Staff Directory 6134710

Jim Souhan

Columnist | Sports
Phone: 612-673-4503

Jim Souhan is a sports columnist for the Star Tribune. He has worked at the paper since 1990, previously covering the Twins and Vikings.


Souhan was Sports Editor of his high school paper at Vianney in St. Louis. He wrote and edited for the Missourian at the University of Missouri, where he earned a journalism degree with an emphasis on American literature.
Recent content from Jim Souhan
Blake Snell has won the Cy Young Award twice, including last season with San Diego, but he remained on the free agent market until late in spring trai

Souhan: Snagging Snell should have been gusty, great move by Twins

The Cy Young winner was available, just as the Twins learned their pitching staff needed a boost.
Former Gophers coaches Dan Monson, left, pictured in December 2005, and Richard Pitino, right, in December 2018, are both in the NCAA West grouping th

Souhan: Two coaches who struggled at U win spots in March Madness

Richard Pitino and Dan Monson, who struggled before leaving Minnesota for schools in lesser conferences, have teams in the NCAA men's basketball tournament. How should Gophers fans feel about that?
Kwesi Adofo-Mensah gets to remake the Vikings quarterback position.

Souhan: Critical QB test for Vikings GM is fair and career-defining

Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah now sits on the hottest seat in Minnesota sports, and that seat no longer features a safety belt.
Matt Boldy rushes to congratulate Kirill Kaprizov after Kaprizov scored his third goal of the game Sunday.

Souhan: Kaprizov & Co. need to get Wild out of this rut

The franchise can't afford to make another Suter-Parise signing. This summer's draft won't provide an immediate boost. Who can fix the Wild? Themselves.
Wolves star Karl Anthony Towns reacted after a third-quarter play Sunday against the Clippers.

Souhan: Best in the West? Wolves tumble from top of conference.

Sunday's loss to the Clippers raised a batch of issues and a revision of the columnist's power rankings in the Western Conference. Here's how it looks now.
Gophers guard Elijah Hawkins celebrates hitting a three-pointer against Penn State in the second half Saturday at Williams Arena.

Souhan: Gophers lucky to have player like Hawkins coming back next year

Elijah Hawkins sustained the Gophers' hopes of playing longer this season; the transfer portal product has been making the team his own.
Minnesota Timberwolves center Naz Reid, right, goes up for a shot as San Antonio Spurs guard Tre Jones (33) defends during the first half of an NBA ba

Souhan: Wolves' Reid doesn't start, but he's still found a way to lead

Naz Reid is a force off the bench for the Timberwolves, and he has company. Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Kyle Anderson combine with Reid to form a tremendous reserve trio.
Wake Forest fans were already storming the court Saturday when the victory over Duke was ending.

Souhan: Hockey fights and court storming. Make them go away!

Why do we need to wait until after someone -- a college basketball player, a hockey 'enforcer' -- gets seriously hurt before changes are made?
Apple Valley head coach Zach Goring directs the team during the second half against Cretin-Derham Hall. ] (Aaron Lavinsky | StarTribune) Cretin-Derham

Souhan: Three-time state champion coach finds new joy as youth referee

Former Apple Valley coach Zach Goring won state titles with future NBA stars, but he's happiest these days adjudicating third-graders.
Expect Kirk Cousins to be talking with Vikings beat reporters again next season, Jim Souhan believes.

Souhan: How did 'Cousins will stay in Minnesota' become a hot take?

Speculation season is here, and it's spinning Kirk Cousins to Atlanta and everywhere else but Minnesota. Here's why that's unlikely.
Alex Rodriguez is one of many Minnesotans thrilled with Mike Conley's performance.

Souhan: The Timberwolves franchise has never been better than right now

For all the success of the Kevin Garnett era, locking up point guard Mike Conley shows the Wolves not only plan to be great this season but far into the future.
The Gophers would complete a dramatic turnaround by getting a bid to the NCAA men's basketball tournament.

Souhan: I'm saying there's a chance. U men can make March Madness.

If Ben Johnson can coax this team into the NCAA tournament, he should be in line for a contract extension for winning under the most difficult of circumstances.
American Gus Schumacher, center, celebrates winning the men's 10-kilometer World Cup race Sunday at Theodore Wirth Park. Harald Oestberg Amundsen of N

Souhan: American's stunning win was another Minneapolis Miracle

The weekend World Cup event at Theodore Wirth Park in north Minneapolis was a success just by existing. Then 23-year-old Alaskan Gus Schumacher added a miracle on the snow.
Anthony Edwards, MVP candidate?

Souhan: Dear NBA media, meet the Wolves. They're not the team you recall.

