Back to the Minnesota Vikings Newsfeed

One position defines Vikings, Packers, Gophers, and it's not quarterback

Three football teams dominate conversations in the Twin Cities: the Minnesota Vikings, Green Bay Packers and Minnesota Gophers.

The Vikings are 5-1. The Packers are 3-4, having lost consecutive games to the Giants, Jets and Commanders. The Gophers, after being dismantled by Penn State on Saturday, are 4-3, 1-3 in the Big Ten, riding a three-game losing streak and tied for last in the West Division.

There is a position that has played a key role in the relative fates of these three teams, and it's not quarterback. It's one of the most pivotal roles in modern football — No.