Showing posts with label NFL Minnesota Vikings. Show all posts
Showing posts with label NFL Minnesota Vikings. Show all posts

Sunday, July 3, 2011

Home for the Holidays: Minnesota Vikings head coach Leslie Fraizer spends the weekend in Columbus

Columbus, Miss. - Leslie Frazier is accustomed to heat. After all, he was raised in Columbus and grew up beneath the glare of the Mississippi sun. If the suffocating temperatures or the stranglehold of a media gaggle perturbed him Saturday afternoon, he didn't let it show. Instead, the Columbus native turned Minnesota Vikings head coach trotted easily up the steps of City Hall, ever the picture of grace and restrained Southern charm.

If anything good can be said of the NFL lockout, it is this: At least it gives a man a chance to spend a holiday with his family and old pals, away from the fishbowl. Well. Sort of.

Frazier arrived in Columbus Friday evening with his wife, Gale, his daughter, Chantel, his son, Corey, and a notebook-wielding, tripod-laden entourage that included a television crew from Minneapolis-based ABC affiliate KPTV and writers from the Minneapolis Star-Tribune.

Outside City Hall on Saturday, beneath a shade tree on Main Street, Frazier insisted that the lack of privacy doesn't bother him, even when it turns a holiday weekend down home with the family into a media circus. It comes with the territory, he said. You can accept the exposure or wilt beneath it, but if you remember who you are and whom you represent, somehow things work out according to God's plan.
His unshakable faith has imparted to him an almost unflappable confidence, and it guides his every step.

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Saturday, February 5, 2011

Former Alcorn State receiver Emmanuel Arceneaux headed to Minnesota Vikings

VANCOUVER - It might be a long, long stretch to suggest that Emmanuel Arceneaux is going to become the next Donald Driver. But Driver too was undersold when he was drafted in the seventh round in 1999 by the Green Bay Packers out of Alcorn State, a small, historically black university in Lorman, Miss. Driver went on to become the Packers all-time leading receiver.

Arceneaux, another unheralded Alcorn State prospect, from the NFL's perspective, will have his signing with the Minnesota Vikings officially confirmed today after he and his agent, Bardia Ghahremani, reached agreement on a three-year, $1.8 million deal early Saturday morning with the club.



New receiver took Canadian detour to NFL

Emmanuel Arceneaux wondered if his football career was over when he wasn't selected in the 2009 NFL draft after his career at Alcorn State.

He figured he might end up "sitting at home on the couch and just working a normal job." He chose a different path and headed to the Canadian Football League. Now, after two productive seasons with the B.C. Lions, Arceneaux is set to sign a three-year deal with the Vikings.

The contract could be worth as much as $1.8 million and includes a $75,000 signing bonus.

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Sunday, January 16, 2011

Head coach in NFL a fate fit for Mississippian Leslie Frazier

Minnesota Vikings Head Coach Leslie Frazier
For Leslie Frazier, it became a ritual on road trips that required the Alcorn State University football team to travel by air: Just before the plane taxied toward the runway for takeoff, assistant coach Willie "Rat" McGowan would seek out the all-conference cornerback.

McGowan was scared silly of flying, and he always wanted Frazier praying hard that the jet would reach its destination. So out of a plane full of players, coaches, managers, trainers and school officials, why did he choose Frazier?

"When he spoke, people listened," McGowan says. "So I figured ..." Yes, he figured God would listen to Frazier a little more closely than anyone else.

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Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Alcorn State graduate Leslie Frazier Named Interim Head Coach, Minnesota Vikings

Tony Dungy: Leslie Frazier's 'ability to communicate' will help him with Vikings

New Minnesota Vikings coach Leslie Frazier got an endorsement on Monday from his former boss, ex-Indianapolis Colts coach Tony Dungy. Frazier, installed as Vikings coach following the dismissal of Brad Childress, was the secondary coach for the Colts when Dungy led them to a Super Bowl win after the 2006 season.

Dungy told the St. Paul Pioneer Press that Frazier will have a significant challenge in taking over the 3-7 Vikings in the middle of a disappointing season, but added that his former assistant has the right mentality for it.



