Andrew Van Ginkel Earns Praise from J.J. Watt for Stellar Season

Minnesota Vikings linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel has emerged as one of the NFL‘s most versatile defensive players this season, earning recognition from former Defensive Player of the Year J.J. Watt. Van Ginkel, who recorded 11.5 sacks, two pick-sixes, and 79 tackles, has been a key contributor to the Vikings’ defensive success under coordinator Brian Flores.

During an appearance on the Pat McAfee Show, Watt highlighted Van Ginkel’s impact, calling him “extremely overlooked” in the Defensive Player of the Year conversation. “He’s doing everything in the run, in the pass, dropping back, rushing the passer, picking [the ball off],” Watt said. “I think he’s overlooked, partially playing up there in Minnesota.”

Van Ginkel’s versatility is unmatched. Across 920 defensive snaps, he rushed the passer 414 times, defended the run 302 times, and dropped into coverage 204 times. He is the only player in the league to achieve such a balanced workload. His 18 tackles for loss tied him for fourth in the NFL, and his 49 quarterback pressures further underscored his disruptive presence.

Despite his impressive stats, Van Ginkel faces stiff competition for Defensive Player of the Year. Players like Cincinnati‘s Trey Hendrickson, Cleveland‘s Myles Garrett, and Watt’s brother T.J. Watt are also in the mix. Van Ginkel’s Pro Football Focus grade of 70.8, while solid, reflects some inconsistencies in run defense and missed tackles.

Van Ginkel’s near-interception in a recent game against the Detroit Lions could have bolstered his case, but the ball slipped through his hands. Nonetheless, his contributions have not gone unnoticed. He earned his first Pro Bowl nod and is a strong candidate for second-team All-Pro honors.

As the Vikings prepare for the postseason, Van Ginkel remains focused on making game-changing plays. His ability to impact games in multiple ways has made him a cornerstone of Minnesota’s defense and a player worthy of recognition among the league’s elite.