Former Vikings GM Shocks NFL by Taking Paternity Leave
Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, the general manager of the Minnesota Vikings, was recently dismissed from his role. His firing came as a surprise shortly after the conclusion of the NFL season.
Factors Leading to Adofo-Mensah’s Dismissal
Several issues contributed to the decision to let Adofo-Mensah go. These included:
- Poor drafting performance
- Concerns about the team’s potential under his leadership
- Missed opportunities on key player re-signings
Paternity Leave and NFL Norms
A notable aspect surrounding Adofo-Mensah’s tenure was his decision to take paternity leave during training camp. Although the Vikings organization publicly supported him, his absence raised eyebrows among other coaches and general managers. This reaction highlights the ongoing stigma against taking time off for family commitments within the NFL.
Quarterback Decisions Impact Success
Adding to the pressure, Adofo-Mensah faced scrutiny for his choices related to the quarterback position. The Vikings’ management chose not to re-sign former quarterback Sam Darnold, who is now succeeding with the Seattle Seahawks in the Super Bowl.
They also missed opportunities to secure veteran quarterbacks like Daniel Jones and Aaron Rodgers. Instead, they opted for a trade for Sam Howell, who failed to convince the team of his capabilities, leading to the signing of Carson Wentz.
2025 Season Performance
The Vikings’ season was marked by struggles. J.J. McCarthy, assigned as the starting quarterback, faced injury setbacks early on. As a result, the team began the season with a disappointing 4-8 record, a stark contrast to their previous season’s success.
Despite ending the season on a high note with five consecutive victories, the overall performance did not meet organizational expectations.
Future Directions for the Vikings
Looking forward, the Vikings plan to seek a replacement for Adofo-Mensah only after the upcoming NFL draft. There are intentions to bring in competition to strengthen the quarterback position, aiming to refine their roster for improved performance in the future.
