The Minnesota Vikings have a new fan in Josh Okogie, a first-round draft pick of the Timberwolves who recently attended the NFL team’s practice.
Many fans travel from all over to check out the Minnesota Vikings when they host practices. Seeing the early stages of the team coming together with a large group of other passionate fans can be an amazing experience.
This season is a little different. With training camp moving from Mankato to Eagan, the activities are far more accessible to many fans living in or visiting the Twin Cities and it allows even more visitors to attend.
The official website of the Minnesota Vikings revealed that Josh Okogie was a visitor to the team’s practice at the Twin Cities Orthopedics Performance Center on Thursday.
Okogie is a first-round pick of the Minnesota Timberwolves, the 20th overall selection of the 2018 NBA Draft out of Georgia Tech. In 61 games played at the NCAA level, the shooting guard registered 17.2 points per game on 43.6% shooting, hitting 38.2% of this three-point attempts while adding 5.9 rebounds and 2.1 assists.
Okogie was impressed and inspired by the Vikings practice, even to the point of wanting to get out there and participate.
"“I could play receiver. No plays, though. Just have me run a go route, and I’ll go up and catch it.”"
Born in Nigeria, Okogie moved to Snellville, Georgia, meaning he shares a hometown with Vikings defensive end Stephen Weatherly. However, one thing he doesn’t share with Weatherly was the ability to play football growing up.
"“My mom … doesn’t like a lot of contact,” Okogie said. “I thought I could take it, but it all worked out in the end.”"
The best news of all from the Timberwolves’ rookie during his visit to training camp is that the Vikings now have a new fan, converting Okogie from a Seahawks fan to cheer for the purple and gold.
"“The Vikings are my new team now,” said Okogie. “They had a terrific playoff run last year, which gives me even more reason to [root for] them. But I’m going to like them regardless, because it’s my new home city.”"
It’s great to see the future of the Minnesota Timberwolves sharing a love for other franchises in the state. Considering the #OneMN movement showing the community love between the Vikings, Timberwolves, Twins, Wild, Lynx, and other teams in the area and The Viking Age would like to wish nothing but the best for Josh Okogie going forward.