Things are looking up for the Vikings with a billion-dollar domed stadium 35 percent completed in downtown Minneapolis that is expected to open for the 2016 season. Also, following a nightmarish year for superstar running back Adrian Peterson who missed 15 games in 2014, it appears the team, after allowing time to heal, will welcome Peterson back in 2015. Vikings owners Zygi Wilf and Mark Wilf, having finally realized that long-distance ownership in many ways takes them out of the loop of many pressing day-to-day business operations, announced that they have promoted Kevin Warren to chief operating officer. “We are thrilled to promote Kevin to chief operating officer. We embrace the opportunity to promote individuals from within our organization and believe the continuity and stability is a positive reflection on our many talented and hard-working staff members.”
Warren has been with the Vikings for 11 years now, and 17 years in the NFL. He’s been the team’s executive vice president of legal affairs and chief administrative officer. “Kevin’s leadership, acumen, passion and work ethic will continue to be a positive asset for the Vikings and this community,” Wilf said. Warren has worked with the Detroit Lions and the St. Louis Rams. He was with the team when they captured Super Bowl XXXIV 23-16 over the Tennessee Titans.
Since stadium legislation was passed in 2012, Warren has been instrumental in the design and construction process for the new Vikings stadium. Warren’s reputation and NFL experience were recognized when he was named a member of the NFL Committee on Workplace Diversity, which is committed to enhancing and promoting diversity at every level of the NFL. “I am energized and excited to continue to be a part of the Vikings organization and to lead our business operations moving forward,” said Warren. He has been actively involved in the Twin Cities community, particularly with child-related causes, since his move to Minnesota.
In December of last year Warren and his wife Greta announced a personal donation of $1 million to the University of Minnesota Masonic Children’s Hospital to establish “Carolyn’s Comforts,” a children’s cancer emergency assistance fund named in honor of Warren’s late sister and designed to help families manage the difficulties that come with diagnoses of cancer. This is a good sign for the Vikings. They have a ways to go to get up to speed with both Green Bay and Detroit on the field, and this decision will certainly help the organization close that gap.
Larry Fitzgerald can be heard weekday mornings on KMOJ Radio 89.9 FM at 8:25 am, on WDGY-AM 740 Monday-Friday at 12:17 pm and 4:17 pm, and at www.Gamedaygold.com. He also commentates on sports 7-8 pm on Almanac (TPT channel 2). Follow him on Twitter at FitzBeatSr. Larry welcomes reader responses to info@larry-fitzgerald.com, or visit www.Larry-Fitzgerald.com.