EAGAN, Minn. – New Vikings cornerback Jeff Gladney isn't scared off by stories of Minnesota winters.
In fact, the cold weather will be a break from the more-than-100-degree heat indexes he's used to.
Gladney, whom the Vikings drafted 31st overall out of TCU, spoke with Twin Cities media members Friday via video conference and said he's not concerned about moving to the North after his time with the Horned Frogs in Fort Worth, Texas.
"Fun fact, I like cold weather," Gladney said. "That's kind of a plus for me."
TCU Head Coach Gary Patterson also spoke with reporters Friday and emphasized Gladney's mental fortitude and commitment to the game, no matter the environment.
"He's a guy that's battle-tested, having to play 80, 90 plays [per game]," Patterson said. "One time in practice, he was one of the guys – where everybody was down – where he took the 1 reps, the 2 reps and the 3 reps just so we could get through practice. And that's in 112-115-degree heat.
"You've got a guy who understands how to do that, how to fight through all of that and how to play," he later added.
View photos of TCU CB Jeff Gladney who was selected by the Vikings in the first round of the NFL Draft.
FILE - In this March 1, 2020, file photo, TCU defensive back Jeff Gladney watches the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 1, 2020. Gladney is a possible pick in the NFL Draft which runs Thursday, April 23, 2020, thru Saturday, April 25. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall, File)
Texas wide receiver Collin Johnson (9) makes a diving catch for a touchdown between TCU defenders Jeff Gladney (12) and TCU safety Markell Simmons (3) during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 22, 2018, in Austin, Texas. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
Texas Christian defensive back Jeff Gladney participates in a drill during the NFL football scouting combine, Sunday, March 1, 2020, in Indianapolis. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
FILE - In this March 1, 2020, file photo, TCU defensive back Jeff Gladney runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis. Gladney is a possible pick in the NFL Draft which runs Thursday, April 23, 2020, thru Saturday, April 25. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall, File)
Texas Christian defensive back Jeff Gladney participates in a drill during the NFL football scouting combine, Sunday, March 1, 2020, in Indianapolis. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Texas Christian defensive back Jeff Gladney participates in a drill during the NFL football scouting combine, Sunday, March 1, 2020, in Indianapolis. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Texas Christian defensive back Jeff Gladney participates in a drill during the NFL football scouting combine, Sunday, March 1, 2020, in Indianapolis. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Texas Christian defensive back Jeff Gladney participates in a drill during the NFL football scouting combine, Sunday, March 1, 2020, in Indianapolis. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Texas Christian defensive back Jeff Gladney participates in a drill during the NFL football scouting combine, Sunday, March 1, 2020, in Indianapolis. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Texas Christian defensive back Jeff Gladney participates in a drill during the NFL football scouting combine, Sunday, March 1, 2020, in Indianapolis. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Texas Christian defensive back Jeff Gladney participates in a drill during the NFL football scouting combine, Sunday, March 1, 2020, in Indianapolis. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Texas Christian defensive back Jeff Gladney participates in a drill during the NFL football scouting combine, Sunday, March 1, 2020, in Indianapolis. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Texas Christian defensive back Jeff Gladney participates in a drill during the NFL football scouting combine, Sunday, March 1, 2020, in Indianapolis. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Texas Christian defensive back Jeff Gladney participates in a drill during the NFL football scouting combine, Sunday, March 1, 2020, in Indianapolis. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Texas Christian defensive back Jeff Gladney participates in a drill during the NFL football scouting combine, Sunday, March 1, 2020, in Indianapolis. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Texas Christian defensive back Jeff Gladney participates in a drill during the NFL football scouting combine, Sunday, March 1, 2020, in Indianapolis. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Texas Christian defensive back Jeff Gladney participates in a drill during the NFL football scouting combine, Sunday, March 1, 2020, in Indianapolis. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Texas Christian defensive back Jeff Gladney runs the 40-yard dash during the NFL football scouting combine, Sunday, March 1, 2020, in Indianapolis. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Texas Christian defensive back Jeff Gladney runs the 40-yard dash during the NFL football scouting combine, Sunday, March 1, 2020, in Indianapolis. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
TCU defensive back Jeff Gladney runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 1, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Texas Christian defensive back Jeff Gladney runs the 40-yard dash during the NFL football scouting combine, Sunday, March 1, 2020, in Indianapolis. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
TCU defensive back Jeff Gladney runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 1, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Texas Christian defensive back Jeff Gladney runs the 40-yard dash during the NFL football scouting combine, Sunday, March 1, 2020, in Indianapolis. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
TCU defensive back Jeff Gladney runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 1, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
