K.J. Cloyd

K.J. Cloyd's Biography

The Minnesota Vikings continued to make their mark in the National Football League (NFL) in 2024 as they embarked on their 64th season. Their journey since establishment has been one of perseverance and relentless striving for excellence, from playing their home games at the U.S. Bank Stadium for the ninth consecutive year to continuing under the ownership of Zygi Wilf for two decades. The 2024 season also marked the team’s third year under the leadership of head coach Kevin O’Connell and general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah.

The team’s performance improved tremendously in 2024, as evidenced by their victory over the Tennessee Titans in Week 11. This win was a significant milestone that went a long way towards overshadowing their previous 7-10 record in 2023. The Vikings were keen on making their way back to the playoffs, an arena they had missed out on in the preceding year. Their flawless 5-0 start to the 2024 season, a feat they achieved for the first time since 2016, was evident of their intent. This remarkable start was capped off with a Week 5 victory over the New York Jets in London.

The absence of quarterback Kirk Cousins created a significant vacuum in the Vikings’ line-up. After a noteworthy run with the Vikings since 2017, Cousins decided to join the Atlanta Falcons in 2024 as a result of free agency. Despite this bittersweet departure, the Vikings moved forward with their game plan and strategy.

The team also brought forward a new uniform, the “Winter Warrior,” in June of 2024. The all-white ensemble gave the Vikings a distinct appearance, including the franchise’s first white helmet– a departure from their traditional designs.

The team’s roster comprised a balanced mix of efficient running backs (RB), wide receivers (WR), tight ends (TE), defensive linemen (DL), defensive backs (DB), and special teams. Additionally, they maintained reserves and a capable practice squad on standby, ready to step into the main field if required.

The Vikings’ preseason brought exciting match-ups which were announced on May 15, coinciding with the release of the regular season schedule. The team faced varied opponents in different locations including U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, Minnesota; Cleveland Browns Stadium, Cleveland, Ohio; and Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

The 2024 NFL season for the Minnesota Vikings was scheduled to be as grueling and competitive as ever. In addition to their home and away matches against NFC North divisional rivals, the team also went against NFC West, AFC South, third place teams from NFC South, NFC East, and AFC East. The Vikings’ home game at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London against the New York Jets was a highlight of the NFL International Series of 2024.

Each game presented the team with unique challenges and opportunities to prove their mettle. They played in venues such as MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey; SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, California; EverBank Stadium, Jacksonville, Florida; Nissan Stadium, Nashville, Tennessee; Soldier Field, Chicago, Illinois, and the iconic Lambeau Field, Green Bay, Wisconsin.

The team also had the privilege to participate in NFL London games at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England. Undeniably, the 2024 season for the Minnesota Vikings, under the head coach/general manager tandem of Kevin O’Connell and Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, was a journey fraught with challenges but notable achievements. Wherever they played, and whoever they played against, they consistently exhibited the tenacity, skill, and sportsmanship that define the Vikings.