Kendricks, O’Neill & Thielen React to Spielman &…

EAGAN, Minn. – There’s a lot of change happening within the Vikings organization.

Mike Zimmer and Rick Spielman were relieved of their duties as head coach and general manager, respectively, Vikings Owner/President Mark Wilf and Owner/Chairman Zygi Wilf announced Monday morning.

Veteran players Adam Thielen, Brian O’Neill and Eric Kendricks spoke to Twin Cities media members via videoconference and shared their thoughts on the dismissal of Spielman, who addressed the team during its morning meeting, and Zimmer.

“I’m thankful for Rick Spielman and him bringing me here, obviously giving me an opportunity, and all he did for me through the contract situations and things like that,” said Thielen, who initially joined the Vikings in 2013 on a tryout basis. “Coach Zimmer, obviously a lot of appreciation for him and a lot of respect for what he’s done here.

“I was here the year before he got here, and what he’s done with this team and this organization, he’s left it in a better place,” Thielen added. “Brought a lot of great people, a lot of great men in that locker room and a lot of great football players, so [I’m] thankful for those guys and all they’ve done.”

O’Neill, a 2018 second-round draft pick by Spielman, called it a “tough morning” for everyone within the organization.

“I was able to find out shortly before I came into the building that that was going to be the case, and then throughout the team meeting, Rick kind of let us know what was going on and what the situation was,” O’Neill said. “Just the way he expressed his gratitude for all of us, and us being able to thank him and show our respect and appreciation for him bringing us here. He was responsible for all of us players being in this building.”

O’Neill expressed gratitude to Zimmer, as well, for helping him develop into a better player.

“I have a ton of respect and gratitude for them and what they’ve been able to do with getting me here, making me a part of this thing and, really, I feel very fortunate to have worked with both of them and our whole entire coaching staff for the last four years,” O’Neill said. “For me, it’s nothing but love and respect for those guys with how they approach their business and how they go about things.”

Players at the NFL level understand the nature of the business and that tough decisions often have to be made.