Recent content from Emily Leiker
What's next for the Vikings as offseason focus shifts to free agency, NFL draft
The Vikings have completed a contract extension for head coach Kevin O'Connell and are working toward one with General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah. As the league gathers this week in New Orleans for end-of-season awards and the Super Bowl, here are the important dates ahead for the team.
Vikings Kevin O'Connell named Sporting News Coach of the Year by his peers
Sam Darnold won Comeback Player of the Year. Each is also a finalist in their respective category for the media-selected NFL Honors.
Vikings running backs face uncertainty as team aims to improve rushing attack
Aaron Jones and Cam Akers will both be free agents this offseason and have said they'd like to stay in Minnesota. Whether either does depends on what the team views as the best way to strengthen its rushing attack in 2025.
Greenard calls for 'consistency' on call that took Vikings TD off the board vs. Rams
With the Vikings trailing only 10-3, Jonathan Greenard's sack and linebacker Blake Cashman's scoop-and-score fumble recovery were nullified after replay review overturned the call to an incomplete pass.
Vikings fans came from all over for the repositioned wild-card game: 'This is our year'
At State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz., purple was prominent and pro-Minnesota sound obvious.
How did the Vikings get here? A look back at the biggest moments of the season
From big-time departures and acquisitions in free agency to a summer tragedy to a nine-game winning streak, these events shaped the Vikings' path to the NFL playoffs.
Jefferson looks to bounce back with big playoff moment against Rams
The Vikings' superstar receiver has a long list of accomplishments in five seasons as a pro, but he doesn't have a postseason win — or even a big play.
Jared Allen will join ESPN2's ManningCast for Vikings-Rams wild-card playoff game
The former Vikings defensive end will join Peyton Manning and Eli Manning during the third quarter of Monday night's game. It's the second time a Vikings game will be on the show.
Vikings sign QB Daniel Jones to their active roster for the playoffs
The former Giants starting quarterback, who has been on the Vikings' practice squad since Nov. 27, brings postseason experience to the team.
Vikings' Flores says it would take 'right situation' to accept head coaching job
Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores is a candidate for head coaching vacancies in the NFL, but called his time in Minnesota "one of the most rewarding" experiences of his career.
Vikings opponents set for 2025, with NFC East, AFC North on the docket
Lamar Jackson, Joe Burrow and Jayden Daniels are scheduled to come to Minnesota while the Vikings will travel to Dallas, Pittsburgh and Seattle (again).
Three keys to the Vikings' 31-9 loss to the Lions
Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs steamrolled the Vikings defense for four touchdowns, while Minnesota QB Sam Darnold couldn't connect with Justin Jefferson, especially in the red zone.
Five things to know about the Vikings' wild-card opponent, the fourth seed Rams
Kevin O'Connell and the Vikings return to the West Coast for a rematch with Sean McVay and Los Angeles to open their postseason play.
Vikings' Pat Jones II out, two others questionable for regular-season finale vs. the Lions
Vikings outside linebacker Pat Jones II has not practiced all week after sustaining an knee injury against the Packers. His absence is expected to give more playing time to rookie Dallas Turner.
For Vikings' Hockenson, team stakes are more important than personal ones vs. Lions
Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson tore two ligaments in his right knee on a low hit the last time he played Detroit, his former team. But, he said Thursday, "You gotta just let that kind of stuff go."
Vikings stressing poise 'through the noise' to rookie kicker
Vikings rookie Will Reichard missed three kicks on Sunday against the Packers, but his coaches are preaching trust and single-mindedness as high-pressure scenarios increase with the playoffs coming.
Akers stands out as a fill-in, calls game in Vikings' win against Packers
The running back replaced injured Aaron Jones and converted a third down to seal the victory.
Three keys to the Vikings' 27-25 victory over the Packers
Jalen Nailor caught five passes on five targets for 81 yards Sunday and kicked off the Vikings' scoring with a 31-yard touchdown.
Vikings' Pace questionable to return Sunday vs. Packers
Vikings linebacker Ivan Pace Jr. was back at practice this week after a four-week stint on injured reserve, but is questionable for Sunday against Green Bay, which will be without top defenders Quay Walker and Jaire Alexander.
Vikings' vibe man stays animated whether celebrating success or mourning lost opportunity
Josh Metellus' focus Sunday was an interception that didn't get made by Blake Cashman, and he didn't drop the matter when they got to the locker room.
