Mike Zimmer returns to Minnesota Vikings after eye surgery recovery

The head coach of the Minnesota Vikings has been medically cleared to join his team on June 5, 2017 after recovering from his eighth eye surgery.

Being away from the Minnesota Vikings during OTAs had to be tough for Mike Zimmer. The team’s head coach had to step away from the team activities to recover from the eighth and hopefully final procedure on his eye to repair a detached retina in his right eye.

During his recovery, Zimmer spent time on his Kentucky ranch. However, he remained in communication with members of his coaching staff to stay up to date on what was happening involving his team.

The coach got some great news and was cleared to return to the Vikings on June 5, 2017, the same day as his 61st birthday as ESPN reported.

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Zimmer’s presence at the Monday OTA session brought some energy to the team according to the official Vikings website, since many players were excited to see their leader return.

"“Monday’s practice was noticeably upbeat and energetic with Zimmer in attendance, as players on both sides of the ball were raring to go from the start. Besides prowling the field and offering advice to players, Zimmer also let it be known that he hasn’t lost his edge.At one point during practice, an unsatisfied Zimmer made every offensive player run to a field goal post and back, a punishment that covered 100 yards.”"

There is no more fitting way for Mike Zimmer to return to the Vikings than to start cracking the whip right away. The coach has stated that he will not be soft on his players this season and appears to be standing by his word.

Next: Vikings 2017 schedule breakdown

Zimmer will be present for 3 OTAs this week and then mandatory mini-camp will start on June 13th as the Minnesota Vikings continue to prepare for the 2017 National Football League season.