EAGAN, Minn. – After celebrating a close 14th victory against the Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell took a moment in his post-game press conference to express his admiration for running back Cam Akers. The win was solidified by a challenging third down catch from Akers, prompting O’Connell to declare, “Love. It’s OK to use that word now and then.”
The Vikings have shown their support for Akers by trading for him twice in two seasons, underscoring the bond they share. “I feel the same way about him,” Akers stated, noting the personal interest O’Connell takes in his players. “My journey has been unique. You rarely meet someone like K.O. who genuinely cares about both the person and the business aspects.”
Akers was chosen in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft by the Los Angeles Rams after a standout career at Florida State. Ironically, the Rams will be the Vikings’ opponent in the NFC wild-card playoff round on Monday night. Akers faced a significant challenge when he tore his Achilles tendon during the 2021 preseason, yet he persevered and contributed during the playoffs, aiding the Rams in their journey to a Super Bowl victory. O’Connell and Vikings offensive coordinator Wes Phillips were both assistants at the Rams during Akers’s first two seasons before joining the Vikings.
His 2022 season got off to a rocky start, leading to friction with Rams head coach Sean McVay and his coaching staff. At one point, he was removed from the team while the Rams sought a trade, but he returned after the trade deadline and ended the season strong with three consecutive 100-yard games, despite the team’s overall struggles.
In the summer of 2023, Akers found himself behind Kyren Williams on the depth chart, which reignited trade discussions that eventually saw him joining the Vikings in Week 3, providing a much-needed boost to their running game. However, shortly thereafter, he suffered a setback with another torn Achilles tendon in his other foot, truncating his season in Week 9. Following his rehabilitation near the Vikings’ facility, he entered free agency and signed with the Houston Texans, competing against the Vikings in Week 3 and returning to the field for them by Week 7.
“Cam has an inner strength that has helped him navigate the challenges in his career. He has a passion for football and a love for being a Minnesota Viking,” O’Connell remarked after the recent victory against the Packers, during which Akers made a pivotal touchdown reception along with a critical catch that allowed the Vikings to run down the clock. “His physicality and both mental and physical toughness enhance our team’s overall performance. We have many players who bring this drive, but I feel particularly fortunate to have him.”
This season, Akers has proven to be an invaluable asset, complementing Aaron Jones while helping the Vikings establish a more consistent rushing attack. Jones expressed his appreciation for Akers, stating, “He brings positivity wherever he goes. It’s a pleasure to have him as a teammate, and I’ve learned so much from him.”
Jones recounted a moment when he dealt with adversity after fumbling twice in a game; Akers encouraged him saying, “Hey, don’t forget why you’re here. You’re still him. You wouldn’t be here without your talent. I’m proud of you.” That support rallied Jones, allowing him to score after Akers’s pep talk. “That’s the mark of a great teammate; they uplift you when the times are tough. We really need guys like him.”
