able
to bring that program there that summer.
Speaker 3 (02:46):
Honestly, it's the unbelievable feeling because I always tell this
story when I was ten years old and I lived
in Ghana.
Speaker 4 (02:52):
You know, when I was when I said football, they
thought soccer.
Speaker 3 (02:55):
And then now going back, you know you say football,
They're like, Okay, I get what it is. So I'm
to see the growth the transition of like how American
sports have transitioned to Ghana. It's it's amazing and I'm
happy that I was able to, you know, bring a
couple of guys, guys that I you know, are really
close with on the team and some guys just probably
live next to me too, So it's even a wonderful
(03:16):
feeling just being able to just go back, give back
to the youth because they deserve that opportunity to try
a new sport, but also like have the opportunity to
play it at a high level.
Speaker 1 (03:25):
Right because you brought Jordan Addison and Aaron Jones. Aaron,
you making a significant contribution to Brian's foundation.
Speaker 2 (03:32):
We did, which helped with the invitation to come up.
So what part of it?
Speaker 1 (03:36):
I mean you you worked it into your schedule, which
was not easy. So why was it so important for
you to do not only to donate, but to be
there in person.
Speaker 5 (03:44):
I've seen what he was doing on a big scale,
and uh, part of that's part of what I want
to do is give back to the to the kids
and give the game back as well, be a resource
and use my platform in that way. And Ba had
called me, he was like, hey, you want to go
to you want to come to go I'm doing a camp.
I'm like, what are the dates? He told me? And
I was already going to Kuwait. So I just called
(04:06):
my my marketing people. I'm like, hey, I want to
go to Kuwait?
Speaker 4 (04:09):
Does this work?
Speaker 5 (04:10):
Can we get the flights changed from here to from
from Ghana to Yeah, it was. It was honestly, God
because I can't believe I still talking about it yesterday.
I was like, bro, I still can't believe I was
in Africa, like sitting back and I thanked him. I'm like,
thank you for making that happen, because I don't know
if I've ever would have.
Speaker 6 (04:28):
Went over there.
Speaker 5 (04:29):
And then just the experience I had was so real,
Like I'm like, man, like I've got to meet the King.
Speaker 6 (04:35):
I got to uh talk.
Speaker 5 (04:36):
To so many kids, and some of these kids knew
who I was, and so You're like, man, I'm I'm
all the way over.
Speaker 2 (04:43):
Here across they know who I am.
Speaker 5 (04:45):
Right, they knew who he was, they knew who the
Vikings were, like they were, and they were just so
blessed and so thankful for us being there. So it
was it was life changing for me.
Speaker 2 (04:55):
That's amazing.
Speaker 1 (04:56):
I want to get more into what you did outside
of the camp, but let's talk more about the camp
and bringing football to Ghana. It was in road to
La twenty eight, which obviously is a nod to the
Summer Olympics, adding flag football, and you had the National
Flag Football Talent Scouting Camp at the University of Ghana.
You're able to have them run through drills and things
(05:17):
like that.
Speaker 2 (05:18):
Over one hundred, over one hundred. That's incredible for the
first thing.
Speaker 1 (05:21):
Yeah, yeah, what was the standout moment for you when
you had, I mean all these these guys looking up
to you, what was the standout moment?
Speaker 3 (05:30):
The standout moment for me would be, Uh, there was
a kid that tried with five hours to get to
the camp to showcase his ability, and that just speaks
to the volume of the talent and like the type
of guys that are in Ghana that.
Speaker 4 (05:44):
Just are seeking an opportunity.
Speaker 3 (05:45):
So he drove five hours, came in, didn't stretch, and
ran a forty yard dash and ran like a four
to four or something like that, and it was just unbelievable.
Like the grip the like want to to be a
part of something so special like this. I think that
was the highlight of my day, but also like it
was my birthday and being able to spend that with
(06:06):
you know, all the kids that show up, the participants
was something that I just, you know, absolutely appreciated, just
because I don't think there will ever be a birthday
like that where I'm able to spend you know, my
day giving back to the community, especially a place where
you know I'm from.
Speaker 4 (06:23):
So it was amazing.
Speaker 2 (06:24):
Aaron, what was.
Speaker 1 (06:25):
The energy like having conducted camps yourself and now you're
halfway across the world doing this at the University of God,
what was the energy like?
