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Cam Akers Chats Recovery, Rivalries & Family Connections

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Things can get a little confusing in the Vikings locker room from time to time.

When the Vikings re-acquired Cam Akers via trade in October after he spent most of last season here, the running back once again became the second "Cam" on the team, joining safety Camryn Bynum.

It wasn't too bad, Akers said, especially being split between offense and defense.

But then two weeks later, Minnesota traded with Jacksonville and brought in left tackle Cam Robinson.

"I'd like to think of myself as the best Cam, I'll say that," Akers quipped. "Nah, I'm just playing. But it's cool having three of us on the same team. Sometimes it can get confusing, but it's cool having those guys here with me — they're both great guys, great players, so I'm happy to be playing with them."

We sat down with "the best Cam" (kidding) for this Water Break presented by Crown Royal to chat about re-joining the Vikings, closeness with his family and what it's been like to recover from a torn Achilles — twice.

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Q: When you came back for your second stint with the Vikings, were there any restaurants you knew you wanted to hit up after being here last year?

A: Yeah, but I couldn't go because it's fried food, so I have to wait until after the season. But Hooks (Fish & Chips), JJ Fish & Chicken, man, I don't even want to think about it. My mouth is watering right now. Those are two of the main places I know I've gotta go to again.

Q: You were with Kevin O'Connell in L.A. in 2021; what do you like about his coaching style?

A: His approach is a little different because of his position, being the head coach here and the offensive coordinator when we were in L.A. But he's the same person. The same morals, the same "want to," as far as wanting to win, wanting to go all the way. K.O.'s a great guy. I'm grateful for him as a player, as a person, and I know a lot of other people on this team feel the same way.

Q: You've recovered from a torn Achilles in each foot now, and that's a hard thing to do. What was your mindset to navigate that recovery process twice?

A: Just making sure I come back better than I left. I don't want injuries [or outside factors] to be able to write my narrative. That was my main motivation — that I beat every stereotype that works against running backs who get injured, Achilles injuries. That was my main goal. … I wanted to prove everyone else wrong.

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Q: You've shared before that your mom beat breast cancer when you were young; how has that experience also shaped your outlook?

A: Watching my mom persevere, show strength and still be there for her kids, not miss games while going through chemo, it really put life in perspective. You never really have a complaint, you know? She didn't. It was really life or death for her, real adversity. Football is just a game. Yeah, it's a job, but it's a game at the end of the day — no real adversity. It put life into perspective, like, 'Play the game, but remember there are things more important than football.'

Q: What role has your family played in your football journey?

A: A big role. Real big role. They say it takes a village to raise a child, and I had a village. I had my father, I had a stepfather, I had my mother, then even my grandparents, my aunties, you know what I mean? My family played a big role in supporting me, making sure I know who I am at all times. And if I'm messing up, they'll tell me that, too. I'm grateful to have both sides of it — praising me and criticizing me when needed.

Q: Is there a parent that gives you the most tough love?

A: Probably my mom and my dad. My stepfather's cool, but my mom and dad will probably let me have it. (Laughs) Whatever they want to say, it is what it is.

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Q: Your first touchdown as a Viking was against the Packers last October; what do you remember about that play?

A: I remember I was stressed because there hadn't been any rushing touchdowns up until that point. I had just gotten here, but it was the first rushing touchdown, and I was eager to get it. I ran through somebody to get there, and I'd do it again if I had to.

Q: This Vikings-Packers rivalry runs deep, as you know. What's the biggest rivalry you've been a part of?

A: I'd say Florida State / Florida and Florida State / Miami, going back to my college days. In the league, I'd say the biggest rivalries I've been a part of were the 49ers and the Rams and now here with the Vikings and the Packers.

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Q: What are you expecting U.S. Bank Stadium to be like for Sunday's game?

A: Electric. It's a divisional game. …. The last regular-season home game, against the Packers? It'll be rockin', for sure.

Q: Having been part of that 2021 Rams team that won the Super Bowl, do you talk to any of the young players as the Vikings approach the postseason?

A: If they ask me, I'll definitely share advice. I kinda know what it feels like to be on that type of team, and this is that type of team. I just want to keep going week by week, game by game and stacking them on top of each other. If we do that, we'll get everything we want. We'll be just fine.

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