Podcast appearances and mentions of emily leiker

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker open the mailbag and answer your Vikings questions about judging training camp performances, quarterback J.J. McCarthy's development, offensive line health, defensive dominance, cornerback depth, and more.

Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker are joined by Star Tribune NFL writer and Pro Football Hall of Fame voter Mark Craig, who is in Canton, Ohio for former Vikings great Jared Allen's induction. How does Allen feel now about his wait to get into the Hall? Who's the next Viking to get in?

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker discuss what they've seen and heard through the first week of Vikings training camp. It all begins with young QB J.J. McCarthy against a veteran-laden defense that got after him during Monday's first day of padded practices. How does the team structure practices to get the most out of him? What about the healing offensive line? When will Christian Darrisaw return? (soon) Plus, who has surprised us so far?

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker discuss what they heard from Tuesday's news conference with general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and head coach Kevin O'Connell on the day that veterans reported for training camp. When will we see the new O-line together? What about J.J. McCarthy's outlook? Will Josh Metellus practice if he's not newly paid? What positions are we most intrigued about?

Emily Leiker joins the podcast to discuss her predictions for the Vikings this season! To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker attempt to identify the core of players the Vikings have established around young quarterback J.J. McCarthy. Who makes their lists of the top 15 players under contract for at least the next two seasons?

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker open the offseason mailbag that's overflowing with your questions. They start with the outlook at safety, where they're replacing Cam Bynum, as well as whether rookie Tai Felton can earn playing time. What about the home run power at running back? How much less will Aaron Jones play? And how are the Vikings judging J.J. McCarthy's progress?

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker discuss what they saw and heard at the Vikings' three-day mandatory minicamp that ended the offseason program. Kevin O'Connell gave everyone an extra week off, J.J. McCarthy is learning atop a fluid QB depth chart, Christian Darrisaw makes an early return, their three-receiver set is meshing but they want to bully defenses; that's why tight end Josh Oliver got paid again this week.

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker are joined by Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah. They discuss his new contract extension, lessons on the job, 2025 expectations, quarterback J.J. McCarthy and his unique situation, NFL players in the 2028 Olympics, and more.

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker discuss what they saw and heard from receiver Justin Jefferson, defensive tackle Harrison Phillips, new cornerback Isaiah Rodgers and more following Monday's OTA session in Eagan.

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker return from the first spring practice open to reporters and discuss QB J.J. McCarthy's development, where the new guys are fitting in, and what position battles should be getting the most attention this summer.

Host Michael Rand starts with the Wolves' 118-103 loss to Oklahoma City in Game 2 Thursday, one which confirmed the Thunder are the better team but also showed Minnesota is not playing its best basketball. Several players are struggling, the intensity has been too sporadic and coach Chris Finch pushed the wrong buttons Thursday. Plus a dramatic overtime win by the Minnesota Frost to even their PWHL championship series. 9:00: Vikings writer Emily Leiker joins Rand to break down the news from the owners' meetings and to set up Vikings OTAs next week. We should get our first real looks at J.J. McCarthy in a long time. 27:00: A big series awaits for the Twins.

Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker discuss the latest from NFL league meetings in Eagan, Minn., where the "Tush Push" was defended, Justin Jefferson was allowed to play flag football (will he?), and a halftime show was teased for a Christmas game (the Vikings play on Christmas).

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker discuss the twists and turns of the Vikings' 2025 schedule that includes a frequent spotlight on quarterback J.J. McCarthy's team through seven nationally-televised games. What are the schedule quirks to know? They also open a listener mailbag and answer your questions about always playing in Seattle, biggest games, and more.

Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker discuss what they saw and heard from the first day of a three-day Vikings rookie minicamp this weekend. That begs the question: which rookies from a small five-man class have the clearest paths to contribute right away?

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker discuss what they heard from Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy during his first local media appearance since last season. What did he have to say about taking over a 14-win team? What did his teammates say? They also delve into Andrew Van Ginkel's new contract, Josh Metellus' case for a new deal, and more.

Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker break down the Vikings' 2025 draft class from first-round guard Donovan Jackson through sixth-round tight end Gavin Bartholomew. Oh, and they do not forget new Vikings QB Sam Howell, who arrives as the most experienced option on the roster. But this offseason has been all about QB J.J. McCarthy anyway.

