It's never easy to say goodbye, and doing so is no easier with Eric Kendricks. After being drafted by the Vikings in the second round of the 2015 NFL Draft, Kendricks has become a staple on our defense and a fan favorite. It's tough to see him go, but we wish him all the best with the Chargers.
Kendricks recently wrote a heartfelt goodbye to Minnesota, expressing his love for the state and the team that gave him his start in the NFL. He reminisced about his first training camp in 2015 and the mentorship he received from former linebacker Chad Greenway during his rookie season. Kendricks also mentioned his favorite restaurants in the Twin Cities: Bar la Grassa, Spoon and Stable, and Zen Box, showcasing his love for the local community. "Yeah, it’s cold. So what. It’s also beautiful in its own way," he wrote about Minnesota
But what really stood out in his farewell was his appreciation for the Minnesota Vikings organization and the fans. Kendricks noted that playing for the team was all he had known, and the sense of family and community among the players and fans made it a special experience. He thanked the fans for their support and expressed his hope that they could see his heart and passion on the field.
Thank you, Eric Kendricks, for all you did for the Minnesota Vikings. You will always be a part of our family, and we will continue to root for you in your future endeavors.
You can read the letter from Kendricks at The Players' Tribune.
As we say goodbye to Kendricks, I look forward to seeing what the future holds for our team. I have high hopes for the Vikings defense as we move forward into the new season.