Minnesota

After months stuck in Brazil, Minnesota family arrives home with newborn

Published

2 years ago

June 25, 2024

After months stuck in Brazil, Minnesota family arrives home with newborn

Lori Tocholke waited nervously near baggage claim carousel 11 Tuesday afternoon at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, her heart “beating a thousand miles per hour.”

On March 12, Tocholke’s newest grandchild, Greyson Leo Phillips, was born, 2 pounds 2.6 ounces and 12 weeks ahead of schedule.

The premature birth was traumatic enough for Tocholke’s daughter, Cheri Phillips. Worse was the fact that Greyson was born while Phillips and her husband, Chris, were vacationing in Brazil.

Because of a technicality, Brazilian authorities refused to issue his birth certificate. Without a birth certificate, Greyson couldn’t get a U.S. passport. And without a U.S. passport, Greyson couldn’t go home to Minnesota.

The family’s travails caused a storm in Brazilian media, held up as an example of how the country’s bureaucracy can tie up daily life for no good reason.

At the airport Tuesday, a half-dozen news cameras encircled the entry to baggage claim.

All Tocholke wanted?

To hold her newest grandchild for the first time, 105 heart-wrenching days after he was born. Tocholke told the other waiting family members she had first dibs.

The plane landed at 1:48 p.m., seven minutes early. Tocholke bided her time as Chris, Cheri and Greyson gathered their things from the plane and made their way from gate G19 to baggage claim.

Suddenly, a stroller burst through the doors, then Cheri, then Chris: a happy, exhausted family, finally home. Applause erupted. Tocholke hugged her daughter, then she got down to the business at hand: That sweet baby boy.

Greyson’s silver-blue eyes peered up at his grandma as she scooped him out of the stroller and cooed. He cried a few times. “Oh, I know!” his grandma soothed. She snuggled him and jiggled him, and he quieted. She held him like a football, then passed him to another family member, who passed him to another, then another.

“Everybody’s here, everybody’s safe, my heart is full,” Tocholke said.

A few feet away, tears and sweat streamed down Chris Phillips’ face and chest, exhausted after three days of travel and months of uncertainty. The family had gone to Brazil to visit Chris’ 8-year-old daughter, who lives with her mom in the Brazilian coastal city of Florianópolis.

“It was an ordeal, and not something we ever expected,” he said. “We went down for 17 days, just to visit my daughter on her birthday. Along this entire process, it seems like every time we made one step forward, it was three steps back.”

During their sojourn in Brazil, the family did interviews with a slew of Brazilian media outlets, focusing on the gaps in Brazilian bureaucracy. Their story resonated. Three days after Minnesota media first published the family’s story, two representatives from the Brazilian cartorio, like a public notary, came to their AirBnb with Greyson’s birth certificate.

“We love Brazil; this wasn’t us hating Brazil,” Chris said. “I go there three times a year. My daughter is half Brazilian. Now my son’s been born in Brazil. I feel part Brazilian. It’s a wonderful place. But what do I hope changes? I hope Brazilian bureaucracy is behind us, but for hundreds of millions of Brazilians, it’s not.”

Before they left the airport for the hour drive to Cambridge — to the new home they closed on remotely from Brazil — Cheri pulled out a bottle and fed Greyson.

“He’s been alive for three and a half months and never been home,” Cheri said.

“We’re home, bud,” Chris said, patting his head. “We’re home.”

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Minnesota

Initial Thoughts on the Vikings’ Free Agency Moves

Published

11 hours ago

March 10, 2026

Press Room

Initial Thoughts on the Vikings’ Free Agency Moves

The Minnesota Vikings were not big players in the first day of the ‘legal tampering period’ which has become essentially the first day of free agency as a torrent of deals are announced.

The Vikings did make some big splashes in free agency last year, and the dead cap hits to clear those moves is a big reason why they haven’t made any big splashes so far this year. That should serve as a useful reminder that often times the big splashes in free agency don’t work out and prove to be bloated contracts the team dumps in a couple years.

‘Moneyball’ Free Agency for the Vikings

The Vikings did sign a one free agent today that wasn’t previously on the team, namely cornerback James Pierre formerly with the Steelers.

The above graphic is difficult to read but the upshot is that Pierre had the lowest passer rating when targeted allowed along with the lowest completion rate when targeted allowed of all defensive backs in the league last season. That translated into the highest PFF coverage grade among cornerbacks with more than 13 coverage snaps last season as well. Pierre is an older player- 29 – but the Vikings signed him on a 2-year deal with an average annual value (AAV) of just $4.25 million. Overall, a good but overlooked player who could fill the CB3 role for the Vikings or potentially be a quality depth piece if the Vikings draft a cornerback that wins a starting job. I like this move by the Vikings a lot better than the move to sign Jeff Okudah last year.

There was no news on the Kyler Murray front as the Cardinals have not officially released him yet, which precludes any announcements from his future team, but should he end up signing with the Vikings as is widely expected, he too would be another “Moneyball” type signing as a quality starter on just a veteran minimum salary.

