EAGAN, Minn. — Ben Ellefson’s days in the NFL — and with the Vikings — will continue.
Less than a week after the Hawley, Minnesota, native announced he was retiring as a player via his Instagram account last Thursday, Vikings Head Coach Kevin O’Connell told Twin Cities media members that Ellefson is joining the football staff in a hybrid role.
O’Connell spoke briefly before Tuesday’s voluntary Organized Team Activity practice, explaining how Ellefson will be able to explore coaching, scouting and player development opportunities this year.
“Ben and I have had some communication, and his intent to still stay involved with our team and be around our team, we’re kind of putting our heads together and kind of come to a conclusion. We’re going to have him with us but no longer as a player,” O’Connell said. “He is going to retire and join us in a little more of a hybrid, associate role, get his feet wet in the coaching world. He loves the idea of being around his teammates in the player engagement world, as well as possibly getting his toe in the scouting waters.
“When you have players like Ben and a lot of players that we have on our roster, you just want to continue to be a resource for these guys, and he came to the conclusion that he still wants to be part of our organization and I sure as heck want him to be here as well,” O’Connell continued. “You guys will see him, probably around training camp, back out around our team, which will be really exciting, and as that role kind of progresses, he’ll be with us through the year in that role, and I’m really excited about it.
Ellefson totaled five starts in 16 games played from 2020-22 with the Jaguars and Vikings but landed on Injured Reserve in each season.
He joined Jacksonville as an undrafted free agent out of North Dakota State in 2020 and made four starts in seven games played during his rookie season.
Ellefson signed with Minnesota after he was waived by Jacksonville during roster reductions in September 2021.
He played in five games for Minnesota on offense and special teams in 2021. Ellefson returned to action to play four games and make one start for the Vikings in 2022. He caught three passes for 26 yards but primarily played a blocking role. He was placed on Injured Reserve in October and tried to return to action but was unable to do so.
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