December 6, 2025 • 22 mins
Tatum Everett from VEN gets you set for the Week 14 matchup against the Commanders!
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 (00:00):
Man, Welcome into the two Minute Warning presented by three M,
the official science partner of the Minnesota Vikings. I'm your
host Tatum Everett from the Vikings Entertainment Network, and it's
Week fourteen. The Vikings returned to US Bank Stadium against
the Washington Commanders, looking to snap before game skid. Both
(00:20):
teams come in needing that victory in Minnesota is four
and eight after a brutal twenty six to zero shutout
in Seattle, and Washington's riding a seven game losing streak
that includes back to back overtime heartbreakers. Now Vegas has
this one as a near pickum, with the Commander slightly
favored and the total hovering around forty one and a
half points, so don't expect too many fireworks, but do
(00:43):
expect a gritty battle between two teams fighting for pride.
Head coach Kevin O'Connell checked in on Friday in his
final presser before the game and had this to say,
all Right.
Speaker 2 (00:54):
Proud of our team with the work of practice we
had this week. Got had three really good days and
guys are excited to play at US Bank Stadium.
Speaker 3 (01:03):
We got to play better than we have at home.
Speaker 2 (01:05):
We know that's a huge part of it, our fan
base being bringing the energy, and we got to give
him a reason to bring the energy. And and I
know our our team and and the type of work work.
Speaker 3 (01:15):
Week that we've had.
Speaker 2 (01:17):
I feel really good about our guys playing well this Sunday,
h you know, against a really well coached, really talented
football team.
Speaker 3 (01:24):
So it should be a very good football game. I
want to highlight CJ.
Speaker 4 (01:28):
Ham, you know, told the team a few days ago,
but just winning the Walter Payton Man of the Year
voted by his teammates not a surprise at all.
Speaker 3 (01:38):
Everything about c J.
Speaker 4 (01:39):
Ham is uh is what really makes my job so special.
Getting the coach, players like him, getting to be around
players like him, players like him, making me better.
Speaker 3 (01:51):
On and off the field. It is uh. You know.
Speaker 2 (01:54):
I can't say enough good things about what he means,
what he's meant to the community, both him and his
wife's staph. What they've done in the Twin Cities here
and beyond is one of one in my opinion, So
very thankful that we get to recognize c jm what
he means to our team, organization and community as well.
Game status updates, THEO Jackson and Levi Drake will be
(02:16):
out this week. We'll have three players with the questionable
tag Ty Chandler, who's you know, we just opened up
his window this week, and then Donovan Jackson and Christian
darrisaw both guys, both CD and.
Speaker 3 (02:30):
Donovan got some great work in today.
Speaker 2 (02:33):
See how they turn over over the next twenty four
hours and hopefully have both those guys for the game.
Speaker 5 (02:40):
Kevin, with the news of Jayden and Daniels playing, what
do you remember about the time you spent around him
in the draft process.
Speaker 4 (02:45):
Yeah, Jaden is you know, as as talented as they come.
Speaker 3 (02:49):
We saw it on display last year.
Speaker 2 (02:51):
You know obviously when he you know, had the year
he had, he's had, you know, that same impact when
he's been on the field.
Speaker 3 (02:57):
So we've kind of went about it all week like
we're gonna see.
Speaker 2 (02:59):
Him, knowing not only Jayden, but how Marcus.
Speaker 3 (03:03):
Has played as well.
Speaker 2 (03:05):
So, uh, you know, their offense doesn't change a whole
lot schematically, but obviously Jayden Daniels is one of the
best young players in the NFL, and uh, you know,
glad he's able to you know, recover from that injury
and and get a chance to compete but we got
to be ready to play a good defense, which we've
been playing lately. Proud of that group, and and we've
got to have a complimentary game with the other two
(03:25):
phases as well to win this one.
Speaker 3 (03:28):
In stood our most washing him coming out for the
most I.
Speaker 4 (03:32):
Just think, uh, the you know, I I had done
quite a bit excuse me, quite a bit of work
on him the previous year and then uh, you know,
which there was a lot to like on that tape,
and then you take a step forward with what he did,
uh in in his final year at LSU. The growth
from one year to the other was was phenomenal. And
(03:52):
that's saying something because he was a really good player
of the previous year. I had, you know, the ability
just through some connections at the you know area, even
when he was at Arizona State, I knew about him
kind of always known about him, and then just watching
his growth throughout his college journey, I was not shocked
at all with either where he was selected and ultimately
the type of rookie year he had. I think he's
(04:16):
you know, above the neck, smart, cerebral, totally in complete poise.
It seems like every snap, regardless of whether it's a
playoff game last year or his first start going back.
Speaker 2 (04:29):
To the beginning of last year, and so I'm expecting,
even though he's been recovering here for a few weeks,
I'm expecting that same guy on Sunday US Bank Stadium,
which means you know they're going to be at full
capacity and we got to be ready to play well,
not only on defense, but in.
Speaker 3 (04:46):
All three phases.
Speaker 1 (04:48):
For the second straight season, fullback CJ. Hamm was named
the Vikings Walter Peyton Manned the Year club winner. It's
truly one of the most unique NFL journeys, from being
a rookie tryout to practice squad, to start and captain
and now he's about to finish out his tenth year
in the league. I had the chance to sit down
with him this week as he reflects on this incredible honor,
which recognizes his philanthropic efforts.
Speaker 6 (05:10):
Well, CJ, I don't have to tell you this, but
you're coming up on a decade mark. When you hear that,
what goes through your mind?
Speaker 3 (05:19):
I'm getting old, aren't we all? But not.
Speaker 7 (05:22):
Secondly, it's really just gratitude, just thankful that I've been
able to do what I love for ten seasons and
in my home state where I grew up watching this
team and being close to the family and friends, like
truly a lot of gratitude.
Speaker 6 (05:36):
The fact that your home state team is not only
the only team that you've been on, I mean, that
has to be so big for you. How could you
put that into words?
