Well-deserved, all of them
The Associated Press has just announced their 2024 All-Pro Teams, and between the first and second teams three members of the Minnesota Vikings got the nod.
The first one, as you’ve probably already deduced from the picture that accompanied this article, is outside linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel, who was named to the second team. Van Ginkel, who was signed to a two-year deal by the Vikings this offseason, had the best season of his career in 2024, notching 11.5 quarterback sacks, 18 tackles for loss, 19 quarterback hits, and a pair of interceptions that he returned for touchdowns.
Long snapper Andrew DePaola has also gotten the All-Pro nod. This is the third year in a row for him, as he was namd a first-team All-Pro in 2022 and a second-team All-Pro in 2023 before being named to the first team again this season. Earlier this year, DePaola became the first long snapper in NFL history to be named to the Pro Bowl/Pro Bowl Games three consecutive times, and is the only player at the position in Vikings’ history to be selected for the Pro Bowl.
Last, and the least surprising of all, wide receiver Justin Jefferson was named a first-team All-Pro for the second time. He was a second-team All-Pro in 2020 and 2021 and a first-team selection in 2022, the year he was named the NFL’s Offensive Player of the Year. Jefferson had a year that, by his lofty standards, might be considered below average. He caught 103 passes for 1,533 yards and ten touchdowns. In the four full seasons he’s played (not counting his injury-marred 2023 campaign), those 103 catches and 1,533 yards are the third-highest totals he’s posted in those categories, though the 10 touchdown catches do equal his career-high.
Congratulations to Justin Jefferson, Andrew Van Ginkel, and Andrew DePaola on being named to the All-Pro teams for the 2024 season!
