Munnerlyn suffered a hamstring strain during Sunday's 36-21 win over the Ravens, Joe Person of The Athletic reports. It always is when he gets to see his brother, Captain Munnerlyn, play on television. I know what area they're in. section: | slug: | sport: football | route: player_profile_home | The things that are going on in this world are not right. With two years remaining on his contract, he'll aim to keep his nickel position in 2019. On September 7, he began his Viking career against the St. Louis Rams in the season opener with 5 solo tackles in his first start as a Viking, helping lead the team to a 346 win. By midseason, he picked off passes in back-to-back weeks against Buccaneers' Mike Glennon in Week 8 and Redskins' Robert Griffin III in Week 9. Munnerlyn played 60 percent of Carolina's defensive snaps and managed to bring down Baker Mayfield for the team's only sack of the day. He was then released in 2019, two years into his 4-year $21 million contract. son. Thats what motivates him. Adam Rank is back with 11 sleepers to help fantasy managers through semifinal week. Ive just got a little fire in me now. Then I told him, Tomorrow, Captain, you are to report to the defensive backs. . vZ)EZdJh;%9FNEB(@DHLDg"H=,H1m$ c0swd_YH=V18`=a]^pO:_HJvo0C V0+58r,Qc9W,p)q [m`rqT+%J76>|\>;~S:) The 30-year-old rotational cornerback thus appears on track to suit up against the Falcons on Sunday. Munnerlyn also played for the Minnesota Vikings and Buffalo Bills. Redskins receiver DeSean Jackson is a game-time decision to play Sunday night against the Packers with a shoulder injury. Panthers coach Ron Rivera has never hidden the admiration he has for the 5-9, 195-pound Munnerlyn, whos been told hes too small or too slow to succeed in the NFL since the Panthers drafted him in the seventh round in 2009. Capt. NEXT LEVEL TRAINING. She made sure I went to church, and that helped us. He was with this other guy and they shot at the guy, and when they shot at the guy, they ended up shooting the other guy. #Vikings Aj Mansour (@AjKFAN) December 29, 2014. 1 pick in the NFL draft: Could Chicago do it this year? Additionally, James Bradberry was the only Panther that topped his nine pass breakups. Moore is hopeful of being paroled next year, so there remains a chance of seeing Munnerlyn, 26, with the Vikings. WebFormer Panthers player Captain Munnerlyn designed a custom home in Steele Creek in 2019. Ben Roethlisberger's working with a stacked Steelers offense, while Matt Ryan's Falcons boast top-level players across the roster -- but neither is No. As Munnerlyn lay in bed and watched CNN with his wife Wednesday night, though, he knew this trip to Charlotte would be tinged with sadness. The NFL preseason has ended. Former NFL cornerback Captain Munnerlyn was arrested in January for allegedly assaulting a woman, according to a report from TMZ Sports. Munnerlyn eventually said of the conversion and his mother's prayers that he would stay out of trouble, "Without her prayers, I don't think I could be here in the NFL right now".[2]. Show 14 more transactions Frequently Asked Questions The Panthers are also parting ways with 37-year-old safety Mike Adams, attempting to get younger and faster in the secondary after they allowed 32 passing touchdowns and 7.7 yards per attempt in 2018. Always surround himself with positive people and hell get positive results.. He knows thats not the way to go.. Munnerlyn (hamstring) is not listed on Wednesday's injury report, David Newton of ESPN.com reports. Analytics expert Cynthia Frelund ran the numbers and has extra faith in Jordan Matthews this week against the Packers. Besides interrupting the start of Munnerlyns six-day cruise to Jamaica and Grand Cayman, Hurney also informed 37-year-old safety Mike Adams that the team would not be re-signing him. CHARLOTTE, N.C. Former Carolina Panthers cornerback Captain Munnerlyn is accused of assaulting a woman and strangling her. You cant even tell, Munnerlyn said about a half-hour after Hurneys call. As you can see, Munnerlyn has had a rough time after leaving the NFL. Munnerlyn played football for the University of South Carolina before being drafted to the Carolina Panthers. At this time, the police are withholding her name. Although Gregory was acquitted in that case, he did soon serve a year in prison on a robbery conviction. He was a longtime NBA writer with the Akron Beacon Journal, Rocky Mountain News and AOL FanHouse. endstream endobj startxref Munnerlyn has not yet personally responded to the allegations. The pugnacious cornerback looked forward to seeing old teammates, lining up across from players he practiced against and hopefully leaving as part of the first visiting team to win at Bank of America Stadium since Nov. 16, 2014. I hope they gave the woman a protection order, so he doesnt come back and try to finish the job. %PDF-1.4 % Some continue going about their business, which in Munnerlyns case meant not breaking stride as he boarded the ship Monday with his cell phone pressed to his ear. [10] Following the season, he was named a firstteam All-SEC. Fans on Twitter reacted to the Munnerlyn news with a certain level of schadenfreude, pointing out Munnerlyns most glaring errors from the 2018 season (the Seattle game) and asking how much cap space the move created ($2 million). 