Speaker 7 (05:45):
It's it's it's really hard to put into words. I mean,
like I said, just grateful, humble. It's a it's a
story that I that I would have ever thought of
that I can't write. You know, I believe it's really
a blessing from God that I've been able to be
here as long as I have and share these moments
with my family and friends. So it's a story that
(06:06):
I can't even write. And you know, I'm just continuing
to know walk walk in the store.
Speaker 6 (06:12):
And for the second straight season, you are the Walter
Payton Man of the Year club winner, voted on by
your teammates.
Speaker 1 (06:20):
What about that?
Speaker 6 (06:22):
Do you hope people see not the recognition.
Speaker 8 (06:24):
But the work.
Speaker 7 (06:25):
I mean, first off, it's I can't I still can't
put in the words. I couldn't put in the words
last year, and I really still can't put them in
the words like how much, how much this means to
me and my family, Like there's so many guys on
our team who do so many great things, so many
guys around the league who are changing lives all over
the world. And to be put into that small group
(06:47):
of people for my teammates to see see what I've
been able to be a part of and you know,
see like, hey, you know he's really trying to see
people and love people and know.
Speaker 3 (06:59):
People, and it mean, it means the absolutely worll to me.
Speaker 6 (07:03):
Your teammates say, that's who you are, and though where
does that come from?
Speaker 7 (07:07):
And it comes from I would definitely say my parents,
you know, my dad and my and my late mother.
I think I said this last year as well, but
just people who truly just loved everyone.
Speaker 3 (07:19):
You know.
Speaker 7 (07:19):
I don't know how many different family members I would
have moved from Chicago to come, you know, live with
us in Minnesota. You know, my mom was always taking
their kids, you know, making sure people had something to eat,
you know, clothes on their back. And so they just
taught me to live for something bigger than.
Speaker 6 (07:35):
Myself, blessing, to be a blessing, something that your mom
Tina taught you.
Speaker 9 (07:40):
To live by.
Speaker 6 (07:42):
What do you think she would say to you about
winning this award for the second straight year.
Speaker 7 (07:50):
I think she would be proud, but I really think
she would just say, keep you know, keep on, keep on,
keeping off. You know, this is this is this is
what she has taught me, you know, through through our faith,
through you know, what she believes is that we are
blessed to be a blessing. There's always something that anyone
has in the world to give toody to somebody else.
(08:12):
You know, even our successes, our failures, they are all
to help somebody else. So you know, take it that
way and just continue to continue to be a blessing other.
Speaker 1 (08:22):
After missing last week's game in Seattle while in concussion protocol,
quarterback JJ McCarthy's cleared all steps in return as a
full participant in practice this week. Head coach Kevin O'Connell
confirmed he's symptom free and on track to start Sunday
against Washington. This is a big moment for the second
year QB, who's endured a roller coaster season six starts,
(08:43):
six touchdowns, ten interceptions, and two separate injuries that have
kept him off the field. He spoke to the media
on Thursday about his outlook for Sunday and battling through adversity.
Speaker 5 (08:53):
A lot of the mentality has changed, for sure. You know,
I was just so focused on doing every rep perfect
and making sure, you know, every little detail was crossed
and checked off. And you know, I feel like coach
O'Connell and coach McCown them talking to me about Hey, like,
let's worry about that stuff in the offseason. Go out there,
play your ball, just you know, execute the play at
the end of the day. And you know that just
(09:14):
frees up a lot of space mentally to be in
sinctual react and you know, respond to what the defense
has given me.
Speaker 3 (09:19):
And yeah, very excited to play well. Thinking is that
you're seeing sometimes? Is that what happens.
Speaker 5 (09:23):
I'm definitely a natural overthinker, So you know the way,
and it's not against them. I need to do a
better job of compartmentalizing those coaching points and realizing when
it's game time it's time to let it loose and
not focus.
Speaker 3 (09:35):
On that couch. Justin Jefferson, be like with you this week.
In the last couple of weeks, now.
Speaker 5 (09:41):
I can't say enough about you know, him and the
entire team in general, but specifically him. You know, you
see so many receivers around the league just kind of
be a me guy, and he's not a me guy. Obviously,
it's frustrating, obviously he's the greatest in the world and.
Speaker 3 (09:54):
Going through tough times.
Speaker 5 (09:55):
But the way he's responded, the way he's acted towards me,
and just the how he wears that seat on his chest,
it's something amazing and that just you know, amplifies his
ability as a player.
Speaker 3 (10:06):
For sure.
Speaker 5 (10:07):
What extent do you think you need to show these
guys that you know or prove anything to these guys
as they kind of go into the offseason and make
decisions about next year.
Speaker 3 (10:15):
Of these last five games.
Speaker 5 (10:17):
I feel like the number one quality for a quarterback,
for a franchise quarterback is you know, protecting the football
and making sure we win football games. So that's what
it comes down to, you know, just trying to simplify
things and understand that it's about executing players, but it's
also about the main thing winning games, and doing that
is protecting football.
Speaker 3 (10:34):
For surely, like.
Speaker 5 (10:34):
A libality aspect of its coaching Sunday where.
Speaker 3 (10:38):
It's just like we'll do what I've done mys for sure.
Speaker 5 (10:42):
Yeah, And it's not like I'm totally disregarding all the
coaching points and all that and definitely not. But it's
just you know, picking and choosing which ones you carry
into you into game day with and you know what's
going to be the most effective way of completing that
player working on a.
Speaker 9 (10:56):
New coach, how long does that typically take them to
learn about you in terms of that you are a
thinker in the right ways to kind of coach you
and say things that are going to help you.
Speaker 5 (11:05):
Yeah, it's tough because I feel like, you know, my
fiance and I we've been together for seven years and.
Speaker 3 (11:09):
We're still learning things about each other.
Speaker 5 (11:11):
And uh, you know, it's just amazing to you know,
be with such an open minded group, such an empathetic
group that's always trying to get, you know, the best
out of what you can bring to the table instead
of trying to mold you into what they want. So,
you know, I'm very appreciative and you know, grateful to
be in this situation.