The national basketball media is in Indianapolis to cover the All-Star Game, which, strangely, features two Timberwolves players and their head coach. Here's a cheat sheet for them.
Starting pitcher Joe Ryan (in red) and the rest of the Twins, shown working out Wednesday in Fort Myers, Fla., need to stay healthy if the team is to

Souhan: Twins should be better … unless that least-favorite 'if' returns

Minnesota sports fans might be sick of hearing it, but it's so true for these Twins: If they can stay healthy, they'll be even better in 2024.
Target Field goes wild when Twins closer Jhoan Duran enters the game.

Souhan: Why Twins' pitching plan can be both unpopular, successful

You may want the team to sign a star starting pitcher. The Twins are taking the opposite approach in bolstering their bullpen, which could prove brilliant.
The Chiefs looked like the lesser team for much of Super Bowl LVIII. Then Patrick Mahomes got going — and proved why he's the center of a dynasty.

Souhan: Mahomes does it again as his legend continues to grow

Brady's still got the GOAT quarterback resume. But Souhan's backing Mahomes to beat it one day.
Yes, obviously, Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift will determine who wins the Super Bowl, the next presidential election and the next Nathan’s Hot Dog E

Souhan: Don't believe everything you read about Taylor and Travis

Publicity stunt? Political psy-op? A very serious Star Tribune investigation reveals a billion-dollar league and two megastar celebrities in obvious dire straits.
Twins right fielder Torii Hunter celebrated with teammates after scoring in the fourth inning at Target Field Wednesday.

Souhan: Upon further review, should Hunter be in the Hall of Fame?

It didn't initially seem like Torii Hunter was a Hall of Famer, but he was one of baseball's best center fielders and also had hitting numbers that make him worthy of Cooperstown.
Lynx guard Lindsay Whalen talked with head coach Cheryl Reeve during a game at Target Center in September 2011. Since Whalen's retirement in 2018, Ree

Souhan: Lynx search for 'next Whalen' goes on and on and on

The Lynx have tried plenty of point guard solutions since Lindsay Whalen retired six years ago. Here are two WNBA veterans looking to fill that role in 2024.
The Timberwolves' victory over the Rockets on Sunday means Chris Finch, shown in a game against Oklahoma City in January, will coach at the All-Star G

Souhan: Despite flaws, Wolves making this a season to remember

A flawed stretch and sloppy game can't detract from the Timberwolves' overall success this season.
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) left and receiver Justin Jefferson (18) celebrated Minnesota Vikings Adam Thielen (19) third quarter to

Souhan: Five steps the Vikings need to take this offseason

Let's start here: If the Vikings are sincere about wanting to re-sign Kirk Cousins (and Cousins is sincere about wanting to stay in Minnesota) there's an easy deal to be made.
Edouard Julien donned the "Land of 10,000 Rakes" fishing vest in the dugout after his eighth-inning pinch-hit homer put the Twins ahead for good in an

Souhan: Seven reasons trading Polanco makes sense for the Twins

Yes, the trade will annoy fans. But it also served a purpose when you look at what the Twins infield should look like in 2024 (and beyond).
Headed to the Baseball Hall of Fame, sooner or later: Joe Mauer.


 

 ] CARLOS GONZALEZ • cgonzalez@startribune.com – June 19, 2018, Minneapolis,

Souhan: 7 things I'll remember about Mauer, St. Paul's Hall-worthy star

Don't allow anything — not "bilateral leg weakness," a career-altering concussion or a lack of home-run power — to obscure the heart of Joe Mauer's incredible story.
Injured quarterback Kirk Cousins watched from the sideline as the Vikings played the Packers on Dec. 31, 2023, at U.S. Bank Stadium.

Souhan: Turns out injury made Cousins more valuable to Vikings

The Vikings couldn't find a suitable fill-in and didn't make the playoffs, which reframed the team's QB conversations for the future..
Grace Zumwinkle (13) leads the PWHL in goals with five.

Souhan: Minnesota star on the message the PWHL sends girls: 'It's just so cool'

As a kindergartner, Grace Zumwinkle forced her way into hockey. The new pro league issues an invitation.
The Vikings were not overly successful in Bud Grant’s final seven seasons, winning just one playoff game in that time.

Souhan: How long would Bud Grant last in today's NFL?

The coaching carousel is spinning into a blur as NFL franchises pivot and pivot again. Yesterday's coaching legends had luxuries of time and patience that are extinct in modern pro football.

