The Minnesota Vikings have experienced some memorable quarterback dramas over the past decade, especially in the last two offseasons. However, the most dramatic QB storyline in recent history began with the selection of Teddy Bridgewater at No. 32 overall in the 2014 NFL Draft.
After two seasons, Teddy seemed poised for a breakthrough in his development during the 2016 preseason—until disaster struck in a late practice. Out of nowhere, reports revealed that Bridgewater had suffered a devastating knee injury, ending his season and requiring immediate action from the Vikings’ head athletic trainer, Eric Sugarman, to potentially save Teddy’s leg.
The Rise of Case Keenum as the Vikings’ Miracle QB
On September 3, just days after Bridgewater’s injury, Vikings GM Rick Spielman and head coach Mike Zimmer made a major move, trading a first-round pick to the Eagles for Sam Bradford, the former No. 1 overall pick with a history of injuries. Bradford’s mission was to take over as the starting QB for a team aiming for the playoffs—despite having just one week to get ready for the regular season. Bradford had an impressive start but couldn’t stay healthy, leading to Case Keenum stepping in as the starter.
Case Keenum
However, Keenum, despite his college stardom at the University of Houston, couldn’t lead the Vikings to the playoffs in 2016. He posted a 4-5 record in nine starts, and the Vikings finished the season at 8-8, missing the postseason. But in 2017, Keenum would make his mark in Vikings history.
The Minneapolis Miracle and Keenum’s Legacy
While Stefon Diggs is the player most associated with the famous “Minneapolis Miracle,” it was Keenum who threw the iconic pass and led the Vikings into that position on the field. Though Keenum wasn’t a flawless QB, he started 23 games over two seasons with Minnesota, including 14 starts in 2017. That year, he threw for 3,547 yards, 22 touchdowns, and just 7 interceptions—arguably the best season of his career.
Unfortunately, after a heartbreaking loss to the Eagles in the NFC Championship, the Vikings turned to Kirk Cousins and hired John DeFilippo as their new offensive coordinator in the offseason. Despite this setback, Keenum continued his NFL career, earning a starting spot in Denver the following year and serving as a backup for four teams since then. Now, he’s set to add a fifth team to his resume, having quietly signed a one-year, $3 million contract with the Chicago Bears for the 2025 season.
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