The NFL preseason kicked off with a wave of excitement, and for Texas Longhorns alumni, it was a chance to shine on the professional stage. Among them is former Longhorn wide receiver Silas Bolden, now fighting to carve out a spot with the Minnesota Vikings. Known for his electrifying special teams play in college, Bolden is looking to translate his collegiate spark into an NFL roster spot, but the path ahead is steep.
Bolden, who went undrafted in the 2025 NFL Draft, signed with the Vikings to bring his dynamic skill set to Minnesota. During his fifth collegiate season with Texas in 2024, Bolden was a special teams standout, handling the bulk of punt return duties. Over the season, he racked up 315 return yards on 30 attempts, including a dazzling 75-yard touchdown return in the College Football Playoff quarterfinal against the Arizona State Sun Devils. That game saw him amass 80 yards on just two returns, showcasing the explosive speed and vision that made him a fan favorite in Austin.
While Bolden contributed as a wide receiver for the Longhorns, his special teams prowess defined his role. His 315 punt return yards outshone his receiving stats, underscoring where his true impact lay. Now, the Vikings are betting on that same spark to help Bolden stand out in a crowded roster.
In Minnesota’s preseason opener against the Houston Texans on Saturday, Bolden got his first taste of NFL action. Tasked with punt return duties, he managed one return for eight yards, cutting right toward the sideline but finding little room to maneuver against Houston’s stingy coverage unit. At wide receiver, Bolden was one of twelve Vikings to see snaps, but his lone catch for three yards was among the team’s lowest outputs. It was a modest debut for a player known for big-play potential, but with the preseason in full swing, opportunities remain.
Bolden’s challenge is clear: the Vikings’ wide receiver room is a gauntlet. Led by superstar Justin Jefferson and rising talent Jordan Addison, Minnesota’s top receivers combined for a staggering 2,408 receiving yards and 19 touchdowns in 2024. With such firepower, Bolden’s name doesn’t even appear on the Vikings’ wide receiver depth chart, per ESPN. Instead, he’s listed as the third-string punt returner, a role that could be his ticket to the final 53-man roster.
Former Longhorn Silas Bolden gets in on the punt return action pic.twitter.com/Q4OQ1kXLiQ
— Nash (@NashTalksTexas) August 9, 2025
For Bolden, special teams is likely his path to relevance. His college stats tell the story—more return attempts and yards than receptions and receiving yards. The Vikings, recognizing his knack for game-changing returns, are giving him a chance to prove he belongs in that role at the NFL level.
While Bolden’s preseason debut was quiet, the former Longhorn has more chances to make an impression. The Vikings face the New England Patriots this Saturday, offering another stage for Bolden to showcase his elusiveness and speed. A big return or a standout play could turn heads and bolster his case for a roster spot.
Bolden’s journey from an undrafted free agent to a potential NFL contributor is a testament to his grit and talent. The 75-yard touchdown that lit up the college playoffs is a reminder of what he’s capable of, but in Minnesota’s loaded receiver room, he’ll need every ounce of that magic to secure his NFL dreams. As the preseason unfolds, all eyes will be on whether this special teams dynamo can make the leap to the pros.