Michael Rand
Columnist / Reporter
RandBallMichael Rand is a North Dakota native, a graduate of the University of Minnesota and an enthusiastic consumer of tacos. He lives in Eagan with his wife, three children and one energetic pug.
Latest from Michael Rand
RandBall: So now we know Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy was overwhelmed and overthinking
Improvement is an investment in the future as well as a recognition of past shortcomings.
December 4, 2025
RandBall: Do the Wolves need to shake things up or play things out?
The Wolves are 13-8 at roughly the one-quarter mark of the NBA season. Do they need to think about a big trade before February’s deadline?
December 3, 2025
RandBall: Adam Thielen, Randy Moss and shades of the 2010 Vikings
It’s bad in Minnesota, like really bad. A silver lining is that maybe it’s not as bad as it was 15 years ago, but it’s still not good.
December 2, 2025
RandBall: A long weekend of second-guessing the Vikings’ QB plan
The Vikings had a plan. It doesn’t look good now.
December 1, 2025
RandBall: 10 things to be thankful for in Minnesota sports
It looks bleak on a few fronts right now, especially the Vikings and Twins, but this is the season for giving thanks, and there’s plenty of that to go around.
November 26, 2025
RandBall: What if Max Brosmer plays well for the Vikings on Sunday?
Undrafted former Gophers quarterback Max Brosmer could be in line to start for the Vikings on Sunday against Seattle with J.J. McCarthy in the concussion protocol.
November 25, 2025
RandBall: The bleakest two minutes from the Vikings’ loss to the Packers
In the middle of the fourth quarter, the Fox broadcast indicted the Vikings’ present and their future.
November 24, 2025
RandBall: J.J. McCarthy and the Vikings’ Catch-22
Maybe the key to the whole season can be found in classic American literature.
November 21, 2025
RandBall: The pros and cons of considering a Byron Buxton trade
The Twins are an exercise in contradictions right now, which shows up in considering their best player.
November 20, 2025
RandBall: Kevin O’Connell identified the Vikings’ biggest problem. Can it be fixed?
The Vikings aren’t doing enough because a lot of players are trying to do too much.
November 19, 2025
RandBall: Vikings’ visible frustration boiled over in Sunday’s loss
Justin Jefferson, J.J. McCarthy and Kevin O’Connell all wore their emotions plainly for TV cameras to see during Sunday’s 19-17 loss to the Bears.
November 17, 2025
RandBall: Why aren’t the Twins sharing their 2026 plan yet?
The Twins’ plan for next season is still unclear even as the offseason gets into full swing.
November 14, 2025
