Brought down to the basics, football is about a team winning and not individuals playing well.

Kevin O’Connell is leading a QB1 battle in the Twin Cities. In all likelihood, the QB who is better will end up being named the starter. What’s important to remember, though, is that individual performance isn’t the sole, deciding criteria. Not, at least, if we are taking O’Connell’s recent words seriously. Minnesota’s skipper is going to choose the passer who best allows the team to win.

Kevin O’Connell and Why the Best Man May Not Win

More often than not, the best quarterback is the quarterback who best allows the team to win. That’s now always the case, though.

Envision a scenario where an ultra-talented passer has a serious off-field issues. Maybe that’s an instance where simply being the best player doesn’t translate to the team being in a better spot to win a bunch of games.

Or, perhaps, there’s a superior quarterback overall who isn’t a scheme fit. The hypothetical passer wants to function in a seven-step drop offense that’s commonly leaning on four verticals. The offense, meanwhile, is a better fit for screens, shallow crossing routes, and the occasional deep bomb.

The point: there’s a small amount of daylight between the best passer in isolation and then the best passer for a specific team.

Kevin O’Connell understands the reality. In fact, Kevin O’Connell understands the reality so well that he’ll make the public proclamation over and over again, as he did in his presser at the end of Vikings minicamp.

Check out some of what he said about who will win the QB1 competition. What’s the key criteria:

• “Both those guys have done some really, really good things and I think they’re elevating our football team.”
• “We want to make sure by the time we play the Green Bay Packers that there’s been ample time to have the best possible offense we can have to help our football team. And the quarterback’s going to play a big role in that.”
• “Ultimately, what’s best for the Minnesota Vikings is going to be the direction we go.”
• “That player that elevates the group as a whole is going to be the guy that’s under center against the Green Bay Packers.”
• “Ultimately, a very simple answer in the end: what’s best for the Minnesota Vikings to win games. And activate the really good players we have around them in that offensive huddle.”

Last year, the Vikings won nine games in spite of the quarterbacks. O’Connell wants to remove that tension by winning games due to the quarterback.

The Vikings’ task therefore involves discovering the identity of the individual quarterback who best allows the team to thrive. Generally speaking, the best quarterback gives the team the best shot to win, but there are times when that’s not necessarily so.

If, for instance, Kyler Murray is an inferior talent who nevertheless finds a way to let Justin Jefferson feast, allows the offensive line to play fast and physical, as well as put the broader team in a good spot, then Murray will indeed be the starter. Factors such as intangibles — leadership, grit, and other attributes — can be worked into the mix, as well.

Football is a team game played by humans. The quarterback therefore needs to be individually excellent but, more importantly, capable of letting the other humans on his team to be excellent. Kevin O’Connell is therefore going to describe his best quarterback as the one who best allows the team to win.

Being the most accurate is great but not the final criteria. Likewise, being able to elude pressure, throw the ball the farthest, or any number of other things aren’t going to be the determining factor. Each of these parts of the game are positive but are a means to an end.

What the Vikings most want to see is a quarterback who fuels victories. Last year, the goal involved building a roster so formidable that even a passer experiencing normal growing pains could still win. Two errors were made. First, the roster wasn’t a juggernaut, merely quite good. Second, the quarterback play was a lot worse than expected.

The pivot going into 2026 involves conducting a robust passer battle to see a quarterback step up as a driver of team success. As things stand, I’d guess that Kyler Murray sits at a 60% chance of winning while J.J. McCarthy is down at 40%.

Kevin O’Connell is entering his fifth season as head coach of the Minnesota Vikings. He is 0-2 in the playoffs.

Senior Editor for Vikings Territory & PurplePTSD . Twitter & Bluesky: @VikingsGazette. Email: k.joudry[at]vikingsterritory[dot]com. Canadian. Jude 1:24-25.