Souhan: Gophers promising season gets cold hit of reality in loss to Iowa

The Hawkeyes' backdoor kept opening at The Barn, leaving Gophers coaches frustrated and leading to yet another trap-door loss.
Former University of Minnesota Final Four women's basketball coach Pam Borton,right hugged former player Lindsay Whalen during a celebration of the 20

Souhan: Battle-tested big shot honors Gophers alums

Sophomore Amaya Battle saw her work pay off with a clinching three-pointer against Nebraska in front of former Gophers coach Lindsay Whalen and 97 other alumni.
Michigan’s Jim Harbaugh shook hands with Minnesota’s P.J. Fleck after this fall’s game.

Souhan: Vikings could have had Harbaugh, or Carroll, or Tomlin or ...

The Vikings are in good hands with Kevin O'Connell. That doesn't stop the "what might have been" thoughts from rolling in as coaching news rolls out.

Souhan: Rodgers should go on a long walk to the end of the Earth

And ESPN's Pat McAfee is proving himself just as worthless, after the two combined again to spread lies over the air. Time to change the channel.
The Vikings can choose from among quarterback strategies that involve, clockwise from left, Kirk Cousins, J.J. McCarthy or Michael Penix Jr., or some

Souhan: Here is my ranking of the four possible Vikings QB outcomes

Kirk Cousins again? Draft a rookie? How 'bout both of those things? The Vikings have a fascinating QB decision awaiting them.
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (18) was tackled in the back field for a 9 yard loss by Detroit Lions defensive end Levi Onwuzurike (

Souhan: Paranoid about Jefferson leaving the Vikings? Don't bet on it.

Justin Jefferson had 12 receptions for 192 yards and a score in the season finale against Detroit. He deserves a new contract and the Vikings will need to pay whatever it takes.

Souhan: Built to win, devastated by injuries, this year's Vikings leave fans apathetic

"Next man up" only works if the next man up can actually do the job well.
Washington Wizards' Tyus Jones (5) drives the ball as Atlanta Hawks' Patty Mills (8) tries to block during the first half of an NBA basketball game Su

Souhan: Tyus Jones is exactly the roster upgrade the Wolves need

Apple Valley alum and former Timberwolf Tyus Jones would give the Wolves two smart, starting-caliber point guards.
Wishes for 2024? Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and the Vikings need to draft better, Target Center fans need to simply enjoy Mike Conley, P.J. Fleck needs to rem

Souhan: New Year's resolutions for Minnesota sports fans and teams

The Minnesota sports programs all have some work to do. As fans, if you don't like the results on the scoreboard you can at least bask in the venues.

Souhan: I wanted Jaren Hall to be the Vikings QB. My bad.

The Vikings' embarrassing loss to Packers elevates Kirk Cousins' value as another backup bungles a game.
Matt LaFleur (left) and Kevin O’Connell head into Sunday’s matchup without the quarterbacks they’d prefer.

Souhan: O'Connell, LaFleur head for another lesson on importance of QBs

The Vikings and Packers coaches will send Jaren Hall and Jordan Love into an important game instead of Kirk Cousins and Aaron Rodgers.
The Lions defense forced Minnesota Vikings quarterback Nick Mullens (12) to throw and incomplete pass in the second quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium in Mi

Souhan: Give me anyone but Mullens at quarterback for the Vikings

After the game, Nick Mullens called himself a "very good quarterback." Mullens must be confusing himself with someone else.
Which quarterback will lead the Vikings onto the field next season? Will it be Kirk Cousins (8), who’s unsigned past this year?

Souhan: Vikings stuck in the middle of standings, QB search

The top teams in the AFC and NFC have taken different approaches at quarterback, leaving the Vikings with more questions than answers.

Souhan: Who needs the Lakers? This season, not Minneapolis

For the first time, the Wolves have it better in almost every way.
Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell walks off the field after an overtime loss to the Cincinnati Bengals in an NFL football game Saturday, De

Souhan: Tush push? Lumbar lunge? Ban play that dumbs down football.

It isn't a real football play. The tush push, or whatever you want to call it, should be illegal for a number of reasons. It also bit the Vikings in the butt during their loss to the Bengals.
Nick Mullens was not the answer at quarterback for the Vikings, writes Jim Souhan.

Souhan: Did Vikings lose because of bad pushes or Mullens' bad picks?

It's time for the Vikings to try another quarterback. Come on down, Jaren Hall.

Souhan: Vikings defying odds, for now, with their many quarterbacks

Nick Mullens is the Vikings' fourth starting quarterback. Can he be their fourth quarterback to earn a win in a season that is affirming some NFL truths?

Souhan: Wilfs need to do whatever it takes for Vikings to keep Flores

Brian Flores, the Vikings' first-year defensive coordinator, has become the best reason to believe this team can make the playoffs. They need to keep him beyond this season.