Leslie Frazier Bio + Coaching Resume

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. - (Monday Nov. 22, 2010): Brad Childress Fired by Vikings, Leslie Frazier Takes Over.  Leslie Frazier has served as the assistant head coach and defensive coordinator of the Minnesota Vikings under Brad Childress since 2007. Frazier took over for Mike Tomlin who left Minnesota for the Pittsburgh Steelers head coaching job.

Frazier’s Vikings defense led the NFL in 2009 with 48.0 sacks and the team ranks 3rd in NFL with 131.0 sacks since 2007. The Vikings defense ranked No. 6 in the NFL in 2009, the second-straight season ranked No. 6 in ...

Long overdue, Frazier gets golden opportunity

When I ran into defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier at the Vikings' summer training camp, I asked him about his head-coaching aspirations, when he thought he might get a shot and what in the world happened to his once red-hot candidacy. Frazier laughed and said he wasn't sure, but he insisted he was still interested in moving up -- provided, of course, it was the right job.

Frazier is First SWAC Alumnus as NFL Head Coach

Alcorn State graduate Leslie Frazier was named as the interim head coach of the Minnesota Vikings Monday, becoming the first Alcorn State and Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) graduate to become a head coach in the National Football League.

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Friday, May 21, 2010

More limbo for Vikings and former Alabama State QB Jackson

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. — Tarvaris Jackson has taken plenty of heat for his performance, and physically he’s been hurt a lot too over four NFL seasons. Last summer, he was brushed aside for Brett Favre. For all Jackson has been beat up or bumped back, though, he can’t hide his smile. There it was, on Wednesday after practice with the Minnesota Vikings, spreading fast across his face when asked if he had a gut feeling about whether Favre will return or not.

"Yeah, I do. I’m not going to share it," Jackson said, flashing that grin. "But I think everybody has their feeling, and I think everybody is pretty much on the same page." That sure sounded like an expectation Favre will be Minnesota’s quarterback again this year. Jackson said he’s traded text messages a few times with the 40-year-old star, but insisted they talked only about "life stuff" and not football. Jackson said he "wouldn’t dare ask" the burning question about Favre’s status for 2010.



Profile: Tarvaris Jackson, #7, QB, Minnesota Vikings, Height: 6-2, Weight: 225 Age: 27, Born: 4/21/1983 Montgomery , AL; College: Alabama State University, Experience: 5th season; Contract: one year, $1.176 million tender as a restricted free agent; High School: Sidney Lanier HS (Montgomery, AL).

"That’s not even in my character," Jackson said. Well, how about Favre’s health, the left ankle he’s considering surgery on? "I don’t know," Jackson said, laughing. "I didn’t even know he was hurt." Jackson attempted 21 passes last season, the fewest since he turned pro and all in mop-up duty — "Every time I got in the game last year, the game was pretty much over with," he said, smiling again.

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Thursday, February 19, 2009

Vikings waive RB Maurice Hicks

The (NFL Minnesota) Vikings waived running back Maurice Hicks on Wednesday after their 2008 free-agent signee averaged only 23.8 yards per kickoff return. He didn't have any carries as a running back in 2008, and he was inactive for five of the Vikings' 17 games. He did have the second-most kickoff return yards (133) in Vikings playoff history against the Eagles, which was the first playoff game in his five-year career.

Before coming to Minnesota, Hicks held the top two single-season kickoff return yardage marks in 49ers history. His 1,428 total return yards (all on kickoffs) set a 49ers franchise record (2006) in his first season as the full-time kick returner. Ranked fifth in the NFL and third in the NFC in that category, he had only 82 yards rushing on 29 attempts, and 13 receptions for 137 yards.

Former North Carolina A&T Aggies RB Maurice Hicks (Tom Dahlin/Viking Update)

The 5-11/205 five year NFL veteran is the all-time leading rusher at North Carolina A&T with 2,812 yards in only two seasons at the school. Hicks was named third-team Division I-AA All-American and Black College Offensive Player of the Year after leading the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference in rushing as a senior with 1,325 yards and 15 rushing TDs on 181 attempts with a long play of 79 yards. He was a two-time first-team all-MEAC winner leadind the Aggies with 92 points in 2001.

