Alec Lewis
@aleclewis.bsky.social
Minnesota Vikings beat writer @TheAthletic. Hosting Vikes pod, @AlecLewisShow. Mizzou alum from ‘Bama. alewis@theathletic.com. Let the kids write.
It’s gameday.
And, at long last, J.J. McCarthy’s time.
There is almost a defiant sense of empowerment in the Vikings’ plan with the QB for 2025. So far, it has produced his characteristic energy.
“He glows. And when you’re around him, you glow also.”
t.co/tKNxWzJsco
And, at long last, J.J. McCarthy’s time.
There is almost a defiant sense of empowerment in the Vikings’ plan with the QB for 2025. So far, it has produced his characteristic energy.
“He glows. And when you’re around him, you glow also.”
t.co/tKNxWzJsco
September 8, 2025 at 2:34 PM
It’s gameday.
And, at long last, J.J. McCarthy’s time.
There is almost a defiant sense of empowerment in the Vikings’ plan with the QB for 2025. So far, it has produced his characteristic energy.
“He glows. And when you’re around him, you glow also.”
t.co/tKNxWzJsco
And, at long last, J.J. McCarthy’s time.
There is almost a defiant sense of empowerment in the Vikings’ plan with the QB for 2025. So far, it has produced his characteristic energy.
“He glows. And when you’re around him, you glow also.”
t.co/tKNxWzJsco
The 10 things I’ll be watching at Vikings training camp. Let’s ride. www.nytimes.com/athletic/650...
Vikings training camp: 10 things I’ll be watching when it kicks off
Fans are hopeful about the Vikings after their successful offseason. Here are 10 things our expert will be watching when practice begins.
www.nytimes.com
July 22, 2025 at 1:50 PM
The 10 things I’ll be watching at Vikings training camp. Let’s ride. www.nytimes.com/athletic/650...
What’s J.J. McCarthy’s mindset with all eyes on him as Vikings training camp dawns?
Glad you asked.
Some perspective from the folks who know him best: www.nytimes.com/athletic/650...
Glad you asked.
Some perspective from the folks who know him best: www.nytimes.com/athletic/650...
J.J. McCarthy’s moment begins: What he’s thinking as Vikings training camp opens
Is McCarthy, 22, nervous about his chance to be the Vikings starter? “I don’t think it feels like weight to him,” his former QB coach says.
www.nytimes.com
July 21, 2025 at 1:51 PM
What’s J.J. McCarthy’s mindset with all eyes on him as Vikings training camp dawns?
Glad you asked.
Some perspective from the folks who know him best: www.nytimes.com/athletic/650...
Glad you asked.
Some perspective from the folks who know him best: www.nytimes.com/athletic/650...
Fun new Ep of the pod with @ollieconnolly.bsky.social...
— His J.J. McCarthy eval
— McCarthy arm convo
— Ryan Kelly/Will Fries raving
— Brian Flores's next evolution
Watch: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pj10...
— His J.J. McCarthy eval
— McCarthy arm convo
— Ryan Kelly/Will Fries raving
— Brian Flores's next evolution
Watch: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pj10...
J.J. McCarthy’s arm, Vikings’ new-look Brian Flores defense and more with Ollie Connolly (Ep. 95)
YouTube video by The Alec Lewis Show
www.youtube.com
July 10, 2025 at 11:03 PM
Fun new Ep of the pod with @ollieconnolly.bsky.social...
— His J.J. McCarthy eval
— McCarthy arm convo
— Ryan Kelly/Will Fries raving
— Brian Flores's next evolution
Watch: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pj10...
— His J.J. McCarthy eval
— McCarthy arm convo
— Ryan Kelly/Will Fries raving
— Brian Flores's next evolution
Watch: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pj10...
Some thoughts on the Vikings and Ryan Kelly and what’s next www.nytimes.com/athletic/619...
Vikings agree to deal with C Ryan Kelly: What he means for Minnesota’s focus on trenches
The Vikings have wanted to revamp the interior of their offensive line this offseason, and the first domino fell Monday evening.
www.nytimes.com
March 10, 2025 at 11:56 PM
Some thoughts on the Vikings and Ryan Kelly and what’s next www.nytimes.com/athletic/619...
Jeff Okudah will likely be in play for Vikings, yes.
