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Biggest Questions Facing the Vikings after Kwesi Adofo-Mensah’s Termination

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Titans GM Ran Carthon talks with Vikings GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah during a joint practice in Eagan.
Tennessee Titans general manager Ran Carthon visits with Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah during a joint practice session in Eagan, Minn., with August 16, 2023 falling in the heart of preseason evaluations. The brief sideline exchange highlights cross-team relationships as front offices gather information and perspective during summer preparations. © Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean / USA TODAY NETWORK.

With a belated decision, the Minnesota Vikings fired general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah on Friday, January 30th, causing confusion with the timing and questions about the franchise’s immediate direction. What are the questions? Well, we have those for you.

Minnesota now faces a compressed offseason with big decisions piling up, from quarterback direction to who ultimately runs the roster.

Free agency is one month away, and the draft six weeks after that. Here’s what to ponder regarding the Vikings.

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Key Questions the Vikings Face After Kwesi Adofo-Mensah’s Termination

The offseason has changed for the purple team.

Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy looks on before the snap at Ford Field. Kwesi Adofo-Mensah termination.
Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy watches the field at Ford Field during second-quarter action, with the moment captured on Nov. 2, 2025, as Minnesota navigated a divisional matchup against Detroit while McCarthy tracked coverage, personnel groupings, and game flow from behind the line of scrimmage amid shifting protections and tempo changes. Mandatory Credit: David Reginek-Imagn Images

1. Is J.J. McCarthy’s Off-Ramp Now on the Way?

Righteous or not, the Vikings now have a clean avenue to wind down the McCarthy era if they’re not overly inspired about his injury trajectory and performance. Think of this way: if Minnesota wants a quarterback like Kyler Murray or Mac Jones via trade, they can somewhat easily trade for him and sell the story as, “Well, McCarthy was Kwesi’s guy.” They’ll never expressly say that, but you get it — through implication.

Had Adofo-Mensah remained, Minnesota had a vested interest in enabling him to succeed. Now, they can straightforwardly opt for a different quarterback and claim (through their actions) the old general manager got the McCarthy pick wrong.

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2. Who Will Take Over for Adofo-Mensah after the Draft?

Curiously, the Mark and Zygi Wilf won’t hire an Adofo-Mensah replacement until after the draft. It’s unclear why they’ll wait, perhaps to give Rob Brzezinski an extended, fair trial for the big job.

But then what?

The organziation could keep Brzezinski in place, interview someone with previous ties to the Vikings like George Paton, or consult an outsider like Ed Dodds from the Indianapolis Colts.

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Still, the new general manager’s identity will remain a mystery for a few months.

3. Who Calls the Shots for Personnel?

When a single general manager is in the saddle, the buck stops with him or her — all final personnel calls. Outwardly, that’s no longer the case.

Maybe Kevin O’Connell will pick the offensive players, Brian Flores will be in charge of defensive personnel, and Brzezinski will manage the money. Until a new boss takes over, onlookers won’t have any idea who’s picking what and will merely hope everyone is on the same page for collaboration.

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4. Will O’Connell Shoot for the Stars at QB?

The Vikings have already stated they’ll add another quarterback or two this offseason. That’s a given — the no-brainer to end all no-brainers this go-round.

Will O’Connell choose a journeyman insurance policy like Jimmy Garoppolo? An upside youngster via trade like Anthony Richardson? Kirk Cousins? Another crack at empowering a former high-round pick to succeed like Kyler Murray? Or sell everything imaginable for Joe Burrow or Lamar Jackson if those men are available?

With Adofo-Mensah gone, O’Connell can basically do whatever he wants at quarterback. And he must get the decision right for his job security. The onus is all on him.

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Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell watches warm-ups at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell observes pregame routines at U.S. Bank Stadium, with the scene unfolding on Oct. 19, 2025, as Minnesota prepared for Philadelphia while O’Connell evaluated warm-up tempo, positional drills, and sideline communication ahead of kickoff during a nationally watched NFC matchup buildup under bright lights. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images

NFL.com’s Kevin Patra wrote about the Vikings’ quarterback situation last month, “There is little question that the Vikings need a reliable veteran to buffer McCarthy. There was discussion about bringing back Sam Darnold last offseason, but he found a home and a bigger deal in Seattle. Minnesota also attempted to retain Daniel Jones, who opted for Indianapolis. When a trade for Sam Howell went sideways, it left the Vikes with Wentz and Brosmer.”

