Vikings Players Reflect on Season's Challenges and Future Outlook

Ryan Wright, the Minnesota Vikings punter, recently shared insights about his current season and experiences during an exclusive interview with Vikings Territory. Wright, who signed a one-year deal with the Vikings in 2025, has been excelling in his position since joining the team as an undrafted player in 2022.

He humorously discussed his long snapper Andrew DePaola's skills in mentoring young specialists and making bagels, stating it's a close tie between those skills and snapping the ball. Wright highlighted offensive lineman Brian O'Neill's potential as a punt returner, recalling O'Neill's speed from college.

When asked about the pressures of his position, Wright emphasized the importance of poise, explaining that while both kickers and punters face nerve-wracking moments, kickers put points on the board, making their role seem more critical in scoring situations.

He confidently stated that he would likely have more completed passes than tackles in his career, and if called upon to play quarterback, he would step up for the team. Wright detailed the intricacies of punting, explaining that a successful punt requires matching distance and hang time to avoid outkicking coverage.

He also shared his specialty for trick plays, mentioning a 77-yard punt he executed in London, which he referred to as a 'napalm' kick, designed to confuse returners. When discussing the future, Wright expressed his desire to remain with the Vikings, saying, 'I love Minnesota.

Treated me and my family very well and would love to have an opportunity to come back.' Fans can vote for him to attend the Pro Bowl on the NFL website. This interview highlights the challenges faced by the Vikings this season while showcasing Wright's commitment to his team and his craft as they look to improve moving forward.