Football
 during the teams training camp at the Minnesota Vikings Training Facility. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images</p><p>” data-large-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Kevin-OConnell-2-1180×664.jpg”><figcaption><span>Jul 29, 2025; Eagan, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell talks with tight end T.J. Hockenson (87) during the teams training camp at the Minnesota Vikings Training Facility. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images</span></figcaption></figure><p>In the context of NFL football, being a “meathead” is a great compliment. That basic idea is doubly true upon remembering that the focus of the discussion involves a fullback.</p><p>In the 5th Round of the 2026 NFL Draft, the Vikings drafted Max Bredeson. Much of the reaction to the selection swirled around the FB being a teammate of J.J. McCarthy at Michigan. After all, McCarthy showed up on the Zoom call following the selection, verbally expressing enthusiasm about the draft pick. Since then, a decent bit has happened, <a href=)
including Vikings mandatory minicamp. OC Wes Phillips bestowed the descriptor while chatting with the media following one of the recent practices.Football The Vikings’ New FB is a “Dirtbag” and a “Meathead”
For a little while, the Vikings have needed to get tougher. Kevin O’Connell’s team has always been a high-flying, high-skill crew. Seldom, though, have these Vikings been rugged enough.
Part of the solution has been found in acquiring certain personnel. Think tight end Josh Oliver, somebody who stands out for his massive size even among NFL athletes. So, too, do running back Jordan Mason and right guard Will Fries offer much to like due to their ruggedness. All three of these guys are meant to allow Minnesota better play bully ball.
 hands the ball off to Minnesota Vikings running back Jordan Mason (27) against the Green Bay Packers during the first quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images</p><p>” data-large-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/USATSI_27930836-1180×751.jpg” src=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=788,height=444,fit=crop,quality=75,gravity=auto,metadata=none,format=auto,onerror=redirect/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/USATSI_27930836.jpg” alt ><figcaption>Jan 4, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) hands the ball off to Minnesota Vikings running back Jordan Mason (27) against the Green Bay Packers during the first quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure></div><p>More recently, there was the move for wide receiver Jauan Jennings. Jennings stands at 6’3″ and roughly 215 pounds. Even better, Jennings offers a grit and a nastiness that means being able to bulldoze defensive backs.</p><p>Kyler Murray had referred to Jennings as a “<a href=)
dirtbag,” a descriptor meant to highlight the physicality that Jennings plays with on Sunday. Phillips then stepped in front of the Minnesota media the next day, allowing me to ask about the comment. Phillips wanted some reassurance that being a “dirtbag” was a compliment. Since it was, Phillips was glad to adopt the term, even applying it to somebody else a few minutes later.Indeed, a few minutes later, Phillips took on a question about Max Bredeson, allowing Phillips to reaffirm the value of boasting a “dirtbag” who is also a “meathead.”
“Max is probably another dirtbag,” Phillips said before explaining that the term is “absolutely” a compliment. Not long afterwards, the Vikings’ OC referred to the FB as a “meathead” who “loves ball” and who is “very smart.” Since “he’s all about ball” and is “a physical guy,” Bredeson is impressing the coaching staff.
 and tight end Max Bredeson (44) during the first half against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the 2024 Rose Bowl college football playoff semifinal game at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports</p><p>” data-large-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/USATSI_22206775-1180×787.jpg” src=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=788,height=444,fit=crop,quality=75,gravity=auto,metadata=none,format=auto,onerror=redirect/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/USATSI_22206775.jpg” alt ><figcaption>Jan 1, 2024; Pasadena, CA, USA; Michigan Wolverines quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) and tight end Max Bredeson (44) during the first half against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the 2024 Rose Bowl college football playoff semifinal game at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption></figure></div><p>In all likelihood, the Minnesota Vikings will remain a pass-first team. Doing so will mean rolling with Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and Jauan Jennings for a large portion of the snaps. Well and good.</p><p>But then there’s the young lad lining up at fullback. Max Bredeson isn’t guaranteed of anything since he’s a 5th-Round fullback. What’s clear, though, is that he has a ton of supporters inside TCO Performance Center. Watching him a minicamp means seeing somebody who moves well and who appears poised to take on a hearty workload.</p><p>Quite possibly, Bredeson will force the Vikings to adopt a more balanced attack than in recent seasons. Seeing Bredeson clear running lanes for Mason could mean more emphasis on 21 personnel.</p><p>Bredeson, the meathead, will look continue impressing once he’s allowed to toss the pads on in training camp and in the preseason.</p><hr><div><p><img alt=)
Senior Editor for Vikings Territory & PurplePTSD . Twitter & Bluesky: @VikingsGazette. Email: k.joudry[at]vikingsterritory[dot]com. Canadian. Jude 1:24-25.
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