“The veteran free-agent market will be dotted with the likes of Marcus Mariota, Russell Wilson, Jimmy Garoppolo and Kenny Pickett. One potential name to watch: Kirk Cousins, the former Vikings QB who reworked his deal in Atlanta, making him a likely free agent this offseason.”

5. Why Did the Vikings Wait until 3.5 Weeks into the Offseason to Fire KAM?

This is the one that will confuse fans indefinitely.

Adofo-Mensah’s draft record alone warranted his termination on Black Monday (the day after Week 18). But the Wilfs held off.

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Then, after the firing, they insisted that no single decision had pushed them over the edge. Five days prior, though, former Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold reached the Super Bowl with the Seattle Seahawks. There’s just no way that didn’t serve as the final smoking gun.

Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah observes practice activity at TCO Performance Center.
Minnesota Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah scans activity at the TCO Performance Center, with the moment dated July 27, 2022, as Minnesota moved through training camp while Adofo-Mensah assessed drills, personnel movement, and organizational rhythm shaping long-term roster decisions during early install and evaluation periods ahead of preseason planning. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images

Wide Left‘s Arif Hasan also noted last week, “The failure to re-sign Sam Darnold, who is about to make his Super Bowl debut with the Seattle Seahawks, appears in much of the reporting we see about the Vikings’ GM decision. More prominent, however, is the inability to re-sign Daniel Jones, who left for the Colts and produced an outstanding season before his injury.”

No matter, Adofo-Mensah’s termination occurred about 3.5 weeks late.


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Fabian Hurzeler vows to fight on at Brighton after defeat to Crystal Palace

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Fabian Hurzeler vowed to fight on through the toughest period of his managerial career after Brighton fans turned on him during Sunday’s 1-0 Premier League home defeat to bitter rivals Crystal Palace.

The under-fire Seagulls head coach was jeered and subjected to chants of “you don’t know what you’re doing” and “you’re getting sacked in the morning” as his side slipped to a painful loss at the Amex Stadium.

Ismaila Sarr was once again the Eagles’ derby hero, claiming a 61st-minute winner to back up a decisive double in last season’s 3-1 success on the south coast.

Palace leapfrogged Albion into 13th place courtesy of their first win in 13 games in all competitions, dating back to December 11.

“Now it’s not the moment to talk about my human feelings,” said former St Pauli boss Hurzeler.

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“Everyone can imagine how you would feel if 25,000 demand things and sing about you.

“It’s not an easy situation but there are only two options: to give up or to keep working harder, and that’s always the option I choose so far in my life.

“That’s why I am sitting here because I never give up. That’s what I will keep pushing to do.

“I think it’s the hardest moment (of my managerial career) but it’s also the moment where I try to get the most out of it, I learn the most and I will grow the most. I will face this adversity and I will get through it.”

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Brighton, who would have climbed into the top half of the table with three points, have now won just one of their last 12 top-flight fixtures.

Seagulls supporters initially took aim at Hurzeler in the 71st minute when he replaced Maxim De Cuyper, Carlos Baleba and Harry Howell with Diego Gomez, Yankuba Minteh and Danny Welbeck in a triple substitution.

Jeers grew louder as Albion’s struggles to create continued, building to a crescendo at the final whistle after some fans called for Hurzeler to be dismissed.

“I always promise I give my heart, I give my soul for this club, and I will keep doing this,” said the 32-year-old German.

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“It’s not an easy situation to take. But I will absorb the criticism.

“It’s fine if they (fans) find the person in me to blame – because in the end I’m responsible – as long as they support the team.”

Palace’s victory was a first in 10 top-flight outings, since a 2-1 win at Fulham on December 7.

Eagles manager Oliver Glasner, who celebrated on the pitch in front of a jubilant away end at full-time, said: “I just can say thank you to our fans. They had plenty of opportunities to boo us in the last months but they never did. This is the bond we created in the last two years.

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“Yes, they were disappointed and we were disappointed but they never booed at us. Today what we have seen right at the end, the players, the fans, this is what you can’t buy, these emotions, this feeling after a win.

“We will go home now, the M23 being really delighted. Our fans I think they will stop once or twice to buy another Guinness. That’s why football is so great.