Is Okudah worth a flier? Or should they be pivoting to say Ward? I still think there's a chance BMJ comes back but in case not...
March 10, 2025 at 6:09 PM
Jeff Okudah will likely be in play for Vikings, yes.
Just for timing purposes: The Jonathan Allen visit with the Vikings is happening this afternoon. Couple hours from now.
March 10, 2025 at 6:01 PM
Just for timing purposes: The Jonathan Allen visit with the Vikings is happening this afternoon. Couple hours from now.
Vikings identified Isaiah Rodgers early. Was starter in Indy before gambling suspension in ‘23. Slight, but swift and competitive.
March 10, 2025 at 5:59 PM
Vikings identified Isaiah Rodgers early. Was starter in Indy before gambling suspension in ‘23. Slight, but swift and competitive.
Vikings still very much in IDL market. Similar to last year with Christian Wilkins — they just prefer not to pay at top of market. More strategic (with comp picks in mind, too).
March 10, 2025 at 5:04 PM
Vikings still very much in IDL market. Similar to last year with Christian Wilkins — they just prefer not to pay at top of market. More strategic (with comp picks in mind, too).
Alrighty, here’s the Vikings free agency tracker. Updates over here: www.nytimes.com/athletic/618...
Minnesota Vikings 2025 free agency tracker: Still looking to improve in the trenches
The Vikings roster has plenty of needs: the interior O-line, interior D-line, cornerback and running back. Expect the team to be aggressive.
www.nytimes.com
March 10, 2025 at 4:43 PM
Alrighty, here’s the Vikings free agency tracker. Updates over here: www.nytimes.com/athletic/618...
A family will be watching the Vikings tonight in the DC area.
A mother, a father and a brother.
Why this team has meant as much as it has to the Jacksons over what has been the hardest five months of their lives 🕊️:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/605...
A mother, a father and a brother.
Why this team has meant as much as it has to the Jacksons over what has been the hardest five months of their lives 🕊️:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/605...
Khyree Jackson’s grieving family finding inspiration in Vikings’ special season
The Vikings have rallied around the family of Jackson, who was killed in a car crash last summer. “It just feels so genuine,” his mom says.
www.nytimes.com
January 13, 2025 at 8:24 PM
A family will be watching the Vikings tonight in the DC area.
A mother, a father and a brother.
Why this team has meant as much as it has to the Jacksons over what has been the hardest five months of their lives 🕊️:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/605...
A mother, a father and a brother.
Why this team has meant as much as it has to the Jacksons over what has been the hardest five months of their lives 🕊️:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/605...
A head coach who says he trusts his players, then backs it up.
A DC who is willing to do *whatever* it takes, and players who believe wholeheartedly.
A QB thriving. A special skill group. These Vikings, a great story, have stamped themselves as a force: www.nytimes.com/athletic/602...
A DC who is willing to do *whatever* it takes, and players who believe wholeheartedly.
A QB thriving. A special skill group. These Vikings, a great story, have stamped themselves as a force: www.nytimes.com/athletic/602...
Vikings stamp themselves as legitimate contenders with impressive victory over Packers
As the pressure continues to mount, the Vikings keep getting it done. Now the Lions are all that stand between them and the NFC's top seed.
www.nytimes.com
December 30, 2024 at 3:15 PM
A head coach who says he trusts his players, then backs it up.
A DC who is willing to do *whatever* it takes, and players who believe wholeheartedly.
A QB thriving. A special skill group. These Vikings, a great story, have stamped themselves as a force: www.nytimes.com/athletic/602...
A DC who is willing to do *whatever* it takes, and players who believe wholeheartedly.
A QB thriving. A special skill group. These Vikings, a great story, have stamped themselves as a force: www.nytimes.com/athletic/602...
Well-designed NFL offense is easy to spot when it’s something funky.
Crazy motions, trick plays, etc.
The Vikings don’t do a ton of that. The intentionality behind *this* system is the special sauce 👇👇👇 www.nytimes.com/athletic/601...
Crazy motions, trick plays, etc.
The Vikings don’t do a ton of that. The intentionality behind *this* system is the special sauce 👇👇👇 www.nytimes.com/athletic/601...