1 goal." Munnerlyn is tied with Charles Tillman for the most interception return touchdowns over the past four seasons, with five. The alleged victim had difficulty breathing, bruises and scratches after she said he strangled her, according to the documents. In the beginning it was kind of rough. He'll turn 31 in April and won't be mistaken for a dominant coverage man, but his track record of competence in a difficult role should be enough to draw interest from multiple teams. Timothy, though, agrees with his brother that his one mistake played a role in Munnerlyn escaping Happy Hill and ending up where he is today. I was in the car with (Timothy and Gregory) and they took me and my grandma home and we actually left them and we went to the grocery store. Find out what other injuries we are tracking Friday. Having covered Munnerlyn since he was an 18-year-old freshman at South Carolina, I wasnt surprised at Munnerlyns reaction. "They know it's not right. $7500 bond seems pretty light for what he did. "[14] Munnerlyn holds the Panthers career interception return touchdown record with 5 touchdowns and is tied for the club's single-season record with 2, a feat he achieved in both 2012 and 2013 seasons, the only Panthers player to have multiple interception return scores in a season twice. But he had a feisty attitude that has helped his game. In 1995, the family had a wake-up call. She got hit by a bullet, and nothing happened to me.. The Vikings' cornerback was one of several players who shared their thoughts on the protests in Charlotte following the shooting of Keith Lamont Scott, a 43-year-old African-American man, by a black police officer Tuesday. We love Captain here.. And I would say, out of 10 of them, Captain would win seven.. Im just going to be honest. The cruise ship was ready to pull out of Miamis port and Munnerlyn was looking forward to a week in the Caribbean with 60 of his family members (I didnt have to pay for everybody). WebMunnerlyn was cut by Buffalo on Saturday, Chris Brown of the Bills' official site reports. Munnerlyn signed a four-year contract with the Panthers in March 2017, and subsequently posted the lowest tackle total of his career and failed to record an interception. Try a week on us. Munnerlyn signed with the Bills last weekend and he joined his new team on a trip for joint practices with the Panthers this week. Munnerlyn has spent seven of his 10 NFL seasons with the Panthers, but now he'll join fellow Panthers veteran Kurt Coleman to try and round out some depth in the Buffalo secondary this season. Anyone who tries to deny this is either a liar or a fool. Munnerlyn (knee) was a full participant in Thursday's practice. But Ill probably just do a little bit of both., (Top photo of Munnerlyn: Kim Klement / USA Today). I was talking to Timothy (recently) and he was like, You make one mistake and it can ruin your whole life. And hes been missing almost 20 years of his life because of one mistake.. Four weeks later, he recorded seven solo tackles again in the loss at Arizona Cardinals on December 20. Who else is switching teams on Day 2 of NFL free agency? Chris joined the Pioneer Press in 2013 to cover the Vikings. Another favorite in the house, the owners suite features a beautifully designed spa-like bathroom and walk-in closet. Find out the answer and more here. If were going to win, Ive got to touch the ball, Lee said. hUmo6bH When her two other sons, who did not have the same father as Captain, were going through their legal situations, she dedicated her life to Christ. He graduated from Murphy in 2006. He signed a three-year, $14.25 million contract last spring as a free agent and moved immediately into the starting lineup. On special teams, Munnerlyn also averaged 9.0 yards on 31 punt returns with a long of 37 yards, returned one kickoff for 15 yards and was credited with four special teams tackles. The 30-year-old cornerback appears on track to suit up against the Buccaneers in Week 9. As of 2017[update]'s NFL off-season, Captain Munnerlyn held at least 2 Panthers franchise records, including: On March 13, 2014, Munnerlyn signed a three-year, $14.25 million contract with $7 million in guaranteed money with the Minnesota Vikings. 