Speaker 3 (11:28):
We're just last facade this week with.
Speaker 5 (11:30):
You protecting the football understanding that you know, we got
to give our team a chance to win and you know,
do whatever we can as an offense, stack positive plays
and you know, just execute, execute all eleven. You know
all three phases, and you know, specifically on the offensive side,
we need to show it for sure.
Speaker 1 (11:48):
There's more coming up after a short break, we'll hear
from Justin Jefferson and TJ. Hockinson about the Vikings offensive
approach to Sunday. And also we'll hear from Josh Mattellus
who talked about playing for more than just pride. Stay tuned,
but first from the field to the roof and everywhere
in between. Three m The official science partner of the
(12:09):
Minnesota Vikings is here. Visit Vikings dot com slash school
Science to learn more. Hey Vikings fans, right now you
can pick up a commemorative Pepsi Vikings Cup at us
Bank Stadium or participating High V Fast and Fresh and
Buffalo Wile Wings locations for your chance to win Victor's
(12:30):
Ride or other great prizes. Vikings fans deserve Pepsi School
Welcome back to the two Minute Warning once again. I'm
your host, Tatum Everett, the Vikings host the Washington Commanders
on Sunday, who are five and five all time on
the road against Minnesota wide receiver Justin Jefferson wants to
make sure it stays that way. Despite coming off a
(12:50):
career low four yard outing in Seattle, Jefferson leads the
team with sixty two catches for seven hundred and ninety
nine yards, yet he scored just two touchdowns. I'll see,
he's been vocal about wanting to win, and head coach
Kevin O'Connell and really every player on the team maintains
Jefferson's energy and leadership remain intact despite the struggles. He
(13:11):
spoke this week about this frustrating time and how they
plan on turning the page Sunday.
Speaker 4 (13:16):
I mean it's tough, you know, obviously it's frustrating to
have the losses and to go through what we feel
is the same same, you know, difficulties that we're facing.
So I mean, it's just the energy has still got
to be there, Uh, the focus still got to be there.
You know, all of those things that we've been doing
(13:36):
the whole entire season still has to be there.
Speaker 3 (13:39):
You know, the season isn't over.
Speaker 4 (13:40):
The you know, we still have five games left and
I will never you know, sit there and give up
on this team and just quit, So, uh, the preparation
still has to be the same throughout the entire season.
Speaker 10 (13:51):
We didn't get a chance to talk to Sunday. Just
where was your head up coming out of that line?
Speaker 4 (13:57):
Yeah, just frustrating on the on the game, coming out
with zero points is never something that I'm satisfied with.
We lost, you know, and obviously I just feel like
it's the same thing.
Speaker 3 (14:10):
You know, I'm gonna I'm gonna be sitting.
Speaker 4 (14:12):
There telling y'all guys the same exact you know thing
that that I've said for the past couple of weeks. Uh,
you know, the offense needs to get better, and you know,
we need to focus up and execute and all of
the things that we've been saying the whole season. So
I just wanted to I knew I was gonna talk
to you all guys today, So just you know.
Speaker 3 (14:27):
The frustration and the emotions.
Speaker 4 (14:30):
Uh, you know, definitely definitely was high after the game.
Speaker 10 (14:34):
Said yesterday that he feels like your vocal leadership has
really taken some improvement in the past few seasons. Like
what have you found is the value in that side
of leadership in addition to like leading by action.
Speaker 4 (14:45):
Uh, yeah, you know, just over the years, you know,
doing what I have done. I feel like a lot
of people look at me as you know, one of
the faces of this franchise and one of the you
know leaders of this team.
Speaker 3 (14:56):
So uh, you know, leading.
Speaker 4 (14:58):
By example this one thing, but going out there and
being vocal and you know, telling the guys what's on
my mind and telling the guys what I expect from
from the offense, from the team. It goes even longer
than you know, just you know, staying quiet and just
doing what I'm supposed to do. So it's just you know,
a long time coming from you know, being a shy
kid into now turning around being a vocal leader and
(15:19):
being one of the faces of this of this team.
Speaker 1 (15:24):
Tight End TJ. Hockinson is coming off his best stat
line of the season. His six catch fifty nine yard
performance was one of the few bright spots against the Seahawks.
As a seven year NFL veteran, Hawkinson understands what it
takes to get through times of adversity. He spoke with
a podium on Wednesday about the team's commitment to improving
and how leaders have been stepping up this week to
write the ship.
Speaker 5 (15:44):
How tough is it on a player to go from
where you guys were last year in a playoff position
to just trying to stay afloat this season.
Speaker 9 (15:52):
I think that's the nature of the NFL. Every year
is different, every team is different. You know, every game
is you know, every everybody can beat anybody on any
given moment and maybe any given Sunday, and I unfortunately
the ball hasn't bounced our way in a few games
that we've needed. And you know, but that's the nature
(16:13):
of this league. It will humble you fast, and you
know you gotta continue working. You've got to continue to push.
Speaker 3 (16:21):
On and move forward.
Speaker 9 (16:22):
But yeah, this this league is is not for the weary.
You know, you've gotta you got to stay in it
every single day.
Speaker 3 (16:30):
You know, you can't.
Speaker 9 (16:32):
You can't get complacent in this league. And you know
it just you know it. It reminds you of that
a lot.
Speaker 11 (16:39):
So just when it comes to the you guys talk
lomb up culture that you guys have created, I mean,
I guess how much do you lean on that when
things get as difficult as.
Speaker 3 (16:50):
They are right now. You have to lean on it.
You got to lean on these guys in the huddle.
Speaker 9 (16:55):
You got to lean on these guys in the locker room.
You know, we we've got the ultimate group of competitors here.
And nobody likes what has happened. No, I mean, I'm
not gonna sit here and say it's been rosy or
anything like that. It's not fun to lose games in
this league. And but you know, we have built a
culture here that we think is the lasting culture.
Speaker 3 (17:19):
And that's what.
Speaker 9 (17:21):
We're going to continue to build and continue to lean
on when things get tough and and just move forward.
