Emily Leiker
@emleiker.bsky.social
vikings beat for star-tribune • mizzou made • washington-born • lover of all pop culture
📸 (IG) eleiker.writes
📧 emily.leiker@startribune.com
📸 (IG) eleiker.writes
📧 emily.leiker@startribune.com
Full 2026 first round draft order is set. Vikings have the No. 18 pick, one after the NFC North rival Lions.
February 10, 2026 at 8:21 PM
Full 2026 first round draft order is set. Vikings have the No. 18 pick, one after the NFC North rival Lions.
Putting out a call for some more Qs to answer on Access Vikings w/ @bengoessling.bsky.social tomorrow.
Super Bowl, GM search, Combine, draft -- whatever you're curious about!
Super Bowl, GM search, Combine, draft -- whatever you're curious about!
February 10, 2026 at 7:15 PM
Putting out a call for some more Qs to answer on Access Vikings w/ @bengoessling.bsky.social tomorrow.
Super Bowl, GM search, Combine, draft -- whatever you're curious about!
Super Bowl, GM search, Combine, draft -- whatever you're curious about!
What a past year, and season, for Sam Darnold and the Seahawks. A special chapter for Seattle. Know my city will enjoy it (especially after the Mariners heartbreak).
February 9, 2026 at 3:26 AM
What a past year, and season, for Sam Darnold and the Seahawks. A special chapter for Seattle. Know my city will enjoy it (especially after the Mariners heartbreak).
this is where my mind immediately went seeing these Olympic entrances
February 6, 2026 at 7:49 PM
this is where my mind immediately went seeing these Olympic entrances
New Access Vikings out now discussing more Vikings staff moves w/ @bengoessling.bsky.social and @andrewkrammer.bsky.social, followed by Super Bowl-related chatter.
Listen wherever you get your pods or watch: youtu.be/4wVyFsLyOWw
Here's when I asked if everyone had heard of "Ham for Sam" 😅 ⤵️
Listen wherever you get your pods or watch: youtu.be/4wVyFsLyOWw
Here's when I asked if everyone had heard of "Ham for Sam" 😅 ⤵️
February 5, 2026 at 8:08 PM
New Access Vikings out now discussing more Vikings staff moves w/ @bengoessling.bsky.social and @andrewkrammer.bsky.social, followed by Super Bowl-related chatter.
Listen wherever you get your pods or watch: youtu.be/4wVyFsLyOWw
Here's when I asked if everyone had heard of "Ham for Sam" 😅 ⤵️
Listen wherever you get your pods or watch: youtu.be/4wVyFsLyOWw
Here's when I asked if everyone had heard of "Ham for Sam" 😅 ⤵️
Reposted by Emily Leiker
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....
Reposted by Emily Leiker
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 Emily Leiker
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
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
Reposted by Emily Leiker
Meet Minnesota’s athletes competing at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy
Meet Minnesota’s athletes competing at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy
Minnesota will be well represented, with 37 Team USA athletes with connections to the state at the Milan Cortina Games from Feb. 4-22.
bit.ly
February 2, 2026 at 2:00 PM
Meet Minnesota’s athletes competing at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy
🧵 Threading some of our @stribsports.startribune.com coverage of Kwesi Adofo-Mensah's firing, ICYMI over the weekend.
To start, here's a timeline of some key events and decisions from his tenure as GM:
www.startribune.com/minnesota-vi...
To start, here's a timeline of some key events and decisions from his tenure as GM:
www.startribune.com/minnesota-vi...
‘Competitive rebuild’ and QB questions: Decisions that defined Kwesi Adofo-Mensah’s Vikings tenure
The Vikings general manager was fired after four seasons marked by draft pick misses and quarterback departures.
www.startribune.com
February 2, 2026 at 5:08 PM
🧵 Threading some of our @stribsports.startribune.com coverage of Kwesi Adofo-Mensah's firing, ICYMI over the weekend.
To start, here's a timeline of some key events and decisions from his tenure as GM:
www.startribune.com/minnesota-vi...
To start, here's a timeline of some key events and decisions from his tenure as GM:
www.startribune.com/minnesota-vi...
Since it’s been of interest on here, here was Vikings owner Mark Wilf’s full response earlier when asked if there would be any further personnel moves on the football ops side of the organization following Kwesi Adofo-Mensah’s firing:
January 30, 2026 at 10:41 PM
Since it’s been of interest on here, here was Vikings owner Mark Wilf’s full response earlier when asked if there would be any further personnel moves on the football ops side of the organization following Kwesi Adofo-Mensah’s firing:
🚨 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
Recording Access Vikings ep. soon on Kwesi Adofo-Mensah's firing.
We'll discuss Vikings owner Mark Wilf's news conference, including:
- Emphasized "urgency to create winning football"
- Said no further personnel moves planned
- Mentioned team has "significant # of draft picks" in '26
We'll discuss Vikings owner Mark Wilf's news conference, including:
- Emphasized "urgency to create winning football"
- Said no further personnel moves planned
- Mentioned team has "significant # of draft picks" in '26
January 30, 2026 at 7:59 PM
Recording Access Vikings ep. soon on Kwesi Adofo-Mensah's firing.
We'll discuss Vikings owner Mark Wilf's news conference, including:
- Emphasized "urgency to create winning football"
- Said no further personnel moves planned
- Mentioned team has "significant # of draft picks" in '26
We'll discuss Vikings owner Mark Wilf's news conference, including:
- Emphasized "urgency to create winning football"
- Said no further personnel moves planned
- Mentioned team has "significant # of draft picks" in '26
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
Wrote about the Rams being the dragon to slay still for Darnold back in the regular season before the Vikings and Seahawks met.
