Minnesota made: How Blake Cashman rose from from Gophers walk-on to key for Vikings defense

Minnesota made: How Blake Cashman rose from from Gophers walk-on to key for Vikings defense By KSTP Minnesota Made: Blake Cashman Blake Cashman’s path from Minnesota high school standout to Vikings linebacker has turned into a hometown success story. Cashman grew up in Minnesota, played college football for the Gophers and later made his way to the Vikings. Only about a dozen players who grew up in Minnesota followed that path. Cashman wasn’t highly recruited and walked on at the University of Minnesota before eventually earning a scholarship. After his sophomore year, he said he believed he would get a chance in the NFL. “It really hit me for the first time where I knew in my heart, as long as I continued on the road that I am, that I would have an opportunity in the NFL,” Cashman said. “I don’t know what that opportunity was going to look like, whether it be a rookie minicamp invite You know, undrafted rookie being signed, or a drafted player, but I knew I was going to get an opportunity.” What changed? Cashman became a fifth-round NFL draft pick, spent three seasons with the New York Jets and two more in Houston before returning home to play for the Vikings. “Just anxious to get there and start getting this next chapter in my life started,” Cashman recalled of signing with Minnesota. Cashman’s game reached a new level after he joined the Vikings. This past summer, he also became a father. MORE: Minnesota Vikings Coverage “When I became a Minnesota Viking, I felt like we had a lot of guys on the team that were new to fatherhood,” Cashman said. “And I remember thinking at times, like when the season you’re in the dog days of the season, your body hurts, you’re mentally fatigued, like how do you go home and like take care of another person? Like some days, if you know you’re struggling just to take care of yourself. And I get it now because when you walk through that door and like you see your son smiling at you, It just makes everything, all the troubles in your mind go away and you instantly just feel so much joy and love.” Cashman also reflected on what he would tell his younger self after a path that required patience. He said staying grounded, humble and patient helped him become a better player and person. “Don’t get discouraged. Just with my journey, you know, it was hard at times,” Cashman said. “I felt like I maybe deserved opportunity before I got it, but it’s beautiful how that works out because I feel like Kind of just remaining grounded, humble, and patient also made me a better player and person. But I just wish I didn’t, you know, beat myself up so much for those moments where I had to be more patient than I wanted to.” Cashman now plays a major role in the Vikings defense — which has been one of the best defenses in the NFL in recent years. The 30-year-old is set to become a free agent this offseason, and you can bet he’ll be in high demand.