Inside The Vikings
Joe Nelson

Joe Nelson

Joined: Jun 1, 2024

Joe Nelson has more than 20 years of experience in Minnesota sports journalism. Nelson began his career in sports radio, working at smaller stations in Marshall and St. Cloud before moving to the highly-rated KFAN-FM 100.3 in the Twin Cities. While there, he produced the popular mid-morning show hosted by Minnesota Vikings play-by-play announcer Paul Allen. His time in radio laid the groundwork for his transition to sports writing in 2011. He covers the Vikings, Timberwolves, Gophers and Twins for On SI.

Nov 23, 2024; Berkeley, California, USA; California Golden Bears former quarterback Aaron Rodgers stands on the field before the start of the second quarter against the Stanford Cardinal at California Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
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Waiting in case J.J. McCarthy gets injured? The latest Aaron Rodgers speculation

Asked by Vikings radio announcer Paul Allen if Rodgers might be waiting in case J.J. McCarthy suffers an injury during the summer, ESPN's Jeremy Fowler said he still believes Rodgers will end up with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

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Sep 22, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; The line of scrimmage during the third quarter between the Minnesota Vikings and the Houston Texans at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
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NFL announces Vikings preseason dates, including national CBS game

The Vikings-Titans matchup is one of only five preseason games that'll receive national television coverage.

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J.J. McCarthy
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J.J. McCarthy is 'bigger, stronger, faster’ — and smarter in Year 2

McCarthy is healthy and he's stacking early success as the obvious QB1 in Minnesota.

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Jan 5, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Miami Dolphins cornerback Jalen Ramsey (5) celebrates a defensive stop during the first quarteragainst the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
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Reputable Vikings insider doesn't think Jalen Ramsey speculation is crazy

Is there any chance that All-Pro cornerback Jalen Ramsey gets traded to the Minnesota Vikings?

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The warning card Josh Metellus received at the Wolves-Thunder game.
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Vikings' Josh Metellus warned for 'excessive verbal abuse' at Wolves-Thunder playoff game

It's unclear what Metellus said, but Target Center staff thought he crossed a line.

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Sep 8, 2024; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Dolphins cornerback Jalen Ramsey (5) runs onto the field before the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
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Jalen Ramsey wants out of Miami and the Vikings would be a great fit

One of the biggest things the Minnesota Vikings have to prove in 2025-26 is that cornerback room will be as talented and deep as it was last season after they let Stephon Gilmore and Shaq Griffin leave in free agency.

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Sep 14, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) scores a touchdown against the Minnesota Vikings during the second quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
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Live updates: NFL owners voting on controversial rules in Minnesota

The NFL's annual spring owners' meetings are being held at Minnesota Vikings headquarters in Eagan this week, and after voting Tuesday to approve players participating in flag football at the 2028 Olympics there are a myriad of topics being decided on Wed

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Jordan Addison
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4 ‘what-if’ scenarios that could derail the Vikings’ season

The Minnesota Vikings could be a juggernaut in 2025-26 if all of the offseason roster decisions and health goes their way, but there are a number of risky unknowns that could derail outlook. Let's get into the what-if scenarios of concern.

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Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson directs his teammates before the snap.
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Ranking the toughest QB matchups on the Vikings’ 2025 schedule

The Minnesota Vikings have one of the toughest schedules in 2025-26, and a big reason for the high strength of schedule is the elite quarterbacks they'll face on a nearly weekly basis.

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Vikings GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and head coach Kevin O'Connell, who rocked a fake mustache for a moment during the draft.
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Kevin O’Connell’s mustache steals the show in Vikings’ behind-the-scenes video

The Minnesota Vikings weren't all business during the NFL draft. In fact, Kevin O'Connell walked into the draft room on the third day sporting a fake mustache.

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Jan 22, 2022; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; A general overall view of the AFC Divisional playoff logo at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
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Big playoff changes could come as NFL owners meet in Minnesota next week

The teams with the seven best records would make the playoffs, and a division title wouldn't guarantee a top-four seed and a home game in the first round.

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Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy, left, and wide receiver Justin Jefferson attend Game 5 of a Western Conference semifinal between the Minnesota Timberwolves and Golden State Warriors on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, at Target Center in Minneapolis.
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Courtside banter: Audio of Justin Jefferson, J.J. McCarthy, Steph Curry and more

Mic'd up videos are always fun to watch, but they're typically reserved for athletes during games. That's what makes the audio from Justin Jefferson and J.J. McCarthy sitting courtside at a Timberwolves-Warriors playoff game even more intriguing.

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