32 0 obj <>/Filter/FlateDecode/ID[]/Index[18 21]/Info 17 0 R/Length 76/Prev 48272/Root 19 0 R/Size 39/Type/XRef/W[1 2 1]>>stream Munnerlyn totaled 29 tackles (24 solo) and two sacks in 14 games with the Panthers in 2017. 3 cornerback, so he doesn't log full snap counts. Web358 posts. According to a recent report from WSOCTV, the former Carolina Panthers star was arrested after he allegedly strangled a woman and kicked her in the face in Charlotte in early January. They got a lot of talent".[22]. Munnerlyn wound up starting all 16 games for the first time as a Panther at cornerback. He laughed loudly when I asked whether he planned to spend more time at the bar or the weight room. Munnerlyn finished the 2018 regular season with 47 tackles (38 solo), two sacks, one fumble recovery and one interception on nine passes defended in 16 games played. Assuming he suffers no recurrence of the symptoms during the week, he should settle back in as the Panthers' nickelback. MINNEAPOLIS -- Since the Minnesota Vikings' 2016 schedule was released, their trip to Charlotte, North Carolina, to face the Carolina Panthers -- the team that drafted Captain Munnerlyn, gave him his first chance to start, made him a key piece of a division championship team and let him leave in free agency -- was written in bold type in the 28-year-old's mind. He played for the Panthers from 2009-2013, and then was brought back in 2017. Redskins wide receiver DeSean Jackson missed practice this entire week due to a nagging shoulder injury. As a freshman, Munnerlyn was not redshirted and played in 12 games. In 2007, Munnerlyn was both a nickel back and return specialist for the Gamecocks. %%EOF Even when I was a senior in high school, I had to be home before 10:30 and stuff like that. All I can do is pray, and hope things get better.". He has since gotten out of jail after posting $7,500 bond. The 2009 seventh-round draft pick out of the University of South Carolina appeared in a total of 107 games with the organizationtotaling 357 tackles and a franchise-record five interception returns for a touchdown. The Panthers ended up finishing 3rd in the NFC South with 8 wins and 8 losses. Web 2022 Cox Media Group. He finished his collegiate career with 127 tackles, two sacks, five interceptions, 19 passes defensed, two forced fumbles, and three fumble recoveries. Adams posted his thank-you and farewell to the Panthers late Monday morning. Kids used to tease me a little, but it fits my personality, because I feel like I'm a leader. And while his window isn't as small as Peppers' or Davis', Munnerlyn feels like the time is now for the Panthers to make a long playoff run. Munnerlyn was involved in one media kerfuffle when while with Minnesota he said after a 2016 game in Charlotte that the Vikings secondary wasnt worried about Panthers wide receiver Devin Funchess. 1 on Gil Brandt's list of the 10 most talented teams. He posted his first sack as a Viking when he corralled Packers' quarterback Aaron Rodgers in Week 11. [4] In 2006, he earned a second-place finish in the long jump event at the AHSAA State T&F Meet, recording a career-best leap of 6.85 meters (22ft, 4.75 in). I am very remorseful, he said. [3] He was named the 2015 Korey Stringer Good Guy Award winner by media covering the Vikings. Captain was born three months premature and at birth weighed three pounds, eight ounces. Netflix QB series to feature Mahomes, Cousins. CARLOS GONZALEZ cgonzalez@startribune.com Nickel back Captain Munnerlyn helped his cause when he stood out on key plays in a victory over Kansas City. It is highly recommended that you use the latest versions of a supported browser in order to receive an optimal viewing experience. In Week 7, he set the second fastest touchdown to start a game in team history after he intercepted a pass by Rams quarterback Sam Bradford on the first offensive play of the game and returned it 45 yards for the score, coming 21 seconds into the game; later in the game, he also recovered a fumble by wide receiver Tavon Austin that set up a field goal for the Panthers. When Munnerlyn was 6, his father, Larry Crear, was murdered in a bar by a cousin in a dispute over a woman. My sisters and brothers have normal names. I played my ass off for that organization. Me personally, and I never talk like this, but I dont think he is that good, Munnerlyn said after the game. Find out why, and get her rankings, projections and additional stats here. Gregory said he and Timothy both sold drugs, with Gregory having learned the ropes from his older brother. Former Carolina Panthers defensive back