The first walk-through of Vikings training camp on Wednesday morning kicked off the 25th season of Mike Zimmer's NFL coaching career with an exercise he's ostensibly been through more than a thousand times.
But as Zimmer stepped to a press conference podium following the session, it was clear he needed the opportunity to take refuge in the routine.
"It's good to get back out here on the field," Zimmer said. Then, as his voice broke, the coach added, "You know, it takes a little bit of the sting away."
The Vikings' 2018 training camp, their first at their new headquarters in Eagan, began on a somber note Wednesday as the team continued to mourn the loss of offensive line coach Tony Sparano, who died Sunday morning at his home in Eden Prairie.