“We couldn’t deliver the last two months. Today they are just happy.

“Tomorrow I think most of them have to go to work but Monday morning is easier to start with a win, especially at Brighton. This is why everybody was so emotional after the game.”

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Vera Zvonareva Returns to WTA 1000 Draw at 41

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Vera Zvonareva has qualified for the main draw of the Qatar Open, marking her first appearance at the WTA 1000 level since 2023.

The former world No. 2 resumed competition late in 2025 after a 19 month absence, reaching the final of the W100 Dubai in both singles and doubles. She has since played several qualifying events and has had some match wins despite missing main draws in Canberra, Adelaide, and Abu Dhabi.

In Doha, Zvonareva earned her place with straight set wins over Shuai Zhang and Magdalena Frech, her first singles victories over top 100 opponents since late 2023.

  • Gauff and Mboko link up late for Qatar Open DoublesGauff and Mboko link up late for Qatar Open Doubles

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The 41 year old is the oldest player in the Qatar Open draw and is currently the second most senior competitor on the WTA Tour, behind Venus Williams.

Zvonareva will open her campaign on Sunday against Peyton Stearns, setting up a first round meeting between players separated by 17 years.

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Hall of Fame legend says Terence Crawford is not on his level: “He didn’t do what I did”

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Terence Crawford has received plenty of plaudits recently, but one Hall of Fame fighter claims he isn’t on his level, along with Shakur Stevenson, believing that neither man is in the class he was in when he was active.

Crawford hung up the gloves back in December after defeating Canelo Alvarez and he has since been praised as one of the greatest fighters of the modern era, having reigned as undisputed champion in three weight classes.

Meanwhile, Stevenson is being heralded as one of boxing’s current best off the back of a one-sided decision victory against Teofimo Lopez, claiming a 119-109 decision on all three of the judges’ scorecards and becoming the the sport’s third-youngest four-division world champion in the process.

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However, despite the efforts of both men, former three-weight world champion James Toney told FightHype that their wins have not been dominant or destructive enough to warrant the same recognition as him.

“He looked good, alright, but it wasn’t no James Toney performance, you know that. Every time that I fought on the big stage, [Iran] Barkley, [Evander] Holyfield, John Ruiz and countless others – I am dominating them.

Terence Crawford, I love Terence Crawford, but he didn’t even do what I did. He didn’t do it, but he won 12 rounds. I did damage, I stopped people, I knocked people out, that is why they called me ‘Lights Out’.”

At 28 years old, there is plenty of time for Stevenson to further etch his name into the history books, with a possible move to the welterweight division potentially presenting the Newark southpaw with the opportunity to become boxing’s seventh five-division champion.

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Oak Hill Delivers Timely Lindsay Park Victory in 2026 Rubiton Stakes

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Lindsay Park, under the guidance of Ben, Will and J D Hayes, has claimed a vital success with Oak Hill’s Caulfield conquest in 2026.

This sprinter’s result in Saturday’s Group 2 Rubiton Stakes (1100m) was the first for the stable in metro ranks following the January 21 Sandown pair from Vivacissimo and Crocodile.

The month of January was testing for Lindsay Park, hit by on-track woes and the destructive bushfires across Victoria that torched extensive sections of their Lindsay Park estate, prompting horse evacuations.

Oak Hill’s win proved perfectly timed amid the hardships at the Creighton’s Creek training site, as per J D Hayes.

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Oak Hill ($4.60), piloted by Damian Lane, edged out Don’t Hope Do ($9) by a long head, with $2.70 elect Hedged settling for third, 1-¼ lengths behind.

“We are definitely happy to put January behind us and that was a terrific effort,” Hayes said.

“I thought he put the writing on the wall last start with his return run. We’ve taken all the gear off his head and he’s just starting to really learn his craft.

“He’s a late learner and a horse that we inherited from the late, great, Mike Moroney and he is getting better each preparation.

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“And it’s great to get Damian Lane back on board. He won quite a few races on him and it’s always good to get a winner for Rupert Legh in those colours.”

Hayes revealed the handicap Group 1 Oakleigh Plate (1100m) at Caulfield on February 21 could be next for Oak Hill.

Lane boasts an excellent record with the gelding, securing five of his eight wins aboard the sprinter.

