The state of Minnesota hasn’t always had the best of professional sports teams. Excluding the Twins, the Timberwolves, Vikings, and Wild all have high expectations entering their seasons, though, and seem to be on the upswing. They also each have a superstar who is arguably the best player at their position.
Anthony Edwards, Justin Jefferson, and Kirill Kaprizov are also hoping to lead their teams to a championship in their upcomng seasons.
Anthony Edwards
Still just 24 years old, Edwards is on track to be one of the most productive players in NBA history through the age of 25. He has helped guide the Timberwolves to the Western Conference finals the past two seasons while finishing seventh and tied for seventh in MVP voting. He is seen by most as the best player at his position of shooting guard and led the league with 320 made three-pointers in 2024-25.
Justin Jefferson
Yes, Stefon Diggs had some excellent years with the Bills, but it goes to show how incredible Jefferson is that Minnesota is seen as the clear winner of the Diggs trade since it helped them get Jettas. Named 2022 Offensive Player of the Year, the 26-year-old Vikings' wide receiver has been a first-team All-Pro two of the last three seasons. He is the record holder for most receiving yards through 5 years with a whopping 7,432. His productivity has put him in the conversation as the NFL's best wide receiver.
Kirill Kaprizov
Kaprizov is the elder statesman of the three players here, but he is still in the prime of his career at 28 years old. He was looking like a potential Hart Trophy favorite last season if not for a lower-body injury that sidelined him for the majority of the second half of the year. The 2020-21 Calder Trophy winner scored at least 40 goals for three straight seasons prior to 2024-25. Many see Kaprizov as the NHL’s best left wing.
Who is the best of the Minnesota male sports athletes?
This is a totally subjective exercise, and in the end, all three are terrific players in their sports. Right now, in my eyes, the slight edge goes to Jefferson. We will see the beginning of the Jefferson/J.J. McCarthy era on Monday Night Football when they take on the Bears.
Edwards would come in second, just behind Jefferson. Leveling up and becoming a first team All-NBA player in 2025-26 could catapult him ahead of Jefferson.
Kaprizov is third, but a healthy season where he is a Hart Trophy finalist would have myself reconsidering his spot among the three.
If any of the three help lead the way to their respective teams’ first championship (the Vikings do have one championship before the AFL-NFL merger, but no Super Bowl wins) this upcoming season, they almost certainly would have to be atop this subjective list. It’s a good time regardless being a Minnesota sports fan and getting to cheer these three players on.