AJ Rose shows out in NFL preseason debut for Minnesota Vikings

AJ Rose is feasting at the next level.

It was only one preseason game, but the former Kentucky Wildcat running back turned Minnesota Viking was trotting all over the Denver Broncos to the tune of 100 yards on 25 carries on Saturday. Rose, who was picked up by the Vikings after going unselected in the 2021 NFL Draft, also recorded 18 receiving yards.

“God thank you,” Rose wrote on Twitter after the game. “played in my first NFL game today more blessings!!! #Roseway”

God thank you 💜 played in my first NFL game today more blessings!!! #Roseway

— AJ Rose Jr (@ajrose_10) August 15, 2021

The Broncos would win the game handily, 33-6, but Rose made an early name for himself with his impressive play and it should hopefully earn him more snaps in the future. He was able to see so many plays because of an injury to the running back ahead of him in the rotation, recent fourth-round pick Kene Nwangwu.

“Due to the injury to Kene, I didn’t see the 25 carries coming,’’ Rose said, according to the Pioneer Press. “I just knew I was going to play sometime, but the opportunity presented itself, and that helped me make the most of it. I believe that I made plays out there when my number was called.”

Rose is the first Vikings running back to register at least 100 yards on the ground in the preseason since 2014. He spent four seasons at Kentucky, finishing with the second-most rushing yards on the team as a senior in 2020 with 666 yards. Minnesota gave him a $15,000 signing bonus with $20,000 of his $660,000 rookie minimum contract being guaranteed.

AJ Rose rushed for 100 yards in his NFL preseason debut. 👀 @ajrose_10 #UNDRAFTEDpic.twitter.com/G5GbEPa2Qc

— Cats Coverage 😼 (@CatsCoverage_) August 15, 2021