This off-season, the NFL player who is perhaps suffering most greatly is the former Minnesota Vikings player Dalvin Cook. The free-agent player is now struggling in both on and off-field battles.
After being cut from the Vikings, Cooks’ on-field life has been subjected to great uncertainty while his off-field life is stuck with legal difficulties. Yet, the ex-Vikings running back still seems to possess gratitude towards his former team.
Dalvin Cook reflects on Vikings stint
The Florida State football player began his NFL career with the Vikings as the all-time leading rusher for his university. He spent six seasons on the team’s roster after being selected in the 2017 draft. He was later taken off the Vikings’ roster during this offseason, making him a free agent.
Even though Dalvin isn’t a Vikings player anymore, he still has a strong bond with the team because it was due to them that many of his NFL ambitions came true and he spent six seasons living under their wings
The Pro Bowler recently appeared in a football camp for kids. In the program, the player enjoyed his time playing around with the youngsters. After the program, he shared his thoughts on his future contract while also expressing gratitude toward the Vikings,
“[Minnesota] means a lot to me and my family. They gave me and my family a great opportunity at life … I got drafted here so they gave me an opportunity to live my dream and I appreciate them for everything they did for me and my family.”
Our @TheMattKennedy caught up w/ @dalvincook today as he was back in the Twin Cities hosting a football camp for kids.
They discussed his return to Minnesota & what lies ahead as he remains unsigned as NFL training camp begin this week.
Full interview:https://t.co/1QIwBOHi1r pic.twitter.com/jfU8cT5GXc
— KSTPSports (@KSTPSports) July 22, 2023
Cook declared his intention to take his time planning his next move and treat it as a life decision rather than racing to close a quick deal. He also stated that he wanted to join a squad that more closely matched his goals,
“I’m just taking my time and being patient with the process. It’s a life decision that will put me in a [predicament] for my future. So I’m taking my time and I’m not rushing it and when I make that decision it’s gonna be right for me and my family.”
The 27-year-old racked up 1,282 carries for 5,993 yards, 221 catches for 1,794 yards, and scored 52 touchdowns throughout his tenure in Minnesota.
Cook’s free agency journey was complicated by the legal battle
His personal life also created a significant new twist for him, much like his battle on the field. The conflict began in November 2021 when Dalvin’s ex-girlfriend Gracelyn Trimble filed a lawsuit against him for injuries. The victim claims that the case stems from an alleged assault, battery, and false imprisonment incident that happened in November 2020.
The athlete responded by accusing Trimble of defamation and filing a lawsuit. Recent sources claim that the NFL star offered Trimble payments of $800,000 and $1,000,000 to prevent testifying at his trial. He also asked her to write the NFL a letter clearing Cook of any sort of misconduct.
Trimble tried to use both offers as proof in court as a clear admission of guilt after rejecting them both. The lawsuit’s trial date is set for the following year.
Do you see Dalvin coming back strong from all these setbacks? Share your thoughts with us in the comments!
