Ben Goessling
@bengoessling.bsky.social
Minnesota Vikings beat writer at Star Tribune; track/cross country ass't coach at Apple Valley and Augsburg. Husband, girl dad, sinner saved by grace.
Subscribe to the Access Vikings newsletter: https://pages.e2ma.net/pages/1788361/5824
Subscribe to the Access Vikings newsletter: https://pages.e2ma.net/pages/1788361/5824
Pinned
The making of J.J. McCarthy and the big business behind becoming an NFL quarterback
Is the Vikings’ new QB a product of a booming coaching industry, or was he destined to thrive in it? Either way, he’s a beacon for hopeful Vikings fans and an archetype for aspiring young players.
www.startribune.com
I spent the summer learning about the QB development industry: the private coaches and elite camps that now produces many of the country's top prospects.
It's complex and costly, but for some — like J.J. McCarthy — it can fulfill childhood dreams. My project:
www.startribune.com/minnesota-vi...
It's complex and costly, but for some — like J.J. McCarthy — it can fulfill childhood dreams. My project:
www.startribune.com/minnesota-vi...
As the #Vikings arrange their front office with Rob Brzezinski running the show, I took a closer look at their GM search timeline and what it means for the offseason in this week’s Access Vikings newsletter.
You can sign up for the free newsletter here: link.email.startribune.com/join/7v1/sig....
You can sign up for the free newsletter here: link.email.startribune.com/join/7v1/sig....
Sign up for Access Vikings
Sign up for Minnesota Vikings news and complete team coverage.
link.email.startribune.com
February 6, 2026 at 2:22 PM
As the #Vikings arrange their front office with Rob Brzezinski running the show, I took a closer look at their GM search timeline and what it means for the offseason in this week’s Access Vikings newsletter.
You can sign up for the free newsletter here: link.email.startribune.com/join/7v1/sig....
You can sign up for the free newsletter here: link.email.startribune.com/join/7v1/sig....
The #Vikings are hiring Matt Thomas, the longtime Seahawks VP of football operations, to join their front office through the NFL draft as a football admin consultant. Thomas will work with Emily Badis on Vikings salary cap issues while Rob Brzezinski is the team's point person for the front office.
February 5, 2026 at 5:07 PM
The #Vikings are hiring Matt Thomas, the longtime Seahawks VP of football operations, to join their front office through the NFL draft as a football admin consultant. Thomas will work with Emily Badis on Vikings salary cap issues while Rob Brzezinski is the team's point person for the front office.
Got any #Vikings questions? Send them this way, and we’ll answer them in the Access Vikings newsletter or mailbag episode of the podcast (both out Friday).
You can subscribe to the free newsletter here: link.email.startribune.com/join/7v1/sig....
You can subscribe to the free newsletter here: link.email.startribune.com/join/7v1/sig....
Sign up for Access Vikings
Sign up for Minnesota Vikings news and complete team coverage.
link.email.startribune.com
February 5, 2026 at 2:40 PM
Got any #Vikings questions? Send them this way, and we’ll answer them in the Access Vikings newsletter or mailbag episode of the podcast (both out Friday).
You can subscribe to the free newsletter here: link.email.startribune.com/join/7v1/sig....
You can subscribe to the free newsletter here: link.email.startribune.com/join/7v1/sig....
Many know Rob Brzezinski as the #Vikings' cap wizard, working in relative anonymity to manage the team's money. Within the building, though, few are as highly regarded or well-liked as Brzezinski, who's played a variety of key roles in 27 years with the team. www.startribune.com/minnesota-vi...
Who is Rob Brzezinski, the Vikings' new front-office leader?
Rob Brzezinski, who has been with the Vikings since 1999, is tasked with leading the front office after General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah's firing.
www.startribune.com
February 4, 2026 at 10:08 PM
Many know Rob Brzezinski as the #Vikings' cap wizard, working in relative anonymity to manage the team's money. Within the building, though, few are as highly regarded or well-liked as Brzezinski, who's played a variety of key roles in 27 years with the team. www.startribune.com/minnesota-vi...
Reposted by Ben Goessling
New Access Vikings ep. w/ @bengoessling.bsky.social and @andrewkrammer.bsky.social kicking off Super Bowl week chatting with Seahawks quarterbacks coach (and former Vikings asst.) Andrew Janocko.
We also talk Vikings coaching hires.
Listen wherever you get your pods or watch: youtu.be/9wjsk_a6ML8
We also talk Vikings coaching hires.