The Vikings didn’t seriously involved in any bidding wars either, including for their own free agents. Jalen Nailor signed with the Raiders on a 3-year, $35 million deal. There was no way the Vikings were going to pay Nailor anything near that to be WR3. Nailor will move up the depth chart with the Raiders and their likely new quarterback Fernando Mendoza. The Vikings also let punter Ryan Wright sign with the Saints on a 4-year, $14 million deal.

The Vikings were also rumored to be looking into the free agency running back market, but don’t appear to have been serious contenders for any of the higher profile names- Kenneth Walker, Kenneth Gainwell, Travis Etienne, or Tyler Allgeier. My own view on this is unless the Vikings went for a big splash and ponied up to sign Walker, the other running backs on the market really aren’t going to move the needle on the Vikings’ running game. That’s not to say they aren’t good or decent running backs, they just aren’t going to make much difference and come at higher prices. The Vikings would be better off using a mid-round pick on a running back who could rotate with Jordan Mason and possibly Zavier Scott. There are a few running backs in this year’s draft who could fill that role nicely and could surprise on the upside.

The Vikings also wisely avoided the overheated center market, highlighted by Tyler Linderbaum signing a 3-year, $81 million deal with the Raiders that is basically fully guaranteed, as the last year of the deal becomes fully guaranteed at the beginning of next season. For comparison, quarterback Kirk Cousins signed the first fully guaranteed free agent quarterback contract back in 2018- 3-years, $84 million. Now centers are getting the same deals.

The Vikings did make deals with some of their own, however. They signed linebacker/core special teamer Eric Wilson on a 3-year, $22.5 million deal with $12.5 million guaranteed. The details of the deal are not yet available, but it looks like more of a two-year deal at $6.25 AAV with a third-year club option. Wilson had one of his better seasons last year, leading the league in quarterback pressures among off-ball linebackers while still being good in run defense. He was mediocre in coverage but also a leader on special teams and highest PFF-graded among core special teamers. He may be the special teams captain this season with the retirement of C.J. Ham.

The Vikings also agreed on some Exclusive Rights Free Agent (ERFA) deals with Bo Richter, Jalen Redmond, and Zavier Scott- essentially league minimum deals- and made a tender offer on Ivan Pace Jr. on a Restricted Free Agent (RFA) deal that will likely keep Pace with the Vikings this year for $3.5 million.

What’s Next in Free Agency

Apart from the Vikings potentially/likely signing quarterback Kyler Murray at some point after he’s officially released by the Cardinals, there’s not a lot of rumors out there linking the Vikings to any particular free agent. They could potentially be looking to add to just about every position room at this point. The Vikings still have plenty available to spend in free agency, but I don’t expect any big money splashes on one particular player.

There is also rumored to be interest among at least a couple teams in trading for Jonathan Greenard. The Eagles, Patriots, and 49ers, among others, could be willing to make a strong trade offer for Greenard. The asking price is thought to be at least a Day Two draft pick this year- most likely a second-round pick- but even a late first-round pick is a reasonable comparable after the trade of Maxx Crosby to the Ravens for two first-round picks. We’ll see what happens, but it seems more likely than not the Vikings will get at least one trade offer for Greenard. Whether any will be sufficient for them to move him is another question.

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Minnesota

Tracking every Minnesota Vikings move in 2026 free agency

Published

23 hours ago

March 9, 2026

Press Room

Tracking every Minnesota Vikings move in 2026 free agency

The Minnesota Vikings have several positions that need attention after last season when the team went 9-8 and was third in the NFC North.

The team has informed running back Aaron Jones and defensive tackle Javon Hargrave that they will be released barring a trade, according to NFL insider Adam Schefter, and ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler said they are expected to release defensive tackle Jonathan Allen due to salary cap constraints. The reported transactions are in addition to over a dozen free agents who played for Minnesota last season.

Quarterback is a position that many Vikings fans have been talking about this offseason. Some question whether J.J. McCarthy will again lead the team’s offense. He missed 24 of 34 possible career games — the majority of which have been due to injury.

“We’re still looking at a quarterback who’s started 10 games. Ten out of, what, a possible 34 in two years? Not the ideal path for a young quarterback to develop on the field,” Coach Kevin O’Connell said at a news conference in January. “But I thought he did. I thought he did some really good things.”

The organization will be making moves without a general manager for at least the next six weeks after it fired Kwesi Adofo-Mensah in January. Owners Mark and Zygi Wilf said in a statement that the Vikings will conduct “a thorough search” for their next general manager after the draft. Executive Vice President of Football Operations Rob Brzezinski will lead the team until then, according to the Vikings.

WCCO is tracking every move Minnesota makes in free agency, including cuts, signings, retirements and potentially trades.

Ryan Kelly, center

Four-time Pro Bowl selection Ryan Kelly is retiring after 10 seasons in the league, the Vikings said. The center signed with Minnesota last year after playing nine seasons with the Indianapolis Colts. He dealt with three concussions last season and only started eight games for the Vikings.

