You could argue that receiver Garett Maag should thank the Philadelphia Eagles, Miami Dolphins and Tennessee Titans for passing on him. If any of those teams offered him a contract, Maag wouldn’t be living out his childhood dream of playing for the Vikings.
“It’s been a roller coaster,” Maag said Tuesday at TCO Performance Center in Eagan after wrapping up organized team activities. “It worked out in the end.”
No kidding. As a kid growing up in the East Metro, like so many Minnesotans across the state, Maag idolized longtime Vikings star Adam Thielen. He wanted to be just like him when he got older, and while Maag missed out on playing with Thielen, he’s trying to follow in his footsteps.
After turning some heads at St. Croix Lutheran in high school, Maag really started to make a name for himself at North Dakota in college. He emerged as a matchup nightmare thanks to his 6-foot-4, 210-pound frame, finishing his college career with 162 receptions for 2,152 yards and 18 touchdowns.
That was enough for him to get invites from the Eagles, Dolphins and Titans this spring as he tried to latch on in the NFL. Though he walked away from those opportunities with nothing to show for them, Maag trusted the process, keeping the faith that something good would happen for him.
It did. He got a call from his agent last Wednesday notifying him that the Vikings wanted him to stop by TCO Performance Center for a workout. He arrived at the practice facility last Thursday and performed so well that he was offered a contract that evening.
“It was surreal,” Maag said. “It still is.”
What’s the first order of business this week?
“I’ve got to catch up with the playbook,” he said. “Just keep studying every day and keep chopping.”
As much as he’s tried to soak in the moment this week, Maag is also keeping his sights set on his ultimate goal of making the team. He made a good impression on Tuesday while running routes and catching passes alongside fellow receivers K.J. Osborn, Jalen Nailor and Jalen Reagor, among others.
It’s likely that Maag will be with the Vikings when training camp rolls around next month. That will serve as his chance to showcase his skills in front of everyone, including young star receiver Justin Jefferson, who hasn’t been present for organized team activities.
“My biggest strength is I give it my all every day,” Maag said. “Just try not to let up.”
That mentality will be crucial if he wants to continue to his pro football journey.