Listen wherever you get your pods or watch: youtu.be/9wjsk_a6ML8
Vikings add three coaches, Seahawks QBs coach Andrew Janocko joins
Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker discuss the Vikings' recent coaching additions for the 2026 season and chat with Seahawks quarterbacks coach Andrew Janocko, who coached with the…
youtu.be
February 3, 2026 at 9:55 PM
New Access Vikings ep. w/ @bengoessling.bsky.social and @andrewkrammer.bsky.social kicking off Super Bowl week chatting with Seahawks quarterbacks coach (and former Vikings asst.) Andrew Janocko.
We also talk Vikings coaching hires.
Listen wherever you get your pods or watch: youtu.be/9wjsk_a6ML8
We also talk Vikings coaching hires.
Listen wherever you get your pods or watch: youtu.be/9wjsk_a6ML8
Kwesi Adofo-Mensah had two mandates when he became #Vikings GM: Fix the team’s salary cap picture and refresh the roster. The Vikings’ draft misfires meant they couldn’t fulfill those mandates, leading to Adofo-Mensah’s firing this week: www.startribune.com/minnesota-vi...
Analysis: Kwesi Adofo-Mensah’s firing as Vikings GM rooted in frustration over the draft
Restocking the roster with young talent was one of the two mandates asked of him when he was hired, but four years later the team remains in desperate need of help.
www.startribune.com
February 1, 2026 at 6:35 PM
Kwesi Adofo-Mensah had two mandates when he became #Vikings GM: Fix the team’s salary cap picture and refresh the roster. The Vikings’ draft misfires meant they couldn’t fulfill those mandates, leading to Adofo-Mensah’s firing this week: www.startribune.com/minnesota-vi...
The Vikings made four moves for their coaching staff on Saturday, hiring former Dolphins OC Frank Smith as assistant head coach while promoting Keith Carter to the OL coach job.
On defense, they hired Ryan Nielsen as their DL coach and brought in Gerald Alexander to replace Daronte Jones.
On defense, they hired Ryan Nielsen as their DL coach and brought in Gerald Alexander to replace Daronte Jones.
January 31, 2026 at 5:35 PM
The Vikings made four moves for their coaching staff on Saturday, hiring former Dolphins OC Frank Smith as assistant head coach while promoting Keith Carter to the OL coach job.
On defense, they hired Ryan Nielsen as their DL coach and brought in Gerald Alexander to replace Daronte Jones.
On defense, they hired Ryan Nielsen as their DL coach and brought in Gerald Alexander to replace Daronte Jones.
Reposted by Ben Goessling
🚨 Emergency Access Vikings episode talking about Kwesi Adofo-Mensah's firing with @bengoessling.bsky.social and @andrewkrammer.bsky.social is live now wherever you listen to your podcasts and on YouTube. 🚨
youtu.be/7humsJNHTMg
youtu.be/7humsJNHTMg
January 30, 2026 at 10:01 PM
🚨 Emergency Access Vikings episode talking about Kwesi Adofo-Mensah's firing with @bengoessling.bsky.social and @andrewkrammer.bsky.social is live now wherever you listen to your podcasts and on YouTube. 🚨
youtu.be/7humsJNHTMg
youtu.be/7humsJNHTMg
Vikings co-owner Mark Wilf said the team will conduct a "thorough search" for Kwesi Adofo-Mensah's replacement. The Wilfs lean toward "a traditional role where the GM is the decision maker, with extremely heavy input from the head coach and the coaching staff," Wilf said.
January 30, 2026 at 7:58 PM
Vikings co-owner Mark Wilf said the team will conduct a "thorough search" for Kwesi Adofo-Mensah's replacement. The Wilfs lean toward "a traditional role where the GM is the decision maker, with extremely heavy input from the head coach and the coaching staff," Wilf said.
There had been tension in the Vikings organization over the past couple years, particularly as the team's drafts had failed to produce consistent starters. But Kwesi Adofo-Mensah had been down at the Senior Bowl this week, as the Vikings had deliberated about what to do.
January 30, 2026 at 6:28 PM
There had been tension in the Vikings organization over the past couple years, particularly as the team's drafts had failed to produce consistent starters. But Kwesi Adofo-Mensah had been down at the Senior Bowl this week, as the Vikings had deliberated about what to do.
Reposted by Ben Goessling
New Access Vikings ep. with @bengoessling.bsky.social and @andrewkrammer.bsky.social is out now.
More coaching carousel chatter, plus discussing the Super Bowl QB matchup between two Vikings "What ifs" in Sam Darnold and Drake Maye.
Listen wherever you get your pods or watch: youtu.be/ytc2xoKlN3g
More coaching carousel chatter, plus discussing the Super Bowl QB matchup between two Vikings "What ifs" in Sam Darnold and Drake Maye.
Listen wherever you get your pods or watch: youtu.be/ytc2xoKlN3g
January 28, 2026 at 8:04 PM
New Access Vikings ep. with @bengoessling.bsky.social and @andrewkrammer.bsky.social is out now.