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker come to you from Vikings headquarters in Eagan, where they drafted the franchise's first opening-round guard since 1988. Just don't ask Emily who that Hall of Famer was nearly 40 years ago.

Host Michael Rand tackles four big subjects on today's episode: A 5-2 victory in Game 2 at Vegas helped the Wild even their series at 1-1 heading back to St. Paul. Should we be optimistic about the series overall? The Wolves let an opportunity slip away in a 94-85 loss in Game 2 against the Lakers. They will need an offensive recalibration in Game 3 Friday at Target Center. Emily Leiker joins Rand to set up the Vikings' options in the draft. Byron Buxton called game for the Twins.

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer, Michael Rand and Emily Leiker put on their general manager caps and each take over a team in the NFC North for a division-wide mock draft. What can only be described as perfection ensues. Make sure you check out the Star Tribune's YouTube channel for the video.

Matthew Coller is joined by Emily Leiker of the Minnesota Star Tribune to react to the big takeaways from Kwesi Adofo-Mensah's pre-draft press conference.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker react to Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah's annual pre-draft press conference, in which he discussed his draft philosophies, impact vs. need, and their current four-pick allotment that would be the smallest class in franchise history. They also wrap up their position previews with groups that might be surprise areas to add.

On this episode of the Access Vikings podcast, Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker discuss the many intriguing options available in the trenches during this year's NFL Draft. What are some of the best fits in the first round on each side? What about in later rounds? And what does the current depth chart tell us about what direction they'll go?

Emily Leiker and Ben Goessling discuss a handful of defensive back prospects in this year's NFL Draft who'd be good fits for the Vikings, including potential first rounders and those who might still be on the board further in the draft. Plus, they briefly go down tangents on the Vikings' comp pick outlook for 2026 and who could replace Cam Bynum's role as Josh Metellus' co-dance captain next year Prospects discussed: Texas' Jahdae Barron, Georgia's Malaki Starks, Notre Dame's Xavier Watts, East Carolina's Shavon Revel Jr., Virginia's Jonas Sanker and more.

In his first public comments to local reporters about the Vikings' QB situation, O'Connell on Monday addressed the team's interest in Rodgers and his communication with McCarthy about it. Star Tribune Vikings writers Ben Goessling and Emily Leiker break it all down.

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker discuss what they heard from Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah during his post-free agency news conference with local reporters. What did he have to say about J.J. McCarthy? Aaron Rodgers? His own contract situation? They also discuss the annual NFL rule proposals and take listener questions.

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker discuss the Vikings' non-pursuit of Aaron Rodgers, their backup quarterback situation, new coaches, and new players getting introduced to local reporters. They also open the mailbag to answer some of your questions.

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker discuss the Vikings trading away guard Ed Ingram, trying to trade center Garrett Bradbury, and the state of their current search for a veteran quarterback to pair with J.J. McCarthy.

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker discuss the flurry of Vikings moves from Monday night into Tuesday morning, including the re-signing of cornerback Byron Murphy Jr. and the addition of new linemen in guard Will Fries and defensive tackle Jonathan Allen (and potentially Javon Hargrave). Daniel Jones left for the Colts. What does that mean for the Vikings' plans at quarterback?

On the latest episode of Syracuse Sports, Brent Axe lists 5 ways Syracuse basketball Adrian Autry can get the program back on track starting with the all-important upcoming transfer portal season.  Then Brent chats with former syracuse.com colleague Emily Leiker, now with the Minneapolis Star-Tribune, about the Syracuse football players hoping to hear their names called in the upcoming NFL Draft. Emily tells Brent what she heard about the SU guys at the recent NFL Combine in Indianapolis and what life has been like covering the NFL since leaving syracuse.com a few months ago.  Music provided by Paper Rabbit.  YouTube Website Spotify Want to hear your original music featured on Syracuse Sports? Email Brent at baxe@syracuse.com Become a Syracuse Sports Insider today! Just text "orange" to 315-847-3895 to get direct access to Brent to get your opinions heard and questions answered on the Syracuse Sports podcast.  You can also sign up here. As a Syracuse Sports Insider, you will get Brent's opinion and reaction to breaking news first via text message, your messages get priority on postgame shows and podcasts, he'll take you behind-the-scenes of SU sports and more! You can also text Brent anytime, including during and after SU games. Try it free for 2 weeks, then it's just $3.99 a month after that. You can cancel at anytime. Subscribe to Syracuse Sports on Spotify Subscribe to our Syracuse Orange Sports Report newsletter! Find out how here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker discuss the first day of NFL free agency from a Vikings perspective. What do they make of Sam Darnold's fit and contract with the Seahawks? What does that mean at QB in Minnesota? There appears to be a new starting center despite Garrett Bradbury remaining on the roster. And what about safety Camryn Bynum leaving for the Colts?