How Kevin O’Connell, Vikings’ offensive design laid foundation for Sam Darnold’s ascent
Darnold’s impressive play of late is a testament to the infrastructure that was built for him by O'Connell and company last offseason.
www.nytimes.com
December 24, 2024 at 3:27 PM
Well-designed NFL offense is easy to spot when it’s something funky.
Crazy motions, trick plays, etc.
The Vikings don’t do a ton of that. The intentionality behind *this* system is the special sauce 👇👇👇 www.nytimes.com/athletic/601...
Crazy motions, trick plays, etc.
The Vikings don’t do a ton of that. The intentionality behind *this* system is the special sauce 👇👇👇 www.nytimes.com/athletic/601...
NFL teams and QBs are inextricably linked.
But the Vikings and Sam Darnold relationship feel deeper.
It's the belief amid ample doubt, and a QB & team becoming undeniable together. An ode to the latest chapter 👇 www.nytimes.com/athletic/601...
But the Vikings and Sam Darnold relationship feel deeper.
It's the belief amid ample doubt, and a QB & team becoming undeniable together. An ode to the latest chapter 👇 www.nytimes.com/athletic/601...
Sam Darnold produces signature moment with game-winning TD pass against Seahawks
Darnold's late go-ahead touchdown pass to Justin Jefferson was another special play in a special season for the QB and this Vikings team.
www.nytimes.com
December 23, 2024 at 12:38 PM
NFL teams and QBs are inextricably linked.
But the Vikings and Sam Darnold relationship feel deeper.
It's the belief amid ample doubt, and a QB & team becoming undeniable together. An ode to the latest chapter 👇 www.nytimes.com/athletic/601...
But the Vikings and Sam Darnold relationship feel deeper.
It's the belief amid ample doubt, and a QB & team becoming undeniable together. An ode to the latest chapter 👇 www.nytimes.com/athletic/601...
Vikings’ Kevin O’Connell leans on unlikely source for guidance: Hall of Famer Bill Cowher www.nytimes.com/athletic/600...
Vikings’ Kevin O’Connell leans on unlikely source for guidance: Hall of Famer Bill Cowher
The Vikings coach has gotten guidance from the Hall of Famer who calls O'Connell "one of the best leaders in the National Football League.”
www.nytimes.com
December 21, 2024 at 5:00 PM
Vikings’ Kevin O’Connell leans on unlikely source for guidance: Hall of Famer Bill Cowher www.nytimes.com/athletic/600...
New Ep of the pod with Pete Bercich presented by First Resource Bank...
— Seahawks game thoughts
— Vikings run defense of late
— On Sam Darnold's play
— Ivan Pace Jr.'s value
— And more
Watch: www.youtube.com/watch?v=FIYm...
— Seahawks game thoughts
— Vikings run defense of late
— On Sam Darnold's play
— Ivan Pace Jr.'s value
— And more
Watch: www.youtube.com/watch?v=FIYm...
Vikings analyst Pete Bercich talks keys for team down stretch, Seahawks matchup and more (Ep. 43)
YouTube video by The Alec Lewis Show
www.youtube.com
December 20, 2024 at 7:12 PM
New Ep of the pod with Pete Bercich presented by First Resource Bank...
— Seahawks game thoughts
— Vikings run defense of late
— On Sam Darnold's play
— Ivan Pace Jr.'s value
— And more
Watch: www.youtube.com/watch?v=FIYm...
— Seahawks game thoughts
— Vikings run defense of late
— On Sam Darnold's play
— Ivan Pace Jr.'s value
— And more
Watch: www.youtube.com/watch?v=FIYm...
He breakdances. He moonwalks. He thinks about this for hours.
Cam Bynum is, unquestionably, the best celebrator in the NFL.
How did this happen? It’s a story about a coach, supportive parents and so much more: www.nytimes.com/athletic/599...
Cam Bynum is, unquestionably, the best celebrator in the NFL.
How did this happen? It’s a story about a coach, supportive parents and so much more: www.nytimes.com/athletic/599...
Why Vikings safety Cam Bynum is the NFL’s best celebration coordinator (and much more)
Bynum's viral turnover celebrations are legendary, but he wouldn't have anything to celebrate if he wasn't succeeding on the field.
www.nytimes.com
December 16, 2024 at 5:08 PM
He breakdances. He moonwalks. He thinks about this for hours.
Cam Bynum is, unquestionably, the best celebrator in the NFL.
