Mekhi Blackmon, the Minnesota Vikings’ promising cornerback, was poised for a breakout second season in the NFL after an impressive rookie campaign. However, his momentum came to a screeching halt when he suffered a devastating torn ACL on the very first day of training camp in July 2024. The injury sidelined the former USC Trojans star for the entire season, forcing him to watch his teammates from the sidelines. Now, nearly a year later, Blackmon’s return to the field during the Vikings’ Organized Team Activities (OTAs) has sparked hope and revealed inspiring details about his grueling recovery journey.
A Rookie Star Dimmed by Injury
Selected 102nd overall in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft, Blackmon quickly made his mark as a rookie. Appearing in 15 games with three starts, he recorded 41 tackles, three tackles for loss, eight passes defensed, one interception, and a fumble recovery. His versatility and playmaking ability hinted at a bright future in Minnesota’s secondary. Before joining the Vikings, Blackmon showcased his talent at USC in 2022, earning First Team All-Pac-12 and Third Team AP All-American honors with 66 tackles, 17 passes defended, three interceptions, and a forced fumble in his lone season with the Trojans after transferring from Colorado.
The ACL tear was a crushing blow, but Blackmon’s resilience and mental fortitude shone through. “I was a fan for the whole season just watching them guys play,” Blackmon shared. “How the season went, it really helped me get through it a lot, but being out here with the guys is a blessing.” His time on the sidelines allowed him to study the game from a new perspective, deepening his understanding of the Vikings’ defensive schemes and fueling his determination to return stronger.
A Cautious but Triumphant Return
The Vikings have taken a cautious approach with Blackmon’s recovery, limiting him to individual drills during OTAs that began last week. This measured strategy reflects the team’s high hopes for the third-year cornerback, who is now in contention for a full-time starting role in 2025. Minnesota’s secondary struggled last season, ranking 29th in passing yards allowed per game, making Blackmon’s return a critical boost for the unit.
The Vikings’ cornerback room has seen significant changes this offseason. Veteran Stephon Gilmore, signed in August 2024 to fill the void left by Blackmon’s injury, was not re-signed. Instead, Minnesota added former Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Isaiah Rodgers and Jeff Okudah, the No. 3 overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, who is now on his fourth team. Second-year cornerback Dwight McGlothern, an undrafted free agent who made the 53-man roster and appeared in five games last season, adds depth. Versatile defensive back Byron Murphy, fresh off his first Pro Bowl selection and a three-year, $54 million extension, remains a cornerstone, while Tavierre Thomas, formerly of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, brings additional experience.
Despite outside skepticism about the Vikings’ secondary, Blackmon remains confident. “I see a lot of stuff on Twitter. Y’all know. A lot of people are concerned about our room. I would say we have a real good room,” he said, signaling his belief in the group’s potential to silence doubters.
The Road Ahead
Blackmon’s recovery is a testament to his perseverance, but the journey is far from over. The Vikings will resume OTAs on Thursday, May 5, followed by a mandatory minicamp from June 10-12 and an additional week of OTAs from June 16-18. While the official start of training camp remains unannounced, it is expected to begin in late July, giving Blackmon more time to regain his form.
The hidden details of Blackmon’s recovery—his mental resilience, his study of the game while sidelined, and his gratitude for simply being back on the field—paint a picture of a player ready to reclaim his place among the NFL’s rising stars. As he continues to progress, Vikings fans and coaches alike are eager to see him restore his electrifying presence to a secondary in desperate need of playmakers. Mekhi Blackmon’s comeback story is just beginning, and it’s already leaving fans speechless.