He’s now beat the Rams twice and is headed to the Super Bowl.
www.startribune.com/minnesota-vi...
He’s now beat the Rams twice and is headed to the Super Bowl.
www.startribune.com/minnesota-vi...
In Seattle, Sam Darnold takes the next step in his hero’s journey
As the Seahawks quarterback, Darnold has breathing room he didn’t have with the Vikings, creating space for mentorship, a league-leading partnership with a star receiver and a chance to return to the ...
www.startribune.com
January 26, 2026 at 3:00 AM
Wrote about the Rams being the dragon to slay still for Darnold back in the regular season before the Vikings and Seahawks met.
He’s now beat the Rams twice and is headed to the Super Bowl.
www.startribune.com/minnesota-vi...
He’s now beat the Rams twice and is headed to the Super Bowl.
www.startribune.com/minnesota-vi...
Sam Darnold defeats the Rams to take the Seahawks to the Super Bowl. Wow.
January 26, 2026 at 2:54 AM
Sam Darnold defeats the Rams to take the Seahawks to the Super Bowl. Wow.
Brian Flores and the Vikings have agreed to a contract extension that will keep him in Minnesota as defensive coordinator barring a departure for a head coaching job, according to a source.
Flores has interviewed for 2 HC jobs this cycle — Ravens and Steelers.
Flores has interviewed for 2 HC jobs this cycle — Ravens and Steelers.
January 22, 2026 at 12:23 AM
Brian Flores and the Vikings have agreed to a contract extension that will keep him in Minnesota as defensive coordinator barring a departure for a head coaching job, according to a source.
Flores has interviewed for 2 HC jobs this cycle — Ravens and Steelers.
Flores has interviewed for 2 HC jobs this cycle — Ravens and Steelers.
This week's Access Vikings ep. is out now. @andrewkrammer.bsky.social and I chat the latest Vikings news, answer listener Qs about roster changes and needs, and preview conference championship weekend.
Listen wherever you get your pods or watch: youtu.be/HOuKFin_1vo
Listen wherever you get your pods or watch: youtu.be/HOuKFin_1vo
Vikings mailbag: Roster needs? Potential cuts? Coaching carousel?
Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker discuss receiver Jordan Addison being cleared of charges in a recent arrest. They also open the mailbag to answer your Vikings questions about roster needs, cornerback…
youtu.be
January 21, 2026 at 9:13 PM
This week's Access Vikings ep. is out now. @andrewkrammer.bsky.social and I chat the latest Vikings news, answer listener Qs about roster changes and needs, and preview conference championship weekend.
Listen wherever you get your pods or watch: youtu.be/HOuKFin_1vo
Listen wherever you get your pods or watch: youtu.be/HOuKFin_1vo
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.
This story on Justin Jefferson's rise in the fashion world made a delayed print run as our Sports cover on Sunday, so using it as an excuse to share again.
Read here & interact with this fun design online if you haven't already (gift link): www.startribune.com/justin-jeffe...
Read here & interact with this fun design online if you haven't already (gift link): www.startribune.com/justin-jeffe...
January 20, 2026 at 4:36 PM
This story on Justin Jefferson's rise in the fashion world made a delayed print run as our Sports cover on Sunday, so using it as an excuse to share again.
Read here & interact with this fun design online if you haven't already (gift link): www.startribune.com/justin-jeffe...
Read here & interact with this fun design online if you haven't already (gift link): www.startribune.com/justin-jeffe...
Reposted by Emily Leiker
What are your Vikings offseason questions, comments, concerns? Send them this way and we'll discuss on an Access Vikings podcast this week @emleiker.bsky.social
January 20, 2026 at 2:34 PM
What are your Vikings offseason questions, comments, concerns? Send them this way and we'll discuss on an Access Vikings podcast this week @emleiker.bsky.social
Reposted by Emily Leiker
Story from @emleiker.bsky.social on the #Vikings’ decision not to bring back Chris Kuper: www.startribune.com/vikings-move...
Vikings move on from OL coach Kuper after tumultuous season for position group
The Vikings played more than 20 different O-line combinations as injuries racked the starting five.
www.startribune.com
January 17, 2026 at 10:09 PM
Story from @emleiker.bsky.social on the #Vikings’ decision not to bring back Chris Kuper: www.startribune.com/vikings-move...
Reposted by Emily Leiker
You should check out my Let's Talk Ball! pod...
Very defensive-focused. 😂
- MatchQuarters: www.matchquarters.com/podcast
- Apple: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/l...
- Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/1EHyzgT...
- YouTube: www.youtube.com/@TalkBallPod...
--
Very defensive-focused. 😂
- MatchQuarters: www.matchquarters.com/podcast
- Apple: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/l...
- Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/1EHyzgT...
- YouTube: www.youtube.com/@TalkBallPod...
--
January 16, 2026 at 6:58 PM
You should check out my Let's Talk Ball! pod...
Very defensive-focused. 😂
- MatchQuarters: www.matchquarters.com/podcast
- Apple: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/l...
- Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/1EHyzgT...
- YouTube: www.youtube.com/@TalkBallPod...
--
Very defensive-focused. 😂
- MatchQuarters: www.matchquarters.com/podcast
- Apple: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/l...
- Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/1EHyzgT...
- YouTube: www.youtube.com/@TalkBallPod...
--
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