Hicks also led the MEAC with 165.6 rushing yards per game and 7.3 yards per carry. and set an NCAA Division I and II single-game record with 437 rushing yards on 34 carries vs. Morgan State (10/6/01). He added six receptions for 41 yards in eight games played as a senior and rushed for 1,487 yards as a junior in his first season at N.C. A&T.

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Monday, August 18, 2008

Vikings' Jackson suffers sprained MCL

ESPN.com reported that Minnesota Vikings and former Alabama State quarterback Tarvaris Jackson suffered a sprained medial collateral knee ligament during the Vikings' 23-15 preseason victory over the Ravens on Saturday. The MCL injury could keep Jackson out of the Vikings' preseason game next Saturday against the Steelers but the injury isn't considered serious enough to sideline him for the start of the regular season.



It's possible Vikings coach Brad Childress could keep him out of the Vikings' final two preseason games to ensure Jackson is healthy for the regular-season opener against the Packers.

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Saturday, August 9, 2008

Former ASU QB throws well for Vikings

MINNEAPOLIS -- There were questions surrounding former Alabama State quarterback Tarvaris Jackson, the third-year pro who is entering his second season as Minnesota's starter after an erratic debut. He showed fine command of the offense in his three series of the preseason opener against Seattle, completing 8 of 11 passes for 118 yards and a score.

With Adrian Peterson being used only as a decoy, the Vikings called passes on the first 11 plays Jackson was under center. He threw a 6-yard touchdown pass to new fullback Thomas Tapeh and hooked up with new receiver Bernard Berrian twice for 43 yards.

"We feel very comfortable with our running game, but we wanted to get our pass game a fresh start," Jackson said. "I feel good. I feel real comfortable."

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Friday, July 25, 2008

Minnesota Vikings quarterback Tarvaris Jackson not offended by Brett Favre speculation

Former Alabama State University Hornets quarterback Tarvaris Jackson handles Favre speculation with maturity.

MANKATO — Tarvaris Jackson said the Brett Favre speculation would never have come up if Jackson were an established, proven quarterback. But he's not. The Vikings reportedly are considered Favre's ideal destination if he were to work his way out of Green Bay, with which he remains under contract. Jackson has heard all the speculation regarding Favre, and he's taking it in stride. He said he's not offended by the talk.

"I know I've got to get better to the point where if it happens again with any other guy, it wouldn't be a question," Jackson said today after the first practice of training camp at Minnesota State Mankato. "I've still got some improving to do, and I know that. It's only speculation. I know it was going to happen because the type of quarterback he is, and I haven't proved myself yet."

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Saturday, July 12, 2008

Lakewood hires B-CU alumnus Cory Moore as football coach

Cory Moore is going home. Returning to his alma mater, Moore was named head football coach at St. Petersburg, Florida
Lakewood High School, the school where he first found success as a running back from 1991 to 1994, athletic director Javan Turner announced Friday.

"It's a dream come true," said Moore, 32. "The opportunity to come back to the school where I played and to be the head coach. It's a great school with so much history." Moore beat out 15 other finalists. He replaces Otis Dixon, who resigned last month to take a job in the insurance business. The decision came down to Moore, Gibbs assistant Dave Cleppe and Largo assistant Jeremy Frioud, according to Turner.

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Monday, April 28, 2008

Few chosen, few needed for Minnesota Vikings

Jaymar Johnson, meanwhile, is a 177-pound receiver who will have to win the punt return job to make the team. Johnson was drafted in the 6th round, #193 out of Jackson State University.

The Vikings all but set their roster last week with the acquisition of defensive end Jared Allen, leaving them to nibble at the periphery for the duration of the NFL draft. They added only five players in producing the smallest draft class in team history: a backup safety, a likely third-string quarterback, a raw defensive tackle, a backup center and a punt returner.

