As the Vikings put the finishing touches on a 42-21 win over the Atlanta Falcons last Sunday, rookie cornerback Dwight McGlothern unceremoniously made his NFL debut. Even if came toward the end of a blowout, McGlothern will never forget the feeling of running onto the field for the first time.
“It was everything I had dreamed of since I was a little kid,” he said. “I’ve always wanted to have that moment playing in the NFL. I’d imagined it so many times. Just being able to do it was a blessing.”
After suiting up for the first time in his NFL career last weekend, McGlothern stood on the sidelines for most of the game. He ended up playing a half dozen defensive snaps in total and his name didn’t show up in the box score.
Not that he had any complaints.
“It motivated me,” McGlothern said. “I’ve got to keep going.”
This has been a long time coming for McGlothern. He signed with the Vikings as an undrafted free agent in the spring, then slowly started making a name for himself in the summer. He continued to turn heads throughout training camp, and ultimately did enough to earn himself a spot on the active roster.
“I belong here,” McGlothern said. “I know that deep down.”
Ask anybody about McGlothern and they will affectionately refer to him by his nickname, Nudie. The moniker was bestowed upon him when he was a toddler because he made a habit of taking off his diaper
“I’d just be running around the house with a football in my hands,” McGlothern said with a laugh. “I remember my uncle gave it to me, and then when he passed away, I made sure it stuck with me.”
Now, it’s becoming part of McGlothern’s story at the next level. It’s even how he found out he was going into the game for the first time.
“It surprised me when I heard my mane on the sidelines, like, ‘Nudie. Go!’ ” McGlothern said. “I was so happy and so nervous at the same time.”
Though he isn’t likely to be an impact player in the near future with so many veterans ahead of him on the depth chart, McGlothern should be able to carve out a niche for himself down the road.
His taste of the action last weekend made him hungry to earn more playing time.
“I’m proud that I got here,” McGlothern said. “Now, it’s all about staying here.”
Briefly
On the injury report, the Vikings listed veteran cornerback Stephon Gilmore (hamstring) as a non participant. It was an estimation from the Vikings because they held a walkthrough instead of a practice.
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