Smith's fill-in stands out, nabbing game-winning interception for Vikings
Theo Jackson produced a big moment, and Minnesota added a second pick from an unexpected place. Rookie linebacker Dallas Turner intercepted Seattle's Geno Smith, too.
Vikings will be without veteran safety Smith against the Seahawks
Vikings safety Harrison Smith, who's in his 13th NFL season, entered Sunday questionable because of a foot injury. He has not missed a game since the 2022 season.
Inside the Vikings' offseason bonding barbecue that's paying dividends in December
The tight ends took home the crown in a grilling competition thanks to Johnny Mundt's ribeye. Other rewards from the event — football victories — are still mounting.
Seattle QB Geno Smith, Vikings CB Stephon Gilmore have promising practices
Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith was a full participant in practice Wednesday after being injured in Sunday's game vs. Green Bay, while Vikings cornerback Stephon Gilmore was also a full participant for the first time since his Dec. 1 hamstring injury.
In game with few explosive plays, Vikings' Aaron Jones went to work
With the Bears defense focused on the Vikings receiving corps, running back Aaron Jones totaled over 100 all-purpose yards and scored his 50th career rushing touchdown.
Three keys to the Vikings' 30-12 win over the Bears
Vikings running back Aaron Jones carried the offense, Justin Jefferson paid tribute to Randy Moss, and the Bears paid for undisciplined play.
Vikings' Stephon Gilmore returns to practice, questionable for 'Monday Night Football'
Gilmore was limited in Saturday's practice, his first day back since a Dec. 1 hamstring strain.
Vikings Hall of Fame receiver Randy Moss reveals diagnosis: 'Your boy is a cancer survivor'
Moss shared Friday that cancer was discovered in his bile duct and that he had a six-hour operation to treat it.
With guidance from Vikings veterans and Flores, rookie Turner is maturing into future 'elite player'
In a deep group of Vikings edge rushers that includes veterans such as Andrew Van Ginkel and Jonathan Greenard, first-round draft pick Dallas Turner is learning about the little things and being mentored by defensive coordinator Brian Flores.
Darnold solidified his worth — 'wherever that may be' — as an NFL quarterback
Signed as a bridge for this season with the Vikings, pending free agent Sam Darnold threw a season-high 347 yards and five touchdowns Sunday against the Falcons.
Vikings add more cinematic celebrations to highlight reel
The Vikings lead the NFL in interceptions with 22 after getting two more against former teammate Kirk Cousins and the Falcons. They also top the league charts for celebrations.
Vikings rookie Turner, given more run, feels like he's 'just getting started'
The rookie edge rusher and undrafted rookie Gabe Murphy had bigger roles against the Falcons with edge rusher Patrick Jones II sidelined by a knee injury.
Three keys to the Vikings' 42-21 win over the Falcons
Wide receiver Jordan Addison scored three touchdowns, including back-to-back scores in the fourth quarter that gave the Vikings a lead they never relinquished.
Vikings activate kicker Reichard, release Romo
Rookie Will Reichard missed four games on injured reserve because of a quad injury he suffered in a victory over the Colts.
Gilmore out for Vikings; Reichard questionable for Falcons game
Vikings cornerback Stephon Gilmore will miss Sunday's game against Atlanta. Six Vikings players are questionable, including kicker Will Reichard, linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel and defensive lineman Harrison Phillips.
'Fun cat-and-mouse game' between Vikings defense and Cousins reaches new level
How are Brian Flores and the Vikings preparing to defend their former quarterback Kirk Cousins? "I'm expecting his best," the defensive coordinator said. "The best version of Kirk."
Rookie kicker Will Reichard and long snapper Andrew DePaola return to Vikings
The two specialists had been on injured reserve for a month and will try to quickly return to action.
Three keys to the Vikings' 23-22 win against the Cardinals
Wide receiver Justin Jefferson returned to prominence with seven catches, and one of them set up the winning touchdown.
Vikings' Ham used the words of his grandfather to overcome the loss of his grandfather
The fullback played against the Bears only hours after George Ham died. He drew strength from teammates and coaches and inspiration from George himself.
Midseason addition of Jones creates balancing act at QB for Vikings
Quarterback Daniel Jones officially signed to the Vikings practice squad on Friday and made his first public comments since being released by the Giants.
Richter 'continues to excel' as Vikings special teams come off roller-coaster performance against Bears
After early success on special teams, the Vikings broke even with costly plays in the final minutes of regulation as the Bears mounted an 11-point comeback.
