Kickoff Countdown with Mike Max

<p>Welcome to WCCO's Kickoff Countdown, your source for all things Viking and Gopher football! Each week, Mike Max previews the college and pro football matchups that matter in the upcoming weekend. Plus, we check in on the Packers and Badgers and go behind the headlines with stories you won't get anywhere else. What's at stake on game day? This is your ticket to action and insights all season long.</p>

Kickoff Countdown #20

From hunting for hits on the football field, to a much different kind of hunting: how this city kid found his true calling. And a Vikings hall-of-famer creates his own kind of Canton, here in Minnesota. Plus, the Big Ticket is back. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

12-19
10:14

Kickoff Countdown #19: Minnesota Vikings look to capitalize after a commanding win over Washington

The Vikings face the Cowboys in prime time Sunday, how will J.J. McCarthy fair? And, a St. Cloud native in the NFL prepares to suit-up against his hometown team. Plus, the former Viking QB who passed-on his gift for the game. Why can't St. Thomas offer football scholarships as a D-I team? Good Question. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

12-12
13:29

Kickoff Countdown Week 18 - Minnesota Vikings look to simplify offense in McCarthy's return

The Vikings look to build momentum in J.J. McCarthy's return. Plus, a group of former Albert Lea athletes relive the gridiron glory days visiting college football powerhouses around the country.  And how a former Big 10 referee Mike Cannon is giving back to the next generation in Minnesota football. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

12-05
13:26

Kickoff Countdown Week 17 - Minnesota Vikings face quarterback questions with former starter Sam Darnold in Seattle Showdown

Former Gopher QB Max Brosmer may make his first start Sunday against the Seahawks, and Warren Moon breaks down what he's seeing from J.J. McCarthy ahead of the matchup between Moon's two former teams. Plus, a father-son Gopher duo gives back around the holidays and meet the Minnesotan who's seeing success in a jump to D-1 football this season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

11-28
15:28

Kickoff Countdown Week 16

How the Vikings and packers are getting ready for the NFC North Rivalry, and a new business venture keeping former Viking Kyle Rudolph busy after his NFL career. Plus, a one-man wrecking crew taking down college Q-B's. Meet the Minnesotan leading the nation in interceptions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

11-21
14:20

Kickoff Countdown Week 15 - Vikings against the Bears, Gophers take on Ducks

Why Justin Jefferson says he's ready to be a leader this week against Chicago, and They capture the attention of the audience while Honoring our nation's history. How do the Vikings choose who gets to sing the National Anthem? Plus, a Minnesota football family seeing success in high school and college this year. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

11-14
14:00

Kickoff Countdown Week 14 - Can the Minnesota Vikings keep their momentum with J.J. McCarthy?

The Vikings look to keep it rolling against the Ravens and gain ground in the NFC North. Meet the former Hill-Murray star now shining for the University of North Dakota. Plus, how St. Ben's is growing the game of women's flag football in Minnesota. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

11-07
13:49

Kickoff Countdown Week 13 - Can J.J. McCarthy's return bring some mojo back to the Vikings?

Minnesota heads to Motor City as J.J. McCarthy resumes his starting role.  How justin jefferson is looking to stay aggressive despite the quarterback carousel. Plus, how close Hall of Famer Dave Winfield came to playing for the Vikings, and Minnesota's Arena Football team provides an outlet for athletes from all walks of life. Meet the people under the pads. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

10-31
13:53

Kickoff Countdown Week 12 BONUS - Former Minnesota Gopher and NFL Wideout Eric Decker

Extended interview with former Minnesota Gopher and NFL Wideout Eric Decker Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

10-24
10:46

Kickoff Countdown Week 12

Minnesota looks to beat Los Angeles, and we chat with former Gopher and NFL Wide Receiver Eric Decker about life off the field. PLUS: Vikings Tight End and former Hawkeye T.J. Hockenson on the University of Minnesota matchup with his alma mater, and from a broken back to break-out season, the University of St. Thomas standout this season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

10-24
15:14

Kickoff Countdown Week 11 BONUS - Minnesota Native Emmett Johnson talks taking on the Gophers

Extended interview with Emmett Johnson, Minnesota native and one of the best running backs in the Big 10. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

10-17
11:50

Kickoff Countdown Week 11

The Vikings' quarterback question still lingers as they prepare for the champs, and we dance back through the decades, to meet some original Vikings cheerleaders. One of the best backs in the Big 10 comes from Minnesota, but he's taking on the Gophers this weekend. Plus, a highlight machine at Bethel University is getting high praise from a Vikings Veteran. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

10-17
14:31

Kickoff Countdown Week 10 BONUS - Minnesota Wideouts make noise at NDSU

Minnesota natives Bryce Lance and Raja Nelson are making a name for themselves as NDSU Bison. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

10-10
10:03

Kickoff Countdown Week 10 - Vikings QB Conundrum: McCarthy's Moment or Stick with Wentz

The Vikings head into the bye week with a quarterback conundrum: Stick with Wentz, or give McMarthy his moment? NFL MVP Rich Gannon on the decision. Then will your favorite Vikings player be passing the time in the bye week by playing Fantasy football? The answer may surprise you. and what's an Auggie, Cobber, and a Scot? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

10-10
15:11

Kickoff Countdown Week 9 - EXTRA Extended Interview with Coach James Laurinaitis

Full interview with OSU LB Coach James Laurinaitis on the Gopher's big game in Columbus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

10-10
13:20

Kickoff Countdown Week 9

Vikings prepare for week 2 overseas It started as a way to fund his mission trips. Now, one man is selling sporting gear to make a difference A MN Native with Buckeye ties: OSU LB Coach James Laurinaitis on the Gopher's big game in Columbus. And No two lineman are alike—except these two. How these twins bring a unique edge to Concordia St. Paul football. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

10-03
14:48

Kickoff Countdown Week 8

The Vikings are heading for a double-dip across the pond after a big win, and the trip to Dublin marks something new for a soon to be 96-year-old whose seen it all. Plus, international fans show their purple pride and explain the Irish gameday experience. And Carleton's quarterback is facing the battle of his life off the field. How he's balancing chemo with play calls and inspiring teammates along the way. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

09-26
14:23

Kickoff Countdown Week 7 EXTRA - Tommy Watson Extended Interview

A former gopher who grew up homeless and eventually earned a PhD. Tommy Wayson's story inspired a short film, and he believes sports can help aid in curing teen homelessness. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

09-19
08:10

Kickoff Countdown Week 7

This week on kickoff countdown, a back-up Q-B battle between the Vikings and Bengals begs the question: who will seize the spotlight? Plus, meet the man motivating College and pro athletes as he overcomes a rare disease. and a Minnesota native returns home to take a spot under center with help from a familiar face. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

09-19
13:11

Kickoff Countdown Week 6 Extra: 1 on 1 with Gopher Jameson Geers

He stayed his entire career and he is conquering. Jameson Geers is the Gophers pass catching tight end. He's now a senior, choosing Coach PJ Fleck and his teammates over the transfer portal with his parents standing right by his side. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

09-12
08:07

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