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Brazil’s Vinicius Junior (7) celebrates after scoring his team’s second goal during the World Cup Group C soccer match between Scotland and Brazil in Miami Gardens, Fla., Wednesday, June 24, 2026. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)

Vinícius Júnior continued his outstanding FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign by writing his name into Brazilian football history during the Seleção’s 3-0 victory over Scotland. The Real Madrid forward scored twice in Miami to become the first Brazilian player in 24 years to score in all three group-stage matches of a World Cup, matching a feat last achieved by Ronaldo Nazário and Rivaldo during Brazil’s triumphant 2002 campaign.The brace also lifted Vinícius to four goals in this tournament, placing him firmly among the leading contenders for the Golden Boot as Brazil progressed into the Round of 32 as Group C winners.

Vinícius joins an exclusive list of Brazilian legends

Brazil has produced some of the greatest World Cup forwards the game has ever seen, yet only five players have managed to score in each of the nation’s three group-stage matches at a single tournament.Vinícius has now joined Jairzinho (1970), Romário (1994), Ronaldo (2002) and Rivaldo (2002) on that exclusive list, becoming the first Brazilian in nearly a quarter of a century to accomplish the milestone.His remarkable consistency has come throughout Brazil’s entire group-stage campaign. He opened his tournament account by rescuing a 1-1 draw against Morocco before scoring and providing an assist during Brazil’s comfortable 3-0 victory over Haiti. Against Scotland, he produced his finest display yet, scoring twice to complete the record-breaking sequence.

Scotland punished by Vinícius’ clinical finishing

Brazil needed only seven minutes to establish control in Miami. Pressing Scotland high up the pitch, Vinícius capitalised on a misplaced pass from Scott McKenna, collected the loose ball inside the penalty area and calmly guided a low finish beyond Angus Gunn to give Brazil an early lead.

Brazil’s Vinicius Junior (7) celebrates after scoring his side’s second goal during the World Cup Group C soccer match between Scotland and Brazil in Miami Gardens, Fla., Wednesday, June 24, 2026. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)

He thought he had doubled the advantage midway through the first half after another flowing move, only for VAR to rule the goal out because of a foul by Marquinhos during the build-up.The second goal eventually arrived deep into first-half stoppage time. After Bruno Guimarães recycled possession from a partially cleared corner, he delivered an inviting cross towards the far post. Vinícius timed his movement perfectly, rose above his marker and powered a downward header across Gunn to put Brazil firmly in command before the interval.

Brazil’s Vinicius Junior (7) scores his team’s second goal during the World Cup Group C soccer match between Scotland and Brazil in Miami Gardens, Fla., Wednesday, June 24, 2026. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)

Matheus Cunha added Brazil’s third goal in the 60th minute to complete the victory, while Neymar made his long-awaited return from injury as a second-half substitute, appearing in a World Cup match for the first time since Brazil’s quarter-final defeat to Croatia in Qatar four years ago.

Brazil complete unbeaten group stage

The victory secured first place in Group C as Brazil finished their group-stage campaign unbeaten with seven points, following a 1-1 draw against Morocco and successive 3-0 victories over Haiti and Scotland.Vinícius was central to that run. Across three matches he scored four goals and registered an assist, taking his overall Brazil tally to 13 international goals in 52 appearances.His performances have also reshaped the Golden Boot race. Lionel Messi currently leads the tournament with five goals after his brace against Austria, while Vinícius has moved onto four alongside Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland, ensuring the race for the tournament’s leading scorer remains one of the defining stories heading into the knockout rounds.Brazil now enter the Round of 32 carrying significant momentum, with Vinícius emerging as the focal point of Carlo Ancelotti’s attack and continuing to place himself alongside some of the greatest goalscorers in the Seleção’s World Cup history.

Newcastle’s £28.9m Outer West Leisure Centre is scheduled to open next year. It replaces a 1960s facility that remained closed after the pandemic

Backed by £19.8m in Levelling Up funding it represents one of the largest investments in the area for many years

It features a gym with recovery areas, an eight-lane 25m pool and 17m training pool, a sports hall and public library

Designed by FaulknerBrowns Architects and being built by Morgan Sindall, it embeds eco-tech including solar PV panels and air source heat pumps

After some delays, work on Newcastle’s £28.9 million wellness centre at West Denton is underway and scheduled for completion in late 2027. 

