Selecting McCarthy at No. 10 marked the earliest the Minnesota franchise has ever chosen a quarterback in the draft, surpassing Daunte Culpepper, who was taken 11th overall in 1999.
For Dennis Santos and ten other loyal Vikings Season Ticket Members, witnessing Minnesota pick McCarthy and subsequently Alabama edge rusher Dallas Turner at No. 17 was an extraordinary experience, made even more memorable by their attendance at the NFL Draft in Detroit.
“The atmosphere was simply electrifying – with 275,000 fans cheering, shouting, and rallying behind their teams,” Santos shared. “It was an overwhelmingly positive environment where fans united to support not only their own team but also the young athletes transitioning into professional football right before our eyes!
“The entire experience was so phenomenal and surreal that words hardly do it justice. It’s something I’ll cherish forever,” Santos added. “I’m deeply grateful to the Vikings organization for granting me this opportunity.”
Santos, who joined as a Vikings Season Ticket Member in 2022, along with his companions, were handpicked by the organization and given the chance to attend either Thursday or Friday’s events in Detroit.
They were granted seats in the exclusive “Inner Circle,” an area accessible only by team invitation, providing fans with privileged behind-the-scenes access within the Draft Theater.
Vikings Season Ticket Members Embark on 2024 NFL Draft Adventure in Detroit
A select group of Vikings Season Ticket Members embarked on an unforgettable journey to the 2024 NFL Draft in Detroit, securing coveted spots within the team’s inner circle adjacent to the main stage.
Joe Pelovsky, whose grandfather became a Vikings STM in 1982, passed on his cherished fandom to Joe, who has upheld the tradition with unwavering dedication. He expressed enthusiasm for Vikings General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah’s draft strategy, particularly the selections of McCarthy and Turner.
“We landed a quarterback and, in my opinion, one of the premier defensive prospects available,” Pelovsky remarked after Round 1. “The work Kwesi [Adofo-Mensah] did tonight was exceptional, and the energy in the room was palpable.”
Steven Griffith, a Vikings STM since 2013, hailed McCarthy’s addition as a beacon of hope for the team’s future, especially at a pivotal position like quarterback.
“Securing J.J. McCarthy when we did was a promising move,” Griffith noted. “And as a firm believer in the adage ‘Offense scores points, but defense wins games,’ investing in a potential defensive playmaker like Turner is undeniably positive.”
Following Turner’s selection by the Vikings, adorned in the Norseman cap, he graciously visited the Inner Circle area, engaging with enthusiastic Vikings supporters.
Eric and Dan Carpenter, whose family has held Vikings Season Tickets since 1966, were initially thrilled by the draft picks and later by the chance to meet Turner.
“We were practically giddy with excitement over our Round 1 selections,” Eric exclaimed. “As the draft unfolded and we approached a starting-caliber defensive player, we hoped for Dallas but doubted Kwesi and [Vikings Head Coach Kevin O’Connell] could make it happen. Their ability to secure Dallas in purple was truly remarkable.
“Never did we imagine cheering for someone named Dallas as Vikings fans,” Eric quipped. “His graciousness in meeting with us and taking numerous photos was fantastic. We’re eager to watch him disrupt Jared Goff, Caleb Williams, and Jordan Love throughout the season.”
Dallas Turner’s Enthralling Selection at the 2024 NFL Draft
View images of OLB Dallas Turner being chosen as one of the Vikings’ first-round draft picks in Detroit.
The invited Vikings STMs also enjoyed three exclusive activities during the weekend. A select number of fans were randomly chosen for each of the following:
Q&A Session with NFL Commissioner Rodger Goodell: A rare opportunity for intimate discussions with Goodell, offering invaluable insights into the inner workings of the NFL Draft.
Tour of the Draft Theater: A behind-the-scenes tour providing a glimpse into the planning and execution of one of football’s most significant events.
Red Carpet Experience: A memorable moment for one STM and their guest, allowing them to walk the red carpet and soak in the excitement surrounding the first round of the NFL Draft.
Attending this year’s draft was an unforgettable experience for Santos, one that will be cherished for years to come.
For him and fellow fans who made the pilgrimage, it was an added perk of being part of the Vikings Season Ticket Member community.
“Since moving to the Twin Cities, I’ve been a passionate Vikings fan and am thrilled to be part of this community,” Santos reflected. “Becoming a season ticket holder has brought me closer to the team and granted me access to so many exclusive events – including this draft, which truly transformed my life.
“My seatmates at U.S. Bank Stadium have become like family, and the camaraderie during games is unmatched,” Santos concluded. “I love the Vikings, and it genuinely feels like the organization loves its fans back. Being a season ticket holder was definitely the right choice for me. I was attending all the games anyway, so it just made sense.”
