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Vikings Offensive Line Leader Brian O’Neill Praises Two Rookies for Making the Unit More Complete: “They Are the Future of the Vikings”

MINNEAPOLIS — On the eve of a new game week, Brian O’Neill spoke about his leadership role on the Minnesota Vikings’ offensive line—both a responsibility and a privilege. He emphasized the standard of “turning every rep into real progress” under OL coach Chris Kuper and the staff, and said the veterans are responsible for pulling the younger players up to NFL speed.

O’Neill singled out two rookie offensive linemen: Donovan Jackson (G, Round 1, No. 24) and Joe Huber (G, UDFA 2025; Wisconsin/Cincinnati). Jackson, a first-round pick from Ohio State, was targeted to upgrade the interior immediately; Huber, an undrafted rookie, impressed throughout the preseason and earned a spot on the 53-man roster thanks to his reliability and blue-collar approach.

In pass protection, O’Neill said Jackson “has picked up protection calls quickly, keeps a steady pad level, and makes few communication mistakes,” while Huber “communicates cleanly through twists and stunts, executes tidy pass-offs inside, and helps give the quarterback a stable platform.” In the run game, the pair broadens the toolbox—from inside/outside zone that demand quick reach and firm combo blocks to gap/power concepts that require precise climbs to the second level—making Minnesota’s structure more cohesive on both early downs and mid/short situations.

“They are the future of the Vikings — Donovan and Joe bring the energy, discipline, and standard an offensive line needs to dominate. My job is to keep them on track so we get better every week.”Brian O’Neill said.

O’Neill acknowledged that a dense schedule and increasingly “multiple” defenses are forcing the O-line to grow up fast in high-leverage moments: third-and-long, two-minute drills, and slide/half-slide protections against pressure from multiple sources. “Once the young guys start to ‘catch the rhythm,’ the whole unit pops at the same time,” he said.

Expert view: Technically, Jackson brings reach/quickness well-suited to zone concepts, consistent MIKE-point identification, and square shoulders when challenged by long-arm moves; Huber shows a low pad level, compact hand usage, good feel for pass-off landmarks, and clean climbs to the second level—traits that project him into an immediate rotational role. Within Chris Kuper’s system—where disciplined footwork and communication are top priorities—this first-rounder/UDFA duo has a clear pathway to grow into meaningful contributors on the offensive line.

Chiefs Fan-Favourite WR Faces Family Tragedy After Week 5 Game as Military-Trained Skydiving Instructor Dies in Nashville
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice is mourning a devastating personal loss following the team’s Week 5 matchup, as his cousin Justin Fuller, a respected military-trained skydiving instructor, died in a tragic tandem jump accident near Nashville. Fuller, 35, was fatally injured after becoming separated from his parachute harness mid-air during a jump organized by Go Skydive Nashville. His student survived after landing in a tree with the parachute deployed and was later rescued by firefighters. Police confirmed Fuller’s body was recovered in a wooded area off Ashland City Highway. The Nashville Fire Department called it “one of the most complex high-angle rescues in recent years,” commending its personnel for the effort. Justin Fuller, known by the nickname "Spidey," died after a tandem skydiving jump went wrong on Oct. 4, 2025, near Nashville, Tennessee.  (Facebook/Justin Fuller Spidey ) Fuller, known affectionately as “Spidey,” had completed more than 5,000 jumps and trained U.S. military personnel in advanced aerial maneuvers. Friends described him as “fearless, focused, and committed to lifting others higher — both in life and in the air.” Rice, who grew up admiring his cousin’s discipline and sense of purpose, has long credited that example with shaping his mental toughness and leadership on the field. A relative told local media, “Justin taught Rashee that strength isn’t being unbreakable — it’s standing firm when life hits hardest. That’s exactly how Rashee lives and plays today.” As a featured target in the Chiefs’ offense, Rice has earned complete trust for his short-to-intermediate separation, yards-after-catch power (YAC), and chemistry with quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Coaches describe him as “calm, focused, and mature beyond his years,” a disciplined route-runner who finds tight windows in the red zone. Through Week 5 of the 2025 season, Rice has no registered game statistics as he serves a league-issued six-game suspension to start the regular season; major stat services list no 2025 game logs to date.  The Kansas City Chiefs have provided time and private support for Rice and his family, ensuring he can grieve without team-related obligations. Teammates have stood beside him, honoring both his resilience and his family’s tradition of service. The FAA is investigating the incident, while messages commemorating “Spidey” continue to spread nationwide.“He taught others to fly — now he flies higher than all of us,” one tribute read. Rice kept his public remarks brief before leaving in the embrace of teammates:“Spidey always told me not to fear the height — only the moment you forget to look down and pull someone else up with you. This week, I’m playing for him.”