And that's that's what we're doing. We came out here,
we had a great practice, Guys were flying around, and
you know, you don't always see that on teams like
this where you know you're not winning games, been on
teams where you don't win games, and guys come out
(17:42):
here and they run half speed. But that's not this team,
that's not this culture, and and that's that's all we're
That's all we can control at the end of the day,
is how hard we work and how you know, how
you take your mental to practice every single day, so
you can control.
Speaker 12 (18:01):
Yeah, when you talk about guys coming out here and
still giving it, they're all not going half speed.
Speaker 11 (18:06):
Is that something that is discussed by leadership or is
that disinherent by the culture you do.
Speaker 9 (18:12):
I think that's a lot of the guys here, you know.
I mean, I think that's the locker room that we build.
I think obviously you preach it from from KO to
everybody the top like the top of our building. But
you know that that doesn't always trickle down to the players.
Speaker 3 (18:31):
And that's the culture that you build.
Speaker 9 (18:33):
Is Hey, it doesn't matter what what's going on outside
of here. It matters what we do today and what
we do on this crash. And it's a blessing to
be able to be in between these white lines every
single day.
Speaker 3 (18:44):
And you can't take that for granted. And you know.
Speaker 9 (18:47):
We all have goals, we all have things that we
want to do, and it starts with a the culture
that you build. But then the hard work that you
put in in between these white lines. I think that's
what everybody is trying to do. She'll see you guys
out here working their craft and doing everything no matter
what's going on.
Speaker 1 (19:08):
That defense has been stout despite the losing streak. Brian
Flores's group enters week fourteen ranked tenth overall, fifth against
the pass and eighteenth in scoring defense, even while dealing
with short fields and constant pressure from turnovers. They've been aggressive,
blitz heavy, and resilient. The Commanders bring the NFL's third
ranked rushing attack, averaging nearly one hundred and thirty nine
(19:30):
yards per game, so this matchup will test Minnesota's run defense.
Expect names like Dallas Turner, who leaves the team with
five and a half sacks, and Jonathan Gernard back from injury,
to play a huge role in setting the edge and
creating that chaos. Safety Josh Mattelis and veteran Harrison Smith
will be key in disguising coverages against Marcus Mariota or
(19:51):
Jaden Daniels if he returns. Speaking of Mattellus, he spoke
on Wednesday during open locker room about staying the course,
remembering the why behind playing the game.
Speaker 3 (20:00):
Yeah. Every every week, you know, we're gonna do our part.
Speaker 12 (20:04):
We're gonna control we can control, and that's given this
football football team a chance to win. We don't really,
you know, care too much of what's going on anywhere else.
You know, all we can control is what we put
out on tape. And that's been a mindset all year.
And it's gonna be a mindset moving forward as well.
Speaker 3 (20:18):
That's time as if prepared maybe for two quarterbacks.
Speaker 8 (20:20):
Are saying that JUNI games, you guys with the team
of Marcus definitely for quarterbacks, how do you kind of
spend your practice time between now and then?
Speaker 3 (20:28):
They're bringing from maybe both.
Speaker 12 (20:29):
Yeah, I mean when you look at the way their
team was built, they kind of knew, you know, Jayden
Daniels obviously the year he had rookie year, and coming
into the off season bringing into Mariota, trying to like,
you have a guy in that the offense can.
Speaker 3 (20:39):
Still flow away. It's supposed to flow.
Speaker 12 (20:41):
When Jayden isn't in there, I mean, obviously you don't
want anybody to get hurt, and uh, he had an injury.
So when Mariota's been there, it's been pretty much the
same offense. I'm obviously different kind of players different points
in their careers, but it's pretty much the same thing.
Speaker 3 (20:55):
We're gonna prepare the same way regardless. You know, we
play a specific kind of defense.
Speaker 12 (21:00):
We see a lot of the same things throughout the
week to week basis anyway, So I don't think it's
really that hard.
Speaker 3 (21:06):
We thinks standing right now.
Speaker 8 (21:07):
How much do you have to lean on pride and
professionalism to get out there and try to get their
way on Sunday?
Speaker 12 (21:12):
I mean I think, uh, when you just you just
talk about the reason we play and the why, man,
it's not hard. And you know you go out there
for reasons bigger than the money, the fame, the you know,
I can I can speak for myself, you know, I
can't speak for too many other people, but I know
we got a lot of the same guys through the
same mindset on the scene, and uh, we're playing for
(21:34):
pride every week we go out there. You know, anytime
you get a chance to go out there with your
last name on your jersey, you're gonna play with some pride. So, uh,
you know that that's what we're banking on right now.
You know, for everybody to go out there and just
understand that, you know, we got one chance, one op
you know, on this Sunday, or just keep it going
week to week. He's just football games, Yeah, you know,
the object is the game to win, and uh, nothing
(21:54):
feels good when you're not winning this league. So to
get back on this winning side, you know that that's
all we're looking forward.
Speaker 3 (21:59):
To this week.
Speaker 1 (22:01):
The Vikings return to US Bank Stadium this weekend to
take on the Commanders. It's a noon kickoff over on Fox,
but you can also catch Pa, Pete Bursag, Ben Lieber,
and Mike Mussman right here on Kfan with the pregame
show beginning at ten AM. All across the Vikings audio network.
Thank you for listening to the two minute Warning presented
by three AM. The official science partners of the Minnesota
(22:23):
Vikings enjoy.
Speaker 6 (22:24):
The game and Skoll.
Speaker 1 (22:29):
Minnesota needed a go to source for everything high school sports.
That's why the Minnesota Star Tribune created strib Varsity. Sign
up now at startribune dot com slash strib Varsity.
