EAGAN, Minn. – Kellen Mond was recently doing some grocery shopping when he overheard a conversation.
Outside The Wedge Co-op in Minneapolis, a gentleman lamented another instance of having his bicycle stolen.
The conversation struck Mond, but the Vikings backup quarterback found himself in a hurry to make it to an appointment on time. Later that evening after his appointment, though, Mond returned to the same area and connected with the man.
"I ended up coming back to the store, and I asked him if I could buy him a bike," Mond explained after Tuesday's Organized Team Activity practice.
The 22-year-old followed through on his word, purchasing a brand-new Schwinn bicycle a couple of days later. He called his new friend, "Mr. Eazy," and the two met up again so Mond could give him his new wheels.
Mond said he had "a great conversation" with Mr. Eazy, whom he discovered he shares mutual acquaintances with.
"It was kind of a weird connection," Mond said.
Asked what prompted him to return to the grocery store and offer the gift for a total stranger, Mond initially searched for an answer.
It was clear he simply saw the hardship and responded with kindness.
"I just overheard him talking about needing a bike … I just wanted to provide him [that]," said Mond, who said he's told Mr. Eazy to "hit him up" if he needs anything.
"He has a pure soul and many stories," Mond wrote in an Instagram post. "If y'all see him around town playing his trumpet, make sure y'all show him some love!"
Mond isn't only making a difference in the community; he's hoping to make an impression on the football field, as well.
A third-round draft pick by Minnesota last year, Mond is "having fun" preparing for Year 2.
He and his teammates exuded an affable energy during practice on a sunny, breezy Tuesday.
"I think I've done a really good job these first five weeks, and I'm only hoping to continue building on those things," Mond said. "I'm excited about where I'm at."
The Vikings are learning under new Head Coach Kevin O'Connell. Offensive Coordinator Wes Phillips is the seventh different person to start a season in the role since 2016.
Mond said there is some carryover from the previous system but explained there's "a slightly different philosophy on certain things I have to change mentally in coming on the field and attacking certain progressions."
Mond has appreciated the opportunity to pick O'Connell's brain and learn all he can from the former college and NFL QB.
"Every day there are certain things that are good, and I'm able to come to the side, talk to Kevin, and there's always certain things I can do slightly better," he said. "I go back and evaluate the tape, and I try to get better every day.
"I'm not really worried about competition and all these different things," added Mond, who currently is one of four quarterbacks on Minnesota's roster. "I think if I handle myself, if I play the best that I can, then things will work themselves out."