More coaching carousel chatter, plus discussing the Super Bowl QB matchup between two Vikings "What ifs" in Sam Darnold and Drake Maye.
Listen wherever you get your pods or watch: youtu.be/ytc2xoKlN3g
More coaching carousel chatter, plus discussing the Super Bowl QB matchup between two Vikings "What ifs" in Sam Darnold and Drake Maye.
Listen wherever you get your pods or watch: youtu.be/ytc2xoKlN3g
Two years ago, Sam Darnold and Drake Maye could have been in the same #Vikings QB room. Instead, they’ll face each other in Super Bowl 60.
January 26, 2026 at 2:56 AM
Two years ago, Sam Darnold and Drake Maye could have been in the same #Vikings QB room. Instead, they’ll face each other in Super Bowl 60.
Brian Flores signed a contract extension to return as the #Vikings’ defensive coordinator. If he doesn’t receive a head coaching job, he’ll return to Minnesota.
January 22, 2026 at 12:22 AM
Brian Flores signed a contract extension to return as the #Vikings’ defensive coordinator. If he doesn’t receive a head coaching job, he’ll return to Minnesota.
Reposted by Ben Goessling
A “Notice of Termination of Prosecution” has been added to the Hillsborough County case file for Jordan Addison’s Florida arrest Jan. 12, indicating that charges are dismissed against the Vikings WR as of Jan. 20.
January 20, 2026 at 5:51 PM
A “Notice of Termination of Prosecution” has been added to the Hillsborough County case file for Jordan Addison’s Florida arrest Jan. 12, indicating that charges are dismissed against the Vikings WR as of Jan. 20.
The #Vikings will have a new offensive line coach next year: the team said Chris Kuper will not be retained after his contract expired.
Kuper had been with the Vikings since 2022; the team said its search for a replacement is underway.
Kuper had been with the Vikings since 2022; the team said its search for a replacement is underway.
January 17, 2026 at 8:18 PM
The #Vikings will have a new offensive line coach next year: the team said Chris Kuper will not be retained after his contract expired.
Kuper had been with the Vikings since 2022; the team said its search for a replacement is underway.
Kuper had been with the Vikings since 2022; the team said its search for a replacement is underway.
There’s nobody more insightful on Brian Flores’ defense than Cody; great conversation about the details of the scheme and what the #Vikings’ defense could look like if he moves on.
NEW ep. of Access Vikings where @bengoessling.bsky.social, @andrewkrammer.bsky.social and I are joined by Cody Alexander of @matchquarters.bsky.social to chat about Brian Flores, his scheme and what the Vikings defense could look like if he moves on.
Listen wherever or watch: youtu.be/c6vYVOslxTM
Listen wherever or watch: youtu.be/c6vYVOslxTM
January 15, 2026 at 9:24 PM
There’s nobody more insightful on Brian Flores’ defense than Cody; great conversation about the details of the scheme and what the #Vikings’ defense could look like if he moves on.
Reposted by Ben Goessling
NEW ep. of Access Vikings where @bengoessling.bsky.social, @andrewkrammer.bsky.social and I are joined by Cody Alexander of @matchquarters.bsky.social to chat about Brian Flores, his scheme and what the Vikings defense could look like if he moves on.
Listen wherever or watch: youtu.be/c6vYVOslxTM
Listen wherever or watch: youtu.be/c6vYVOslxTM
January 15, 2026 at 8:42 PM
NEW ep. of Access Vikings where @bengoessling.bsky.social, @andrewkrammer.bsky.social and I are joined by Cody Alexander of @matchquarters.bsky.social to chat about Brian Flores, his scheme and what the Vikings defense could look like if he moves on.
Listen wherever or watch: youtu.be/c6vYVOslxTM
Listen wherever or watch: youtu.be/c6vYVOslxTM
According to a Hillsborough County criminal affidavit, #Vikings WR Jordan Addison was asked several times by Seminole Hard Rock Casino staff to leave Mon; Addison refused, and had to be redirected toward the exit while escorted out.
He has a Feb. 3 hearing on his misdemeanor trespassing charge.
He has a Feb. 3 hearing on his misdemeanor trespassing charge.
January 15, 2026 at 12:09 AM
According to a Hillsborough County criminal affidavit, #Vikings WR Jordan Addison was asked several times by Seminole Hard Rock Casino staff to leave Mon; Addison refused, and had to be redirected toward the exit while escorted out.
He has a Feb. 3 hearing on his misdemeanor trespassing charge.
He has a Feb. 3 hearing on his misdemeanor trespassing charge.
