The Minnesota Vikings’ decision to draft quarterback Kellen Mond in the third round of the 2021 NFL Draft stirred the pot more than anyone in the franchise could have anticipated. It wasn’t just a pick; it was the catalyst that magnified tensions between general manager Rick Spielman and head coach Mike Zimmer.

Discussions about Mond’s potential were intense, as the former Texas A&M star faced challenges finding his place among the Vikings. Zimmer, never one to mince words, openly criticized the young quarterback and often decided against playing him.

Kellen Mond’s journey beyond the NFL has been a tough road. After stints with the Minnesota Vikings, Cleveland Browns, Indianapolis Colts, and New Orleans Saints, Mond took the field with the UFL’s San Antonio Brahmas.

As the Brahmas’ starting quarterback, Mond had hoped to kickstart his career but stumbled, only managing one win in five starts. His stats—a total of 597 passing yards, with two touchdowns and two interceptions—weren’t the fresh start he hoped for.

In Week 5, Mond was benched, as the Brahmas made a notable shift in their lineup. Kevin Hogan was announced as the starter for Week 6 against the Birmingham Stallions, a move that shook things up for San Antonio. The Brahmas’ decision was announced by James Larsen on Twitter, noting that after a competitive week in practice, Hogan, who was typically the third-string quarterback, got the nod to lead the team.

Coming off a 7-3 record last season and having played in the UFL Championship game, the Brahmas faced a rough patch this season. Turning to Kevin Hogan may not be the silver bullet, but it’s a shake-up that echoes Mike Zimmer’s past assessments of Mond’s readiness.

As of now, the Brahmas are grappling with the Stallions, being down 12-3 in the third quarter of their ongoing game. Hogan has brought some fresh energy to the passing game, exceeding the aerial efforts seen in San Antonio’s first five outings. However, all is not set in stone for Mond; this dynamic could present another chance for him to prove his mettle as San Antonio searches for answers in their quarterback conundrum.

For fans of the Minnesota Vikings, Zimmer’s early criticisms of Mond might now seem more prescient than harsh, shedding light on the intricacies of Mond’s ongoing journey as a professional quarterback.