The 2024 Minnesota Vikings season may face a temporary setback due to the recent injury of first-round draft pick J.J. McCarthy. However, there are still reasons for optimism, beyond the offense’s dynamic playmakers, the seemingly revitalized Sam Darnold, and the positive outlook of head coach Kevin O’Connell.
One key reason is the Brian Flores defense. Flores, known for his reputation as a scheming mastermind trained under Bill Belichick, is famous for creating confusion for quarterbacks with unpredictable, pressure-heavy formations.
The defense also boasts promising talents like Dallas Turner and established veterans like Stephon Gilmore in key positions. But the real secret weapon lies in the heart of the Midwest: Andrew Van Ginkel.
Signed to a two-year contract this spring, the 29-year-old Van Ginkel began his career with the Miami Dolphins and is listed as an outside linebacker. Yet his five years of NFL experience in Florida hide the fact that he was almost destined for the Midwest.
His official position belies his versatility—he’s a true chess piece for a coordinator who prides himself on using players in multiple roles. Van Ginkel’s first summer with the Vikings has revealed a homegrown sense of selflessness.
Born and raised in Rock Valley, Iowa (population 4,000), Van Ginkel understands that the Vikings targeted him for his versatility. His multi-role experience started in high school, where he played quarterback, wide receiver, linebacker, and safety, and continued in the NFL as a rotational pass rusher for the Dolphins.
“I try to be a Swiss Army knife, and that’s ultimately why I’m here,” Van Ginkel told after Monday’s training camp practice. “Flores has a lot of respect for what I can do on the football field, playing multiple positions. Knowing the entire defense allows me to play faster and at different positions.”
Van Ginkel is one of several experienced free agents joining Flores’ defense, including fellow edge rusher Jonathan Greenard, linebacker Blake Cashman, cornerback Shaquill Griffin, and Pro Bowl corner Stephon Gilmore.
He is determined to help the defense rewrite the narrative in Minnesota, where external expectations have diminished following McCarthy’s injury and amid growing talk of NFC North rivals.
“[We just want to] prove that we’re a legit contender,” Van Ginkel said, “and that we’re a team that’s hungry. We’re here to prove all of them wrong.”
Brian Flores, Defensive Coordinator For Minnesota Vikings (Photo: Bruce Kluckhohn)
Even before playing his first official snap as a Viking, Van Ginkel has already endeared himself to the community. Physically, he seems tailor-made for Minnesota, with his long blonde hair and imposing frame (6-4, 242), resembling an ancient warrior.
However, it’s his actions this summer, particularly in his hometown, about four hours from the Vikings’ TCO Performance Center, that have truly resonated with the region.
When heavy June rainfall caused a levee to overflow in Rock Valley, resulting in historic flooding that threatened homes and businesses, Van Ginkel and his wife, Sam, were among the first to step in. They organized free hot meal deliveries for displaced residents and others affected by the storms.
“Everyone can help with cleanup in basements and flooded areas, but having hot meals three times a day was incredible,” says David Miller, a City of Rock Valley employee. “They took that burden off the city. It was a game-changer for the community.”
Miller, who remembers Andrew and Sam from their time growing up in Rock Valley, wasn’t surprised when the Van Ginkels returned to help during the disaster. They also brought $50,000 in relief funds donated by the Vikings’ owners, the Wilf family.
Miller recalls how Andrew, years ago, embraced odd jobs for the city maintenance staff, from painting road lines to sweeping sidewalks. He saw firsthand the development of a strong work ethic and a deep-rooted faith in God and community, qualities that have shaped Van Ginkel’s NFL career.
“He is the epitome of what Rock Valley represents,” Miller says. “There was a thought, if he didn’t get drafted, that he would come back to work for the city. We joke that he chose the NFL over Rock Valley, Iowa.”
In reality, Van Ginkel never left his original home behind. He’s always stayed connected.
“I’m excited to be close to home again,” Van Ginkel said. “It’s where my roots are, where I grew up. It’s everything I know. When you see people you know hurting, see the schools and churches affected this summer, it was devastating. … We needed to give back.”
And that’s just the beginning. Van Ginkel’s schedule is full: Besides his community service, the former Wisconsin standout is a father to two young boys, who are “equally challenging” to manage as professional quarterbacks.
He’s a devoted husband to Sam, whom he considers “the rock” of his life and a key partner in making NFL decisions. In his limited free time, he’s trying to enjoy all the perks of Midwest life, whether it’s cheese curds at the State Fair or summer days that require far less hydration than the Miami heat.
He’s also preparing to become a fan favorite at U.S. Bank Stadium, aiming to follow in the footsteps of childhood idols like Jared Allen and Chad Greenway and restore the Vikings’ reputation.