Speaker 5 (22:40):
The Vikings Commander Sunday at noon on your audio home
for Vikings Football FM one hundred point three Kfan The
Fan powered by Heidi
Man, Welcome into the two Minute Warning presented by three M,
the official science partner of the Minnesota Vikings. I'm your
host Tatum Everett from the Vikings Entertainment Network, and it's
Week fourteen. The Vikings returned to US Bank Stadium against
the Washington Commanders, looking to snap before game skid. Both
(00:20):
teams come in needing that victory in Minnesota is four
and eight after a brutal twenty six to zero shutout
in Seattle, and Washington's riding a seven game losing streak
that includes back to back overtime heartbreakers. Now Vegas has
this one as a near pickum, with the Commander slightly
favored and the total hovering around forty one and a
half points, so don't expect too many fireworks, but do
(00:43):
expect a gritty battle between two teams fighting for pride.
Head coach Kevin O'Connell checked in on Friday in his
final presser before the game and had this to say,
all Right.
Speaker 2 (00:54):
Proud of our team with the work of practice we
had this week. Got had three really good days and
guys are excited to play at US Bank Stadium.
Speaker 3 (01:03):
We got to play better than we have at home.
Speaker 2 (01:05):
We know that's a huge part of it, our fan
base being bringing the energy, and we got to give
him a reason to bring the energy. And and I
know our our team and and the type of work work.
Speaker 3 (01:15):
Week that we've had.
Speaker 2 (01:17):
I feel really good about our guys playing well this Sunday,
h you know, against a really well coached, really talented
football team.
Speaker 3 (01:24):
So it should be a very good football game. I
want to highlight CJ.
Speaker 4 (01:28):
Ham, you know, told the team a few days ago,
but just winning the Walter Payton Man of the Year
voted by his teammates not a surprise at all.
Speaker 3 (01:38):
Everything about c J.
Speaker 4 (01:39):
Ham is uh is what really makes my job so special.
Getting the coach, players like him, getting to be around
players like him, players like him, making me better.
Speaker 3 (01:51):
On and off the field. It is uh. You know.
Speaker 2 (01:54):
I can't say enough good things about what he means,
what he's meant to the community, both him and his
wife's staph. What they've done in the Twin Cities here
and beyond is one of one in my opinion, So
very thankful that we get to recognize c jm what
he means to our team, organization and community as well.
Game status updates, THEO Jackson and Levi Drake will be
(02:16):
out this week. We'll have three players with the questionable
tag Ty Chandler, who's you know, we just opened up
his window this week, and then Donovan Jackson and Christian
darrisaw both guys, both CD and.
Speaker 3 (02:30):
Donovan got some great work in today.
Speaker 2 (02:33):
See how they turn over over the next twenty four
hours and hopefully have both those guys for the game.
Speaker 5 (02:40):
Kevin, with the news of Jayden and Daniels playing, what
do you remember about the time you spent around him
in the draft process.
Speaker 4 (02:45):
Yeah, Jaden is you know, as as talented as they come.
Speaker 3 (02:49):
We saw it on display last year.
Speaker 2 (02:51):
You know obviously when he you know, had the year
he had, he's had, you know, that same impact when
he's been on the field.
Speaker 3 (02:57):
So we've kind of went about it all week like
we're gonna see.
Speaker 2 (02:59):
Him, knowing not only Jayden, but how Marcus.
Speaker 3 (03:03):
Has played as well.
Speaker 2 (03:05):
So, uh, you know, their offense doesn't change a whole
lot schematically, but obviously Jayden Daniels is one of the
best young players in the NFL, and uh, you know,
glad he's able to you know, recover from that injury
and and get a chance to compete but we got
to be ready to play a good defense, which we've
been playing lately. Proud of that group, and and we've
got to have a complimentary game with the other two
(03:25):
phases as well to win this one.
Speaker 3 (03:28):
In stood our most washing him coming out for the
most I.
Speaker 4 (03:32):
Just think, uh, the you know, I I had done
quite a bit excuse me, quite a bit of work
on him the previous year and then uh, you know,
which there was a lot to like on that tape,
and then you take a step forward with what he did,
uh in in his final year at LSU. The growth
from one year to the other was was phenomenal. And
(03:52):
that's saying something because he was a really good player
of the previous year. I had, you know, the ability
just through some connections at the you know area, even
when he was at Arizona State, I knew about him
kind of always known about him, and then just watching
his growth throughout his college journey, I was not shocked
at all with either where he was selected and ultimately
the type of rookie year he had. I think he's
(04:16):
you know, above the neck, smart, cerebral, totally in complete poise.
It seems like every snap, regardless of whether it's a
playoff game last year or his first start going back.
Speaker 2 (04:29):
To the beginning of last year, and so I'm expecting,
even though he's been recovering here for a few weeks,
I'm expecting that same guy on Sunday US Bank Stadium,
which means you know they're going to be at full
capacity and we got to be ready to play well,
not only on defense, but in.
Speaker 3 (04:46):
All three phases.
Speaker 1 (04:48):
For the second straight season, fullback CJ. Hamm was named
the Vikings Walter Peyton Manned the Year club winner. It's
truly one of the most unique NFL journeys, from being
a rookie tryout to practice squad, to start and captain
and now he's about to finish out his tenth year
in the league. I had the chance to sit down
with him this week as he reflects on this incredible honor,
which recognizes his philanthropic efforts.
Speaker 6 (05:10):
Well, CJ, I don't have to tell you this, but
you're coming up on a decade mark. When you hear that,
what goes through your mind?
Speaker 3 (05:19):
I'm getting old, aren't we all? But not.
Speaker 7 (05:22):
Secondly, it's really just gratitude, just thankful that I've been
able to do what I love for ten seasons and
in my home state where I grew up watching this
team and being close to the family and friends, like
truly a lot of gratitude.
Speaker 6 (05:36):
The fact that your home state team is not only
the only team that you've been on, I mean, that
has to be so big for you. How could you
put that into words?
Speaker 7 (05:45):
It's it's it's really hard to put into words. I mean,
like I said, just grateful, humble. It's a it's a
story that I that I would have ever thought of
that I can't write. You know, I believe it's really
a blessing from God that I've been able to be
here as long as I have and share these moments
with my family and friends. So it's a story that
(06:06):
I can't even write. And you know, I'm just continuing
to know walk walk in the store.