Speaker 6 (06:32):
The energy was electric.
Speaker 5 (06:34):
You just see those kids their bright eyed listening, waiting
for instruction, waiting to be coached up, but also competing
because we did like a combine drill and you were
hearing like when one person's going on there cheering each
other on and you think like, okay, we're competing, I'm
gonna beat your time, but these kids are getting hyped
for each other, and it was it was something that
(06:55):
it was something to see, especially once they got to
plan got to playing actual flag football after that, and
you're like sit back and you're like, hey, these guys
got some talent, like yeah, they need to be playing.
Speaker 4 (07:07):
Raw talent that just need to be worked on, and you.
Speaker 6 (07:10):
Can like these guys can put on some pads and
play like.
Speaker 1 (07:12):
And so now they're a part of a training program
right where they are trying to feel the team for
the twenty twenty eight flag football Olympics. So I mean
it's tough competition. How do you hope to help with
their pursuit in.
Speaker 3 (07:26):
This just I think it's just always just giving back.
I think now we've set up an infrastructure. The Authentic
Foundation has you know, found a way to you know,
give these guys resources, a pitch to practice on, you know,
coaches to help them advance their skill sets. So that's
kind of you know, my way of helping us just
(07:46):
set up the Authentic Foundation, and now my brother has
done a tremendous job of you know, giving guys tasks
to you know, make sure that these guys are getting
better every single day.
Speaker 1 (07:54):
Not to mention the cleats two hundred cleats from the Bikings.
Speaker 6 (07:59):
Might have been a real part the.
Speaker 2 (08:00):
Teammates and staff. Yeah, why so, because as.
Speaker 5 (08:03):
Soon as be a that's the hard work that people
don't see behind the scenes. After the season's over, he's
going around collecting cleats and he's telling guys, hey, I'm
gonna send this back home, and some guys probably don't
believe them, but he actually got them over there and
shipped them over there himself, and then camps over he
puts them out and you just see the kids going
crazy for him. And then there's kids probably grabbing the
(08:23):
socks twelve and they're probably the size eight, and they're like.
Speaker 6 (08:25):
I'm gonna make this work, make it.
Speaker 5 (08:28):
And they were just so so thankful to be given
something for free. And even that that kid who he
was talking about who ran the four to four, he
ran that in no cleats, no stretching, no just tennis
shoes hopped out there and ran.
Speaker 2 (08:43):
I mean, you probably didn't even believe your eyes at
that point.
Speaker 5 (08:45):
You're like, twice he read it twice?
Speaker 2 (08:50):
Oh my gosh, that's crazy.
Speaker 1 (08:53):
I mean so clearly, like the town is there, you're
working on on on helping them learn the drills, like
the actual game itself. How do you hope that what
you're doing there and maybe the Olympics is a possibility
even if it's not. What do you hope this does
for the sport of football in Ghana?
Speaker 3 (09:08):
I think it's just lifelong impact. You know, it's bigger
than just the Olympics. It's you know, creating an atmosphere
where you know, kids like me can say, Okay, I
want to play this sport and it actually comes to reality.
You know, you look at the NFL right now, you
know there, you know a lot of players that are
from Africa. You know a lot of Nigerians, a lot
of actually you know a small amount of Ghanians. So
(09:29):
you know, what I want to do is to give
Ghana a platform to say, hey, you know, we've got
the talent there too, and the NFL should come, you know,
look out for the players there. So that that's kind
of my main objective is to continue to broader the
the perception of players in Ghana so that you know,
they're once given the opportunity to change their family like
(09:49):
I was. I know, you know with the football how
I was able to change my entire family. And I
just look at you know, those kids in their eyes
and say, man, you got the talent, but you just
can't get the exposure.
Speaker 4 (10:02):
It's crazy to me.
Speaker 3 (10:02):
So giving them the exposure to change not only their
lives but their family's life is something that you know,
I just love because I know how I was able
to do that.
Speaker 4 (10:11):
For my family.
Speaker 1 (10:11):
Now, the camp was obviously a big part of this,
but you were able to experience getting culture. What was
something that stuck out to you as a like, Wow,
I'm never going to forget this moment, I would.
Speaker 6 (10:25):
Probably say, me and the king.
