Kenechi Udeze

Minnesota Vikings defensive end Kenechi Udeze has retired, ending a remarkable comeback from leukemia. He says his leukemia is still in remission. But he's still dealing with side effects from treatment of the disease and is unable to play. Minnesota's first-round draft pick in 2004, Udeze was a starter for four years and tied for the team lead with five sacks in 2007. He was diagnosed in February 2008 with the disease, which is a cancer of the blood and bone marrow. Udeze missed all of last season while dealing with his condition. After a marrow transplant more than a year ago, Udeze was ... Read Full Story

With the draft over, and the dust beginning to settle at least as far as player personnel is concerned. It is time to concentrate on several important keys for Viking success in 09. 1. The Return to form of E. J. Henderson - Henderson is a key ingredient in the Viking defense. He is the heart, he makes the defensive calls and is their leader on the field. But he is coming off a horrendous foot injury. A dislocation of several toes so severe that it took an entire season and then some to heal. I’ve seen the photos of that injury and believe ... Read Full Story

With the draft over, and the dust beginning to settle at least as far as player personnel is concerned. It is time to concentrate on several important keys for Viking success in 09. 1. The Return to form of E. J. Henderson - Henderson is a key ingredient in the Viking defense. He is the heart, he makes the defensive calls and is their leader on the field. But he is coming off a horrendous foot injury. A dislocation of several toes so severe that it took an entire season and then some to heal. I’ve seen the photos of that injury and believe ... Read Full Story

In a conference call with season ticket holders, vice president of player personnel Rick Spielman said that talks are ongoing with pro bowl cornerback Antoine Winfield. If you recall, talks have been going on since about one month before the draft. One has to wonder how the presence of rookie Asher Allen will affect the negotiations, and if the Vikings are going to play hard ball with Winfield in similar fashion to how they handled the Pat Williams situation a couple years back. Winfield is no spring chicken, but he seems to be a player that as really thrived under the guidance of Leslie ... Read Full Story

CURRENT STATUS: The Vikings have invested a lot of draft picks over the years to try and obtain good defensive ends. Some of those deals have worked out, some not so much. One that has definitely worked out was last year’s trade that obtained Jared Allen from Kansas City, and he has been a driving force as the starter at right end. Ray Edwards is the young starter at left end, who may find himself in competition with Brian Robison for the starting spot. Robison has been compared to Jared Allen himself, and seems to be coming along nicely. Further depth is provided by ... Read Full Story