KOC wins Coach of the Year, Allen goes into HOF

(New Orleans, LA) — Former Minnesota Vikings star pass rusher Jared Allen is finally a Hall of Famer. Allen was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame yesterday. Allen spent six seasons with the Vikings from 2008 until 2013, recording at least 11 sacks each year. Allen’s best season was in 2011 when he led the league with 22 sacks. Allen will join Eric Allen, Sterling Sharpe, and Antonio Gates in Canton for induction on August 2nd. The four-member class is the smallest since 2005. Quarterback Eli Manning, linebacker Luke Kuechly and kicker Adam Vinatieri were not selected as first-ballot Hall of Famers. Wide receivers Torry Holt, Steve Smith Sr. and Reggie Wayne were other notable finalists that did not make the final cut.

(New Orleans, LA) — Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell was named the N-F-L Coach of the Year at an awards banquet last night in New Orleans. O’Connell says he was honored to win the award, which he says showcases the culture he has help build in Minnesota. The Vikings finished the regular season with a 14-3 record before losing to the L-A Rams in the playoffs. He says that will only motivate them to do more next season. O’Connell signed a contract extension after the season ended and he says that was important for him to solidify his future in Minnesota and go “get the job done” for a Vikings fanbase that deserves a championship.