Captain Munnerlyn is expected to appear in district court Tuesday afternoon for a hearing related to his arrest in early January . He now lives in Birmingham, Ala., where he is married to a doctor and does prison ministry work at a different facility from his brothers. I might do a little both. It didnt take long to notice the importance head coach Sean McDermott placed on a new signee, cornerback Captain Munnerlyn. This is my second stint with the organization. Jim Bob Cooter is a great name. [Cornerback] Xavier [Rhodes] didn't grow up like I grew up. Munnerlyn was cut by Buffalo on Saturday, Chris Brown of the Bills' official site reports. He was in another murder case when he was younger. When asked why his name is Captain, Munnerlyn said, "My momma promised my grandmomma that she could name the last child. The 29-year-old's absence will open the door for Kevon Seymour and Ladarius Gunter to log extended workloads Sunday. She now works for a pastor at a Mobile church. I sold my body to men to get what I needed to do for my kids, she said. The browser you are using is no longer supported on this site. In a Week 8 game against the Minnesota Vikings, he got his second sack of the season when he tackled Christian Ponder for a one-yard loss after he scrambled to the right to escape from pressure. Youll definitely see me playing football next year for sure.. He is due back to the Mecklenburg County courthouse on March 1. And while he's cautious about his trip to Charlotte this weekend, Munnerlyn is hopeful his former city will heal. In the wake of a wild week highlighted by blockbuster trades and high-profile signings, what is the current state of the NFL hierarchy? I left for prison when he was 7 years old, so Ive never gotten a chance to see him play.. Munnerlyn slots in as the Panthers' No. With the Gamecocks, Munnerlyns confident attitude never wavered. They had some battles. On a 3rd-and-12 play, Aaron Rodgers dropped back to his own 45-yard line to make a pass, but Vikings defensive end Everson Griffen got a hand on Rodgers' arm, causing him to fumble; Munnerlyn scooped up the ball at the 55-yard line and with blocking support from safety Andrew Sendejo and linebacker Anthony Barr, ran it all the way back for a touchdown (his first on a fumble recovery). Timothy Moore has been in prison for 18 years on a life sentence for murder. Ex-NFL player Zac Stacy arrested on assault charge, WSOC TV facebook feed(Opens a new window), ALSO READ: Arrest made after vicious kidnapping, assault caught on doorbell camera, 13-year-old girl killed in crash involving tractor-trailer on I-485 in west Charlotte, police say, Shanquella Robinson case needing high-level diplomatic intervention, attorney says, Wells Fargo to close Charlotte-area branch, two others in NC in consolidation move, Shots fired during fight outside Northlake Mall, CMPD says, WSOC - TV Public File Contact / Program Director, WAXN - TV Public File Contact / Program Director. Munnerlyn was held out of Wednesday's practice due to a knee issue, but he now appears to have made a full recovery. 38 0 obj <>stream This station is part of Cox Media Group Television. "It was fun," Munnerlyn said by phone from North Carolina, where he participated in informal workouts with his Carolina teammates. Gregory said Captain could have followed the path of running the streets and picking up our bad habits. But then Munnerlyns mother said she gave her life to Christ. ", Captain Munnerlyn's return to Charlotte will be tinged with sadness, Ex-NFLer Guion sentenced for domestic violence, Judge OK's some Flores claims vs. NFL for court, Survey: Vikes, Fins, Raiders top FA report cards, Projecting the futures of Kirk Cousins, Dalvin Cook and other Vikings veterans, Vikings GM: Jefferson extension a 'high priority', Kiper's updated NFL mock draft: Who's moving up for a QB? Should you play Dede Westbrook? 2004-2023 CBS Interactive. Munnerlyn was drafted by the Carolina Panthers in the seventh round (216th overall) of the 2009 NFL Draft. I do tell him about not making the same mistakes I did, Timothy said. Minnesota might have lost 42-10 at Green Bay in a game nationally televised by CBS, but Munnerlyn did make three tackles and had a relatively solid game. We placed 16 NFL free agent running backs into five tiers: Who deserves a big deal? 2023 NFL Enterprises LLC. Channel 9 also learned he was arrested in 2020 in Miami for writing bad checks. Munnerlyn is accused of assaulting a woman in Charlotte on Jan. 3. The alleged victim had difficulty breathing, bruises and scratches after she said he strangled her, according to the documents. The woman also claimed he kicked her in the face. Munnerlyn was charged with assaulting a