Mark Craig
Sports reporter
Vikings/NFLA native of Northeast Ohio, Craig covered the Cleveland Browns from 1991 until they left for Baltimore in 1995. When they returned as an expansion team in 1999, Craig left to cover Gophers football for the Star Tribune. He co-authored two books on the Browns and is the author of the Vikings book "100 Things Vikings Fans Should Know & Do Before They Die."
Latest from Mark Craig
Going old-school: Thinking outside of the box for NFL MVP candidates
A Bears guard? A Packers pass rusher? What about the 49ers’ Christian McCaffrey? Here are some players who deserve consideration to be the first non-QB to win MVP since Adrian Peterson in 2012.
December 4, 2025
Kevin O’Connell approaching rarefied air with loss on Sunday
A loss on Sunday will make it very difficult for O’Connell and the Vikings to reach two wins at U.S. Bank Stadium, something that’s only happened three times in their 64-year history.
December 3, 2025
Five extra points: Vikings’ problems vs. the Seahawks go back to the NFL draft
Sunday’s shutout in Seattle wasn’t a quarterback issue for the consistently inconsistent Vikings, who are likely to miss the playoffs with an aging roster without enough building blocks.
December 1, 2025
NFL Week 13 picks: Who is the favorite for Coach of the Year?
On the NFL insider Mark Craig looks around the league and finds eight coaches leading notable turnarounds and picks the winners of each game.
November 28, 2025
Analysis: Patience is needed for Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy
Ask Matthew Stafford, Baker Mayfield and Peyton Manning whether final judgment should be rendered on McCarthy after only six career NFL games.
November 26, 2025
Former Vikings defensive tackle Kevin Williams becomes a first-time Hall of Fame semifinalist
Minneapolis native Larry Fitzgerald Jr. also advanced toward what’s expected to be a first-ballot choice for the Class of 2026.
November 25, 2025
Five extra points: Stat sheet should give Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell a turnover, too
The Vikings’ play-caller has a few things to answer for while Micah Parsons, Emanuel Wilson and Will Reichard answered the call at Lambeau Field.
November 24, 2025
Analysis: After Green Bay debacle, Jefferson says, "I hate feeling the way we feel"
Justin Jefferson’s Vikings season reaches another level of frustration as he's all but assured to miss the playoffs for the fourth time in his six-year career.
November 24, 2025
Analysis: How eight snaps at Lambeau Field re-ignited Vikings linebacker Eric Wilson’s career
Wilson has started 19 NFL games since turning 30 last year, including nine this season in his return to Minnesota.
November 21, 2025
Going old-school: How the Bears may have played a part in the Vikings missing out on Drake Maye
On the NFL Insider Mark Craig looks back to the 2023 season, then looks around the league for MVP candidates, top rookies and an upset special for Week 12.
November 20, 2025
Ex-Vikings Jim Marshall and Chuck Foreman don’t make the cut for Pro Football Hall of Fame
Roger Craig, who played his final two seasons in Minnesota, is among nine semifinalists in the Seniors category.
November 19, 2025
What’s life like as a practice squad player in the NFL?
Working hard and waiting for an opportunity that may never come, Vikings tight end Nick Vannett balances that world as a member of the practice squad who gets the occasional call up for games.
November 19, 2025