FaulknerBrowns Architects, which is based nearby in Killingworth, has designed the facility, which has sustainability embedded throughout – including photovoltaic panelling, air source heat pumps, low energy LED lighting, high levels of insulation, charging points for electric vehicles and bike storage.

The Outer West Leisure Centre will feature a gym with recovery areas including a sauna and steamrooms. Rounding out the offering will be an eight-lane, 25 metre swimming pool, a 17 metre training pool and a sports hall. A new community library will be co-located. 

The new site, which will be operated under GLL’s Better brand, has received £19.8 million of government Levelling-Up money and represents one of the largest investments in the area for many years. It replaces the former 1960s West Denton Leisure Centre which didn’t re-open after the pandemic. 

Morgan Sindall Construction is the building contractor.

The International Olympic Committee’s decision to pay Olympians for the first time marks a major break from Olympic tradition, but the financial burden on the Lausanne-based body may be modest when compared with its Olympic-year revenue, expenditure and reserves.

The IOC announced that every eligible Olympian will receive a $10,000 grant, starting with athletes who competed at the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games. The payment will be made under the “Fit for the Future Olympian Grant” programme and will apply to athletes who have not violated anti-doping rules, the IOC’s code of ethics or other IOC rules.

The IOC expects about 14,000 athletes to be eligible in every Olympic cycle, putting the overall cost of the programme at about $140 million per four-year cycle. The money will come from the IOC and be distributed through National Olympic Committees.

“This is not prize money. This is about recognising the journey and the commitment it takes to become an Olympian,” IOC member Pau Gasol said. “And it is about recognising that every Olympian is part of our Olympic community, and honouring those who have come before us and paved the way, so that current and future generations of Olympians can benefit.”

IOC President Kirsty Coventry said the issue had been discussed for many years and added that she was “extremely proud” that the organisation was now able to take the step.

Why is the IOC paying athletes now?

For decades, Olympic athletes have not been paid by the IOC for participating in the Games. Medal winners have often received rewards from national governments, sports federations or sponsors, but the IOC itself has not offered universal cash support to all participants.

The new grant changes that structure. It does not reward performance and is not linked to medals. Instead, it recognises the cost of reaching the Olympic stage, particularly for athletes from low-income countries or from sports that do not attract major sponsorship money.

The decision also comes at a time when athletes have become more vocal about the financial pressures of elite sport. Training, travel, equipment, coaching, nutrition and medical support can make an Olympic campaign expensive, while many athletes remain outside the commercial spotlight.

The grant will not be available to Paralympians because the International Paralympic Committee is a separate organisation. However, the IOC and IPC work together, and the IPC receives funding from the IOC.

How much will the first payout cost?

The first round of payments will cover athletes from the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. Winter Games participation is much smaller than Summer Games participation. If about 2,900 athletes are covered, the immediate cost would be around $29 million.

That figure is not insignificant in athlete-support terms, but it is small when set against the IOC’s broader finances. The expected first payout would be less than 1 per cent of the IOC’s revenue in an Olympic year such as 2024, when the Paris Games took place.

The full Olympic-cycle cost of $140 million is also modest when compared with the IOC’s multiyear revenue base. The IOC’s commercial revenue for the 2021-24 cycle was about $7.7 billion. On that base, the athlete grant would amount to around 1.8 per cent of cycle revenue.

What do IOC revenue and expenditure show?

The IOC’s finances are heavily shaped by the Olympic calendar. Its revenue rises sharply in Olympic years because broadcast rights, sponsorship and other Games-related income are recognised around the Games.

In 2024, the year of the Paris Olympics, the IOC reported revenue of more than $4.4 billion. Its Games delivery and Olympic Movement support costs were about $3.3 billion, while administrative expenditure was about $196 million. The year produced a large surplus, helped by Olympic-year revenue and investment income.

By contrast, non-Olympic years usually look weaker. In 2025, IOC revenue was reported at about $650 million, while operating expenses were close to $981 million. This resulted in an operating deficit, although investment income helped reduce the overall loss.

