Jasper Brinkley enters his third season as director of player engagement for the Minnesota Vikings in 2026 after previously playing linebacker for the organization from 2009–12 and during the 2014 season. Working alongside Executive Director of Player Engagement Les Pico, Brinkley supports the club's player engagement efforts, assisting players in their transition to the NFL, career development and life skills programming.
Brinkley appeared in 94 career NFL games, making 42 starts with the Vikings, Arizona Cardinals and New York Giants. Following his playing career, he founded Brinkley Logistics while continuing to mentor young athletes and coach youth football in Katy, Texas.
A native of Thomson, Georgia, Brinkley earned his bachelor's degree in African American Studies from the University of South Carolina. He has supported the Vikings Rookie Success Program since 2017, was named the NFL Player Engagement Rookie of the Year in 2025, completed the NFL Executive Development Program at the University of Michigan Ross School of Business, and is pursuing a master's degree in Sport, Exercise, and Performance Psychology at Minnesota State University, Mankato.
Brinkley and his wife, Kellie, a bronze medalist in the 100-meter hurdles at the 2012 Olympic Games, have four children: Jawan, Dakyus, Tayla, and Jasper Jr.