James Pierre, cornerback

NFL Network reporter Cameron Wolfe said Monday that the Vikings agreed to terms with cornerback James Pierre, a move that will add depth to the team’s secondary. The former Pittsburgh Steelers player will get a two-year, $8.5 million deal with $3.7 million guaranteed, Wolfe, who cited Pierre’s agent Toney Scott, said.

Eric Wilson, linebacker

Eric Wilson is staying in Minnesota after the team announced Monday that they’ve reached a three-year, eight-figure deal with the 31-year-old linebacker. The NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo says the contract is worth $22.5 million — with $12.5 million “fully guaranteed.”

Wilson is in his second stint with Minnesota. He was first signed as an undrafted rookie in 2017 and spent four seasons with the Vikings.

Full list of Vikings free agents

RB Ty Chandler
LS Andrew DePaola
CB Fabian Moreau
WR Jalen Nailor (agreed to terms on three-year, $35 million deal with Las Vegas Raiders, per Schefter)
T Matt Nelson
CB Jeff Okudah
OLB Bo Richter
QB Brett Rypien
RB Zavier Scott
T Justin Skule
TE Ben Sims
S Harrison Smith
DB Tavierre Thomas
QB Carson Wentz
P Ryan Wright (signing a four-year, $14 million deal with New Orleans Saints, per Schefter)

Minnesota also tendered the contracts of linebacker Ivan Pace Jr. and defensive lineman Jalen Redmond.

In:

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Minnesota

Vikings Get Concerning Update on Kyler Murray Ahead of NFL Free Agency

Published

1 day ago

March 9, 2026

Press Room

Vikings Get Concerning Update on Kyler Murray Ahead of NFL Free Agency

Getty

Quarterback Kyler Murray of the Arizona Cardinals.

The Minnesota Vikings have been, and remain, the clear favorite to sign Kyler Murray in free agency once the Arizona Cardinals officially release him on Wednesday, March 11, but that outcome is not a foregone conclusion.

Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reported on Sunday, less than 24 hours before the legal period of player negotiations begin, that Murray and Minnesota have “mutual interest.” The rest of Pelissero’s report, however, is cause for at least mild concern that the Vikings could miss out on the two-time Pro Bowler ahead of his age-29 campaign.

“I fully anticipate this is going to be a robust market for Kyler Murray,” Pelissero said. “I would anticipate there will be mutual interest between Kyler Murray and the Vikings. Fair to say even at this point that the Vikings probably should be considered the favorite.”

The latest from @TomPelissero says there is “mutual interest” between both Kyler Murray and the Vikings.

Pelissero has the Vikings has the “favorite” but says the Cardinals cannot release Murray until after 3 PM CST on Wednesday.

May be later this week before anything official.

“But, if you’re Kyler and his agent, it makes a lot of sense to take advantage of this,” Pelissero continued. “He’s never been a free agent before. He has not interfaced with a lot of team executives since he came out in the draft back in 2019. And for Kyler, who is going to be a free agent again in 2027 after taking a one-year minimum deal this year, makes sense … to take his time and explore his options — hear everybody out before deciding where to take a next, important step in his career.”

Vikings Players Prefer Kyler Murray Over JJ McCarthy, per Report

GettyMinnesota Vikings quarterback JJ McCarthy.

Minnesota isn’t just the favorite to sign Murray in free agency, Murray is the favorite of several members of the Vikings’ locker room who prefer him as the starter in 2026 over JJ McCarthy entering his third NFL season.

Dianna Russinni of The Athletic reported as much over the weekend during an appearance on the Ryen Russillo Show.

“[Murray is] not the type of quarterback for Kevin O’Connell,” Russinni said. “But I don’t think that’s going to be a problem. I think that’s an organization where I can tell you from talking to some players there, they want Kyler there.”

Vikings Will Have Other, Lesser Options at QB if Kyler Murray Lands Elsewhere

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson warms up ahead of the game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Lucas Oil Stadium.

GettyIndianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson.

Minnesota will have options if Murray doesn’t pan out, though none are likely to be as promising as the two-time Pro Bowler who is going to play somewhere next season on a veteran’s league minimum totaling just $1.3 million.

If Murray, for whatever reason, lands elsewhere, the Vikings can turn to Anthony Richardson of the Indianapolis Colts. That franchise granted Richardson permission to seek a trade during the NFL Combine late last month.

Should that not work out, a short-term deal with the likes of Kirk Cousins or Geno Smith — both veterans in their late 30s — would offer Minnesota real competition for McCarthy in training camp and a viable alternative in-season if McCarthy wins the job but then struggles or suffers an injury.

The only other team in the QB market that might be able to offer Murray a situation good enough that it actually compares to what the Vikings can give him is the Pittsburgh Steelers, though Aaron Rodgers is rumored to potentially return there for his age-42 season in 2026.

Max Dible covers the NFL, NBA and MLB for Heavy.com, with a focus on the Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings, Chicago Bears and Cleveland Browns. He covered local and statewide news as a reporter for West Hawaii Today and served as news director for BigIslandNow.com and Pacific Media Group’s family of Big Island radio stations before joining Heavy. More about Max Dible

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