From UFL Standout to Vikings Starter: Jalen Redmond’s Journey to NFL Success
Jalen Redmond’s road to NFL relevance has been anything but conventional, but the Minnesota Vikings are reaping the rewards of his resilience and talent. Once an undrafted rookie out of Oklahoma, Redmond turned heads with his breakout season in 2024, earning himself a new contract and a prominent role in the Vikings’ defensive rotation.
From Sooner Star to NFL Longshot
Redmond showcased his potential during his time at Oklahoma, racking up 31.5 tackles for loss and 14 sacks. However, concerns about injuries and consistency left him undrafted in 2023. The Carolina Panthers took a chance on him in the preseason, but he didn’t make the final roster.
Not one to give up, Redmond found an opportunity in the United Football League (UFL), playing under former Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops with the Arlington Renegades. In just four games, he recorded 4.5 sacks and 18 tackles before an injury cut his season short.
His UFL tape caught the eye of the Vikings’ Senior Vice President of Player Personnel Ryan Grigson, setting the stage for Redmond’s NFL resurgence.
A Diamond in the Rough
Vikings General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah recently detailed the process of signing Redmond during a radio interview with Paul Allen.
“You have to ask yourself, what’s your standard for bringing people in,” Adofo-Mensah said. “There’s always a reason a good player might be available, and for Jalen, it was the injuries. But you also have to recognize when a player has the potential to thrive in your system.”
Grigson’s eye for talent and his ability to communicate with Defensive Coordinator Brian Flores helped seal the deal. Flores saw Redmond’s versatility and burst, traits that aligned perfectly with Minnesota’s defensive philosophy.
A Breakout Campaign
Redmond made the most of his opportunity in 2024. Appearing in 13 games with two starts, he recorded 18 tackles, 6.0 tackles for loss, a sack, and two pass breakups.
His first career start against Atlanta was a statement game, as Redmond became the first Vikings defensive lineman since Pat Williams in 2009 to notch two tackles for loss and two passes defended in a single game.
Minnesota’s trust in Redmond paid off, and the team moved quickly to secure his future.
Vikings Secure Redmond’s Future
The Vikings announced on Thursday that they had re-signed the 25-year-old defensive lineman, ensuring he remains a key piece of their defense for the foreseeable future. Redmond was set to become an exclusive rights free agent in March, but both parties were eager to finalize a deal early.
Adofo-Mensah praised his staff for identifying and developing players like Redmond. “It’s about putting together a portfolio of good bets,” he explained. “Jalen was a great risk-reward proposition, and he’s proven that he can contribute at a high level.”
Looking Ahead
With a full offseason to prepare and a fresh contract in hand, Redmond figures to be a vital part of the Vikings’ defensive line rotation in 2025. His journey from undrafted rookie to impact player is a testament to his work ethic and the Vikings’ belief in his potential.
As Minnesota aims to build a championship-caliber defense, Jalen Redmond’s story serves as a reminder that talent can emerge from the most unexpected places.
