Kevin O’Connell wasn’t just making decisions this offseason; he was also having fun with them. The Minnesota Vikings head coach surprised everyone in the draft room on Day 3 of the NFL Draft by walking in wearing a fake mustache, a playful tribute to general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah’s signature facial hair.
The prank caught the entire staff off guard, adding a lighthearted touch to the proceedings, as revealed in a behind-the-scenes video showing candid moments from the Vikings’ war room. “That looks good, dude,” Adofo-Mensah said with a grin, clearly enjoying the moment. While the mustache was fake, the laughter was completely genuine.
O’Connell kept the playful mood going throughout the day. During a phone call with another NFL team’s personnel, he jokingly tossed a bag of Doritos into the trash and quipped, “Does anybody else have any trash I need to pick up here?” His energy, a mix of office jester and team leader, clearly set a positive tone for the room.
Despite the fun, the Vikings stayed focused on business. They made five draft picks, including offensive lineman Donovan Jackson, wide receiver Tai Felton, defensive lineman Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins, linebacker Kobe King, and tight end Gavin Bartholomew. Team scouts and executives had high praise for their new selections.
“Donovan is a great kid,” said college scout Jake Essler. “Big, tough, strong. He’s going to fit in really well.” Senior VP Ryan Grigson also chimed in, noting, “He’s wired right. Started 40 games in the Big Ten. Played multiple positions. Produced at a high level.”
By combining authenticity with humor, O’Connell’s fake mustache moment offered fans a glimpse into a team culture centered around trust, lightheartedness, and thorough preparation. Behind every pick, there was a joke, a smile, and a sense of camaraderie that goes beyond the X’s and O’s.
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