In his 22nd season with the Minnesota Vikings in 2026 and 28th in the NFL, Les Pico serves as senior executive, player development. In his role, Pico is responsible for heading the Vikings efforts in continuing education, family assistance and career internships. He developed a symposium to assist rookies in their transition to life in the NFL and he lends his expertise to the team during the NFL combine and during free agency period. Pico was inducted as a legend in the NFL player development space in 2025.
In 2008, the Vikings were honored by the NFL with the Player Development Continuing Education Award when an NFL-high nine players were enrolled in school. Pico was recognized by the NFL Player Development for Excellence in the field at Super Bowl XLXI.
Pico joined the Vikings after four seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs where he worked as player development coordinator/legal. Pico worked with NFL Security from 1998-2000 and with the NCAA from 1991-98 as an enforcement representative.
A native of Mesa, Ariz., he attended Scottsdale Community College where he was a decorated QB and team MVP. After SCC, Pico went on a two-year LDS mission. He returned to Arizona State to complete his bachelor's degree, graduating Cum Laude in criminal justice in 1987. He went on to law school at Washburn (Kan.) University, earning his Juris Doctorate in 1991. Pico served as an assistant football coach at Washburn while attending law school.
Pico and his wife, Rita, have four children.
