Vikings Players React to Death of George Floyd, Team Releases Statement

Vikings players were among the millions stunned to see a Minneapolis man killed by the police on Monday.

Current and former Vikings players were among the millions of Americans outraged by the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis on Monday.

Floyd, a black man, died after being in the custody of four police officers. A video posted to Facebook showed one of the officers with his knee on the back of Floyd's neck for roughly five minutes. The officer didn't remove pressure from Floyd's neck even when the 46-year-old man said that he couldn't breathe. Floyd appeared to be unconscious by the end of the video and was later pronounced dead at Hennepin County Medical Center.

The incident occurred outside of Cup Foods at the corner of East 38th Street and Chicago Avenue, just three miles from U.S. Bank Stadium. Floyd was under arrest for allegedly attempting to use a counterfeit $20 bill at the deli.

The four police officers involved were fired, but no charges have been brought against them at this point.

The Vikings released an official statement on Wednesday.

"We are deeply saddened by the loss of life that occurred Monday evening just blocks from our stadium. Everyone in our community deserves the right to feel protected and safe. Our thoughts are with the George Floyd family and all individuals who have been affected by this tragedy."

pic.twitter.com/Tvm7BZqebh

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) May 27, 2020

Here are some of the reactions from current and former Vikings players and other figures in the Vikings community.

Vikings QB Kirk Cousins:

Former Vikings LB Chad Greenway:

Praying for Minneapolis. Praying for justice. It’s time for change, we have to listen, we have to learn! I’m here to stand by you and fight with you for change. #justiceforgeorgefloyd pic.twitter.com/qj04U28jrO

— Chad Greenway (@chadgreenway52) June 1, 2020

Vikings S Anthony Harris:

For all my brothers and sisters of all races and backgrounds with a major platform and voice around the world, it’s ok to be the first or one of the first to show support and solidarity for one another. OUR society needs and has been needing our guidance.

— Anthony “AntMan” Harris (@HOOSDatDude) June 1, 2020

Vikings LB Troy Dye:

It’s crazy to think that I have to fight the same fight for my son that my father had to fight for me, the same fight that his father had to fight for him! #BlackLivesMatter ✊🏽

— Troy Dye (@Tdye15dbTroy) June 1, 2020

Vikings DT Michael Pierce:

Vikings WR Adam Thielen:

pic.twitter.com/PjOjbBGdAC

— Adam Thielen (@athielen19) May 30, 2020

Vikings DT Jaleel Johnson:

Praying for the city of Minneapolis.

— Jaleel Johnson (@leellxvii) May 28, 2020

Vikings TE Kyle Rudolph:

If you want to help those like Stephanie who have no where to go for food/daily essentials meet us Friday between 11am and 2pm at@cubfoods
2850 26th avenue South, MPLS

Bottled Water
Non-Perishable Foods
Diapers/Formula/Baby Whipes
Cleaning products
Toiletries/Hygiene products https://t.co/mtDSVhMvjr

— Kyle Rudolph (@KyleRudolph) June 2, 2020

Vikings DE Ifeadi Odenigbo:

Walk the walk. Be a leader. Help create the world you want to live in. @NorthwesternU is proud of you, @IfeadiOdenigbo. pic.twitter.com/M20zs0Dczo

— Northwestern Football (@NUFBFamily) June 1, 2020

Former Vikings WR Jake Reed:

I stand for JUSTICE and the people in Minneapolis! #RIPGeorgeFloyd

— Jake Reed (@JakeReed86) May 29, 2020

Vikings WR Bisi Johnson:

Justice for George Floyd! #BlackLivesMatter pic.twitter.com/pjCYHhfGH7

— BISI JOHNSON (@BisiJohnson1) May 27, 2020

Former Vikings RB Adrian Peterson:

The right call is locking these animals up for murdering George Floyd!!! What video did you watch?! Is it the same one where you hear a man begging for his life! This animal is literally pressing down on his knee to apply max pressure! 😡 https://t.co/kdNFvM27dx

— Adrian Peterson (@AdrianPeterson) May 27, 2020

Vikings analyst Ron Johnson and WR Tajae Sharpe:

They can’t relate! The feeling of being a black man in America knowing every time we step out the house puts our lives at risk, having another one of our own murdered by the ones who’s job is to serve and PROTECT! If they don’t see the issue their apart of the problem!

— Show (@tajaesharpe) May 26, 2020

Vikings RB Alexander Mattison:

🗣‼️ https://t.co/ZT6GYJMbzA

— Alexander Mattison (@AlexMattison22) May 27, 2020

Former Vikings WR Randy Moss (retweeted the post of ESPN analyst Marcus Spears)

So when y’all gonna arrest the #Murderers #Minneapolis don’t wait to long now #GeorgeFloyd

— Marcus Spears (@mspears96) May 26, 2020

Vikings S Josh Metellus

Justice is all the people want!

— Joshua Metellus (@NoExcuses_23) May 27, 2020

Vikings DT Jalyn Holmes:

Police need to hold other police accountable.

— Jalyn Holmes (@JayHolmes_) May 27, 2020

Former Gophers and Vikings safety Tyrone Carter is among those protesting in Minneapolis on Wednesday.

Tyrone Carter, former Minnesota Viking and Super Bowl champ heading to the front lines of the protest. @MPRnews pic.twitter.com/KIGqgBVT90

— Evan Frost (@efrostee) May 28, 2020