NFL 2025: What if the Minnesota Vikings Were Marvel Characters?
Have you ever wondered how some of the Vikings’ stars this season compare to Marvel movie characters? No? You’d never have that thought cross your mind in a million years? Well, lucky for you, it’s crossed my mind. Revel in awe of my accidental genius. You’re welcome.
J.J. McCarthy: Spider-Man
He’s young, he’s cocky, but he knows how to turn it on when it gets serious. He can’t do it all on his own–he needs a “guy in the chair” (enter quarterbacks coach Josh McCown), but he’s got great character. If his potential is unlocked, he could be the strongest Avenger of them all. For now, he’s still chasing the ghost of his Iron Man-like mentor, Tom Brady.
Justin Jefferson: Thor
Justin Jefferson could be the entire Avengers squad combined, but the comparisons to Thor are most similar. He has plenty of power, he can take off and fly around at any time, and he’s a funny guy. He’s the guy you want striking the death blow against the “Thanos” NFL teams. He may not have a hammer or axe, but he does hammer and chop up opposing defenses. While T.J. Hockenson and Andrew Van Ginkel have flowing hair like Thor, the ability to rain down storms on opponents belongs to Justin Jefferson.
The defense: The Hulk
Don’t make Brian Flores angry. He could unleash the Green(ard) guy on you at any moment and bulldoze through your offensive line, leaving your quarterback looking like Black Widow fleeing Hulk's rage. If the pass rush gets home, it’ll look similar to Loki getting tossed around by the Big Green Guy. Brian Flores can morph the defense into “Smart Hulk,” too, and “combine the brains and the brawn” to dismantle you however he sees fit. Hulk SMASH!
The offensive line: Bruce Banner…without the Hulk
Based on the way this season has gone so far, the offensive line looks far from powerful. They can’t seem to summon the immense strength they’re supposed to have, and they’re so beat up that the Hulk may never emerge to smash their enemies. Without the Hulk, they look like average Joes trying to block the world’s top athletes. In the wise words of Tony Stark, “Not a great plan.”
Isaiah Rodgers: Captain America
This guy’s only played four games in a Vikings uniform, but it’s safe to say he’s one of our strongest assets this year. The guy had a perfect game in Week 3 and was the leader the team needed. His super strength showed when he punched out the football twice and returned both an INT and recovered fumble for TDs. Just like the Star Spangled Man with a Plan, this guy is sure to be a star.
Jordan Mason: Black Panther
He’s deceptively strong and quick. He’s highly underrated and could be just as good as the other main characters. Because he hasn’t been around as long as the others, though, he hasn’t yet shown just how capable he is.
Carson Wentz: Bucky
He’s out of his era and probably should’ve been done years ago, but now he’s leading a team of his own. He can’t do as much as his best buddy Captain America, but he’s still got a steel arm. He used to be an assassin before he was forced to give up his ways by opponents and injuries. He’s more powerful than you think. Plus, he’s from North Dakota and played for the Eagles–does that make him a “Winter Soldier?”
Kevin O’Connell: Doctor Strange
Sometimes it seems like he can see into the future with his creative playcalling, and we wonder if he’s not a sorcerer casting spells to make QBs better than they look. There’s more than one reality where KOC’s teams can win games, but all we ask is that his team wins one Super Bowl before we die.
We’re still missing something…
The Vikings have a problem, and this Marvel analysis might reveal what it is: We have no Iron Man. We need someone to step into that role. McCarthy needs to unlock his potential and become the flashy playmaker the Vikings think he can become. If he does, he’ll be an unquestioned leader for this offense, and hopefully lead us to that elusive Lombardi Trophy, which is about as difficult for us to get as the Infinity Gauntlet these days. Skol Vikes.