Vikings HC Zimmer says he will make Treadwell hate him
By Adam Carlson
Minnesota Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer has a big plan for Laquon Treadwell, and that strategy might just make the rookie wide receiver hate him.
At 21 years old, Laquon Treadwell came to the Vikings after being a star at Ole Miss. However, that diva mentality that goes with being a household name among college football players is not apparent when looking at the rookie wide receiver.
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The young man seems to love training camp. Interacting with players, learning from the other players, and showing off his skills seem to come naturally to Treadwell, who has overcome some big hurdles in reaching the NFL. And now another hurdle will come from working with the Minnesota Vikings (head coach Mike Zimmer in particular) and trying to establish himself as a reliable player in the league.
With a grin, Treadwell said that he talked with Zimmer during training camp, and the results of that conversation may scare some players to death. Here is what the head coach told the rookie wide receiver afer practice on Friday according to Vikings.com:
"“He says he’s going to make me hate him, if that says anything. He said I’m going to hate him at the end of the day but love him at the end of my career. Hey, that’s a good thing, so I just have to keep working up to his standards.”"
Good thing Treadwell doesn’t appear to be afraid of hard work. One of the first to arrive at training camp and one of the last to leave the field following the first practice, the young man seems ready to work hard and earn the respect of those around him, including his head coach.
"“He’s told me a lot of good things to keep me motivated and keep me positive, and that’s what your coach is supposed to do,” Treadwell said. “I appreciate him for that, and my teammates have done the same. We just all come together and compete.”"
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Of course, it is still extremely early in the career of Laquon Treadwell. But with this mindset, hard work on the field, and the continued support of team, the sky could be the limit for this young wide receiver during his tenure with the Minnesota Vikings.