Yesterday was Minnesota Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer's birthday and he received the birthday gift that he wanted. After eight eyes surgeries in as many months his doctors cleared him to return to the football field. He had missed the first six practices of the OTA portion of the offseason. The Vikings were so concerned about Zimmer's ability/acceptance of staying away from those practices that they sent him to his Kentucky ranch. Perhaps under guard, the coach was able to watch video of the six practices that he was forced to miss. He was supposed to be resting and recuperating but it's hard to imagine Zimmer doing either when there's football teaching to be done. Teaching and coaching football techniques are the aspects of the job that Zimmer enjoys most. The time spent in Kentucky worked as the doctors gave their ok to return. Mike Zimmer is back on a football field.
The Vikings are holding their final four OTAs this week. Monday-Thursday. They wrap up their offseason program with a mandatory minicamp next week. June 13-15. Then it's on to training camp in Mankato in late July. Here's hoping that nothing keeps Zimmer from being a part of all of it.
While Zimmer was recuperating in Kentucky, defensive line coach Andre Patterson took over some of the head coach's administrative duties. I believe that Zimmer also mentioned that linebacker coach and son Adam Zimmer helped some in this capacity as well. Offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur, defensive coordinator George Edwards, and special teams coordinator Mike Priefer, of course, handled their respective units. The volume of the practices must have been turned down a few notches without the booming constructive instructions of the head coach.
Welcome back, and happy birthday, Coach!
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