The Minnesota Vikings are 10-2 with an offense that not many teams want to face.
Quarterback Sam Darnold is having a resurgent season, receiver Justin Jefferson is dominant and tight end TJ Hockenson is looking healthier as the season progresses.
With an improved defense, these aren’t the Minnesota Vikings of the past, where all an opponent had to do was turn them over a few times for a win.
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Minnesota Vikings cornerback Stephon Gilmore (2) celebrates with teammates after intercepting a pass in the fourth quarter against the New York Jets at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. (Kirby Lee/Imagn Images)
That’s why cornerback Stephen Gilmore has high hopes for this team, especially with Darnold at the helm.
“He’s done a great job. He always had a lot of talent. He’s definitely leading our team to places we want to go. Hopefully he can keep it going and keep getting better,” Gilmore recently told Fox News Digital in an interview. “I’m excited. We can do something special this year.”
The Vikings are Gilmore’s fifth team in as many seasons, but he has already made an impact on and off the court. When he’s not hitting, he’s running away from top receivers, he’s giving back to the community.
Gilmore partnered with He Gets Us Tuesday to host “Steph’s Santa Workshop,” an event where gifts and Viking merchandise benefited more than 100 children.
“It’s my first event in Minnesota. I’ve always wanted to give back to the community. It’s a great opportunity to give back on this Thanksgiving Tuesday. I’ve been able to do some great things with He Gets Us, and I am excited about this opportunity,” Gilmore said.
Minnesota Vikings cornerback Stephon Gilmore during the second half of a game at MetLife Stadium. (John Jones/Imagn Images)
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“Everywhere I went, I always gave back. I tell people all the time. No matter where you come from, how you grew up, if you ever get the opportunity to give back and help kids and there to be for children, hopefully they remember those moments, and can do the same as they get older.”
Despite the impressive record, some observers have their doubts about the Vikings. It wasn’t long ago that the Vikings were 13-4 with a high-octane offense but lost to the New York Giants in the first round of the playoffs.
Gilmore hears the naysayers, but he said head coach Kevin O’Connell is adding fuel to the fire.
“The coach tells us every week, ‘Nobody believes in us.’ We have to keep proving to everyone that we are a really good team. As long as we do that, everything will fall into place,” Gilmore said.
Minnesota Vikings cornerback Stephon Gilmore intercepts a pass in the fourth quarter at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. (Kirby Lee/Imagn Images)
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The Vikings will have a familiar opponent in their stadium this weekend when Kirk Cousins and the Atlanta Falcons come to town.
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