Jul 29, 2025; Eagan, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell talks with tight finish T.J. Hockenson (87) throughout the groups coaching camp on the Minnesota Vikings Coaching Facility. Obligatory Credit score: Matt Krohn-Imagn Photos
Within the context of NFL soccer, being a “meathead” is a superb praise. That primary thought is doubly true upon remembering that the main target of the dialogue includes a fullback.
Within the Fifth Spherical of the 2026 NFL Draft, the Vikings drafted Max Bredeson. A lot of the response to the choice swirled across the FB being a teammate of J.J. McCarthy at Michigan. In any case, McCarthy confirmed up on the Zoom name following the choice, verbally expressing enthusiasm concerning the draft choose. Since then, an honest bit has occurred, together with Vikings necessary minicamp. OC Wes Phillips bestowed the descriptor whereas chatting with the media following one of many current practices.
The Vikings’ New FB is a “Dirtbag” and a “Meathead”
For a short while, the Vikings have wanted to get harder. Kevin O’Connell’s group has at all times been a high-flying, high-skill crew. Seldom, although, have these Vikings been rugged sufficient.
A part of the answer has been present in buying sure personnel. Suppose tight finish Josh Oliver, any person who stands out for his large measurement even amongst NFL athletes. So, too, do working again Jordan Mason and proper guard Will Fries supply a lot to love on account of their ruggedness. All three of those guys are supposed to permit Minnesota higher play bully ball.
Jan 4, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) fingers the ball off to Minnesota Vikings working again Jordan Mason (27) in opposition to the Inexperienced Bay Packers throughout the first quarter at U.S. Financial institution Stadium. Obligatory Credit score: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Photos
Extra lately, there was the transfer for broad receiver Jauan Jennings. Jennings stands at 6’3″ and roughly 215 kilos. Even higher, Jennings affords a grit and a nastiness which means having the ability to bulldoze defensive backs.
Kyler Murray had referred to Jennings as a “dirtbag,” a descriptor meant to focus on the physicality that Jennings performs with on Sunday. Phillips then stepped in entrance of the Minnesota media the following day, permitting me to ask concerning the remark. Phillips wished some reassurance that being a “dirtbag” was a praise. Because it was, Phillips was glad to undertake the time period, even making use of it to any person else a couple of minutes later.
Certainly, a couple of minutes later, Phillips took on a query about Max Bredeson, permitting Phillips to reaffirm the worth of boasting a “dirtbag” who can be a “meathead.”
“Max is probably another dirtbag,” Phillips mentioned earlier than explaining that the time period is “absolutely” a praise. Not lengthy afterwards, the Vikings’ OC referred to the FB as a “meathead” who “loves ball” and who’s “very smart.” Since “he’s all about ball” and is “a physical guy,” Bredeson is impressing the teaching employees.
Jan 1, 2024; Pasadena, CA, USA; Michigan Wolverines quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) and tight finish Max Bredeson (44) throughout the first half in opposition to the Alabama Crimson Tide within the 2024 Rose Bowl faculty soccer playoff semifinal recreation at Rose Bowl. Obligatory Credit score: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports activities
In all chance, the Minnesota Vikings will stay a pass-first group. Doing so will imply rolling with Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and Jauan Jennings for a big portion of the snaps. Effectively and good.
However then there’s the younger lad lining up at fullback. Max Bredeson isn’t assured of something since he’s a Fifth-Spherical fullback. What’s clear, although, is that he has a ton of supporters inside TCO Efficiency Heart. Watching him a minicamp means seeing any person who strikes effectively and who seems poised to tackle a hearty workload.
Fairly presumably, Bredeson will drive the Vikings to undertake a extra balanced assault than in current seasons. Seeing Bredeson clear working lanes for Mason might imply extra emphasis on 21 personnel.
Bredeson, the meathead, will look proceed impressing as soon as he’s allowed to toss the pads on in coaching camp and within the preseason.
Senior Editor for Vikings Territory & PurplePTSD . Twitter & Bluesky: @VikingsGazette. Electronic mail: ok.joudry[at]vikingsterritory[dot]com. Canadian. Jude 1:24-25.
