sports
Vikings Coach O'Connell Discusses Controversial Hit on QB Murray
Kevin O'Connell stated the hit leading to Kyler Murray's concussion was a serious yet acceptable play. He does not blame the Packers for the incident.
10/5/2026, 3:45:45 PM
Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell addressed the recent hit that resulted in quarterback Kyler Murray suffering a concussion during a game against the Packers. While acknowledging the play's violent nature, O'Connell indicated that he does not consider it reprehensible or blame the Packers for the incident.
Murray, who was making an important impact in the game, was taken down in a manner that O'Connell described as part of the intense physicality inherent in the sport. On a press briefing, O'Connell remarked that while the tackle was significant, he sees it as within the bounds of competitive football and not an intentional foul.
The Vikings are now focused on moving forward and finding ways to adjust to Murray's absence, which could influence their upcoming matchups. The coach emphasized the need for the team to rally together and continue improving in the absence of their starting quarterback.
Concussions have become a hot topic in the NFL, leading to various rules and regulations aimed at player safety. Coaches are often placed in a difficult position when discussing dangerous plays, and O'Connell seems to respect the line that distinguishes aggressive gameplay from foul play. According to ESPN Top, he made it clear that he believes hard hits are part of the game, as long as they adhere to the league's existing guidelines regarding player safety.