Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell reveals ‘heartfelt reason’ behind encouraging words to Colts’ Anthony Richardson
Minnesota Vikings HC Kevin O’Connell won hearts with his heartwarming gesture towards benched Anthony Richardson amid Vikings vs. Colts game.
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Kevin O'Connell, Anthony Richardson (Images via A to Z Sports/Imago)
Kevin O’Connell is one of the most loved coaches in the league, and there are several reasons for it. In a league fueled by drama, smack talk, snide remarks, and intense rivalries, Minnesota Vikings head coach O’Connell sets himself apart with kind gestures.
The Southern gentleman recently gained massive popularity following his actions amid a game against the Indianapolis Colts. The Vikings bounced back from a set of defeats, triumphing over the Colts at home.
The Colts, looking to better their standing in the division led by Houston Texans, suffered another major blow. Following the win, O’Connell took a minute to cheer up rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson amid a rough transition into the professionals.
In a video captured by NFL Films, O’Connell was heard uplifting the rookie QB, who had to watch the game from the sidelines as Joe Flacco started for the Colts.
You’re a bad dude and you’re going to play a long time in this league. I still believe in you. I know these guys do, too.
Kevin O’Connell to Anthony Richardson
The Vikings coach, hailing from Tennessee, built upon the exchange while speaking to the media on Friday. He admitted that he thought Richardson had been through a tough week and wanted to reassure him of the strong support he still has within the Colts organization and beyond.
I wanted to let him know how I felt. And whether it meant something to him, or not, didn’t matter. And I think it’s a good thing for everybody in society to do… Quarterback journeys are what they are, and every single one of them has their own story. And I just felt like if I can have an opportunity to just let him know how I feel about him, and not only him and where he’s at now but where I think he’s going in the future, I thought it was a good moment to tell him that. I’m just a big fan, and if you have something to say to uplift somebody else, you might as well say it and not keep it to yourself.
Kevin O’Connell told reporters
Kevin O'Connell addressed this today. "I'm just a big fan, and if you have something to say to uplift somebody else, you might as well say it and not keep it to yourself." Full quote: https://t.co/3fRMB7CxKj pic.twitter.com/07T49KFocR
— Kevin Seifert (@SeifertESPN) November 8, 2024
Kevin O’Connell’s heartwarming token has been applauded by fans and players alike. The heartwarming gesture against the Colts preceded another kind and compassionate gesture—Jaime Erdahl sounding Gjallarhorn at U.S. Bank Stadium after O’Connell’s request last month.
Can Kevin O’Connell lead Minnesota Vikings to playoffs after missing out on 2023?
The Minnesota Vikings started the season with flying colors, soaring to 5-0. Their joyride was cut short by the Detroit Lions and later by a controversial loss to the Los Angeles Rams. After the successive defeats, the Vikings found winning ways last week against the Colts.
Kevin O’Connell led the Vikings to their first division title in 2022 after a five-year hiatus. He was unable to recreate that magic last year as the team fell 7-10 in the regular season. The Vikings are better than last year with Sam Darnold driving a solid center in Twin Cities. They are 6-2 (0.750) heading into Week 10 as opposed to 5-4 (0.555) last year.
The NFC North title would be a hard battle with the Lions registering massive wins to cement themselves as the leaders early on. They have only one loss in the season so far. O’Connell and his gang currently hold the top wildcard spot with a common record better than that of the Philadelphia Eagles.
The Vikings need to rack up some quick wins to ensure their postseason seat against the lower ranked teams they play in coming weeks.
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Mohammed Bazim
(447 Articles Published)