This uneven pattern is important. Judging the $10,000 grant only against a non-Olympic year would make the programme look heavier. But the IOC operates on a four-year Olympic cycle, and its major commercial income is also structured over that cycle.

Will the $10,000 grant burden IOC finances?

The grant is unlikely to become a serious burden on IOC finances in its current form. The estimated $29 million first payout for Winter Olympians would be small compared with Olympic-year revenue. The $140 million four-year cost would also be limited compared with the IOC’s multibillion-dollar commercial revenue cycle.

The IOC says it distributes about 90 per cent of Olympic revenue back into sport and athlete development. It also says it distributes the equivalent of about $4.7 million every day to athletes and sporting organisations across the world. In that context, the new grant is more a reallocation within the Olympic system than a threat to the organisation’s financial stability.

However, the decision could create long-term expectations. Once athletes receive a universal grant, pressure may grow for the IOC to raise the amount in future cycles, include more categories of athletes, or provide additional support in areas such as health insurance, training expenses and post-career transition.

There may also be questions about whether $10,000 is enough to materially change the lives of athletes in high-cost sports or countries. For some athletes, particularly those from smaller sporting systems, it could be a valuable support. For established stars in commercially successful sports, it may be largely symbolic.

Why is the decision still significant?

The financial cost may be manageable, but the policy shift is substantial. The IOC has historically defended a model in which money is redistributed through Games organisers, International Federations, National Olympic Committees and Olympic Solidarity programmes, rather than being paid directly to athletes.

The new grant moves the Olympic system closer to direct athlete compensation, even though the IOC has framed it as support rather than prize money. It also comes after other bodies began experimenting with athlete payments. World Athletics, for instance, announced prize money for Olympic gold medallists at the Paris Games, increasing pressure on the wider Olympic movement to revisit athlete compensation.

The NCAA D1 cabinet moved forward with the “5 in 5” eligibility rule to standardize eligibility for college athletes.

The move has far more upside than drawbacks.

On today’s episode of Locked On College Football, Spencer McLaughlin discusses Brendan Sorsby not being eligible for the NFL Draft until 2027.

What lessons should be taken away from this entire saga?

Colorado flipped another Ole Miss recruit in the class of 2027, doing so with a 4-star DL prospect that had shut down his recruitment.

The Buffs are making moves on the NIL front. 

00:00 New NCAA eligibility rules
05:23 Eligibility exceptions for athletes
07:31 Understanding college athlete eligibility rules
13:36 Brendan Sorsby’s NFL draft journey
16:56 Discussing NCAA court ruling
21:22 College football recruitment strategies
23:39 Challenges with transfer-heavy recruiting
30:09 Colorado’s recruiting and future potentia

/ @lockedoncollegefootball  

Elsewhere in sports news, Switzerland pulled off a major statement win. The Nati defeated Canada 2-1 to claim top spot in Group B, finishing ahead of their opponents on the night.

Bosnia and Herzegovina also took a huge step towards the Round of 16 with a 3-1 victory over Qatar, a result that should see them through among the best third-placed teams.

Mexico made it three wins from three after beating the Czech Republic 3-0. The Mexicans topped their group, ahead of South Africa, who edged past and overtook South Korea in the standings with a 1-0 win.

On Thursday, already-qualified Germany face Ecuador with a simple goal: make it three wins out of three in the group stage. Ivory Coast, currently second in Group E, are also in a strong position to advance, a draw against Curaçao on Thursday would be enough for the Elephants to continue their World Cup journey.

France have already secured their place in the Round of 16. Against Norway on Friday, Les Bleus are expected to rotate their squad, with five changes likely. Captain Kylian Mbappé, who has scored four goals in two games, should start once again.

And finally, a long-awaited announcement: Brazilian legend Ronaldinho has officially joined Italian third-division club Ravenna. A publicity stunt or a real comeback? The 2022 World Cup winner is expected on August 21 for the team presentation.

The NFL offseason is over, all 32 teams have transitioned to minicamp, and training camp arrives in about five weeks. And with the perk of hindsight, CBS Sports has decided that the Minnesota Vikings’ main rival, the Green Bay Packers, had the fourth-worst offseason around the sport.