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker discuss the Vikings' decision not to franchise tag Sam Darnold, who is cleared to become a free agent on March 12. That is unless he agrees to a new deal with the Vikings beforehand. What are the Vikings' options otherwise? What does that mean for J.J. McCarthy? And what will the team prioritize in free agency this month?

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker come to you from a random corner of the Indiana Convention Center where they and hundreds of other media members fight to stake out corners of the building to record content for the modern age. What's going to happen with Sam Darnold? What about Byron Murphy Jr.? What are the positions of need from this NFL Draft class? Why is their new assistant O-line coach an intriguing hire?

Ben Goessling and Emily Leiker have you covered on the latest edition of the podcast.

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker begin Super Bowl week by talking about Vikings quarterbacks, general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah's contract, and more. They also open the mailbag to answer your questions about trade targets like Myles Garrett and Cooper Kupp, as well as a what-if with Kirk Cousins.

Andrew Krammer, Michael Rand and Emily Leiker discuss defensive coordinator Brian Flores not being hired in this head coaching cycle, his relatively older depth chart on defense, plus takeaways from this year's playoffs and thoughts on pending Vikings free agents. There are a few among their many free agents who could be coveted elsewhere.

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker discuss the Vikings extending head coach Kevin O'Connell, the chances of defensive coordinator Brian Flores sticking around, the dominant(?) NFC North going 0-3 in the playoffs, the fallout for both the Lions and Bears after Chicago hired Ben Johnson, and more.

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer, and Emily Leiker open the mailbag and answer your Vikings questions about coaching changes, how far the Vikings are from being contenders, how game planning factored into Sam Darnold's disappointing end, safety Cam Bynum's free agency, positions that are better off entering 2025, and more.

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer, and Emily Leiker discuss the season-ending press conferences by Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and head coach Kevin O'Connell. Quarterbacks dominated the roughly 40 combined minutes with both. What's their plan with Sam Darnold? Where's J.J. McCarthy in his recovery? Are they committed to either at this point?

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker open the mailbag and answer your Vikings questions about defensive coordinator Brian Flores' head coaching interviews, quarterback Sam Darnold, the offensive line, quarterback Daniel Jones as QB2, whether the loss could be good for them, and more.

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer, and Emily Leiker open the mailbag and answer your Vikings questions about health in the playoffs, takeaways, the future of defensive coordinator Brian Flores, big game emotions, and more.

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer, and Emily Leiker preview Sunday's game between the Vikings (14-2) and Lions (14-2) at Ford Field, where the NFC's No. 1 seed and NFC North champion will be decided. They discuss how they're proceeding with quarterback Sam Darnold, who has just one regular season game left under contract, and how well this Vikings defense is playing before facing the NFL's No. 1 offense in Detroit. They also make their final predictions of the regular season.

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker discuss the Vikings' 27-25 win over the Packers from U.S. Bank Stadium, where they talked to players and coaches afterward about what exactly happened between the 20-3 lead to another fourth-quarter rally by Packers quarterback Jordan Love. But it fell short again. And the Vikings were victorious... again. They're 14-2 with a chance to take the "little hats" back from the Lions, although they'd get their own NFC North hats with a win next week.

Ben Goessling, JIm Souhan, and Emily Leiker join Andrew Krammer from Seattle, where they emerged from the visitor's locker room to share what they saw and heard during and after Sunday's 27-24 win over the Seahawks. They're now set up to win out for the No. 1 seed. Are there any NFC quarterbacks playing better than Sam Darnold right now? How good is this Vikings defense after yet another closing takeaway? How tough of a test was a road game against this Seahawks team?

Andrew Krammer, Michael Rand, and new Star Tribune writer Emily Leiker preview Sunday's game against the Falcons and quarterback Kirk Cousins, who returns to Minnesota after six eventful seasons for the Vikings from 2018-2023. What will the reception be like at U.S. Bank Stadium? How will he fare against a better Brian Flores defense than the one he practiced against last season? And how does quarterback Sam Darnold look in comparison after the Vikings "settled" for him in free agency last March?

