Video Catches Vikings Coach's Strong Message to Players in Locker Room

The surging Minnesota Vikings notched their eighth straight win after escaping the Seattle Seahawks, 27-24, on Sunday.

The star duo of quarterback Sam Darnold and wide receiver Justin Jefferson once again delivered, connecting on a touchdown with less than four minutes remaining for the go-ahead score.

Darnold threw for 246 yards and three touchdowns and earned a 100+ quarterback rating for the 12th time this season. Jefferson, meanwhile, had 10 catches for 144 yards and two touchdowns.

In the locker room after the game, they were saluted by Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell, citing their huge contributions to the win, which helped the franchise improve to 13-2.

But amid their celebration, O'Connell also issued a strong reminder to his players.

 

"I need you guys to understand something," said the 39-year-old tactician in a video posted by the Vikings on X. "Part of enjoying this journey is soaking in these moments. But the next time, and there's going to be another time, it's going to get hard. 

"We're going to have to lean on each other every step of the way till the very end."

O'Connell also achieved a historic feat on Sunday, becoming the first coach in Vikings history to have multiple 13-win seasons. 

"But fellas, there ain't nobody else on the planet, all right, that I know each and every one of you guys wouldn't want to ride with than the guys in this room," added O'Connell. "It's special what's happening." 

The Vikings are tied with the Detroit Lions atop the NFC standings. Minnesota is looking to get the top seed for the first time since 1998.

The Vikings will next face the Green Bay Packers on Sunday.