Kenny Dyson among several linebackers competing for spot on Minnesota Vikings roster

Last week was a whirlwind for Kenny Dyson. Going from street clothes to an NFL practice jersey, and then to a preseason game in less than seven days.

"It's been moving pretty fast," said Dyson, an outside linebacker. "Just trying to get in where I can fit in, learn the plays as fast as I can. It's been great."

Dyson played in just two games as an undrafted rookie with the Carolina Panthers in 2024. The next year, he was out of football. Earlier this year, he was making plays in the UFL for the Houston Gamblers. But until a week ago, his football future was cloudy.

"Staying in shape. Staying ready. Just in case that phone call comes for an opportunity, and it came," Dyson said.

WCCO asked him what the feeling was when the phone call came.

"Just blessed. Just grateful to have a second chance. A lotta guys don't get that, and I'm just trying to make the most of it."

Dyson seized the moment in the third quarter against the Baltimore Ravens in the Vikings' second preseason game on Saturday. A speed rush equaled a sack of the quarterback.

"Just trusting my ability. That same guy, I felt like I got him good in practice, in a couple reps in the joint practice," said Dyson. "I felt like I could trust that, trust my ability, trust the same move I did, bring it to the game, and it worked."

The Vikings' backup spots at outside linebacker are up for grabs, but uber competitive. Tyler Batty, Bo Richter, Cam'Ron Stewart and Chaz Chambliss currently sit ahead of Dyson on the depth chart. For Dyson, every rep could impact his future.

"Just act like every play is your last play ever," said Dyson. "You never know when that last time you're gonna put on the jersey is. I had that feeling last year when I wasn't able to."