EAGAN, Minn. — Gavin Bartholomew seems to be catching just about everything thrown his way.

The Vikings tight end isn't keeping track, though. He's just taking things play by play … and having a lot of fun doing it.

Bartholomew is grateful for a healthy training camp after missing the entirety of his rookie campaign with a back injury suffered during last year's spring program. He's making the most of each on-field rep and concurrently building connections with teammates.

"Being separated from them wasn't what I imagined my rookie year to be," Bartholomew said. "But being out there with them this year has been amazing, and I'm looking forward to it every day."

A Pennsylvania native, Bartholomew shined at Pittsburgh and finished his collegiate career with 104 catches for 1,248 yards and 11 touchdowns over 41 starts.

The Vikings drafted him 202^nd overall in April 2025, drawn to his route-running ability and lower-body strength that could make him an asset in the run game. Bartholomew also was endorsed by now-teammate Jordan Addison, who overlapped with the tight end at Pitt in 2021.

Unfortunately, Vikings coaches, teammates and fans alike got a limited sample size of Bartholomew in Purple.

He deeply missed being on the grass, but Bartholomew committed himself to doing all he could — as Head Coach Kevin O'Connell says — "above the neck" while recovering.

"Being hurt was less than ideal and not what I wanted," he said, "but I took it as an opportunity to boost myself for this year. I was in the game plans, studying all the time. I think it really helped me understand what's going on in the offense and helped me prep for this season."

That's certainly showing up.

Bartholomew is thriving in camp and feels confident in what he brings to Minnesota's offense as a do-it-all tight end.

"A little bit of blocking, some routes, and I can make some plays when I get the ball in my hands," he said. "Really, just showing the coaches and teammates what I can do."

Consistency is crucial, he knows: "Catch the balls that come your way, trust in your timing and execute the blocks."

He acknowledged the game moves "a little faster" at this level, but he's found it to be an easier adjustment than maybe anticipated.

"I'm sure when game time comes around it'll be flying," Bartholomew laughed, "but I'm excited."

Plus, he has the privilege of learning from two of the best in the business, T.J. Hockenson and Josh Oliver. The pair of vets boast different skill sets, and the second-year player is gleaning all he can from both of them.

"They do it at a high level every day," he said. "I'm really just taking their coaching tips, and it's helped me and the other guys in the room."

In addition to Hockenson and Oliver, Bartholomew shares the position group with fellow youngsters Ben Yurosek, Bryson Nesbit and Marshall Lang. Nesbit has become Bartholomew's fishing buddy.

Getting out on the Minnesota lakes (or on the links) has been Bartholomew's preferred way to relax and reset when he's not in the facility, in the playbook or on the practice field.

He even tried a new adventure following the season by going ice fishing. Asked his official verdict on the frozen lake version, he grinned.

"It … wasn't the best," Bartholomew quipped. "I think I'll stick to summer fishing."

As he looks forward to the remainder of training camp and the Vikings three preseason games — including at the Giants, located about 130 miles east of his hometown — Bartholomew is keeping the same mindset he's had through the start of camp.

He's appreciative of the energy Vikings fans bring, noting it helps provide an "extra edge to compete."

"We're going to do that anyway but hearing them really gets us going and pushes us that extra step."

As does going against Brian Flores' defense, which keeps Minnesota's offensive players on their toes while preparing for the regular season.

"Going against Flo' helps with our football I.Q. and fundamentally with what we're doing on offense," he said. "They're giving us a ton of different looks, so it's good to see that and adjust to it.

"I'm just looking to attack day by day, compete with everything and better myself and my teammates," Bartholomew added.

What they're saying:

"Gavin's awesome. I mean, I've watched him last year, obviously. He was in the meeting rooms and just learning and asking questions and really attacking the game from that standpoint. And then coming out here, he had good OTAs and now he's playing well during camp. So it's been fun to watch him and fun to interact with him because he's a sponge. He's trying to absorb as much information as he can. That's something that, getting older in my career and being a little more experienced, I had really good vets coming into the league, so I've really, really enjoyed being that for him."

— T.J. Hockenson

Fun fact people might not know:

"I actually have a photo of John Cena holding me as a baby outside the Baltimore Aquarium."

Really? I feel like we need more context to this.

(Laughs) "I actually don't even remember what the situation was, but I'll tell people about it."

5 Faves

Meal: Chicken wings

TV show to binge: Ozark

Exercise/workout/lift: Being in the weight room

Childhood movie: Cars

NFL Legend: Jason Witten

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