Jakobe Thomas, the Minnesota Vikings’ 2026 third‑round draft pick at safety, spent a recent Saturday mentoring a group of young athletes at the Sports International youth football camp held on the campus of the University of St. Thomas.
A Mentor’s Perspective
The session was more than a drill‑heavy workout; it was a chance for Thomas to give back to a community that once offered him the same guidance. He recounted how, as a teenager in Tennessee, he had attended similar camps with the Tennessee Titans, experiences that helped shape his football IQ and work ethic.
Thomas admitted that his first few months in Minnesota have been a pleasant surprise, especially the outpouring of support from Vikings fans. “I didn’t expect the level of enthusiasm here,” he said, noting that the energy in the Twin Cities has made his transition smoother.
Veteran safety Josh Metellus has become a trusted confidant for Thomas, offering advice on everything from locker‑room culture to life off the field. “Having someone like Josh who’s been through it makes the learning curve less steep,” Thomas explained.
With training camp set to open on July 25, Thomas is focused on earning a spot on the Vikings’ 53‑man roster. He played college football at Middle Tennessee State University, the University of Tennessee, and the University of Miami before entering the draft, and now he is determined to translate that collegiate experience into contributions on special teams and defensive snaps.