Two Vikings named to ESPN's 2026 All-Backup team
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 27, 2026, 12:55 AM
Last updated Jul 27, 2026
ESPN's Bill Barnwell has included two Minnesota Vikings on his All-Backup team for the 2026 NFL season. Linebacker Ivan Pace Jr. and punter Bret Thorson were selected as the Vikings representatives. Pace, who has been a starter, lost his position last season but remains a capable backup option. Thorson, undrafted out of Georgia, will compete for the punting role with Johnny Hekker, and as an international player, he does not count against the team's roster limit. Both players will be looking to solidify their places on the roster ahead of the upcoming season.
- •Ivan Pace Jr. was a starter but lost his job last season.
- •Bret Thorson is competing for the punting position.
- •Pace's performance has varied over his career.
- •Thorson does not count against the roster limit.
- 12:55 AMYahoo Sports — Which Vikings players made ESPN's All-Backup team for 2026?
"Two Vikings made ESPN's all-backup team ahead of the 2026 season.
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