EAGAN, Minn. — Rob Brzezinski made sure to wear his lucky socks.

The Vikings Executive Director of Football Operations entered his pre-draft press session Monday afternoon and, before taking the podium to speak with Twin Cities reporters, laughed and pulled up one leg of his slacks to reveal a blue sock featuring illustrations of different dog breeds and the words "Dog Dad."

Authentically Rob.

In opening his press conference, Brzezinski pointed the spotlight toward everyone but himself, noting he's "filled with gratitude."

"All the people in this organization who have worked so hard in these last few months, not just with the draft but with the entire offseason program — I really want to go through and name everybody … but I don't want to miss anybody," Brzezinski said. "It's everybody from our scouting staff all the way to medical, training, equipment, operations, player engagement, family engagement, football, information systems … I'm probably forgetting somebody, and you all know who I'm talking to. I appreciate each and every one of you so much and love you and thank you for all the hard work and the effort these last couple of months."

Authentically Rob.

Brzezinski went on to express deep appreciation for the Wilf family — who asked him to lead the Vikings organization through the draft after former General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah was relieved of his duties in late January — as well as Head Coach Kevin O'Connell and the entire football staff.

"I mean, K.O. has been phenomenal," Brzezinski said. "He's been a great partner. He's a great friend. Couldn't have been more grateful to work through this process with him and the coaching staff. They've been so supportive and it's been awesome."

He's thankful to be walking through this process with the support of Matt Thomas, whom the Vikings brought on this offseason as an additional consultant.

Brzezinski defined Thomas as "a special human being," identifying him as "one of the most talented, if not the most talented" executive he's been around in two-plus decades working in the NFL.

"He's been amazing," Brzezinski said.

Authentically Rob.

Perhaps the only aspect of Monday's media session that wasn't bona fide Brzezinski is the fact he traded in his everyday casual, low-key wardrobe for a button-up shirt and slacks that temporarily hid the "Dog Dad" socks.

Whether you've worked with Brzezinski for 20 years or 20 minutes, you'll learn his genuine love for people that somehow even supersedes his passion for the game of football.

It's why, though speaking with media and being in front of the camera hasn't previously been a part of Brzezinski's repertoire, the Wilfs have fully trusted him to take on the entire process in a unique offseason.

And it's a process Brzezinski is fully enjoying and not taking for granted, knowing the team plans to launch a comprehensive search for the permanent General Manager role after the draft.

"I just love working with the people," Brzezinski said. "I haven't seen everything, but I've seen a lot … and what I enjoy is consensus building, the collaboration, getting everybody aligned — and also when there isn't alignment, trying to find that alignment and understand how people see things differently.

"A lot of times they actually see it the same, but they're — you know, once you translate it, you realize everybody's on the same page," he added. "It just might be grading different, or they might be describing it different. But I just love the process of team building."

It's Brzezinski's genuine character and ability to connect that's enabled a long and successful career.

But don't think for a minute it's all "kumbaya." He always has and always will put in the work to make this team the best it can be.

Brzezinski is committed to finding the best possible athletes to better the Vikings roster.

"The draft is the lifeblood of what we do," he emphasized. "Our goal is to get it right, and we will.

"It's an inexact science, but you give yourself the best chance by going through a good process and having good communication," he continued. "Honestly, I think the board kind of falls to you. We're working through some different hotspots, things we think may be there we're going to need to be prepared for, and I think we're in a good spot."

Brzezinski later acknowledged it's nearly impossible to hit on every single pick, but sticking to a plan and building the board objectively will give a team its best chances.

He also noted the old "best player available" adage only goes so far.

For instance, "Buffalo is not taking a quarterback. I don't care who is on the board."

Brzezinski and the Vikings football staff use "best player available" to stack the draft board by talent and then identify the best fits for Minnesota.

"We want to make sure we're not passing a unique talent to fill a need for today — a player that might not have the most impact in 2026 but could be a cornerstone for 2027 — and then we just look for the right fits," he explained. "Who do we want to be a Minnesota Viking? All those other things outside of what you see on tape you, that gives you the best chance to be successful. Bringing in all the information, being objective, not trying to fix the process ahead of time."

As Brzezinski prepares for his first Vikings Draft in this new role, he was asked if he's thought about making that first phone call to a prospect.

He paused briefly then, in Brzezinski fashion, smiled and said the following:

"Not really. I mean, it's group effort. We're going to make that selection as the Minnesota Vikings family."

He added: "It's exciting to be in this position. It's an awesome honor and opportunity, and I'm looking forward to it."

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