The Minnesota Vikings finished first in the inaugural team report cards issued by the NFL Players Association and instances like this are a major reason why.
According to former Vikings general manager Rick Spielman, owners Zygi and Mark Wilf sent him replacement game balls after he lost them all in Hurrican Ian.
During the devastation of Hurricane Ian, @spielman_rick lost all of his memorabilia & a majority of his game balls from his time with the @Vikings
The Wilf family recently sent him replacements for all of the game balls. Rick shares the heartfelt message đź’ś#FootballisFamily pic.twitter.com/sQ5HfCCsTr
— The 33rd Team (@The33rdTeamFB) June 9, 2023
Spielman mentions in the above clip that this (football) business is brutal and he’s right. Things can go south really quickly and the turnover in front offices happen quickly. What doesn’t get discussed enough is the kind gestures that ownership makes to their current and former employees.
This is a simple gesture from the Wilf’s to Spielman, but one that won’t go unnoticed across the league. The Vikings are one of the best franchises to work for and this is one of the many reasons why.