Staff
Sam Ekstrom
Sam Ekstrom is an executive producer and host at Locked On Sports Minnesota. He's previously covered the Vikings for 105 The Ticket, Zone Coverage, Purple Insider, and the Associated Press. He grew up in Vermillion, S.D. rooting for the USD Coyotes (not SDSU) and graduated from Dordt (not "dork") University in Sioux Center, Iowa.
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Vikings
Defensive Line Rotation a Unique Aspect of Patriots’ Defense
By Sam Ekstrom - Nov 29, 2018
“Indiscriminate.” That was the word head coach Mike Zimmer used when describing Sean Payton’s offensive approach before a meeting with the New Orleans Saints. It might be […]
Vikings
Zimmer: Vikings “Could Have Done a Better Job” Using Cordarrelle Patterson
By Sam Ekstrom - Nov 28, 2018
When it comes to finding diamonds in the rough — especially on offense — no NFL franchise has a greater reputation than the New England Patriots. Former […]
ROAD REACTION: Gophers Lose First of the Year in Big Ten/ACC Challenge
By Sam Ekstrom - Nov 26, 2018
After stealing a victory with a second half comeback against Washington last Wednesday following a lethargic first half, the Minnesota Golden Gophers’ offensive woes caught up to […]
Vikings
Offensive Line Remembers Tony Sparano Before Bounceback Performance
By Sam Ekstrom - Nov 26, 2018
In addition to his signature sunglasses, his gruff-on-the-outside-caring-on-the-inside personality and his habit of clapping his clipboard following a big offensive play, the late Tony Sparano was known […]
Vikings
FOOTBALL MACHINE POSTGAME: On Cousins’ Excellence, Defensive Adjustments & Kicking Mishaps
By Sam Ekstrom - Nov 26, 2018
Minnesota Vikings beat writer Sam Ekstrom discusses Kirk Cousins’ great performance, the defense’s adjustments, the kicking blunders and the locker room reaction after Sunday night’s 24-17 win […]
Vikings
Third Downs a Difference Maker in Vikings’ 24-17 Win
By Sam Ekstrom - Nov 26, 2018
While some aspects of the Minnesota Vikings top-ranked 2017 defensive unit have regressed, the historically-good third-down success has not. In fact, the defense may even threaten its […]
Vikings
LOCKER ROOM VIDEO: Vikings React to Win vs Packers
By Sam Ekstrom - Nov 26, 2018
Hear from the Vikings locker room after they completed a 24-17 win against the Green Bay Packers. KIRK COUSINS MIKE ZIMMER ADAM THIELEN SHELDON RICHARDSON HARRISON SMITH […]
Vikings
RAPID REACTION: Vikings Overcome Missed Kicks to Beat Packers 24-17
By Sam Ekstrom - Nov 25, 2018
Missed field goals cost the Minnesota Vikings a win in Green Bay earlier this season. A determined second-half effort didn’t let it happen again as Minnesota allowed […]
Vikings
PREDICTION: Vikings vs Packers
By Sam Ekstrom - Nov 25, 2018
The Vikings host the Packers Sunday night with a chance to bury their archrival in the playoff race and, in turn, bolster their own hopes. As usual, […]
Vikings
Taking a Closer Look at Kirk Cousins in Primetime
By Sam Ekstrom - Nov 22, 2018
The numbers aren’t flattering for Kirk Cousins when he plays under the lights. His loss at Chicago left him with a 4-12 record in 16 career night […]
VIDEO: Gabe Kalscheur Beats Washington With an Off-Balance 3-Pointer
By Sam Ekstrom - Nov 22, 2018
The Minnesota Golden Gophers delivered an iconic early-season moment Wednesday night as freshman Gabe Kalscheur uncorked a game-winning 3 with 2.1 seconds left to beat Washington, win […]
THE MINNESOTA LINE: 54-51, Thanksgiving Foods & Week 12 Picks
By Sam Ekstrom - Nov 21, 2018
Mike Gelfand, Colton Molesky and Sam Ekstrom discuss the wild Monday night game, the Thanksgiving slate of football and all their other plays for the weekend. Music […]