EAGAN, Minn. — Football and reading, what more could you ask for?
Donovan Jackson thought as much last week when he joined rookie teammates for "Team Up to Give Back," the Vikings annual event focused on Twin Cities youth.
Jackson, drafted 24th overall by Minnesota less than a month ago, eagerly joined Bryn Mawr Elementary School students in perusing the Scholastic Books pop-up shelves.
"Man, I used to tear through book fairs," he laughed. "My mom was a teacher, so I was always there after school … [I went to] all the book fairs. Diary of a Whimpy Kid, Captain Underpants. A couple kids here were choosing Bluey books, and they were putting me on to that. It was pretty cool."
Jackson enjoyed spending the late morning investing in his new community.
View photos of Vikings players and coaches spending time with students from Bryn Mawr Elementary School at TCO Stadium during the team's annual "Team Up to Give Back" event.
He recalled being a youngster himself and looking up to professional athletes, particularly NFL players.
"I think it's really cool that I can be the one to give back now," Jackson said.
While he and draft classmate Gavin Bartholomew hung out at the reading station, other Vikings rookies joined U.S. Bank and Vikings staff members in guiding students through various football drills in TCO Stadium or joined them in visiting the Vikings Table food truck, as well as facepainting and balloon animal stations.
Defensive lineman Alexander Williams and linebacker Austin Keys, both signed by the Vikings as undrafted free agents, engaged with on-field challenges.
Towering at 6-foot-7 and weighing 291 pounds, Williams doesn't exactly fit the quarterback mold; but that didn't stop him from throwing some darts.
"OK, this one's a money ball right here!" Williams shouted before unleashing another tight spiral, this one straight up into the air as young people boxed each other out in attempt to fight for the pigskin.
One young man snagged an impressive catch and broke out into The Griddy, prompting excited yells from his peers.
Williams grinned, seemingly not minding the beads of sweat that ran down the bridge of his nose.
Spending time with the students, he said, reminded him of his three nieces and two nephews back home in Ohio.
"Coming to Minnesota, I don't get to be with them. So when I heard we were doing this, 'Hey, I get to be with my nieces and nephews again,' " Williams explained. "They may not be blood, but these kids are part of the Minnesota family, so their [like] my nieces and nephews."
Team Up to Give Back allowed Jackson, Williams and the other rookies to make a positive impact on others, but it also proved a bonding experience for them.
"Being here with a guy like Keys, it just really helps me understand what makes him go," Williams said. "To play good defense … we need to be a family. We've gotta be personable. And Coach Flo's (Defensive Coordinator Brian Flores') defense, it's unique. So if you don't also build a unique relationship [with your teammates], it's not gonna work.
"Things like this, it [moves] away from being football players and we see each other as humans," he added. "We all played at different colleges, we all grew up in different areas, and now we're getting to know what we're like as men, not just football players."
The Vikings rookies may not have been in Minnesota long, but they've already noted the locker room culture and emphasis on high character.
"The veterans in the room set a great example for us," Jackson said.
Vikings Head Coach Kevin O'Connell met with the Bryn Mawr students during their visit and talked about the importance of connecting with the community. He also encouraged the young people to stay focused in school and continue pursuing their dreams, whether that be making it to the NFL, becoming a veterinarian or learning to be a teacher.
"One of my favorite things to do growing up was reading. I learned a lot of things that now actually help me be the head coach of the Minnesota Vikings, believe it or not — how I talk to my players, my coaches, how I communicate with other people in this building," O'Connell said. "Reading is so important. You guys get the opportunity to be [here today], get three new books, and that's great, but the best thing you all get is a chance to go to school every single day."
Gesturing toward the teachers scattered throughout the group, O'Connell invited the students to join him in applauding and recognizing their impact.
"I am so blessed and fortunate to be the head coach of the Minnesota Vikings, but when I was growing up, some of my best mentors … were my teachers," O'Connell said. "So never miss out on a chance to do two things — listen and learn from your teachers, but don't be afraid to say, 'Thank you for pouring into me, for helping me become what I want to be when I grow up.' "
A similar message was later given by defensive lineman Harrison Phillips, who helped welcome classes from the American Indian Magnet School.
Other non-rookies who spent time with students included C.J. Ham, Walter Rouse, Levi Drake Rodriguez and Aaron Jones, Sr.
"All the laughs, all the smiles, all the high-fives, it's awesome," Rodriguez said. "It's a warm day, but it's gorgeous out. We're having an absolute blast hanging out.
"This is a job, yes, but coming out here and [helping kids] put a face to our names is tremendous, just to make that impact, make that impression," he added. "I was just talking to some kids, asking them, 'You want to go to the NFL? You can do it. You have to put your heart, soul and mind into it.' [Encouraging] their dreams and what they want in life, that's special."
