EAGAN, Minn. -- Not long after he was named the Minnesota Vikings' new coach, Kevin O'Connell made a request. He wanted a logo designed to capture the values he planned to impart on the team. The final product was shaped like a shield and carried these words: Our Way, Our Process, Our Team.
The Culture Shield, as it is known around the Vikings' practice facility, provided a clear metaphor for O'Connell's first summer in Minnesota. He stood behind it as he pursued an alternative training approach that prioritized health over preseason playing time, teaching over browbeating and technique over hitting.