How did this happen? It’s a story about a coach, supportive parents and so much more: www.nytimes.com/athletic/599...
Cam Bynum is, unquestionably, the best celebrator in the NFL.
How did this happen? It’s a story about a coach, supportive parents and so much more: www.nytimes.com/athletic/599...
Reposted by Alec Lewis
Usher liked his social media post. Lindsay Lohan and Marlon Wayans have praised his talents. He even received a message from the Jabbawockeez.
This is what life is currently like for Cam Bynum, the best celebrator in the NFL, writes @aleclewis.bsky.social.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/599...
This is what life is currently like for Cam Bynum, the best celebrator in the NFL, writes @aleclewis.bsky.social.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/599...
December 16, 2024 at 4:10 PM
Usher liked his social media post. Lindsay Lohan and Marlon Wayans have praised his talents. He even received a message from the Jabbawockeez.
This is what life is currently like for Cam Bynum, the best celebrator in the NFL, writes @aleclewis.bsky.social.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/599...
This is what life is currently like for Cam Bynum, the best celebrator in the NFL, writes @aleclewis.bsky.social.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/599...
New Ep of the pod with Ben Leber! Presented by First Resource Bank...
— What was going through his mind during Falcons game
— The job Kevin O'Connell has done
— Biggest concerns down the stretch
— Future at QB thoughts
Watch: www.youtube.com/watch?v=3rjj...
— What was going through his mind during Falcons game
— The job Kevin O'Connell has done
— Biggest concerns down the stretch
— Future at QB thoughts
Watch: www.youtube.com/watch?v=3rjj...
Ben Leber talks Vikings’ quarterback future, team concerns ahead of playoffs and more: Ep. 41
YouTube video by The Alec Lewis Show
www.youtube.com
December 12, 2024 at 8:36 PM
New Ep of the pod with Ben Leber! Presented by First Resource Bank...
— What was going through his mind during Falcons game
— The job Kevin O'Connell has done
— Biggest concerns down the stretch
— Future at QB thoughts
Watch: www.youtube.com/watch?v=3rjj...
— What was going through his mind during Falcons game
— The job Kevin O'Connell has done
— Biggest concerns down the stretch
— Future at QB thoughts
Watch: www.youtube.com/watch?v=3rjj...
The conversation regarding Sam Darnold’s future is unavoidable.
It involves a relevant team, a resurgent quarterback, a highly touted youngster, NFL team-building strategies, big-money contracts & more.
So what’s going to happen? The multiple paths www.nytimes.com/athletic/598...
It involves a relevant team, a resurgent quarterback, a highly touted youngster, NFL team-building strategies, big-money contracts & more.
So what’s going to happen? The multiple paths www.nytimes.com/athletic/598...
Vikings’ Sam Darnold dilemma: Has he played so well that they can’t let him go?
Should the Vikings re-sign Darnold long term after his career year, or should they let him go and look to the future with J.J. McCarthy?
www.nytimes.com
December 12, 2024 at 3:00 PM
The conversation regarding Sam Darnold’s future is unavoidable.
It involves a relevant team, a resurgent quarterback, a highly touted youngster, NFL team-building strategies, big-money contracts & more.
So what’s going to happen? The multiple paths www.nytimes.com/athletic/598...
It involves a relevant team, a resurgent quarterback, a highly touted youngster, NFL team-building strategies, big-money contracts & more.
So what’s going to happen? The multiple paths www.nytimes.com/athletic/598...
Credit for this Vikings’ 11-2 season goes a lot of places.
But even those typically tie back to the head coach.
Why Kevin O’Connell deserves the attention he’s getting: www.nytimes.com/athletic/598...
But even those typically tie back to the head coach.
Why Kevin O’Connell deserves the attention he’s getting: www.nytimes.com/athletic/598...
Kevin O’Connell deserving of national praise as Vikings continue to ascend
Minnesota's head coach has earned credit for what he and his team have done during their 11-2 start — but also for how they've done it.
www.nytimes.com
December 10, 2024 at 2:53 PM
Credit for this Vikings’ 11-2 season goes a lot of places.
But even those typically tie back to the head coach.
Why Kevin O’Connell deserves the attention he’s getting: www.nytimes.com/athletic/598...
But even those typically tie back to the head coach.
