Fall 2024

Vikings' Case Keenum shared how his chaplain helped him maximize his talent during Super Bowl Breakfast

It’s been a whirlwind season for Minnesota Vikings quarterback Case Keenum.

Starting the season as a backup, he was inserted into the starting role due to an injury on the second game of the season and led the Vikings to a 13-3 record and an appearance in the NFC Championship Game.

Speaking at the NFL’s Super Bowl breakfast on Saturday morning in downtown Minneapolis, he talked about how his weekly meetings with team chaplain Tom Lamphere helped him stay focused during the season and play his best football as a pro.

“For me it’s focus on what’s the most important and there are a lot of opinions out there,” Keenum said. “What’s most important for me is my faith. It’s my faith that Jesus Christ is my savior and that’s what’s most important. That’s why I play the game and I play to maximize the talent that He’s given me. That’s helped me be successful.”

No play highlighted the season better then the “Minnesota Miracle” where Keenum found wide receiver Stefon Diggs for the game-winning 61-yard touchdown pass against New Orleans Saints in the NFC Divisional Game. Keenum fondly remembers calling the play “Buffalo Right 7 Heaven” in the huddle.

“I told the guys in the huddle before the play, I’m going to give one of you guys a chance. And that’s all they needed. Guys were in the right place at the right time. Diggs made a great play and I’m glad that he didn’t run out of bounds. In was an incredible God thing.”

Now entering into free agency, Keenum doesn’t know what the next step will be in his career. But, the next time he does step on the field, he’ll have the right mindset based on a truly unique season.

“I played more to prove people right that they believe in me.”

RELATED LINKS:
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– Super Bowl Breakfast: Still changing lives 30 years later
– Vikings QB Case Keenum grounded by faith, family, football
– Download the Football Sunday edition of Sports Spectrum Magazine