It is always disheartening when a top Minnesota Vikings draft pick doesn't pan out for the team. That is the case for Kenechi Udeze, who was the No. 20 overall pick in the 2004 NFL Draft but only played in 51 games before leaving the NFL.
Udeze had potential. The defensive end had five sacks in 2004 and repeated that number in 2007 when he started 15 games for the Vikings. However, being diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia and sustaining cartilage damage to his left knee made continuing as a pro a true challenge.
Despite the adversity, Udeze stayed connected to football. He took on a role as an assistant strength and conditioning coach for the University of Washington before returning to the NFL for short coaching stints with the Seahawks, Vikings, and Titans, as well as taking on roles at other college programs.
Former Minnesota Vikings defender Kenechi Udeze has landed a role with the Philadelphia Eagles
Minnesota Vikings fans who still wish for nothing but the best for Kenechi Udeze might be a little disappointed to learn that the former purple and gold defensive end will join the coaching staff of the Philadelphia Eagles.
While this is a great opportunity for the 42-year-old former Viking, seeing him join a team that most fans in Minnesota can't stand is upsetting. He was an assistant linebackers coach at FIU before getting this opportunity through the Bill Walsh Diversity Coaching Fellowship.
It is unknown if this will be a long-term employment for Udeze or if it will be something less permanent, but it's exciting to see him doing well. Many Vikings fans rooted for him when he returned to college after his retirement as a player to get his degree in sociology at USC, leaving no question about his work ethic and devotion when he sets a goal.
The Minnesota Vikings are scheduled to face the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 7. After they return from their back-to-back international games in Ireland and the UK, the purple and gold have a bye week. Then they host the Super Bowl Champion Philadelphia Eagles at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Congratulations to Kenechi Udeze on earning this opportunity to join the Philadelphia Eagles staff. Although he will be helping a team with an unbearable fan base, it's hard not to root for him to succeed in anything he chooses to do.