Souhan: If you're distracted by his antics, you're missing KAT at his best

There are criticisms of Karl-Anthony Towns — some clichéd, some deserved — that overshadow what is happening on the court: a second act of sorts for the Timberwolves star.

Souhan: Keeping Hunter worth every salary-cap trick Vikings know

With every sack and in every game, Danielle Hunter is proving his worth to the Vikings, who simply can't afford to lose him after this season.
Vikings quarterback Joshua Dobbs, often under pressure Monday night, threw four interceptions.

Souhan: Dobbs' sweet story with Vikings crashes back to Earth

NFL backups and journeymen are just that for a reason. Joshua Dobbs' story remains a sweet one, but no longer one of a season-saver after Monday night vs. Chicago.
Lindsay Whalen was at a Lynx game in June, about three months after resigning at the University of Minnesota.

Souhan: Perhaps out of sight, Whalen not out of mind as UConn visits

Lindsay Whalen had so much to do with the high-profile Gophers-UConn game in town Sunday, including recruiting and inspiring many of the players.
In his seventh season in Minnesota, P.J. Fleck is 49-32 as Gophers head coach.

Souhan: Vikings, Wolves winning methods highlight Fleck's faults

P.J. Fleck's me-first approach stands in contrast to Kevin O'Connell, Chris Finch and other Minnesota leaders — both in style and success. Fleck has made the Gophers football program all about him.
Allie and Rocco Baldelli welcomed twins to their family: Enzo and Nino.

Souhan: Baldelli on Twins, rocking his twins and rockin' Target Field

Relaxing in Rhode Island? Only a little for Twins manager Rocco Baldelii, with young twins in his hands and his other young Twins on his mind.
Quarterback Joshua Dobbs rushed for 110 yards and two touchdowns on 15 carries in two games for the Vikings.

Souhan: Crazy smart. Crazy athletic. Dobbs' play is just plain crazy.

Joshua Dobbs' intelligence and his ability to put his mind to work on the field for the Vikings has suddenly created the best story in the NFL.
Justin Jefferson joked with head coach Kevin O’Connell at Vikings practice Wednesday. Jefferson is nearing a comeback from a hamstring injury.

Souhan: We might actually know what 'culture' looks like now. Thanks, Vikings

The hard-to-define favorite football buzzword of "culture" is playing a big role in the Vikings' big wins.
Mike Conley celebrated a Rudy Gobert basket Wednesday during a Wolves victory over the Pelicans at Target Center.

Souhan: Conley is the cure for your Timberwolves trade anxiety

Conley, 36, has stabilized the franchise despite a feeling by many that he was over the hill when the Timberwolves picked him up in a trade.
Erik van Rooyen turned toward caddy Alex Gaugert after sinking his putt on No. 18.

Souhan: An emotional Minnesota sports moment on the PGA Tour

Former Gophers golfer Erik van Rooyen won the PGA tournament on Sunday and spoke from the heart about his former Minnesota teammate dying of cancer.
Vikings quarterback Joshua Dobbs (15) breaks loose from the defense and scores a touchdown in the third quarter.

Souhan: 'What's up, y'all?' Dobbs introduces himself with quite a win

Joshua Dobbs didn't know how to address many of his teammates when he took over at quarterback midway through Sunday's game. "I knew a lot of first names, and nicknames," he said.
Vikings guard Dalton Risner (66) lifts Vikings wide receiver Brandon Powell (4) as they celebrate Powell's touchdown in the fourth quarter at Mercedes

Powell battles through cramps to score Vikings' decisive TD

Journeyman receiver Brandon Powell made the winning TD catch in the closing seconds in front of more than a dozen family members.
We could see this scene from last summer again in the future: Kirk Cousins in the foreground, Jaren Hall in the background — both Vikings.

Souhan: After QB carousel spins, here's what the Vikings should do

Jaren Hall will get a chance to keep the Vikings' winning streak alive and show he deserves the role. If the new faces don't claim the job, the team should bring back Kirk Cousins.
Rocco Baldelli, left, and Derek Falvey met the media after the Twins were eliminated in October. Next year, they want to go farther.

Souhan: Watching World Series not easy for Falvey after October fun

Great memories and energy from Target Field's big-game postseason atmosphere inspire Derek Falvey and Rocco Baldelli to do it again next year.
Kevin O’Connell probably had text messages waiting for him by the time he reached the locker room Sunday at Lambeau Field.

Souhan: Hacked! Inside O'Connell's text messages after Cousins' injury

In the aftermath of Kirk Cousins' season-ending injury, the Vikings coach's phone has been blowing up. We don't know what those messages say ... or do we?

