The Minnesota Vikings had a down year in 2025, and there’s no denying it. However, that didn’t stop a couple key contributors from being recognized for their play this season.
The easy guesses for the award would be players like Justin Jefferson and Christian Darrisaw. This isn’t the case. The two nominations aren’t from either of the two “main” phases of the game.
Vikings’ Special Teams Receive Two All-Pro Designations
GettyLONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 05: Will Reichard of Minnesota Vikings kicks an extra point to tie the game 7-7 in the first quarter during the NFL 2025 game between Minnesota Vikings and Cleveland Browns at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on October 05, 2025 in London, England.”” (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
This isn’t kicker Will Reichard’s first award of the week. Earlier this week, the sophomore kicker was given NFC Special Teams Player of the Month honors.
Now, Reichard along with long-snapper Andrew Deopala have been recognized on the 2025-2026 NFL AP All-Pro team. Reichard received the first-team nod, with Depaola getting a second-team nod.
Consider this report from Vikings Wire‘s Andrew Harbaugh:
“Reichard had one of the best seasons a kicker has had in recent years after a preseason and training camp that painted his progress on less than stable ground. He connected on 33 of 35 field goals in 2025, with his only two misses being from beyond 50 yards, where he was 11 for 13. From below 50 yards, Reichard was 22 for 22 and showcased himself to be one of the best kickers in the league.”
There is a touch of irony regarding an award for a Vikings kicker on Januray 10th, however. Per a post on X from Jason Harmon, the day marks ten years since the infamous Blair Walsh miss against the Seahawks in the 2015 Wild Card round.
Andrew Depaola Recevies 4th Consecutive All-Pro Nod
GettySEATTLE, WASHINGTON – DECEMBER 22: Andrew DePaola #42 of the Minnesota Vikings looks on against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field on December 22, 2024 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
Harbaugh continued, this time about Andrew DePaola:
“Meanwhile, his long snapper, Andrew DePaola, also joined him on the All-Pro team as they became the first pair of specialists teammates to make the same All-Pro team in the same season in league history. In more history, this marks the first time a long-snapper has been selected to an All-Pro team in four consecutive seasons after being on either the first or second team since 2022.”
DePaola has continued to be the epitome of consistency for the Vikings in 2025. Having Will Reichard as the kicker he’s snapping to only helps his case.
The All-Pro nominations were a different story than the Pro Bowl voting. Minnesota had zero Pro Bowl nominations in 2025, which was most shocking when it comes to Will Reichard. All-Pro nominations carry much more weight than Pro Bowl honors, as the Pro Bowl is a glorified popularity contest.
The Vikings will be happy to have positives come out of a rocky 2025 season. They have big decisions to make this off-season, most notably being at the quarterback position.
Vikings Receive Two All-Pro Nominations