If all goes as planned, none of those players will start a game for the Vikings in 2008. Only a couple project as future starters. So it goes for a team that committed almost $70 million in guaranteed money this offseason to ensure it wouldn't have to wait for players to develop.

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Sunday, April 27, 2008

Jackson State's Jaymar Johnson drafted by Minnesota Vikings in 6th Rd., #193

Photo: Jackson State University's Jaymar Johnson, WR, 5-11 1/2, 180 pounder that runs a 4.349 40 yard dash, was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the 6th round, #193 in the 2008 NFL Draft.

One of the quickest receivers in this year's class, Johnson is explosive as a receiver and return man. He caught 66 balls for 1,140 yards (17.3 per) and nine touchdowns and averaged 10.9 on 43 punt returns (with two scores) in his last two seasons. He couldn't crack the All-SWAC teams, but Johnson will have a great chance at achieving two other goals: being an NFL draft pick and making a NFL roster.

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Friday, March 21, 2008

NFL Vikings give Frazier contract extension, title of assistant head coach

Photo: Former Alcorn State University football/baseball player Leslie Frazier is now Assistant Head Coach/Defensive Coordinator for the Minnesota Vikings.

The Vikings formalized defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier's dual role within their organization, adding "assistant head coach" to his title on Wednesday. As part of the promotion, Frazier's contract was extended through the 2009 season.

Although the additional title is largely ceremonial in the NFL, Frazier said it "kind of makes things official" after he spent much of the past year advising coach Brad Childress on "everything ... from top to bottom, on our roster."

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Quick Bio: Frazier played from 1981-86 with the Chicago Bears and was a starter for the 1985 Bears and led the team in interceptions from 1983-85. He notched 20 interceptions in his 65 career games and scored a pair of TDs on returns. An All-America honoree at Alcorn State University, Frazier was a standout in football and baseball.

Sunday, January 20, 2008

Vikings' Frazier interview with Atlanta Falcons

Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier interviewed for the Falcons' coaching job Friday night and Saturday, according to a person with knowledge of the situation. It was Frazier's first interview with the team and with newly hired general manager Thomas Dimitroff.

A 19-year coaching veteran, Frazier has gone from the Eagles' defensive backs coach in 1999 to twice being a defensive coordinator, first in Cincinnati (2003-04) and most recently, as Mike Tomlin's replacement in Minnesota (2007-Present). Frazier's stoic but communicative coaching style has drawn comparisons to Tomlin, who was hired as Pittsburgh's head coach in 2007.

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Photo: Former Alcorn State University player Leslie Frazier is being considered for NFL head coaching positions.

The 48 year old Leslie Frazier, played college football at Alcorn State University and played as a starting cornerback/defensive back on the Chicago Bears' 1985 Super Bowl XX championship team win over the New England Patriots.

During the 1985 championship season, Frazier led the Chicago Bears with 6 interceptions. The Columbus, Mississippi native NFL career lasted four years (Chicago Bears 1981-85). His career was cut short due to a knee injury he suffered during Super Bowl XX.

He also helped Indianapolis win Super Bowl XLI, as the Colts defensive backs under Tony Dungy.

Frazier recently interviewed for the Miami Dolphin head coaching vacancy. The Dolphins hired Dallas offensive assistant Tony Sparano.

Frazier started his coaching career in 1988 as the first head coach at Trinity College in Illinois, now known as Trinity International University. He held the position for 9 seasons and built the NAIA program from the ground up and won a pair of Northern Illinois Intercollegiate Conference titles before he moved on to the University of Illinois in 1997-98 as the Illini defensive backs coach.

Head Coach Andy Reid, Philadelphia Eagles hired Frazier as their defensive backs coach 1999.

Coach Frazier's NFL History Coaching:

1988-96....... Trinity College......Head Coach
1997-98....... University of Illinois..DBs
1999-2002..... Philadelphia Eagles....DBs
2003-04....... Cincinnati Bengals...Defensive Coordinator
2005-06....... Indianapolis Colts...Special Asst. to Head Coach/DBs
2006-Present.. Minnesota Vikings....Defensive Coordinator

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