Speaker 6 (06:12):
And for the second straight season, you are the Walter
Payton Man of the Year club winner, voted on by
your teammates.
Speaker 1 (06:20):
What about that?
Speaker 6 (06:22):
Do you hope people see not the recognition.
Speaker 8 (06:24):
But the work.
Speaker 7 (06:25):
I mean, first off, it's I can't I still can't
put in the words. I couldn't put in the words
last year, and I really still can't put them in
the words like how much, how much this means to
me and my family, Like there's so many guys on
our team who do so many great things, so many
guys around the league who are changing lives all over
the world. And to be put into that small group
(06:47):
of people for my teammates to see see what I've
been able to be a part of and you know,
see like, hey, you know he's really trying to see
people and love people and know.
Speaker 3 (06:59):
People, and it mean, it means the absolutely worll to me.
Speaker 6 (07:03):
Your teammates say, that's who you are, and though where
does that come from?
Speaker 7 (07:07):
And it comes from I would definitely say my parents,
you know, my dad and my and my late mother.
I think I said this last year as well, but
just people who truly just loved everyone.
Speaker 3 (07:19):
You know.
Speaker 7 (07:19):
I don't know how many different family members I would
have moved from Chicago to come, you know, live with
us in Minnesota. You know, my mom was always taking
their kids, you know, making sure people had something to eat,
you know, clothes on their back. And so they just
taught me to live for something bigger than.
Speaker 6 (07:35):
Myself, blessing, to be a blessing, something that your mom
Tina taught you.
Speaker 9 (07:40):
To live by.
Speaker 6 (07:42):
What do you think she would say to you about
winning this award for the second straight year.
Speaker 7 (07:50):
I think she would be proud, but I really think
she would just say, keep you know, keep on, keep on,
keeping off. You know, this is this is this is
what she has taught me, you know, through through our faith,
through you know, what she believes is that we are
blessed to be a blessing. There's always something that anyone
has in the world to give toody to somebody else.
(08:12):
You know, even our successes, our failures, they are all
to help somebody else. So you know, take it that
way and just continue to continue to be a blessing other.
Speaker 1 (08:22):
After missing last week's game in Seattle while in concussion protocol,
quarterback JJ McCarthy's cleared all steps in return as a
full participant in practice this week. Head coach Kevin O'Connell
confirmed he's symptom free and on track to start Sunday
against Washington. This is a big moment for the second
year QB, who's endured a roller coaster season six starts,
(08:43):
six touchdowns, ten interceptions, and two separate injuries that have
kept him off the field. He spoke to the media
on Thursday about his outlook for Sunday and battling through adversity.
Speaker 5 (08:53):
A lot of the mentality has changed, for sure. You know,
I was just so focused on doing every rep perfect
and making sure, you know, every little detail was crossed
and checked off. And you know, I feel like coach
O'Connell and coach McCown them talking to me about Hey, like,
let's worry about that stuff in the offseason. Go out there,
play your ball, just you know, execute the play at
the end of the day. And you know that just
(09:14):
frees up a lot of space mentally to be in
sinctual react and you know, respond to what the defense
has given me.
Speaker 3 (09:19):
And yeah, very excited to play well. Thinking is that
you're seeing sometimes? Is that what happens.
Speaker 5 (09:23):
I'm definitely a natural overthinker, So you know the way,
and it's not against them. I need to do a
better job of compartmentalizing those coaching points and realizing when
it's game time it's time to let it loose and
not focus.
Speaker 3 (09:35):
On that couch. Justin Jefferson, be like with you this week.
In the last couple of weeks, now.
Speaker 5 (09:41):
I can't say enough about you know, him and the
entire team in general, but specifically him. You know, you
see so many receivers around the league just kind of
be a me guy, and he's not a me guy. Obviously,
it's frustrating, obviously he's the greatest in the world and.
Speaker 3 (09:54):
Going through tough times.
Speaker 5 (09:55):
But the way he's responded, the way he's acted towards me,
and just the how he wears that seat on his chest,
it's something amazing and that just you know, amplifies his
ability as a player.
Speaker 3 (10:06):
For sure.
Speaker 5 (10:07):
What extent do you think you need to show these
guys that you know or prove anything to these guys
as they kind of go into the offseason and make
decisions about next year.
Speaker 3 (10:15):
Of these last five games.
Speaker 5 (10:17):
I feel like the number one quality for a quarterback,
for a franchise quarterback is you know, protecting the football
and making sure we win football games. So that's what
it comes down to, you know, just trying to simplify
things and understand that it's about executing players, but it's
also about the main thing winning games, and doing that
is protecting football.
Speaker 3 (10:34):
For surely, like.
Speaker 5 (10:34):
A libality aspect of its coaching Sunday where.
Speaker 3 (10:38):
It's just like we'll do what I've done mys for sure.
Speaker 5 (10:42):
Yeah, And it's not like I'm totally disregarding all the
coaching points and all that and definitely not. But it's
just you know, picking and choosing which ones you carry
into you into game day with and you know what's
going to be the most effective way of completing that
player working on a.
Speaker 9 (10:56):
New coach, how long does that typically take them to
learn about you in terms of that you are a
thinker in the right ways to kind of coach you
and say things that are going to help you.
Speaker 5 (11:05):
Yeah, it's tough because I feel like, you know, my
fiance and I we've been together for seven years and.
Speaker 3 (11:09):
We're still learning things about each other.
Speaker 5 (11:11):
And uh, you know, it's just amazing to you know,
be with such an open minded group, such an empathetic
group that's always trying to get, you know, the best
out of what you can bring to the table instead
of trying to mold you into what they want. So,
you know, I'm very appreciative and you know, grateful to
be in this situation.
Speaker 3 (11:28):
We're just last facade this week with.
Speaker 5 (11:30):
You protecting the football understanding that you know, we got
to give our team a chance to win and you know,
do whatever we can as an offense, stack positive plays
and you know, just execute, execute all eleven. You know
all three phases, and you know, specifically on the offensive side,
we need to show it for sure.