TCU defensive back Jeff Gladney runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 1, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
TCU defensive back Jeff Gladney runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 1, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
TCU defensive back Jeff Gladney does a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 1, 2020. (AJ Mast via AP Images)
TCU defensive back Jeff Gladney runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 1, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
TCU defensive back Jeff Gladney runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 1, 2020. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
TCU defensive back Jeff Gladney runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 1, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
TCU defensive back Jeff Gladney runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 1, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
TCU defensive back Jeff Gladney runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 1, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
TCU defensive back Jeff Gladney watches the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 1, 2020. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
TCU defensive back Jeff Gladney runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 1, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
TCU defensive back Jeff Gladney runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 1, 2020. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
TCU defensive back Jeff Gladney runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 1, 2020. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
TCU defensive back Jeff Gladney does a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 1, 2020. (AJ Mast via AP Images)
TCU defensive back Jeff Gladney does a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 1, 2020. (AJ Mast via AP Images)
TCU defensive back Jeff Gladney does a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 1, 2020. (AJ Mast via AP Images)
TCU defensive back Jeff Gladney does a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 1, 2020. (AJ Mast via AP Images)
TCU defensive back Jeff Gladney does a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 1, 2020. (AJ Mast via AP Images)
TCU defensive back Jeff Gladney runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 1, 2020. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
TCU defensive back Jeff Gladney runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 1, 2020. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
TCU defensive back Jeff Gladney does a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 1, 2020. (AJ Mast via AP Images)
TCU defensive back Jeff Gladney is tested at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 1, 2020. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
TCU defensive back Jeff Gladney runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 1, 2020. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
TCU defensive back Jeff Gladney runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 1, 2020. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
TCU defensive back Jeff Gladney runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 1, 2020. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
TCU defensive back Jeff Gladney runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 1, 2020. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
TCU defensive back Jeff Gladney watches the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 1, 2020. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
TCU defensive back Jeff Gladney watches the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 1, 2020. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
TCU defensive back Jeff Gladney runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 1, 2020. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
TCU defensive back Jeff Gladney watches the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 1, 2020. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
TCU defensive back Jeff Gladney does he bench press at the NFL football scouting combine Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020, in Indianapolis. (AJ Mast/AP Images for NFL)
TCU defensive back Jeff Gladney runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 1, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Oklahoma State wide receiver Dillon Stoner (17) catches a pass for a touchdown in front of TCU cornerback Jeff Gladney (12) in the first half of an NCAA college football game in Stillwater, Okla., Saturday, Nov. 2, 2019. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)
TCU defensive back Jeff Gladney is tested at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 1, 2020. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
TCU defensive back Jeff Gladney runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 1, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Connecticut's Megan Walker (3) goes up for a shot as Houston's Dymond Gladney (5) runs past her during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
TCU cornerback Jeff Gladney poses for a headshot during the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine, Thursday, Feb. 27, 2020 in Indianapolis. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
Texas wide receiver Collin Johnson (9) and TCU cornerback Jeff Gladney (12) are pictured in the second half of an NCAA college football game in Fort Worth, Texas, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2019. (AP Photo/Louis DeLuca)
Oklahoma State wide receiver Dillon Stoner (17) catches a pass for a touchdown in front of TCU cornerback Jeff Gladney (12) in the first half of an NCAA college football game in Stillwater, Okla., Saturday, Nov. 2, 2019. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)
Connecticut's Crystal Dangerfield, right, drives toward the basket as Houston's Dymond Gladney defends during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020, in Houston. Connecticut won 92-40. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Texas wide receiver Collin Johnson (9) and TCU cornerback Jeff Gladney (12) are pictured in the second half of an NCAA college football game in Fort Worth, Texas, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2019. (AP Photo/Louis DeLuca)
