Jan 13, 2025; Glendale, AZ, USA; Detailed view of a Minnesota Vikings helmet during an NFC wild card game at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
It seems to have occurred about three times this offseason, but this time, Najee Thompson’s goodbye is evidently for good.
One Vikings defender and special teamer said sayonara once and for all this weekend and appears gone for good.
The Minnesota Vikings employed Thompson as a sweet special teams asset in 2023, but injuries ruined his sophomore season, and for some reason, he won’t return to the purple team this year.
Thompson formally said goodbye on Instagram this weekend. It’s a done deal for now on his purple and gold tenure.
Najee Thompson Says Farewell
Thompson, 24, also said goodbye to Minnesotans on X, known to most as Twitter, in April, right before the draft. Yet, this weekend, it must’ve become more concrete for Thompson, as Instagram was the forum for another farewell.
Dec 31, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings cornerback NaJee Thompson (11) recovers a dropped punt from Green Bay Packers wide receiver Samori Toure (83) in the fourth quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports.
He wrote, “It’s surreal. Thank you all for making the first part of my dream something. I’ll never forget and very grateful to have the opportunity here. But so long, Minnesota. Officially outta here and to the cold weather you will be the only thing not missed but on to new beginnings.”
“Once again thank you to one of the best fan bases you can ask for and to everyone I’ve met along the way was a pleasure. Looking forward to this new journey.”
A Release in April
In April, NBS Sports‘ Josh Alper remarked on Thompson’s exit, “The Vikings trimmed their roster a bit on Wednesday. They announced that they have waived defensive back Najee Thompson. The move came with a failed physical designation. Thompson signed with the Vikings after going undrafted in 2023 and played in 15 games for the team during his rookie season.”
“He spent last season on their injured reserve list. Almost all of Thompson’s playing time as a rookie came on special teams. He recorded seven tackles and a fumble recovery in that action. The Vikings also waived offensive lineman Trevor Reid this week and both moves free up roster space for draft picks and rookie free agents to join the team in the coming days.”
Dec 23, 2020; New Orleans, LA, USA; Georgia Southern Eagles wide receiver NaJee Thompson (6) catches a pass against Louisiana Tech Bulldogs during the first half of the New Orleans Bowl at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports.
Most Vikings fans considered that event Thompson’s goodbye, but something triggered him to bid adieu again and express more gratitude. The man must’ve really loved Minnesota.
Thompson Replacements for 2025?
Last year, wide receiver Trent Sherfield assumed a prominent special teams role with Thompson injured. Sherfield, though, split in March via free agency and now works for the Denver Broncos.
Sans Thompson and Sherfield, the Vikings could turn to Tavierre Thomas for special teams duty, a cornerback with such experience over the last few seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Houston Texans.