Brent Axe and Emily Leiker recap Syracuse football's thrilling 38-31 overtime win over Virginia Tech at the JMA Wireless Dome on Saturday afternoon. Syracuse trailed Virginia Tech 21-3 in the third quarter but out-scored Virginia Tech 35-17 to win in overtime. Brent and Emily discuss how the Orange got its offense going after struggling in the first half. Wide receiver Justus Ross-Simmons' breakout game had a lot to do with that for the Orange with his 55-yard touchdown starting the comeback. The Orange defense made the big plays in the biggest moments with most of those coming from Marlowe Wax, including forcing a fumble in overtime.   Brent and Emily also react to what Fran Brown and players said after the game and to opinions and insight from our Syracuse Sports Insiders.  It was a bittersweet show as Emily announced she is leaving Syracuse.com for a new opportunity. Thank you to Emily for all her great work these past few years. We will miss you! Become a Syracuse Sports Insider today! Just text "orange" to 315-847-3895 to get direct access to Brent to get your opinions heard and questions answered on the Syracuse Sports podcast. You can also sign up here. https://joinsubtext.com/syracusesports As a Syracuse Sports Insider, you will get Brent's opinion and reaction to breaking news first via text message, your messages get priority on postgame shows and podcasts, he'll take you behind-the-scenes of SU sports and more! You can also text Brent anytime, including during and after SU games. Try it free for 2 weeks, then it's just $3.99 a month after that. You can cancel at anytime. Music provided by Syracuse football walk-on Nakei Johnson. https://www.youtube.com/@HxllyBeats  Would you like you original music featured on Syracuse Sports? You can email Brent at baxe@syracuse.com for more information.  Subscribe to Syracuse Sports on Spotify https://l.syracuse.com/PKMGpR Subscribe to our Syracuse Orange Sports Report newsletter! Find out how at https://link.syracuse.com/join/6fn/newsletter-syr-sports-sign-up-emailform  Follow @BrentAxeMedia on X (   / brentaxemedia and Instagram (   / brent_axe  )

On the latest episode of Syracuse Sports, Brent Axe and Emily Leiker recap Syracuse football's 24-17 win over N.C. State. The story of the game was how the Orange capitalized on three Wolfpack turnovers, cashing all of them in for touchdowns. Brent and Emily also discuss the huge game from SU WR Jackson Meeks, how Kyle McCord continues to be a consistent force for SU (throwing for over 300 yards for the sixth straight game), the inept officiating and what players and head coach Fran Brown had to say in postgame.  They also reacted to opinions and answered questions from our Syracuse Sports Insiders!  Become a Syracuse Sports Insider today. Just text "orange" to 315-847-3895 to get direct access to Brent to get your opinions heard and questions answered on the Syracuse Sports podcast. As a Syracuse Sports Insider, you will get Brent's opinion and reaction to breaking news first via text message, your messages get priority on postgame shows and podcasts, he'll take you behind-the-scenes of SU sports and more! You can also text Brent anytime, including during and after SU games. Try it free for 2 weeks, then it's just $3.99 a month after that. You can cancel at anytime. Subscribe to Syracuse Sports on Spotify https://l.syracuse.com/PKMGpR You can email Brent at baxe@syracuse.com Subscribe to our Syracuse Orange Sports Report newsletter! Find out how at https:// syracuse.com/newsletters  Follow @BrentAxeMedia on X (   / brentaxemedia  , Threads (https://www.threads.net/@brent_axe) and Instagram (   / brent_axe  )