Speaker 1 (11:48):
There's more coming up after a short break, we'll hear
from Justin Jefferson and TJ. Hockinson about the Vikings offensive
approach to Sunday. And also we'll hear from Josh Mattellus
who talked about playing for more than just pride. Stay tuned,
but first from the field to the roof and everywhere
in between. Three m The official science partner of the
(12:09):
Minnesota Vikings is here. Visit Vikings dot com slash school
Science to learn more. Hey Vikings fans, right now you
can pick up a commemorative Pepsi Vikings Cup at us
Bank Stadium or participating High V Fast and Fresh and
Buffalo Wile Wings locations for your chance to win Victor's
(12:30):
Ride or other great prizes. Vikings fans deserve Pepsi School
Welcome back to the two Minute Warning once again. I'm
your host, Tatum Everett, the Vikings host the Washington Commanders
on Sunday, who are five and five all time on
the road against Minnesota wide receiver Justin Jefferson wants to
make sure it stays that way. Despite coming off a
(12:50):
career low four yard outing in Seattle, Jefferson leads the
team with sixty two catches for seven hundred and ninety
nine yards, yet he scored just two touchdowns. I'll see,
he's been vocal about wanting to win, and head coach
Kevin O'Connell and really every player on the team maintains
Jefferson's energy and leadership remain intact despite the struggles. He
(13:11):
spoke this week about this frustrating time and how they
plan on turning the page Sunday.
Speaker 4 (13:16):
I mean it's tough, you know, obviously it's frustrating to
have the losses and to go through what we feel
is the same same, you know, difficulties that we're facing.
So I mean, it's just the energy has still got
to be there, Uh, the focus still got to be there.
You know, all of those things that we've been doing
(13:36):
the whole entire season still has to be there.
Speaker 3 (13:39):
You know, the season isn't over.
Speaker 4 (13:40):
The you know, we still have five games left and
I will never you know, sit there and give up
on this team and just quit, So, uh, the preparation
still has to be the same throughout the entire season.
Speaker 10 (13:51):
We didn't get a chance to talk to Sunday. Just
where was your head up coming out of that line?
Speaker 4 (13:57):
Yeah, just frustrating on the on the game, coming out
with zero points is never something that I'm satisfied with.
We lost, you know, and obviously I just feel like
it's the same thing.
Speaker 3 (14:10):
You know, I'm gonna I'm gonna be sitting.
Speaker 4 (14:12):
There telling y'all guys the same exact you know thing
that that I've said for the past couple of weeks. Uh,
you know, the offense needs to get better, and you know,
we need to focus up and execute and all of
the things that we've been saying the whole season. So
I just wanted to I knew I was gonna talk
to you all guys today, So just you know.
Speaker 3 (14:27):
The frustration and the emotions.
Speaker 4 (14:30):
Uh, you know, definitely definitely was high after the game.
Speaker 10 (14:34):
Said yesterday that he feels like your vocal leadership has
really taken some improvement in the past few seasons. Like
what have you found is the value in that side
of leadership in addition to like leading by action.
Speaker 4 (14:45):
Uh, yeah, you know, just over the years, you know,
doing what I have done. I feel like a lot
of people look at me as you know, one of
the faces of this franchise and one of the you
know leaders of this team.
Speaker 3 (14:56):
So uh, you know, leading.
Speaker 4 (14:58):
By example this one thing, but going out there and
being vocal and you know, telling the guys what's on
my mind and telling the guys what I expect from
from the offense, from the team. It goes even longer
than you know, just you know, staying quiet and just
doing what I'm supposed to do. So it's just you know,
a long time coming from you know, being a shy
kid into now turning around being a vocal leader and
(15:19):
being one of the faces of this of this team.
Speaker 1 (15:24):
Tight End TJ. Hockinson is coming off his best stat
line of the season. His six catch fifty nine yard
performance was one of the few bright spots against the Seahawks.
As a seven year NFL veteran, Hawkinson understands what it
takes to get through times of adversity. He spoke with
a podium on Wednesday about the team's commitment to improving
and how leaders have been stepping up this week to
write the ship.
Speaker 5 (15:44):
How tough is it on a player to go from
where you guys were last year in a playoff position
to just trying to stay afloat this season.
Speaker 9 (15:52):
I think that's the nature of the NFL. Every year
is different, every team is different. You know, every game
is you know, every everybody can beat anybody on any
given moment and maybe any given Sunday, and I unfortunately
the ball hasn't bounced our way in a few games
that we've needed. And you know, but that's the nature
(16:13):
of this league. It will humble you fast, and you
know you gotta continue working. You've got to continue to push.
Speaker 3 (16:21):
On and move forward.
Speaker 9 (16:22):
But yeah, this this league is is not for the weary.
You know, you've gotta you got to stay in it
every single day.
Speaker 3 (16:30):
You know, you can't.
Speaker 9 (16:32):
You can't get complacent in this league. And you know
it just you know it. It reminds you of that
a lot.
Speaker 11 (16:39):
So just when it comes to the you guys talk
lomb up culture that you guys have created, I mean,
I guess how much do you lean on that when
things get as difficult as.
Speaker 3 (16:50):
They are right now. You have to lean on it.
You got to lean on these guys in the huddle.
Speaker 9 (16:55):
You got to lean on these guys in the locker room.
You know, we we've got the ultimate group of competitors here.
And nobody likes what has happened. No, I mean, I'm
not gonna sit here and say it's been rosy or
anything like that. It's not fun to lose games in
this league. And but you know, we have built a
culture here that we think is the lasting culture.
Speaker 3 (17:19):
And that's what.
Speaker 9 (17:21):
We're going to continue to build and continue to lean
on when things get tough and and just move forward.
And that's that's what we're doing. We came out here,
we had a great practice, Guys were flying around, and
you know, you don't always see that on teams like
this where you know you're not winning games, been on
teams where you don't win games, and guys come out
(17:42):
here and they run half speed. But that's not this team,
that's not this culture, and and that's that's all we're
That's all we can control at the end of the day,
is how hard we work and how you know, how
you take your mental to practice every single day, so
you can control.
