Head coach Kevin O’Connell and the Minnesota Vikings could be in store for a big season from third-year wide receiver Jordan Addison, the No. 23 overall selection in the 2023 draft.
However, Addison and the Vikings must also navigate the spectre of his ongoing legal woes.
Addison was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence outside of Los Angeles International Airport in July 2024.
ESPN’s Kevin Seifert reported in May that Addison had a “jury trial” slated for June 16. The Vikings beat writer clarified on the date that it was instead to “set the date for a jury trial” for the Addison.
“Jordan Addison’s trial date in connection to his 2024 DUI citation is now set for July 15,” Seifert said in a follow-up report on X on June 16.
Addison, who pleaded not guilty to the charges, spoke about the arrest during training camp.
“I know everybody going to have some questions about what happened a few weeks ago. If I was ya’ll, I would too. But I was told by my attorney and my agent that I couldn’t really answer too many questions on it,” Addison told reporters in July 2024. “I’m just blessed to be here in front of you guys.
“I’m not sure what’s going on [discipline-wise]. But I own up to whatever it is. Any disciplinary actions that come my way, I’m going to stand tall, face it, get through it, and shake back.”
Vikings WR Jordan Addison Could Face 3-Game Suspension
GettyJordan Addison #3 of the Minnesota Vikings warms up before a game against the Chicago Bears.
The outcome of Addison’s legal proceedings may or may not impact his standing with the league. He could still exact some form of punishment even if he is not found guilty.
What is clear is that the conclusion of the court process will mark the start for the NFL.
“He is accused of driving under the influence of alcohol and driving with a blood-alcohol concentration in excess of the legal limit of .08 percent,” Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio, a lawyer by trade, wrote on June 16. “Both are misdemeanors. The related complication comes from the NFL’s substance-abuse policy. Baseline punishment for first offense DUI is a three-game suspension.
“The NFL’s procedure becomes activated by resolution of the criminal case. Either a conviction or an admission within the context of, for example, entering a diversion program, accepting deferred adjudication, or pleading no contest triggers a suspension.”
Addison has avoided issues this offseason and will work with Justin Jefferson during the break.
Florio noted that a conviction – or any of the other results listed as triggers – could force Addison to miss games for the Vikings during the 2025 regular season.
Timing of Jordan Addison’s Trial Problematic
Getty| Jordan Addison #3 of the Minnesota Vikings runs in for a touchdown against the Atlanta Falcons.
Addison and the Vikings will be heading to training camp within weeks, if not days, of the receiver’s trial date. An early decision would be best.
Addison could get the suspension over, and he and the Vikings could move on. The other issue with the timing is that it comes with Addison heading for extension eligibility in 2026. The Vikings will also have to decide on his fifth-year option by May of next year.
Addison was also cited for reckless driving at speeds of 140-plus miles per hour in July 2023.
He has been productive when on the field. Addison ranks third in receiving yards, fourth in targets, and fifth in receptions among his class over their first two seasons, per Stathead.
He leads the group with 19 touchdowns in that span, underscoring how impactful he can be for the Vikings if healthy and on the field. For the Vikings, they may need his best days to indeed be in front of him before they commit to him financially.