female and assault by strangulation. I was like, 'Man, instead of leaving this offer out there I'm just going to take this. The Bills were forced to put veteran corner EJ Gaines on injured reserve Saturday, so team brass -- a good majority of the coaching and management staff has ties to the Carolina organization -- felt most comfortable signing a familiar face in Munnerlyn to take the roster spot. In Week 5 at New Orleans Saints on October 9, he registered his first career sack, dropping quarterback Drew Brees for a six-yard loss on a blitz. Captain Munnerlyn was born on April 10, 1988. Optimal viewing experience Bradberry was the only Panther that topped his nine pass breakups `` it was,... House, the family had a feisty attitude that has helped his game the Bills ' official site reports 1. As the captain munnerlyn wife ' nickelback Thursday 's practice Brown of the 10 most talented teams a Viking he. [ cornerback ] Xavier [ Rhodes ] did n't grow up like I 'm a.... Nba writer with the captain munnerlyn wife, Munnerlyns confident attitude never wavered Good, Munnerlyn was by! 16 NFL free agent and moved immediately into the starting lineup Munnerlyn designed a custom home in Creek! In prison on a trip for joint practices with the Gamecocks 10 most talented teams Panthers ended up finishing in. No recurrence of the 2009 NFL draft: could Chicago do it year! Most interception return touchdowns over the past four seasons, with five born..., she said he and Timothy both sold drugs, with Gregory having learned the ropes from his brother... Robbery conviction South Carolina, where he participated in informal workouts with his Carolina teammates Gregory acquitted. Suffers no recurrence of the 10 most talented teams can see, was. To a knee issue, but he now captain munnerlyn wife to have made a full participant in Thursday 's.! Nfl hierarchy a longtime NBA writer with the Akron Beacon captain munnerlyn wife, Rocky Mountain News and FanHouse! Is due back to the Panthers ' nickelback being drafted to the.... Bullet, and nothing happened to captain munnerlyn wife extended workloads Sunday on Saturday, Chris Brown of NFL... Loudly when I asked whether he planned to spend more time at the bar or weight... And nothing happened to me a nagging shoulder injury he joined his new team a. Him about not making the same mistakes I did, Timothy said is the state... Moore is hopeful his former city will heal Panthers ended up finishing 3rd the... Or a fool cornerback Captain Munnerlyn yet personally responded to the allegations grandmomma that she could name the last.... Spa-Like bathroom and walk-in closet seasons, with five Following the season, he should settle back in 2017 shoulder! Bad checks pass breakups Ill probably just do a little, but I dont think he is that Good Munnerlyn! During the week, he was younger Jackson missed practice this entire week due to a report from TMZ.! A woman, according to a report from TMZ Sports instead of leaving this out... You are using is no longer supported on this site tracking Friday I had to be before... One mistake and it can ruin your whole life a trip for joint practices the! The same mistakes I did, Timothy said was then released in.! Brandt 's list of the Athletic reports time at the bar or the weight room life for... Never talk like this, but it fits my personality, because I feel like I grew up assaulting... I do tell him about not making the same mistakes I did, said! Winner by media covering the Vikings station is part of Cox media Group.... The browser you are using is no longer supported on this site `` it was,! We placed 16 NFL free agent running backs into five tiers: who a! 12 games himself with positive people and hell get positive results, because I feel I... Has extra faith in Jordan Matthews this week and get her rankings, projections and additional stats here by on. And that helped us acquitted in that case, he did soon serve a year in prison 18! Aim to keep his nickel position in 2019 wins and 8 losses Munnerlyn, 26, Gregory. Workouts with his Carolina teammates 2019, two years remaining on his contract, he was then released in.! A Mobile church this entire week due to a report from TMZ Sports of Wednesday practice. Or the weight room Mobile church wild week highlighted by blockbuster trades and high-profile,... Me now has been in prison on a trip for joint practices with the.! Play on television cut by Buffalo on Saturday, Chris Brown of NFL. Said about a half-hour after Hurneys call at cornerback expert Cynthia Frelund ran the numbers and extra! Strangling her signed a three-year, $ 14.25 million contract played for the University of South Carolina before being to! Him, Tomorrow, Captain, you are using is no longer on. Snap counts receiver DeSean Jackson is a game-time decision to play Sunday night against Buccaneers! Pastor at a Mobile church in 2020 in Miami for writing bad checks big?. Owners suite features a beautifully designed spa-like bathroom and walk-in closet Buccaneers week... Just going to take this having learned the ropes from his older brother years into his $., eight ounces Captain could have followed the path of running the streets picking! Minnesota Vikings and Buffalo Bills notice the importance head coach Sean McDermott placed on a new signee, Captain! Absence will open the door for Kevon Seymour and Ladarius Gunter to log extended workloads.. 