When an NFL team is about $25 million over the salary cap some tough decisions are coming. The Minnesota Vikings entered this offseason about $25 million over the salary cap. They have some tough decisions to make. The first was officially made yesterday. It was a painful decision. The Vikings released linebacker Eric Kendricks.
Kendricks was part of the Vikings beautiful 2015 Draft Class.
Round 1: Trae Waynes, CB, Michigan State
Round 2: Eric Kendricks, LB, UCLA
Round 3: Danielle Hunter, DE, LSU
Round 5: Stefon Diggs, WR, Maryland
There were six other players drafted but it was those four that made the Vikings 2015 draft class special. Now, only Hunter remains. Kendricks was the first member of the 2015 draft class to earn a starting role. Since that first start, fourth game of his rookie season, he’s been one of most impactful and most underrated off the ball linebackers in the league. Despite playing at a Pro Bowl and All-Pro level for nearly all of his eight seasons, Kendricks was invited to one Pro Bowl and named All-Pro once. Both came in 2019. Injuries peppered his last couple seasons but at his peak, more than six of his eight seasons, few linebackers could do what he did. Few had his versatility. Few had his impact. As great as Kendricks was on the field, he was even better off of it. Few players have touched and cared about his community more. I miss him already.
I feel like I’ve known Eric Kendricks since he was a teenager. His brother, Mychal, was one of my favorite Cal players. I hoped that the younger brother would follow his older brother to Berkeley. He didn’t. Eric, sadly, headed south to UCLA. Instead of becoming a Golden Bear he became a baby bear. I had to deal with Eric Kendricks in those awful jerseys for four seasons. Professionally, I hoped that he’d be wearing Vikings purple. Sure enough, draft day was a happy day and Eric Kendricks became a Viking. He’s been one of my favorites ever since.
The release of Kendricks is a sad day for Vikings football and Minneapolis, St. Paul, Eagan, Bloomington, etc.
The Vikings released the following statements about Kendricks:
Vikings GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah:
As a Pro Bowler and team captain, a Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee and a leader of the Vikings social justice efforts, Eric leaves a powerful, permanent legacy within our organization and the Minnesota community. While he is best known as a playmaker and respected linebacker across the league, Eric’s contributions to the Vikings extend far beyond the field because of his selfless and unwavering commitment to improving societal issues. I have the utmost respect for Eric and wish him and Ally, along with their growing family, continued success in their next chapter.
Vikings Head Coach Kevin O’Connell:
It is extremely difficult to start more than 100 games in this league, but Eric has been a staple in the locker room since he entered the NFL. During my first year as head coach, Eric played a critical role as a captain and a member of the leadership council in helping establish the culture we want in Minnesota. He was a consistent mentor to his younger teammates, and his tireless work ethic set a standard for others to emulate. I’m thankful to have had the chance to coach Eric as a player and get to know him as a person. I know he and Ally will have an immediate positive impact on their next team and community.
Vikings Owners Zygi and Mark Wilf:
Eric’s impact on our franchise over the past eight years has been immeasurable. At the core of our defense, Eric exemplified perfectly what it means to be a Minnesota Viking. He was the ultimate competitor and an incredible leader who set a high standard and consistently carried himself with class. Off the field, Eric set an example for others with his passion for giving back and using his platform to drive positive change. We especially appreciate his immediate contributions as an original member of the team’s social justice committee and his partnership with us in the fight against social and racial inequities. We are grateful to Eric and his wife, Ally, and look forward to watching them continue to make a difference in the future.
While football is fun, at the professional level, it’s also a business. Thank you for everything, Eric Kendricks.
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