Why Kevin O’Connell deserves the attention he’s getting: www.nytimes.com/athletic/598...
He gave the fans what they wanted.
And the fans gave him what he hasn’t had since USC.
What this town embracing Sam Darnold looked and felt like in real time: www.nytimes.com/athletic/597...
And the fans gave him what he hasn’t had since USC.
What this town embracing Sam Darnold looked and felt like in real time: www.nytimes.com/athletic/597...
Vikings QB Sam Darnold’s ‘special’ performance vs. Falcons thrusts him into MVP discussion
Darnold outplays Kirk Cousins, throwing for 347 yards and five touchdowns in Vikings' 42-21 dismantling of Falcons.
www.nytimes.com
December 9, 2024 at 4:01 AM
He gave the fans what they wanted.
And the fans gave him what he hasn’t had since USC.
What this town embracing Sam Darnold looked and felt like in real time: www.nytimes.com/athletic/597...
And the fans gave him what he hasn’t had since USC.
What this town embracing Sam Darnold looked and felt like in real time: www.nytimes.com/athletic/597...
The Vikings-Falcons preview with @jonkrawczynski.bsky.social!
• What we’re watching
• Biggest concerns
• Most interesting matchup
• Advanced data breakdown
• Predictions
www.nytimes.com/athletic/597...
• What we’re watching
• Biggest concerns
• Most interesting matchup
• Advanced data breakdown
• Predictions
www.nytimes.com/athletic/597...
Vikings-Falcons preview, predictions: Can Minnesota spoil Kirk Cousins’ return?
Can the talented Vikings defense keep Cousins, Bijan Robinson and Drake London in check for 60 minutes on Sunday?
www.nytimes.com
December 6, 2024 at 4:57 PM
The Vikings-Falcons preview with @jonkrawczynski.bsky.social!
• What we’re watching
• Biggest concerns
• Most interesting matchup
• Advanced data breakdown
• Predictions
www.nytimes.com/athletic/597...
• What we’re watching
• Biggest concerns
• Most interesting matchup
• Advanced data breakdown
• Predictions
www.nytimes.com/athletic/597...
This is going as expected.
They’re all treating Kirk Cousins’ return to Minnesota in ho-hum fashion.
But this is more than that. This is six years of memories — highs, lows, joy, frustration, validation. And all of that matters: www.nytimes.com/athletic/597...
They’re all treating Kirk Cousins’ return to Minnesota in ho-hum fashion.
But this is more than that. This is six years of memories — highs, lows, joy, frustration, validation. And all of that matters: www.nytimes.com/athletic/597...
Kirk Cousins’ return to Minnesota means more than the Vikings are saying
Buried beneath the Falcons-Vikings pleasantries are six years of memories affecting this team, this town and Cousins himself.
www.nytimes.com
December 5, 2024 at 3:16 PM
This is going as expected.
They’re all treating Kirk Cousins’ return to Minnesota in ho-hum fashion.
But this is more than that. This is six years of memories — highs, lows, joy, frustration, validation. And all of that matters: www.nytimes.com/athletic/597...
They’re all treating Kirk Cousins’ return to Minnesota in ho-hum fashion.
But this is more than that. This is six years of memories — highs, lows, joy, frustration, validation. And all of that matters: www.nytimes.com/athletic/597...
New podcast ep with Paul Allen presented by First Resource Bank...
— On Kirk Cousins' return
— NFC North chances
— Kevin O'Connell's play-calling
— And more
Watch: www.youtube.com/watch?v=IXW7...
— On Kirk Cousins' return
— NFC North chances
— Kevin O'Connell's play-calling
— And more
Watch: www.youtube.com/watch?v=IXW7...
KFAN’s Paul Allen talks Kirk Cousins’ return, Vikings’ NFC North chances and more (Ep. 38)
YouTube video by The Alec Lewis Show
www.youtube.com
December 4, 2024 at 6:29 PM
New podcast ep with Paul Allen presented by First Resource Bank...
— On Kirk Cousins' return
— NFC North chances
— Kevin O'Connell's play-calling
— And more
Watch: www.youtube.com/watch?v=IXW7...
— On Kirk Cousins' return
— NFC North chances
— Kevin O'Connell's play-calling
— And more
Watch: www.youtube.com/watch?v=IXW7...