JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Tremendous teamwork and sportsmanship were displayed throughout the day.

That doesn't mean the Minnetonka Blues, playing as the 2024 Minnesota Vikings Unified Flag Football Team thanks to a sponsorship by Twin Cities Orthopedics, didn't enjoy watching their highlights.

The replay from Minnesota's 33-18 win over a team sponsored by Jacksonville began with Matt Olive's one-handed catch. He reached behind himself while running a shallow crossing route but kept his momentum going as he secured the pass from Dustin Delfs. Olive turned smoothly and cruised for the first touchdown of the game.

"Voice of the Vikings" Paul Allen met the group in a lounge at the team hotel shortly after the NFL version of the Vikings arrived in downtown Jacksonville. He pulled up the play on Olive's phone and delivered a call to go with it.

"Vikings Unified with the ball against Jacksonville. Dustin Delfs, he fires over the middle to Matt Olive, who gets the edge at the 30, inside the 20, and HE'S LOOSE! TOUCHDOWN UNIFIED!"

Allen appreciated the opportunity to connect with the Vikings Unified Team for several minutes, cracking jokes with players and congratulating them for their success.

Olive also caught Minnesota's second touchdown of the day on a pass from Joe Konietzko and threw the team's final score on a deep pass to Adam LeDuc.

Olive was quick to credit his teammate Konietzko, who threw two touchdowns and caught another, with having a great game.

"Just being with the team, it's a joy to play with these guys. We're just here to have fun and play football," Konietzko said. "Being able to travel and be together the whole weekend and form team chemistry and have bonding time is always fun."

Most of the Blues roster has been playing together for about five years, forming strong and supportive connections. The athletes and unified partners have competed admirably in big tournaments, but this experience was unlike any other.

The group took part in a signing day ceremony during training camp, complete with appearances by Vikings Head Coach Kevin O'Connell and defensive lineman Harrison Phillips. The team also participated in practices and a scrimmage against a team of TCO and Training HAUS employees.

That scrimmage followed a press conference event in the team auditorium at TCO Performance Center in which Vikings and TCO and Training HAUS employees asked questions of athletes and coaches who stepped up to the podium.

"At TCO, we're proud to stand behind the Vikings Unified Team, supporting these incredible athletes who truly embody the spirit of teamwork and inclusion," said TCO Chief Marketing Officer Heather Lang. "Through our partnership with the Minnesota Vikings and Special Olympics Minnesota, we are dedicated to creating spaces where every athlete feels valued and celebrated.

"This journey is about more than the game; it is about fostering a community that champions every athlete, and we're honored to play a part in this meaningful mission," Lang added.

The preparations, including the issuing of team gear, built up to the team flying from Minnesota to Florida on Nov. 8 for the unforgettable weekend.

Unified athlete Johnny King mentioned before the contest that he doesn't "like to eat a lot of breakfast before games because I like to stay hungry for the competition."

Once Olive's one-handed catch got things going, the Vikings Unified team continued to make big plays during the game.

Kyle Matheson high-pointed deep passes like Justin Jefferson on fourth-and-20-plus (but with both hands).

Vikings Legend Fernando Smith (who also played for the Jaguars and lives in Orlando, Florida) and Jaguars Legend Marcus Stroud attended the Unified Bowl to show their support.

Smith noted the talent of the participants and their enjoyment.

"I wish every team around the league had teams for this," Smith said. "That would be cool."

In addition to his touchdown catch, LeDuc recorded a sack and a pass breakup, representing the No. 24 jersey well in honor of one of his favorite Vikings, Camryn Bynum.

"It's been a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The boys had some good, strong arms today," assistant coach Mike Konietzko said. "I think they had a little bit of adrenaline, and that's why they were tossing the ball harder than usual, but they settled in and got some good passes, so it was a lot of fun."

The teams participated in a jersey swap after the game and attended lunch together at a family entertainment center that featured bowling, laser tag and arcade games.

The next day, both Unified Teams were recognized on the stadium's video board during the Vikings-Jaguars Week 10 game.

The experience marked the fourth time the Vikings have sent a Unified Flag Football Team to a road game since the program began in 2019. The NFL version of the Vikings improved to 4-0 on weekends featuring a "Unified Bowl" with wins at the Chargers (2019), Dolphins (2022), Panthers (2023) and Jaguars.

"The Vikings Unified Team is an amazing experience, and we are so grateful for our partnership with the Vikings and Twin Cities Orthopedics," said Special Olympics Minnesota Vice President of Development Relations Mark Anderson. "The Vikings Unified Team is provided with an opportunity that the team members will remember for their entire lives. The friendships and impact that are created through this program are life changing."