Brent Axe and Emily Leiker recap Syracuse football's thrilling 44-41 win over UNLV in Las Vegas live from Allegiant Stadium. It was a game where Syracuse needed a little bit everything, including some Las Vegas luck, to take down UNLV for the jackpot. Brent and Emily recap an epic night including LeQuint Allen's stalwart performance through injury on the way to four touchdowns, including the winning score in overtime where he just refused to go down. The win over the Rebels also featured a massive comeback performance from Oronde Gadsden, who went from one catch for four yards against Holy Cross to a career-high 10 catches for 142 yards against UNLV. Syracuse quarterback Kyle McCord threw 63 passes (40-of-63) for his fifth straight 300-yard game (355 yards), overcoming a fourth-quarter interception to lead Syracuse down the field to tie the game, send it into overtime and eventually snag the win. It was an epic game and an epic time for Syracuse fans in Las Vegas, who now have the memory of a lifetime. They also reacted to opinions and answered questions from our Syracuse Sports Insiders!  Become a Syracuse Sports Insider today. Just text "orange" to 315-847-3895 or sign up here to get direct access to Brent to get your opinions heard and questions answered on the Syracuse Sports podcast. As a Syracuse Sports Insider, you will get Brent's opinion and reaction to breaking news first via text message, your messages get priority on postgame shows and podcasts, he'll take you behind-the-scenes of SU sports and more! You can also text Brent anytime, including during and after SU games. Try it free for 2 weeks, then it's just $3.99 a month after that. You can cancel at anytime. Subscribe to Syracuse Sports on Spotify https://l.syracuse.com/PKMGpR You can email Brent at baxe@syracuse.com Subscribe to our Syracuse Orange Sports Report newsletter! Find out how at https:// syracuse.com/newsletters  Follow @BrentAxeMedia on X (   / brentaxemedia  , Threads (https://www.threads.net/@brent_axe) and Instagram (   / brent_axe  )

Brent Axe and Emily Leiker recap Syracuse football's 42-14 win over Holy Cross at the JMA Wireless Dome. Brent and Emily discuss how there was a big difference between what the numbers and final score show against Holy Cross vs. some of the aesthetics that are concerning on the offensive line and the troubling patterns developing on special teams.   SU QB Kyle McCord had another 300-yard game for the Orange and connected with Jackson Meeks for 160 of those yards, but Brent and Emily examine why Oronde Gadsden II has been missing from the passing game and what the Orange players and head coach Fran Brown said about that.  They also reacted to opinions and answered questions from our Syracuse Sports Insiders!  Become a Syracuse Sports Insider today. Just text "orange" to 315-847-3895 or sign up here to get direct access to Brent to get your opinions heard and questions answered on the Syracuse Sports podcast. As a Syracuse Sports Insider, you will get Brent's opinion and reaction to breaking news first via text message, your messages get priority on postgame shows and podcasts, he'll take you behind-the-scenes of SU sports and more! You can also text Brent anytime, including during and after SU games. Try it free for 2 weeks, then it's just $3.99 a month after that. You can cancel at anytime. Subscribe to Syracuse Sports on Spotify https://l.syracuse.com/PKMGpR You can email Brent at baxe@syracuse.com Subscribe to our Syracuse Orange Sports Report newsletter! Find out how at https:// syracuse.com/newsletters  Follow @BrentAxeMedia on X (   / brentaxemedia  , Threads (https://www.threads.net/@brent_axe) and Instagram (   / brent_axe  )

On a live version of Syracuse Sports, Brent Axe and Emily Leiker discuss two of the biggest college football issues of the day. UNLV QB Matt Sluka walked away from the 3-0 Running Rebels a week before they face Syracuse in Las Vegas over an NIL dispute. Axe and Leiker discuss the fallout of the decision in the ever-changing landscape of college sports and how it will affect the matchup with SU football. They also discuss comments from Syracuse DC Elijah Robinson's 4th-and-9 call against Stanford after the Orange assistant said he wouldn't change a thing about it at a Tuesday media session.  They also reacted to opinions and answered questions from our Syracuse Sports Insiders!  Become a Syracuse Sports Insider today. Just text "orange" to 315-847-3895 or sign up here to get direct access to Brent to get your opinions heard and questions answered on the Syracuse Sports podcast. As a Syracuse Sports Insider, you will get Brent's opinion and reaction to breaking news first via text message, your messages get priority on postgame shows and podcasts, he'll take you behind-the-scenes of SU sports and more! You can also text Brent anytime, including during and after SU games. Try it free for 2 weeks, then it's just $3.99 a month after that. You can cancel at anytime. Subscribe to Syracuse Sports on Spotify https://l.syracuse.com/PKMGpR You can email Brent at baxe@syracuse.com Subscribe to our Syracuse Orange Sports Report newsletter! Find out how at https:// syracuse.com/newsletters  Follow @BrentAxeMedia on X (   / brentaxemedia  , Threads (https://www.threads.net/@brent_axe) and Instagram (   / brent_axe  )