Speaker 5 (10:26):
I don't know how many people get the opportunity to
meet a king and then just to sit there and
listen to them talk. And he thanked us for coming
and he's like, you guys don't have to do this,
but you're doing in the South of the kind of
so your heart. He thanked b A. And then also
the sports ministry. Everything goes there goes through a sports ministry,
so we got to meet with them as well see
(10:48):
what like see how they do it there and what
goes into it and just how it's it's a little
different from the States, like everything is, and they're they're
building it up there.
Speaker 6 (10:59):
So it was cool to see, uh.
Speaker 5 (11:02):
And then I would say just walking the streets as well,
we were getting food on the on the street.
Speaker 3 (11:10):
It's basically like a Frida egg with a sweet bread. Yeah,
it's done right in front of you, so we cook
it right there.
Speaker 4 (11:19):
I took them boys out.
Speaker 3 (11:20):
It was like six or seven am and we're just
standing out there and like how Ghana is, Like they're
cooking on the street, like the main streets.
Speaker 4 (11:26):
So probably walked a couple of blocks.
Speaker 3 (11:28):
From down from a hotel and you know, took them
to the spot and the ladies literally making it right
there in front of us, like and it was.
Speaker 5 (11:34):
Delicious and everybody was so friendly. Yes, yeah, so friendly.
It's no like no violence there.
Speaker 6 (11:40):
It was. You're like, man, I could I told you,
I'm definitely coming back.
Speaker 1 (11:45):
I mean as as someone whose parents immigrated from Ghana
and meeting the king, like what kind of a moment
was that.
Speaker 2 (11:51):
Being able to share with with your parents.
Speaker 4 (11:53):
It was a it was a good moment.
Speaker 3 (11:55):
So my family is actually from Kumasi, so we were
actually in a kra so I met the Akra king.
You know, my next goal is to meet the Kumasa King,
which is not a say to to the second and
you know that much that will hit much harder for
me because my family like comes from that distinct like culture,
like that Seco tribe. You know what I'm saying that
just those tribes, so it I can't wait. But honestly,
(12:18):
just meeting him too is just it was just amazing,
you know, seeing how important he is to the god,
the god culture. You know, it was good.
Speaker 1 (12:26):
How do you think this trip Aaron changed your perspective
on football outside of the United States?
Speaker 5 (12:34):
The game is glowing globally, globally, and that's part of
why I wanted to go there to help spread it
as well. But you guys, you have guys who are
interested in playing who may not just have that resource
to make it over to here or make it over
to UH college and the States, which is BA is
providing that now, which is so cool to see.
Speaker 6 (12:54):
Uh.
Speaker 5 (12:54):
But there there's a huge interest. They know who is
the top guys in the NFL are I follow some
of them on Instagram.
Speaker 1 (13:03):
You see the many times they ask you about Justine.
Speaker 5 (13:10):
Too much.
Speaker 6 (13:11):
They were happy with who was who was there?
Speaker 5 (13:14):
Yes, so it was to see that and then sorry,
I forgot the other party.
Speaker 1 (13:21):
What oh, just the role as an athlete in glow
and I interrupted, you.
Speaker 2 (13:27):
Know, you're fine, but the role as.
Speaker 1 (13:29):
An athlete to bring football outside of the United States,
Like how that changed your.
Speaker 5 (13:33):
Perspective that that it is kind of already there, but
they need to see it, like they need to.
Speaker 6 (13:40):
I say, if you can see it, you can touch it.
It's attainable.
Speaker 5 (13:42):
So we we we gave them that. Now they have
something to work towards, like, hey, there's people here who
care about me. There's he's setting up the infrastructure the
resources there to help me continue to grow my game
and hopefully, like he said, they the NFL goes there
and starts a pathway program like they did in Nigeria.
And then now you're putting kids there in the NFL,
(14:03):
and like I said, the interest is there already everywhere.
That's why I feel like, that's why you see games
going to We're going to Dublin week. They got Spain,
they got Spain her possibly in the future, Dubai things
like that.
Speaker 1 (14:19):
So one day and one day, right, yeah, what what
how can fans in the community help you out, Brian
with this, Like how can they be a part of
this growth of football?
Speaker 4 (14:31):
Okay?
Speaker 3 (14:31):
So one way to help is first follow the be
Authentic Foundation page on Instagram. It's literally the Authentic Foundation.