The jockey is optimistic about Oak Hill navigating the Oakleigh Plate frenzy if chosen by the Hayes siblings.

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“He’s always had the talent and you can put him a touch closer and he’s got the turn-of-foot still,” Lane said.

“He’d handle it (Oakleigh Plate) well. He’s got that experience now in short course racing, hustle and bustle, and now that he’s more mature in the mind that’ll help him, and it will set up well.”

Race enthusiasts can find competitive odds in the racing betting markets for events like the Oakleigh Plate.

The post Oak Hill lands timely Lindsay Park win first appeared on Just Horse Racing.

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Is Jac Collinsworth related to Cris Collinsworth?

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Cris Collinsworth has been the face of NBC’s Sunday Night Football coverage for over 15 years. Now, another Collinsworth is in the mix.

Jac Collinsworth will participate in official Super Bowl coverage for the second time ahead of Super Bowl 60. He’ll have the unique opportunity of hosting the pregame show from Alcatraz Island with Tony Dungy and Rodney Harrison.

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According to NBC, the Super Bowl LX Pregame Show “will feature a look at the island’s historic significance as a military base, prison, and seabird conservation site, as well as the 19-month occupation by Native Americans in support of freedom and civil rights.”

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Jac, 30, began his relationship with NBC in 2013 while studying at Notre Dame. He was part of the sideline production team for four years and served as NBC’s sideline reporter for the Fighting Irish’s spring game in 2016 and 2017. After a four-year stint at ESPN, Jac returned to NBC in 2020 to become the host of Football Night in America and Notre Dame Football on NBC.

So, the obvious question is whether Jac and Cris Collinsworth are related. The answer is yes. Jac is one of Cris’ four children.

There you have it!

This article originally appeared on For The Win: Is Jac Collinsworth related to Cris Collinsworth?

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NFL fans call out “delusional” Mark Wahlberg for predicting Patriots to blow out Seahawks in Super Bowl LX

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The Seattle Seahawks head into the Super Bowl against the New England Patriots as slight favorites. However, Hollywood star Mark Wahlberg thinks the Patriots will be too much for Seattle’s defense to handle.

Wahlberg, who is a lifelong Patriots fan, was asked about his prediction for Super Bowl LX during an interaction with TMZ Sports in San Francisco on Friday. Wahlberg predicted a dominant win for New England.

“It’s gonna be an ass-whooping, Patriots are gonna win big!” Wahlberg said. “It’s time for Drake Maye to take the throne!”

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NFL fans called out the actor for his “delusional” Super Bowl prediction.

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“Delusional.”

“Remember… he left the stadium when we were down 28-3… what kind of fan is he?”

Remember… he left the stadium when we were down 28-3… what kind of fan is he?

“He’s still trying to make up for leaving during 28-3.”

Hes still trying to make up for leaving during 28-3

“He probably thinks Tom Brady is gonna gear up tomorrow and save them lol 😂”

He probably thinks Tom Brady is gonna gear up tomorrow and save them lol 😂

“That’s a pipe dream.”

“The worst people being pro patriots .. makes u think.”

The worst people being pro patriots .. makes u think

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The Seahawks will make their fourth Super Bowl appearance on Sunday, hoping to win their second ring in franchise history. The last time they faced the Patriots in the Super Bowl in 2015, they suffered a dramatic 28-24 loss against Tom Brady’s team.

Also Read: “We are so cooked”: Patriots fans haunted by “Kardashian curse” after Kendall Jenner links up with Robert Kraft before Super Bowl

Also Read: “I hope both teams lose”: George Kittle curses Patriots & Seahawks in 2026 Super Bowl

Mark Wahlberg predicted Patriots’ success under Mike Vrabel at the start of 2025 season

The Patriots hired Mike Vrabel as their coach before the start of the season and Mark Wahlberg predicted success under the first-year coach during a coverstation with Stephen A. Smith in September.

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“For the last couple of years, I had no stress,” Wahlberg said. “And I found myself sitting on the couch with my son, getting anxiety again, getting that knot in my stomach, right? I lose my appetite.

“We’re going back. We’re going back to the promised land, adding more championships, adding more trophies,” he added. “The Krafts gotta build another trophy room. It’s happening.”

Vrabel has led a remarkable turnaround in his first season with the Patriots and aims to win the first Super Bowl in the post-Bill Belichick era.