EAGAN, Minn. – Joshua Metellus isn't often surprised.

He's known for his instincts on the football field, but the Vikings safety was caught off-guard Friday afternoon by a unique announcement. Following Head Coach Kevin O'Connell's post-practice press conference, Metellus approached the podium planning to ask O'Connell a question for his "Tell Us With Metellus" social media series.

Instead, O'Connell flipped the tables and invited ESPN's Kevin Seifert to join Metellus and present him with the Korey Stringer Media Good Guy Award.

"I'm old enough to have covered Korey, and he would think it's hysterical that there was an award named after him for media, because he was very much a background guy," Seifert explained. "He did not like to do a lot of interviews, but he was one of the most prominent players on the team, one of the best players on the team, and sometimes we had to talk to him. And when we did, he was always three things: he was thoughtful, he was honest and he was respectful of the job that we had to do.

"So when he passed away, we decided to name an award after him for that and reward it to a player each year who demonstrates those attributes toward us. And Josh, you very much do, and we appreciate that," Seifert continued. "It's not just a one-off, because you are also one of the most prominent players on this team. And when you act a certain way toward the media and treat the media a certain way, it kind of rubs off on the rest of the locker room. So I think because of you and a couple other guys, this has been a great locker room to cover this year. It's been honest, it's been thoughtful, and everybody's been respectful of the job we've done.

"We appreciate that," Seifert added. "So on behalf of the Twin Cities chapter of the Pro Football Writers of America, we want to award the 2024 Korey Stringer Good Guy Award to Josh Metellus."

Demonstrably flattered and surprised, Metellus grinned widely and offered Seifert a handshake before accepting plaque.

He reciprocated the appreciation from Twin Cities media members, specifically noted the team's change in media schedule this season and reporters' flexibility in adapting to a new time.

"Thank you for being patient with us. We're trying to be patient with you, too, even though we've got a lot going on," Metellus laughed. "But I take pride in this. Any award is a good award, in my opinion, so I appreciate you."

He doesn't take for granted the honor that carries on the legacy of Stringer, a well-respected and oft-remembered Vikings Legend who tragically passed away in 2001. And though they played different sides of the ball, Metellus and Stringer demonstrated those similar qualities away from the gridiron.

"Thank you for being on the ride with us," Metellus told media members. "It's been a long a journey, and we ain't done yet. But I appreciate you all for being so respectful, as well."

Voted one of the Vikings season-long captains, Metellus has been willing to speak to media members when asked and is consistently gracious with his time, whether directly following home or road games or during weekday media windows.

"Congratulations to Josh. We're super grateful to get to work with somebody like him on a daily basis," said Pioneer Press writer and PFWA Chapter Vice President Dane Mizutani. "He's thoughtful with every response he gives and respectful of our jobs regardless of circumstance. That's exactly how Korey went about it, and it's what we try to honor each year with our selection."

Metellus is just the second Vikings safety to ever receive the award, joining Anthony Harris in 2019.

His name will be added to displays in the TCO Performance Center press conference room and players' lounge.

Below is the full list of Korey Stringer Media Good Guy recipients:

2001 TE Byron Chamberlain

2002 C Matt Birk

2003 QB Daunte Culpepper

2004 QB Daunte Culpepper

2005 WR Koren Robinson

2006 CB Antoine Winfield

2007 LB Ben Leber

2008 WR Bobby Wade

2009 TE Visanthe Shiancoe

2010 LB Ben Leber

2011 WR Percy Harvin

2012 LB Chad Greenway

2013 DT Kevin Williams

2014 DE Brian Robison

2015 CB Captain Munnerlyn

2016 CB Captain Munnerlyn

2017 WR Adam Thielen

2018 RB Latavius Murray

2019 S Anthony Harris

2020 RB Dalvin Cook

2021 WR Justin Jefferson

2022 CB Patrick Peterson

2023 QB Kirk Cousins

2024 S Joshua Metellus