At their season-ending press conferences today, both Kevin O’Connell and Kwesi Adofo-Mensah made it clear the #Vikings will bring in QB competition this offseason. A look at how it could play out, and what they had to say about J.J. McCarthy: www.startribune.com/vikings-kevi...
Vikings expect to bring in competition for QB J.J. McCarthy
Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell and GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah said Jan. 13 they plan to bring in competition for quarterback J.J. McCarthy.
www.startribune.com
January 13, 2026 at 11:03 PM
At their season-ending press conferences today, both Kevin O’Connell and Kwesi Adofo-Mensah made it clear the #Vikings will bring in QB competition this offseason. A look at how it could play out, and what they had to say about J.J. McCarthy: www.startribune.com/vikings-kevi...
Kevin O’Connell announced outside linebackers coach Mike Pettine is retiring. Pettine, who gave O’Connell his first job in the NFL as the Browns’ quarterbacks coach, joined O’Connell’s staff in Minnesota in 2022 as an assistant head coach.
January 13, 2026 at 5:08 PM
Kevin O’Connell announced outside linebackers coach Mike Pettine is retiring. Pettine, who gave O’Connell his first job in the NFL as the Browns’ quarterbacks coach, joined O’Connell’s staff in Minnesota in 2022 as an assistant head coach.
#Vikings long snapper Andrew DePaola is an All-Pro for the fourth straight year. He was named to the second team, behind Jacksonville’s Ross Matiscik.
January 10, 2026 at 2:45 PM
#Vikings long snapper Andrew DePaola is an All-Pro for the fourth straight year. He was named to the second team, behind Jacksonville’s Ross Matiscik.
#Vikings kicker Will Reichard wasn’t selected to the Pro Bowl, but he’s a first-team All-Pro.
Reichard was the leading kicker on the ballot, receiving 15 of the 50 first-place votes and beating out Brandon Aubrey and Cam Little.
Reichard was the leading kicker on the ballot, receiving 15 of the 50 first-place votes and beating out Brandon Aubrey and Cam Little.
January 10, 2026 at 2:40 PM
#Vikings kicker Will Reichard wasn’t selected to the Pro Bowl, but he’s a first-team All-Pro.
Reichard was the leading kicker on the ballot, receiving 15 of the 50 first-place votes and beating out Brandon Aubrey and Cam Little.
Reichard was the leading kicker on the ballot, receiving 15 of the 50 first-place votes and beating out Brandon Aubrey and Cam Little.
Reposted by Ben Goessling
New Access Vikings podcast chatting things we heard at locker clean out Monday with @bengoessling.bsky.social and @andrewkrammer.bsky.social.
Plus, Brian Flores' HC interview requests + Bears-Packers wild card predictions.
🔗 ⤵️
Plus, Brian Flores' HC interview requests + Bears-Packers wild card predictions.
🔗 ⤵️
January 8, 2026 at 9:11 PM
New Access Vikings podcast chatting things we heard at locker clean out Monday with @bengoessling.bsky.social and @andrewkrammer.bsky.social.
Plus, Brian Flores' HC interview requests + Bears-Packers wild card predictions.
🔗 ⤵️
Plus, Brian Flores' HC interview requests + Bears-Packers wild card predictions.
🔗 ⤵️
From ensuring Justin Jefferson got his 1,000 yards to creating curtain calls for Harrison Smith and C.J. Ham, the #Vikings won their season finale in a manner that wrapped up plenty of plot lines.
The big cliffhanger? How they’ll move forward at QB: www.startribune.com/vikings-pack...
The big cliffhanger? How they’ll move forward at QB: www.startribune.com/vikings-pack...
www.startribune.com
January 5, 2026 at 5:49 AM
From ensuring Justin Jefferson got his 1,000 yards to creating curtain calls for Harrison Smith and C.J. Ham, the #Vikings won their season finale in a manner that wrapped up plenty of plot lines.
The big cliffhanger? How they’ll move forward at QB: www.startribune.com/vikings-pack...
The big cliffhanger? How they’ll move forward at QB: www.startribune.com/vikings-pack...
Reposted by Ben Goessling
Final Access Vikings postgame pod of the 2025 season is out now. @bengoessling.bsky.social, @andrewkrammer.bsky.social and I chat about the celebrations of Harrison Smith and C.J. Ham, milestones reached and J.J. McCarthy's final outing, which ended earlier than expected.
🔗 ⤵️
🔗 ⤵️
January 5, 2026 at 12:24 AM
Final Access Vikings postgame pod of the 2025 season is out now. @bengoessling.bsky.social, @andrewkrammer.bsky.social and I chat about the celebrations of Harrison Smith and C.J. Ham, milestones reached and J.J. McCarthy's final outing, which ended earlier than expected.
🔗 ⤵️
🔗 ⤵️