Inside The Vikings

Before He Passed, Bud Grant Gave Kevin O'Connell An Awesome Gift

Grant and O'Connell formed a strong relationship in their short time together.
Will Ragatz|
Before He Passed, Bud Grant Gave Kevin O'Connell An Awesome Gift
Before He Passed, Bud Grant Gave Kevin O'Connell An Awesome Gift

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Minnesota Vikings

Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell got to know Bud Grant, the greatest coach in franchise history, during their brief time together. Grant attended O'Connell's introductory press conference last year, which led to the two meeting every Thursday during the season. O'Connell has a picture in his office of his children and Grant, the Hall of Fame coach who passed away in March.

He has something new for his office, too. Before he passed, Grant gifted O'Connell the NFL tie he wore during his Hall of Fame induction. Inscribed on the display is a quote and a message: "From Coach to Coach."

That's a pretty awesome piece of history. Grant is a legend who meant so much to the Vikings and the state of Minnesota, which hasn't been lost on O'Connell. He cherished their time together and learned a lot from Grant.

"I am so saddened by today’s news," O'Connell said in a statement when Grant passed. "Before joining the Vikings I had long known the legacy of Bud Grant, the Minnesota icon who carried himself with class and integrity. From afar, I admired his impact on the Vikings franchise and the NFL. And then I got here and Bud was one of the first people to warmly greet me when I walked through the doors of this facility. I didn’t realize at the time I would be so blessed to build a close friendship with him over the next year. Bud was gracious with his time, meeting in his office weekly to discuss football and life. I will forever cherish those conversations because they made me a better coach, a better husband and father and a better person. It is an honor to lead the same organization he once did, and there is no question Bud’s positive influence will have a lasting impact on me moving forward. My heart goes out to Pat and Bud’s family during this difficult time."

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Will Ragatz
WILL RAGATZ

Will Ragatz is a senior writer for Vikings On SI, who also covers the Twins, Timberwolves, Gophers, and other Minnesota teams. He is a credentialed Minnesota Vikings beat reporter, covering the team extensively at practices, games and throughout the NFL draft and free agency period. Ragatz attended Northwestern University, where he studied at the prestigious Medill School of Journalism. During his time as a student, he covered Northwestern Wildcats football and basketball for SB Nation’s Inside NU, eventually serving as co-editor-in-chief in his junior year. In the fall of 2018, Will interned in Sports Illustrated’s newsroom in New York City, where he wrote articles on Major League Baseball, college football, and college basketball for SI.com.

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