Speaker 12 (18:01):
Yeah, when you talk about guys coming out here and
still giving it, they're all not going half speed.
Speaker 11 (18:06):
Is that something that is discussed by leadership or is
that disinherent by the culture you do.
Speaker 9 (18:12):
I think that's a lot of the guys here, you know.
I mean, I think that's the locker room that we build.
I think obviously you preach it from from KO to
everybody the top like the top of our building. But
you know that that doesn't always trickle down to the players.
Speaker 3 (18:31):
And that's the culture that you build.
Speaker 9 (18:33):
Is Hey, it doesn't matter what what's going on outside
of here. It matters what we do today and what
we do on this crash. And it's a blessing to
be able to be in between these white lines every
single day.
Speaker 3 (18:44):
And you can't take that for granted. And you know.
Speaker 9 (18:47):
We all have goals, we all have things that we
want to do, and it starts with a the culture
that you build. But then the hard work that you
put in in between these white lines. I think that's
what everybody is trying to do. She'll see you guys
out here working their craft and doing everything no matter
what's going on.
Speaker 1 (19:08):
That defense has been stout despite the losing streak. Brian
Flores's group enters week fourteen ranked tenth overall, fifth against
the pass and eighteenth in scoring defense, even while dealing
with short fields and constant pressure from turnovers. They've been aggressive,
blitz heavy, and resilient. The Commanders bring the NFL's third
ranked rushing attack, averaging nearly one hundred and thirty nine
(19:30):
yards per game, so this matchup will test Minnesota's run defense.
Expect names like Dallas Turner, who leaves the team with
five and a half sacks, and Jonathan Gernard back from injury,
to play a huge role in setting the edge and
creating that chaos. Safety Josh Mattelis and veteran Harrison Smith
will be key in disguising coverages against Marcus Mariota or
(19:51):
Jaden Daniels if he returns. Speaking of Mattellus, he spoke
on Wednesday during open locker room about staying the course,
remembering the why behind playing the game.
Speaker 3 (20:00):
Yeah. Every every week, you know, we're gonna do our part.
Speaker 12 (20:04):
We're gonna control we can control, and that's given this
football football team a chance to win. We don't really,
you know, care too much of what's going on anywhere else.
You know, all we can control is what we put
out on tape. And that's been a mindset all year.
And it's gonna be a mindset moving forward as well.
Speaker 3 (20:18):
That's time as if prepared maybe for two quarterbacks.
Speaker 8 (20:20):
Are saying that JUNI games, you guys with the team
of Marcus definitely for quarterbacks, how do you kind of
spend your practice time between now and then?
Speaker 3 (20:28):
They're bringing from maybe both.
Speaker 12 (20:29):
Yeah, I mean when you look at the way their
team was built, they kind of knew, you know, Jayden
Daniels obviously the year he had rookie year, and coming
into the off season bringing into Mariota, trying to like,
you have a guy in that the offense can.
Speaker 3 (20:39):
Still flow away. It's supposed to flow.
Speaker 12 (20:41):
When Jayden isn't in there, I mean, obviously you don't
want anybody to get hurt, and uh, he had an injury.
So when Mariota's been there, it's been pretty much the
same offense. I'm obviously different kind of players different points
in their careers, but it's pretty much the same thing.
Speaker 3 (20:55):
We're gonna prepare the same way regardless. You know, we
play a specific kind of defense.
Speaker 12 (21:00):
We see a lot of the same things throughout the
week to week basis anyway, So I don't think it's
really that hard.
Speaker 3 (21:06):
We thinks standing right now.
Speaker 8 (21:07):
How much do you have to lean on pride and
professionalism to get out there and try to get their
way on Sunday?
Speaker 12 (21:12):
I mean I think, uh, when you just you just
talk about the reason we play and the why, man,
it's not hard. And you know you go out there
for reasons bigger than the money, the fame, the you know,
I can I can speak for myself, you know, I
can't speak for too many other people, but I know
we got a lot of the same guys through the
same mindset on the scene, and uh, we're playing for
(21:34):
pride every week we go out there. You know, anytime
you get a chance to go out there with your
last name on your jersey, you're gonna play with some pride. So, uh,
you know that that's what we're banking on right now.
You know, for everybody to go out there and just
understand that, you know, we got one chance, one op
you know, on this Sunday, or just keep it going
week to week. He's just football games, Yeah, you know,
the object is the game to win, and uh, nothing
(21:54):
feels good when you're not winning this league. So to
get back on this winning side, you know that that's
all we're looking forward.
Speaker 3 (21:59):
To this week.
Speaker 1 (22:01):
The Vikings return to US Bank Stadium this weekend to
take on the Commanders. It's a noon kickoff over on Fox,
but you can also catch Pa, Pete Bursag, Ben Lieber,
and Mike Mussman right here on Kfan with the pregame
show beginning at ten AM. All across the Vikings audio network.
Thank you for listening to the two minute Warning presented
by three AM. The official science partners of the Minnesota
(22:23):
Vikings enjoy.
Speaker 6 (22:24):
The game and Skoll.
Speaker 1 (22:29):
Minnesota needed a go to source for everything high school sports.
That's why the Minnesota Star Tribune created strib Varsity. Sign
up now at startribune dot com slash strib Varsity.
Speaker 5 (22:40):
The Vikings Commander Sunday at noon on your audio home
for Vikings Football FM one hundred point three Kfan The
Fan powered by Heidi
Popular Podcasts
Las Culturistas with Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang
Ding dong! Join your culture consultants, Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang, on an unforgettable journey into the beating heart of CULTURE. Alongside sizzling special guests, they GET INTO the hottest pop-culture moments of the day and the formative cultural experiences that turned them into Culturistas. Produced by the Big Money Players Network and iHeartRadio.
The Joe Rogan Experience
The official podcast of comedian Joe Rogan.
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.