Ben Goessling
Minnesota Vikings beat reporter
VikingsBen Goessling has covered the Vikings since 2012, first at the Pioneer Press and ESPN before becoming the Minnesota Star Tribune's lead Vikings reporter in 2017. He has won six honors in the past three years from the Associated Press Sports Editors and National Headliner Awards contests, and was named one of the top NFL beat writers by the Pro Football Writers of America in 2024.
Latest from Ben Goessling
Vikings expect to bring in competition for QB J.J. McCarthy
McCarthy, the No. 10 overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft, had a rocky first season as the team’s starter but is still just 22 years old.
January 13, 2026
Analysis: Vikings wrap up key subplots in season finale, but leave a big cliffhanger
The Vikings executed plans to honor Harrison Smith, C.J. Ham and Justin Jefferson during a 16-3 win over the Packers, but questions about J.J. McCarthy remain unanswered.
January 5, 2026
Takeaways: Vikings finish with a 16-3 win over the Packers; J.J. McCarthy exits early
The Vikings end the 2025 NFL season at 9-8, closing with a five-game winning streak and a celebration of Harrison Smith and C.J. Ham.
January 4, 2026
Analysis: Was the Vikings' 2025 season encouraging or infuriating?
The Vikings, somehow, were tantalizingly close to a playoff spot. What conclusions will they draw from what went wrong?
January 4, 2026
Vikings-Packers preview: J.J. McCarthy gets another shot at making an impression
Green Bay, locked into the No. 7 seed, is resting several starters and will have backup QB Clayton Tune under center in the regular-season finale.
January 2, 2026
Analysis: Vikings hope to keep Flores as defensive coordinator
Flores could get interviews for a head coaching job, but if he remains a coordinator, the Vikings might have to outbid other teams to keep him.
December 31, 2025
Analysis: Vikings defense, inspired Harrison Smith deliver a Christmas spectacle
Smith’s interception was one of six turnovers the Vikings forced in a 23-10 victory over Detroit that came almost solely because of their aggressive defense.
December 26, 2025
Takeaways: Defensive masterpiece lifts the Vikings to their fourth win in a row
The Vikings get little production from quarterback Max Brosmer but force six turnovers in a 23-10 win over the Detroit Lions.
December 26, 2025
Vikings-Lions preview: Can Max Brosmer lead a Christmas upset?
The former Gophers quarterback, starting for an injured J.J. McCarthy, is facing a tough challenge given the injuries to the Vikings offensive line.
December 25, 2025
Analysis: Amid trying week, Vikings gain gritty 16-13 victory over Giants
A broken team plane. A slew of starters, including QB J.J. McCarthy, felled by injuries. And a three-game win streak for team that continues to fight.
December 22, 2025
McCarthy goes down as injuries pile up for Vikings in 16-13 victory over Giants
The Vikings shut down Giants QB Jaxson Dart to overcome a raft of concerning injuries, including a hand injury that knocked out J.J. McCarthy late in the first half.
December 21, 2025
Vikings’ charter flight to Newark returns to MSP after mechanical issue
The Vikings took a later flight Saturday after their first plane turned around and flew back to the Twin Cities.
December 21, 2025