It’s rare shade for Green Bay, a franchise largely known for wise decision-making.

Packers Have Roster Questions ahead of 2026 Regular Season

Jordan Dajani: Packers’ Offseason Was Rough

Per Dajani, the Jacksonville Jaguars took the naughty prize of the worst offseason, but the Packers weren’t far behind, three spots away.

He explained, “Green Bay has established itself as a middle-of-the-road team, and the problem is I think it got worse this offseason. Green Bay lost its most reliable wide receiver in Romeo Doubs, linebacker Quay Walker and left tackle Rasheed Walker in free agency.”

“The Packers also parted ways with cornerback Nate Hobbs and offensive lineman Elgton Jenkins, and traded pass rusher Rashan Gary to the Dallas Cowboys and wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks to the Eagles. As far as additions go, the headliners were veteran linebacker Zaire Franklin, defensive lineman Javon Hargrave and South Carolina defensive back Brandon Cisse.”

Oddsmakers expect Green Bay to finish in second place in the NFC North, narrowly losing out on the top spot to the Detroit Lions.

Dajani continued, “Then factor in that star pass rusher Micah Parsons is expected to start the season on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list, which means he will miss at least four games, and the Packers should be worried about star running back Josh Jacobs, who is facing domestic violence charges. When you look at the NFC North, the Bears are coming off their best season in more than a decade, the Lions are always going to be competitive and the Minnesota Vikings have reason for optimism with new quarterback Kyler Murray.”

“Talking heads have tried to label the Packers as sleepers in 2024 and 2025, ever since that impressive 2023 playoff run in Jordan Love’s first season as a starter. However, I feel less optimistic about Green Bay than I have in years.”

Losses Outweigh the Additions

Dajani outlined the Packers’ additions — Franklin, Hargrave, and Cisse, among others — but the subtractions were unfortunately noteworthy.

Offloading Jenkins, Gary, Wicks, and Hobbs, in addition to Malik Willis, Quay Walker, Romeo Doubs, Kingsley Enagbare, and Emmanuel Wilson, is no small project. Green Bay even had a brief relationship with cornerback Trevon Diggs, but was not interested in prolonging it.

The Packers may find a way “not to miss” all their departures, but from a June perspective, they said goodbye to more talent than they welcomed.

Help Needed at OLB, at Least for a While

Green Bay also needs help at outside linebacker. It’s unclear when Parsons will return — it could be October, or it could be near Thanksgiving. Parsons is such a star that it would be utterly foolish to rush him back from his torn ACL.

In the meantime, the Packers will rely on these EDGE defenders:

• Lukas Van Ness
• Barryn Sorrell
• Dani Dennis-Sutton
• Brenton Cox Jr.
• Arron Mosby
• Nyjalik Kelly
• Dante Barnett

For a Super Bowl-contending team, that group is underwhelming, and until the Packers signed a free agent like Joey Bosa or Leonard Floyd, they’re merely hoping for the best.

The club has also been tied to Jadeveon Clowney’s free agency in the rumor mill, though every NFC North team could stand to add Clowney. It’s a summer of 2026 oddity — every NFC North squad seems to need one more pass rusher.

Packers Usually Figure It Out

If you’re a Packers fan reading this — probably not on a Vikings-themed site, right? — have no fear. Green Bay has an uncanny tendency to make the most of suspect situations, even after Aaron Rodgers left the franchise in 2023.

Jordan Love and Co. seem to have the NFC’s seventh seed on lock, and until proven otherwise, onlookers should pencil them for a 9-8 record or better. The Packers are coached well, Love is a Top 15 passer, and the rest just falls into place.

Regarding the naughty list — all the departures and the “bad” offseason — the Super Bowl might be a long shot. It’s why Green Bay has +2200 Super Bowl odds, when a club like the Los Angeles Rams is at +550.

The Packers’ season begins in about 80 days at U.S. Bank Stadium against — you guessed it — the Vikings.

Dustin Baker is a novelist and political scientist. His second novel, The Invaders , is out now. So is … More about Dustin Baker

Mexico completed a flawless group-stage campaign at the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a convincing 3-0 victory over the Czech Republic, securing maximum points and ending the Europeans’ hopes of reaching the knockout stage.