(left to right) South Alabama quarterback Cephus Johnson jumps over Jacksonville State defensive back Markel Gladney after being protected by South Alabama wide receiver Kawaan Baker during an NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019 in Mobile, Ala. (AP Photo/Dan Anderson)
Iowa State quarterback Brock Purdy (15) scores on a 10-yard touchdown run ahead of TCU cornerback Jeff Gladney, left, in the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2019, in Ames, Iowa. Iowa State won 49-24. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Appalachian State running back Darrynton Evans (3) carries against Middle Tennessee safety Kendricks Gladney (38) in the first half of the New Orleans Bowl NCAA college football game in New Orleans, Saturday, Dec. 15, 2018. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
TCU cornerback Jeff Gladney (12) in action as TCU played Purdue in an NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 14, 2019 in West Lafayette, Ind. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)
Appalachian State wide receiver Corey Xavier Sutton (2) pulls in a touchdown reception against Middle Tennessee cornerback Darryl Randolph (29) and safety Kendricks Gladney (38) in the second half of the New Orleans Bowl NCAA college football game in New Orleans, Saturday, Dec. 15, 2018. Appalachian State won 45-13. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
TCU cornerback Jeff Gladney (12) breaks up a pass intended for Texas wide receiver Collin Johnson (9) in the second half of an NCAA college football game in Fort Worth, Texas, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2019. (AP Photo/Louis DeLuca)
Jacksonville State defensive back Markel Gladney plays against South Alabama during an NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019 in Mobile, Ala. (AP Photo/Dan Anderson)
Iowa State wide receiver Joseph Scates, left, fights with TCU cornerback Jeff Gladney (12) during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2019, in Ames, Iowa. Both players were called for unsportsmanlike conduct on the play. Iowa State won 49-24. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
SMU kicker Russell Roberts (97) boots the go-ahead field goal as SMU's Cody Banks (99) holds and TCU cornerback Jeff Gladney (12) looks on during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 21, 2019, in Fort Worth, Texas. (AP Photo/Ron Jenkins)
Appalachian State wide receiver Corey Xavier Sutton (2) pulls in a touchdown reception against Middle Tennessee cornerback Darryl Randolph (29) and safety Kendricks Gladney (38) in the second half of the New Orleans Bowl NCAA college football game in New Orleans, Saturday, Dec. 15, 2018. Appalachian State won 45-13. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
Kansas wide receiver Stephon Robinson (5) catches a pass while covered by TCU cornerback Jeff Gladney (12) during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Lawrence, Kan., Saturday, Oct. 27, 2018. (AP Photo/Orlin Wagner)
Appalachian State running back Darrynton Evans (3) carries against Middle Tennessee safety Kendricks Gladney (38) in the first half of the New Orleans Bowl NCAA college football game in New Orleans, Saturday, Dec. 15, 2018. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
West Virginia running back Kennedy McKoy (6) runs for a touchdown while being chased by TCU cornerback Jeff Gladney (12) and safety Markell Simmons (3) during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018, in Morgantown, W.Va. (AP Photo/Raymond Thompson)
Kansas running back Pooka Williams Jr. (1) lands in the end zone for a touchdown while covered by TCU cornerback Jeff Gladney (12) during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Lawrence, Kan., Saturday, Oct. 27, 2018. (AP Photo/Orlin Wagner)
Appalachian State running back Darrynton Evans (3) carries against Middle Tennessee safety Kendricks Gladney (38) in the first half of the New Orleans Bowl NCAA college football game in New Orleans, Saturday, Dec. 15, 2018. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
TCU cornerback Jeff Gladney (12) defends a pass intended for Ohio State wide receiver Austin Mack during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Arlington, Texas, Saturday, Sept. 15, 2018. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
Texas wide receiver Collin Johnson (9) makes a diving catch for a touchdown in front of TCU defender Jeff Gladney (12) during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 22, 2018, in Austin, Texas. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
TCU cornerback Jeff Gladney (12) before the first half of an NCAA college football game against Oklahoma, Saturday, Oct. 20, 2018, in Fort Worth, Texas. Oklahoma won 52-27. (AP Photo/Brandon Wade)
Texas wide receiver Collin Johnson (9) makes a diving catch for a touchdown between TCU defenders Jeff Gladney (12) and TCU safety Markell Simmons (3) during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 22, 2018, in Austin, Texas. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
Texas wide receiver Joshua Moore (14) ois hit by TCU cornerback Jeff Gladney (12) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 22, 2018, in Austin, Texas. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
FILE - In this Dec. 28, 2017, file photo, Stanford running back Bryce Love (20) is pursued by TCU cornerback Jeff Gladney (12) as he runs for a touchdown during the second half of the Alamo Bowl NCAA college football game, in San Antonio. Love bucked popular opinion by sticking with the Cardinal rather than declaring early for the NFL draft.(AP Photo/Eric Gay, File)
TCU cornerback Jeff Gladney (12) during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Texas, Saturday, Sept. 22, 2018, in Austin, Texas. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
One aspect Gladney knows won't cool down, though, is in the area of tough coaching.