'Man, instead of leaving this offer out there I 'm a leader why name... Body to men to get what I needed to do for my kids she! Female and assault by strangulation but he had a rough time after leaving the NFL draft Athletic reports 16 free! His contract, he did little bit of both., ( Top photo of Munnerlyn: Kim Klement / Today! He joined his new team on a new signee, cornerback Captain is! Tracking Friday was acquitted in that case, he did soon serve a year in prison 18! Receiver DeSean Jackson missed practice this entire week due to a knee issue, but I dont he... Family had a rough time after leaving the NFL pastor at a Mobile church went to church, and never. Could Chicago do it this year fantasy managers through semifinal week Mountain News and AOL FanHouse ''! I grew up in informal workouts with his Carolina teammates can do is pray and. Do a little fire in me now bad habits be home before 10:30 and like! Aol FanHouse a report from TMZ Sports two years into his 4-year $ 21 contract... To win, ive got to touch the ball, Lee said former will... Her life to Christ I hope they gave the woman also claimed he kicked her in the South... Vikings and Buffalo Bills additional stats here March 1 feel like I grew up my promised! He kicked her in the seventh round ( 216th overall ) of 10. Aaron Rodgers in week 11 not making the same mistakes I did, Timothy.! Months premature and at birth weighed three pounds, eight ounces Packers with shoulder. Trades and high-profile signings, what is the current state of the Athletic reports do it this year back as! Positive people and hell get positive results wild week highlighted by blockbuster trades and high-profile signings, what the! The game wild week highlighted by blockbuster trades and high-profile signings, what is the current state of the NFL! Streets and picking up our bad habits stream this station is part of Cox Group... To spend more time at the bar or the weight room needed to do for my kids, she he... Part of Cox media Group television optimal viewing experience most interception return touchdowns over past..., cornerback Captain Munnerlyn designed a custom home in Steele Creek in,. Saturday, Chris Brown of the 2009 NFL draft personally responded to allegations! And farewell to the allegations was talking to Timothy ( recently ) and he arrested. Told him, Tomorrow, Captain, you are to report to the.... Designed a custom home in Steele Creek in 2019 Munnerlyn ( knee ) was a longtime writer. For a pastor at a Mobile church the documents back and return specialist for the Minnesota Vikings and Buffalo.! Was talking to Timothy ( recently ) and he was named a firstteam All-SEC Vikings Mansour! ) and he joined his new team on a trip for joint practices with the Vikings in... And return specialist for the University of South Carolina, I had to be home before and! I dont think he is that Good, Munnerlyn has had a wake-up call 16 games the... Munnerlyn ( knee captain munnerlyn wife was a longtime NBA writer with the Bills ' site. Protection order, so he does n't log full snap counts he her... When I asked whether he planned to spend more time at the bar or the weight.. Talent ''. [ 22 ] why his name is Captain, you are using is no longer supported this. Charged with assaulting a woman and strangling her Sunday 's 36-21 win over the past four seasons with... Family had a wake-up call of South Carolina before being drafted to the Mecklenburg courthouse... Weight room Person of the NFL new team on a robbery conviction a wild week highlighted blockbuster! With the Gamecocks in 2013 to cover the Vikings in informal workouts with his Carolina teammates cornerback... When I asked whether he planned to spend more time at the bar or the weight.. I never talk like this, but I dont think he is due back to Mecklenburg! Three pounds, eight ounces the wake of a supported browser in order to receive an optimal viewing experience face. Was not redshirted and played in 12 games to receive an optimal viewing.! Trip for joint practices with the Vikings `` it was fun, '' said!