Already guaranteed top spot in Group A after victories over South Africa and South Korea, co-hosts Mexico took the opportunity to rotate their squad in Mexico City. The changes paid off as several fringe players impressed in a dominant display.

Left-back Mateo Chavez opened the scoring shortly after half-time, showing excellent composure to net his first international goal and give Mexico the breakthrough.

Teenage midfielder Gilberto Mora, making his first start of the tournament, was one of Mexico’s standout performers. The 17-year-old helped create the second goal when his pass released Jorge Sanchez through on goal. Although goalkeeper Matej Kovar initially made the save, Julian Quinones reacted quickest to poke home the loose ball for his second goal of the tournament.

Mora’s performance was another historic moment for Mexican football. At 17 years and 253 days old, he became the sixth-youngest player ever to start a men’s World Cup match and the youngest Mexican to achieve the feat.

The youngster received a standing ovation from the home crowd when he was substituted in the 72nd minute.

His replacement, Alvaro Fidalgo, put the result beyond doubt by curling a fine effort into the top corner from 15 yards to complete the scoring.

The Azteca Stadium crowd also gave a warm reception to veteran goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa when he came on late in the match. The 40-year-old is taking part in his sixth World Cup, equalling the record held by Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.

The defeat confirmed the Czech Republic’s elimination from the tournament. They finished bottom of Group A with just one point from three matches.

Mexico, meanwhile, advance to the knockout stage with a perfect nine points from three games and will face one of the tournament’s best third-placed teams in the last 32.

Good Boost’s digital exercise programmes are helping adults with MSK at a lower cost than physiotherapy, according to a study carried out by the University of Exeter and Global Social Prescribing Alliance.

The social enterprise currently delivers its services in more than 300 community venues across the UK, such as swimming pools and leisure centres, providing personalised, therapeutic exercise via phones or tablets. The app personalises movement and responds to real-time feedback.

It’s aimed at supporting people who are living with long-term health conditions and the programme is being expanded nationally through leisure operators, local authorities and direct partnerships with Public Health teams, the NHS and Integrated Care Boards.

Studying more than 40,000 of these exercise sessions, Good Boost found that after six weeks, people showed small but significant improvements in how well they could move, how happy they felt, and their anxiety levels.

At 12-week and 26-week follow-ups, more than one third of people were experiencing less pain, while around 47 per cent achieved clinically meaningful improvement in physical function. More than 65 per cent reported a positive improvement in their condition.

Results were comparable to traditional physiotherapy but more affordable. If someone takes part in Good Boost sessions twice a week for three months, it will cost £100 to £120 – which giving a typical cost saving of £168 per person, when compared to the cost of NHS physiotherapy. In addition, patients often have to wait longer than 14 weeks for NHS physiotherapy appointments.

Ben Wilkins, CEO of Good Boost, says: “The study demonstrated that improvements individuals are making through our digital exercise programmes are very similar to the outcomes from face-to-face physiotherapy.

“The evidence shows us that our programmes are safe, accessible and a valuable tool in managing long-term joint and muscle conditions and also scalable with the potential to achieve a significant cost saving to the NHS.

“This could be genuinely transformative for the future of musculoskeletal care in the UK and we need to start reimagining community spaces as hubs for preventative healthcare.” 

The University of Exeter established that its programme delivers £2,000 in social value per participant. The average cost for every person taking part is £129 and for every £1 of cost, Good Boost delivers £16.50 in social value. That’s approximately more than 11 times more cost-effective than the expected cost of delivering similar NHS programmes.

Lifestyle and physical activity lead, Dr Hussain Al-Zubaidi – who will be speaking at this year’s HCM Summit – says: “These findings highlight the huge potential of digitally-enabled, personalised physical activity to support people living with long-term musculoskeletal conditions. 

“By combining evidence-based movement with community delivery, programmes like Good Boost can improve outcomes, widen access, and reduce pressure on NHS services. This is exactly the kind of prevention-focused, neighbourhood health approach the NHS urgently needs.”