Like most everyone, I saw the photos of the opening of the new Highmark Stadium. On the surface, it looks infinitely more modern and comfortable than the old venue.
Yet, even with the $2.1 billion price tag, the new place isn’t without faults.
From what I gather, the message boards, and the audio system, are a bit under par. Also, there were more than enough photos of obstructed-view seats, which, if you’re paying those personal seat licenses, in addition to the high ticket prices, you don’t want any part of.
In a statement, the team said, “We are currently addressing internal and external feedback regarding the facility’s operation following the first event. We’ll utilize the next six weeks to refine any details as we prepare for the home opener on Thursday, Sept. 17.”
Still enough time for things to be made right, or better, than they currently are.
Skol’s starting QB
After six relatively productive seasons with Kirk Cousins, the Minnesota Vikings have had a carousel of starting quarterbacks in recent seasons. To wit, Cousins, the man-for-now with the Las Vegas Raiders, was the guy in 2023.
Sam Darnold, who resurrected his career under head coach Kevin O’Connell in 2024, parlayed that success into a Super Bowl title with the Seattle Seahawks last season. Some thought Darnold should have been retained, yet management and likely O’Connell, thought former first-round pick J.J. McCarthy would be the guy.
McCarthy, a national champion at Michigan, missed his rookie season with a knee injury. In 10 games a year ago, McCarthy was 6-4 with 11 touchdowns and 12 interceptions, with only one game of 250 yards passing. McCarthy would get hurt again, with Minnesota using anyone just shy of Joe Kapp. (Older folks know who that is!)
Enter Kyler Murray into the mix.
Murray, the top overall pick of the 2019 NFL Draft, had a promising start to his career, winning Rookie of the Year honors. Yet, after other than a 9-5 record in 2021, there were questions about Kyler’s leadership ability (who’ll ever forget a clause in his contract for studying?), as well as debilitating injuries in two of the last three years, Arizona let him go, while on the hook for more than $35 million.
Minnesota signed Murray to a one-year deal worth just over $1 million, which looks like a bargain. O’Connell said, “In my opinion, he’s got the skill set and the abilities not only just from the standpoint of accuracy and his ability to affect the game with his athleticism, but he’s also proven to be smart, very hardworking, and be able to take in a lot of information and churn that out. Now we really want to give him the opportunity to really start building a comfort level not only with the system but with the guys.”
It’s a low-risk, decent opportunity for Murray, who arguably has better talent to work with in receivers Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison, tight end T.J. Hockenson and running back Aaron Jones Sr.
As for McCarthy, if his future’s not in Minnesota, he could wind up as a backup somewhere, still young enough to learn and capitalize on an opportunity should it arise.
Hall of Fame reflections
As I mentioned last week, I have the privilege of being the traffic cop for SiriusXM NFL Radio (Channel 88) coverage of the Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrinement ceremony show. It’s always a thrill visiting with the new class, and catching up with the greats of yesteryear.
Whether it was Larry Fitzgerald not learning anything from Randy Moss (a one of one vibe); Adam Vinatieri’s heartfelt and Dean Martin Celebrity Roast speech (Google comments on Bill Belichick’s girlfriend or Pat McAfee’s ball handling); Luke Kuechly’s no-frills speech, or Drew Brees’ waxing poetic on the Saints, former coach Sean Payton, New Orleans post-Katrina, all were tremendous.
But for me, it was the courageous admission of a former 49ers great and a follow-up thought from the team’s current general manager.
Nearly eight minutes into his nine-minute pre-recorded speech, running back Roger Craig announced his diagnosis of vascular dementia. Craig, who was eloquent in his presentation, said the changes were believed to be like normal aging, but that his family noticed them as well.
Craig added, “Two things can be true. Football gave me opportunities beyond anything I can imagine. It helped shape the man I became. At the same time, we know more today about brain health than when I played. I hope sharing my story encourages people to pay attention to their health and seek help when something doesn’t feel right.”
We as fans, media, etc. tend to forget the consequences that are in play for guys who play such a dangerous game. Full marks to Craig for his courage and honesty about his plight.
Craig was part of three Super Bowl Championship teams in San Francisco, part of five overall for the storied franchise.
As GM John Lynch, a 2021 Gold Jacket himself, told me on SiriusXM NFL Radio, those yesteryear Niners teams set an extremely high bar, as he sees the 5 trophies every day at the team facility, adding “the fan base doesn’t expect to just to get to Super Bowls, but to win championships.
Lynch, who told me he likes his club entering the season, admitted the pain of losing two recent Super Bowls to the Kansas City Chiefs, “getting Mahomes-ed” in both is a driving factor in trying to end a title drought for the franchise, which has extended to three decades.
Made for TV
NBC should have quite a season opener Oct. 20, as the defending NBA Champion New York Knicks (let that marinade for a while after a 53-year title drought) host LeBron James and the revamped Philadelphia 76ers in the middle game of a tripleheader.
Should be a ratings bonanza, right?
It’s the middle game of the three, as the Boston Celtics visit the Detroit Pistons at 3 p.m., with the Oklahoma City Thunder meeting the San Antonio Spurs in the Western Conference Finals rematch.