A Vikings Update that Means Football Wins

When a linebacker gets tasked with playing fullback, then the game of football wins. Kudos to the Vikings for moving forward with the experiment that teams would be wise to emulate.

Consider the Vikings update that Andrew Krammer of The Star Tribune sent along: “While reporting a story on the state of fullbacks in NFL, was pointed to OLB Chaz Chambliss working as a backup fullback. Told me he has been in Vikings’ offensive meetings, studying both playbooks + took practice rep vs BAL; did it in high school. Big role in store for rookie FB Max Bredeson.”

Vikings Update Sees a LB Go to FB

The Minnesota Vikings adore players who can do multiple things well. Still, tasking a defender with playing fullback is stretching things.

Now, there is some precedent here. A classic example can be found in Mike Vrabel operating as a full-time Patriots outside linebacker who would moonlight as a tight end (catching touchdowns along the way). More recently, New England leaned on DT Khyiris Tonga to jump into the fullback spot during the 2025 season, adding some imposing muscle on a few occasions.

The Vikings, though, are still doing something odd.

Adding further intrigue to the mix is that Chaz Chambliss is going to change his number so that he’s compliant with the league rules for playing fullback. Kevin O’Connell explained the rationale for the move.

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Consider the head coach’s insight: “It’s just so every time, if we want to get him some snaps in the game, every single time he doesn’t have to report as an eligible.” After articulating a desire not to overlook the defender’s “swag factor,” O’Connell then said that Minnesota “can put him in just about any number and he’d just go out and play.”

What O’Connell appears to be getting at is that Mr. Chambliss is an old-fashioned ball player. The number doesn’t matter too much for him; the sophomore just wants to get into the game. “Chaz is not a guy that I worry about too much,” the skipper went on to say.

Rookie newcomer Max Bredeson is going to be leading the charge as a fullback. He got scooped up in the 5th Round even if Minnesota has next to no desire to see him carry the ball (remains to be seen). Rather, the thumper was brought to town to do some thumping.

Chaz Chambliss is looking like the backup fullback. Working somebody into that position means boasting some added depth and flexibility. Last season, Chambliss was a stalwart on special teams — he snagged 183 snaps on specials in his dozen games — proving capable as a tackler and blocker. Did something on special teams tape reveal a capacity to possibly get used on offense?

Note, as well, that Krammer points toward some background with the assignment in high school.

Chambliss is listed as being 6’1″ and 244 pounds. As an edge rusher, that’s a touch small, but it’s a good build to play off-ball linebacker, fullback, and on special teams. He looks like somebody who is on the roster fringe moving into cut down weekend.

If you’re looking for some added insight on the fullback stuff, Krammer’s work is on Star Tribune.

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