The Minnesota Vikings are set to kick off rookie minicamp on Friday, May 9th with the entire rookie class ready to make an impact. It will be a spirited weekend of practices at TCO Performance Center with multiple non-roster invitees trying to earn a spot on the 90-man roster.
After rookie minicamps are completed, the NFLPA gets rookies together for the NFL Rookie Premiere, and the Vikings will have a representative.
The Vikings have one player set to attend the rookie premiere and their third round pick Tai Felton is getting the nod, not first-round pick Donovan Jackson.
One of the reasons why Felton is going is due to the nature of the event. Its partnered with Panini America with a focus on skill position players. Here is the basic synopsis of the event from the NFLPA website that will host 42 rookies May 14-17.
This year’s Rookie Premiere will include autograph signings and trading card photoshoots with Panini America, official Fanatics jersey unveilings, as well as live-action and studio content sessions. For media, the event offers dynamic photo and interview opportunities, capturing rookies as they step into their next chapter on and off the field. Rookies will also participate in orientation sessions led by union leadership, gaining insights into group licensing, personal branding, and passive income opportunities, building on their NIL experiences from college.
Partners engage with players through two primary channels: content creation and product experiences, each designed to build authentic brand connections. Content partners such as Panini America, EA Sports, Fanatics, Fanatics Collectibles, NFL Social Lab, New Era, and Microsoft rotate through scheduled sessions with players to capture custom content for upcoming campaigns. These one-on-one interactions offer a chance to build early relationships, highlight player personalities, and generate fresh, player-driven marketing assets. Product and activation partners – including Nike, Sony, Oakley, WHOOP, Lululemon, Pro Standard, Highland Mint, Funko, FedEx, On The Mark, Gatorade, Gillette, Shiftwave, EXOS, Pepsi, Procter & Gamble, and Jersey Mike’s – deliver curated experiences and products that connect with players.
Look for some cool pictures of Felton coming out of next week's event.
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