Alec Lewis

1 month ago | nytimes.com | Alec Lewis

The J.J. McCarthy coverage will commence soon. Organized team activities (OTAs) begin Wednesday for the Minnesota Vikings. The afternoon practice provides the first snapshot of McCarthy in a competitive setting since last summer's preseason game against the Las Vegas Raiders. His presence warrants most of the attention, but Wednesday also offers the first opportunity to see this new-look roster.

1 month ago | spokesman.com | Alec Lewis

MINNEAPOLIS – The court still exists. Here at Powderhorn Park, a leafy area smack dab in the middle of the city, is where Dave Holmgren was introduced to the game. Dave grew up a few blocks away in the 1970s. The sounds – sneakers skidding across the pavement, balls clanking off rims, barbs being traded back and forth – eventually reeled him in. The other little boys allowed him to play. He relished the competition and needed the camaraderie. The environment became his oasis.

1 month ago | nytimes.com | Alec Lewis

MINNEAPOLIS - The court still exists. Here at Powderhorn Park, a leafy area smack dab in the middle of the city, is where Dave Holmgren was introduced to the game. Dave grew up a few blocks away in the 1970s. The sounds - sneakers skidding across the pavement, balls clanking off rims, barbs being traded back and forth - eventually reeled him in. The other little boys allowed him to play. He relished the competition and needed the camaraderie. The environment became his oasis.

1 month ago | nytimes.com | Alec Lewis

Bruce Buffer voice: It's ... tiiiiiiimmmmme! Next week, for the first time since last fall, quarterback J.J. McCarthy will work out in a competitive environment. The Minnesota Vikings will begin organized team activities on Wednesday. They'll continue for several weeks before three days of mandatory minicamp beginning June 10. This will be the first opportunity to assess the roster ahead of the 2025 season.

1 month ago | nytimes.com | Alec Lewis

How many horses does Layne Batty own? It's a question he doesn't want to answer. He has nothing to hide. It's just that if he were to say the number out loud, his wife, Peg, might cut him off from buying and raising more. Layne is a cowboy in every sense of the word. A white hat, stitched beautifully, usually sits atop his head. He wears a bandana-like scarf around his neck. The rest of his body is covered in different shades of denim. Holding his jeans up is a brown belt with a massive oval buckle.