Kyle Rudolph left Minnesota Vikings a few seasons before walking 14-3 in 2022 when they lost in the first round of the playoffs to New York Giants.

Two seasons later, they had almost a coalcopy of this campaign. This year they went 13-4, but had another final playoffs.

“You have to play when it means the most and they just didn’t do it each of these last playoffs,” Rudolph told Pakinomist Digital in a recent conversation.

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Now the Vikings have to decide whether to keep Sam Darnold or hand over the keys to the offense to JJ McCarthy.

Minnesota drafted McCarthy with the 10th selection of last year’s NFL draft and he was in the process of starting until a knee injury in the forecast ended his season. It gave the nod to Darnold, who took advantage of the opportunity and had by far the best season of his career.

Darnold played himself in a lucrative contract until his last two matches. Who now knows what he gets in the open market?

At least he may get a decent agreement like Baker Mayfields. But even it might be a lot for Minnesota, Rudolph said.

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“Well, I think it really, so much in football comes down on the cash. You know when you have a pay ceiling and you try to build a list, unfortunately you have to make decisions that are based solely On the consequences of the salary and what it does for your list, ”Rudolph said.

“So when you look at Sam Darnold and the year he had in Minnesota, there are just so many factors that ultimately go into it for Sam. No, I don’t. A chance.

“If Sam says, ‘I love a discount.

“So if they were decided to franchise Tag Sam, they could keep him on the one -year -old franchise mark. But again, it makes things really, really tough on the payroll because it is a one -year full paylofti hit.

Kyle Rudolph explained why he thinks it’s “really hard” to see Sam Darnold return to the Vikings last season. (IMagn)

“To this time, Kevin [O’Connell] have proven that it really doesn’t matter who quarterback is. Jaren Hall, Josh Dobbs, Kirk Cousins, Sam Darnold – he gets the most out of him and they want to win football matches. “

The Vikings will be at home and look at the Philadelphia Eagles trying to break down Kansas City Chiefs, which is in their fifth Super Bowl for the past six years with a chance to three-peat.

It has been widely argued that Kansas City has a judge on their side. But Rudolph contested the idea of ​​any conspiracy or favorite.

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“If you go and look at the statistics and dive in kind, where are the managers compared to any other team in the NFL with regard to calls and calls, they are kind of right there in the middle of the package,” Rudolph said.

“But what’s different about chiefs they’re on national TV almost every week. They play in primetime a whole lot. The-Field advertising with Travis [Kelce] and Taylor [Swift] and Patrick’s star status. It’s just that you see it much more.

Judge Carl Cheffers speaks to Patrick Mahomes during a third quarter break at Geha Field at Arrowhead Stadium 21 December 2024 in Kansas City, Mo. (David Eulitt/Getty Images)

“They look for things that trigger, ‘oh it’s a mistake. It’s a punishment.’ It’s the smallest jersey grab, but it’s something that triggers their psyche to say, ‘Oh, I saw Jersey Grab, I throw the flag.’ It’s just an instant reaction to them.

This year, with only a $ 10 donation to Alltrooo, fans can win both a trip to the Super Bowl with Drew Brees in New Orleans and an opportunity to announce a draft of Green Bay later in the year if they donate to a Walter Payton -Mand of this year’s nominated charity.

Given that 94% of people donating to Alltroo had never donated to a nonprofit before, Rudolph says it’s a “win-win” for everyone.

Minnesota Vikings tight end Kyle Rudolph before a game against Detroit Lions at US Bank Stadium. (Harrison Barden/USA Today Sports)

“What we wanted to create was an opportunity for Die -Hard Sports fans, not only the tall net -scorching individuals or the big corporate brands to have an opportunity to support us. And then flip side people are winning once in -en Lifetime experiences and objects that can be out of reach.

“Then try to create the win-win scenario where we collect additional funds for charity that would otherwise not be, and then ultimately offer these once in life experiences to fans who would otherwise not be able to to Have advice, “Rudolph said, noting that the Super Bowl prices are” crazy out of price for many people. “

The Super Bowl Lix will be streamed on TUBI. (TUBI)

“Whatever you are willing to donate to the causes of these player, 100% of the proceeds will go directly to these player’s causes. So we can just be the vehicle passing through these donations and then at the end of the day, a lucky Fan gets the opportunity to go up there and announce a draft election at the draft and realize someone else’s dream.