Souhan: Cousins' injury forces Vikings to make tough decisions quickly

Are the 4-4 Vikings going to be buyers or sellers at Tuesday's trade deadline with their star quarterback out for the season?
Kirk Cousins returns to Lambeau Field on Sunday leading the league in passing touchdowns.

Souhan: Cousins gives Vikings a Tarkenton-like edge over Packers

Not since the 1970s have the Vikings had a quarterback advantage like the one they'll have Sunday at Lambeau Field.
This is the appropriate vibe for Minnesota sports fans right now, regardless of national sports media talking points.

Souhan: Hey, ESPN — You're so wrong about Minnesota sports

Minnesota is not a farm system state. Franchises and programs here are filled with competitive teams, long-term stability and players who chose to be here.
Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell in the third quarter Monday, October 23, 2023, at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minn. ] CARLOS GONZAL

Souhan: O'Connell's most impressive win has Vikings back in NFC North race

Coach Kevin O'Connell's strategic game plan allowed the Vikings to perform at a level they hadn't reached all season, and it got them back in the playoff hunt.
Danielle Hunter has been the Vikings’ best defensive player this season, and at age 28 he figures to have many more good ones ahead. The team needs

Souhan: Do these things, Vikings, to beat 49ers and keep contending

After a lackluster start to the year, Monday night's game could be the impetus to turning things around or add another hole to a leaking boat. These short- and long-term fixes would go a long way in keeping the Purple competitive.
Vikings General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah was on hand Sunday in Chicago to watch his team beat the Bears.

Souhan: Since becoming GM, Adofo-Mensah has failed to improve Vikings

After six Vikings games this season, this is clear: Almost all the personnel decisions made since Kwesi Adofo-Mensah became general manager in January 2022 have failed to make the team better.
After Justin Field was injured, the Bears turned to back-up Tyson Bagent, a rookie who played Division II football in West Virginia last season.

Souhan: Vikings victory was farcical, but they can't afford to be picky

When any team wins an ugly NFL game, you can't argue with the math. The Vikings needed to win, and they did.
Starting in Week 1, Kirk Cousins has failed to recapture the 2022 magic — but that doesn’t mean he’s on the next plane to NYC.

Souhan: Vikings need a win in Windy City to stop hot air

Trade Kirk Cousins, draft Caleb Williams, lose Justin Jefferson ... calm down, folks. This isn't a 13-4 team but it could be back in the NFC North mix before Halloween.
Wild left wing Matt Boldy, left, helped defenseman Brock Faber celebrate his first NHL goal in the first period Thursday.

Souhan: Out of U and Maple Grove, Faber puts home in home opener

Before someone handed him the puck with which he scored his first NHL goal, Brock Faber listed all of his friends and family members who attended the Wild opener.
Carlos Correa has taken a leading role for the Twins in the playoffs so far.

Souhan: As Twins take postseason flight, Correa is in the pilot's seat

Carlos Correa performs well under the greatest pressure and in brightest spotlight. The shortstop has elevated his game for the postseason and is carrying his team with him.
Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell reacted after a flag was called off on what was initially a pass interference call on the Chiefs in the fourth qu

Souhan: Vikings offense flails behind bad clock management, stone hands

Yes, Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs are the defending Super Bowl champions. That doesn't mean the Vikings shouldn't have won on Sunday.
Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes might be the second-most-famous person in the building Sunday.

Souhan: Tailor-made upset of Chiefs? Vikings are capable of that

Megastar-fan storylines aside, this Vikings-Chiefs game could be a close one — a close one the Vikings can win. Here's how.
Joe Pohlad, executive chair of the Twins, celebrated with the team after Wednesday’s victory in the wild-card series at Target Field

Souhan: Falvey's roster building, risks paved way for Twins' success

With two high-profile moves and a flurry of unheralded acquisitions, Falvey spent the early part of 2023 building the team that's now about to play the defending champion Astros in the ALDS.
Joe Nathan sat in the Yankee Stadium dugout after the Twins lost Game 2 of the ALDS in 2004. Blair Walsh tugged on his chinstrap after missing a field

Souhan: Worst playoff curse? Twins and Vikings stake their claim.

A curse is a malevolent spell cast upon you — the Vikings might know playoff heartbreak, but the Twins are a voodoo doll pierced like a pincushion.
Harrison Smith (22) of the Minnesota Vikings pass rushes against Chuba Hubbard (30) in the second quarter.

Souhan: Always a beast, Harrison Smith leads way to Vikings victory

Smith, the Vikings' oldest star, is being used differently by defensive coordinator Brian Flores than he was last season and made big plays when his team needed themSunday.