Emily Leiker
Sports Reporter
Emily Leiker covers the Vikings for the Minnesota Star Tribune. She was previously the Syracuse football beat writer for Syracuse.com & The Post-Standard, covering everything from bowl games to coaching changes and even a player-filed lawsuit against SU. Emily graduated from Mizzou in 2022 is originally from Washington state.
Latest from Emily Leiker
Former Vikings WR Adam Thielen makes retirement official: ‘What a ride it’s been’
Thielen, a Minnesota native, requested to be waived by the Vikings midseason and closed his 13-year career with the Steelers.
January 14, 2026
Kevin O’Connell says Vikings have been ‘really aggressive’ in push to retain DC Brian Flores
Flores interviewed Jan. 13 for a head coaching role and could talk to other teams about defensive coordinator openings if a deal isn’t reached with the Vikings soon.
January 13, 2026
Vikings rookie report cards: Donovan Jackson excelled; undrafted players stepped up
Undrafted rookies Max Brosmer and Myles Price ended up as key contributors during the season, but most of the Vikings’ 2025 draft picks had quiet years.
January 8, 2026
Justin Jefferson’s offseason plan with QB J.J. McCarthy? ‘Getting my young’un right.’
The Vikings receiver called for leniency for McCarthy, who was making his first pro starts this season, while acknowledging needing to help him clean up “small bad habits.”
January 5, 2026
Key stats that defined the Vikings’ 2025 season: Injuries, turnovers and more
An inconsistent offensive line and an anemic passing game were among the Vikings’ biggest problems during a disappointing year.
January 5, 2026
J.J. McCarthy returns to practice from hand injury, calls himself ‘day-to-day’
McCarthy missed his seventh game of the season against the Lions and was limited in his return to the practice field for the first time since Week 16.
December 31, 2025
Vikings’ ‘rising star’ safeties coach hired away to be Cal’s defensive coordinator
Michael Hutchings’ job move was announced a day after the Vikings defense grabbed six turnovers in a win over the Lions.
December 30, 2025
Byron Murphy Jr., Andrew Van Ginkel feast on the Lions in Vikings’ Christmas win
The Lions had given the ball up just eight times entering Week 17. The Vikings had six takeaways, including two each by Murphy and Van Ginkel, earning a postgame celebration from Netflix.
December 26, 2025
Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy out vs. the Lions with a hairline fracture in his right hand
Though McCarthy will miss the Christmas Day game, Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell said there’s a chance the quarterback could play against the Packers in the season finale.
December 23, 2025
Vikings’ Justin Jefferson got ‘back into Jets mode’ with 85-yard performance against Giants
Jefferson is less than 100 yards away from reaching the 1,000-yard mark for the sixth time in six NFL seasons.
December 22, 2025
Ryan Kelly, Jordan Mason join J.J. McCarthy on the Vikings’ lengthy injured list
The Vikings began Sunday’s game against the Giants without four starters because of injuries, then lost two more and a top running back before halftime.
December 22, 2025
Vikings move Darrisaw to IR, will be without Hargrave against Giants
Darrisaw did not practice all week after not playing Sunday against the Cowboys. Justin Skule again will start in his place.
December 19, 2025