Vikings Head Coach Mike Zimmer can bring the heat, especially with his defensive backs. Patterson said he and Zimmer share similarities in philosophy and believes Gladney has proven he can take coaching and critique.
"Actually, Coach Zim' will be a mild cat compared to here. Let me just say that. Him and I are about the same," Patterson said. "Here's how many passing yards we wanted [the opponent] to get: zero. Anything over zero is not good.
"I know that's not realistic. [But] that's just kind of the way we go about it, and I think that's kind of the way that [Zimmer] goes about it," Patterson continued. "And Jeff's going to be able to handle that. He's from East Texas. He's country-tough. He can handle those types of things."
Gladney recognizes the passion and love for the game behind tough coaches' demeanor and delivery.
He called Patterson a "fiery" coach who wasn't one to sugarcoat things.
"He was definitely going to tell you what was on his mind. But at the end of the day, it was great. I like guys like that who tell you not what you want to hear, but what you need to hear," Gladney said. "I'm sure Coach Zim' will be the same way. I'm just ready to meet him and ready to learn from him."
Gladney said he's taken coaching well at each stop, whether in youth leagues, high school or at TCU.
"Some coaches were hard [on you] and some coaches weren't as hard, but they both had a message to get across, and you just needed to hear both of them because they're coaches for a reason," Gladney said.
His toughness also has shown up in the face of injuries.
He played through a meniscus injury in 2019 and even competed at the NFL Scouting Combine, clocking in at 4.48 seconds in the 40-yard dash.
Asked why he chose to still run, Gladney responded nonchalantly.
"No one really told me not to. Everybody who knew me knew I was going to participate in the combine and still do everything with my knee," he said. "I was just trying to get myself [seen] by all the teams, just let them know how much it meant to me – even though [I had] a torn meniscus, I'm tough like that. So I feel like it paid off."
Gladney will join a young Vikings cornerbacks group, where 2018 first-round pick Mike Hughes and Holton Hill, an undrafted free agent from that class, are the longest-tenured guys in the bunch. He has some familiarity with fellow Texas native Kris Boyd, a 2019 selection, and is looking forward to meeting all of his new teammates when the COVID-19 restrictions are lessened.
Patterson believes Gladney will fit in well with the Minnesota locker room and culture.
He emphasized that Gladney understands the "we" mindset and is not self-focused. For Vikings fans familiar with reserve offensive lineman Aviante Collins, Patterson compared Gladney's character to that of Collins, a fellow TCU product who has been greatly involved in the Minnesota community despite battling injuries. Collins joined Minnesota as an undrafted free agent in 2017.
"He's a guy that isn't going to cause problems because it's not going to be about him," Patterson said. "Aviante Collins … exemplifies what our guys are like. Tough, going to play wherever you need them, going to carry the water, be the water boy, do whatever it is no matter when they get drafted. If they aren't, I'm calling them on the phone because they represent all of us. Jeff, he really understands what we think coming out of here."