And then also I have a website called the Brian
asa dot Com website and through that you'll also be
able to see all the things that we've done our
mission and how we plan to continue to serve the
youth out there in Ghana. And then also there's a
(14:51):
you know, ninth donation link, So we appreciate donations to
help this cause because you might not see the impact now,
but you will see it one day when you see
a guy you know what the last name is of,
Assam Want or you know I Jimi or whatever it is,
you know playing in the NFL or even college, Like
giving these guys and resources and opportunity to play at
another level, that itself is huge because again they don't
(15:14):
they don't get that that luxury of two four seven sports,
or you know, a college coach going to recruit them
in state. So you know, you might not see now,
but one day, you know you'll look back and be like, wow,
like I help this kid get to where he is.
Speaker 2 (15:27):
So it's exciting, it is.
Speaker 1 (15:28):
It's really really great what you guys are doing. I'd
be remiss if I didn't ask you about just the
start of camp. I mean, we're back here, Aaron. How's
it feeling You're back again for another season? Fans are
so pumped to.
Speaker 5 (15:39):
Have you back.
Speaker 1 (15:39):
I'm sure as as Ava well obviously, but what are
you really looking forward to as you just kind of
have your first practices today.
Speaker 5 (15:47):
Definitely, I'm super blessed to be be back. Didn't want
to go anywhere, so glad to be back, and I'm
just looking forward to getting after competing, and I said.
Speaker 6 (15:56):
It's like riding bike.
Speaker 5 (15:57):
We're out there and the walkthrough and you can tell
everybody a sharp they're ready to they're already go.
Speaker 6 (16:01):
Yeah, And I think most of.
Speaker 5 (16:04):
Us because we got a lot of our team back,
so a lot of us aren't trying to learn the offense.
We're comfortable with it now and it's like, hey, we
have we have some unfinished business. We know what we
have here. We have all the talent that we that
we need and now it's on us to just get
it done.
Speaker 1 (16:19):
Yes, speaking of consistency, third year with defensive coordinator Brian Flores,
you're kind of more comfortable in that system. Now, what
are you excited about, Brian, about this camp just kicking off.
Speaker 3 (16:29):
I think for me, I'm excited just for another opportunity
to go out there and just play the game that
I love. Every day is a wonderful day just to
go out there and play. So for me, it's just
having that level of consistency, just like you just said,
so stacking days with the opportunities I'm giving and making
sure that I capitalize because you know, I know how
(16:49):
I'm able to use my skill set to my advantage
and playing it within the defense could be a good way.
So I'm excited too. It's gonna be a good year.
Speaker 1 (16:57):
Well, I thank you so much. Thank you for your time.
I know it's probably lunchtime.
Speaker 2 (17:00):
You guys got to get fuel up.
Speaker 1 (17:02):
Before you go back out to practice, so we appreciate
you talking about that.
Speaker 4 (17:04):
Thank you. I appreciate you for real.
Speaker 2 (17:06):
Thank you, guys.
Speaker 1 (17:09):
Well, that'll wrap up today's episode of MVP. Huge thanks
to Brian and Aaron for opening up and sharing what
this trip meant to them, not just as athletes, but
also as people. It truly is amazing to see how
football can connect people from across continents and cultures. And
it's easy to get caught up in the game, but
moments like these remind us how powerful connection, culture and
(17:31):
giving back can be. Thank you guys so much for
tuning into the MVP. Now we're just getting started as
the season is quickly approaching, now.
Speaker 2 (17:39):
Is the time to stay connected.
Speaker 1 (17:41):
New episodes drop every Thursday on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube,
giving an inside look at training camp.
Speaker 2 (17:49):
I'm Tatum Everett.
Speaker 1 (17:50):
And we'll see you next week with more stories, more voices,
and more vikings.
Speaker 2 (17:53):
Football school.
Speaker 1 (17:57):
Say hello to flawlessly smooth skin at pure Lux Medspa,
the preferred medspa of the Minnesota Vikings cheerleaders, specializing in
elite laser hair removal, body contouring, botox, cosmetic filler, and
age defying skin care treatments such as Diamond Glow and
skin Pen for collagen induction therapy. Visit my pure lux
(18:18):
dot com backslash Vikings for exclusive offers to Vikings fans
Popular Podcasts
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Special Summer Offer: Exclusively on Apple Podcasts, try our Dateline Premium subscription completely free for one month! With Dateline Premium, you get every episode ad-free plus exclusive bonus content.
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!