Homecoming for Vikings rookie LB Ivan Pace Jr. on Saturday
Undrafted rookie linebacker Ivan Pace Jr. has been one of the most intriguing stories from the Vikings' 2023 season. Pace has been a starter for Minnesota's defense since Week 1, and he has been one of the most impressive defensive rookies in the entire NFL this year.
On Saturday, the rookie will not only be celebrating his 23rd birthday, but he will get to return to a place in Cincinnati, Ohio that he called home for the majority of his life.
Plenty of friends and family are expected to be in attendance in Cincinnati on Saturday to watch Pace lead the Vikings defense against a surprisingly surging Bengals offense.
Minnesota's rookie linebacker is coming off of a performance last Sunday in the team's win over the Las Vegas Raiders in which he accumulated 13 tackles (one for a loss), one sack, one QB hit, and the game-sealing interception.
What Pace was able to do in Las Vegas resulted in him being named the NFC Defensive Player of the Week for Week 14.
He's the third Vikings player to win NFC Defensive Player of the Week honors this season, joining Minnesota linebacker Jordan Hicks and safety Camryn Bynum. Pace is the first Minnesota rookie defender to earn the award since Anthony Barr was given the honor in Week 8 of the 2014 season.