The difference between the interest in football when Asamoah visited at 10 years old to now is “crazy,” he said.
“I went back down there this year, and I said ‘football’ and they all eyes were open,” Asamoah said during Vikings minicamp last month. “Eager to play. Eager to listen. It’s actually truly amazing to see how the growth of the game is in Africa itself.”
Brian Asamoah II, right, joined Vikings teammate Justin Jefferson and NFL executive vice president of football operations Troy Vincent in May to discuss NFL players' participation in the 2028 Summer Olympics. (Abbie Parr/The Associated Press)
Vikings teammates Aaron Jones and Jordan Addison accompanied Asamoah to Ghana.
Addison, a close friend whom Asamoah asked to join months in advance, said he gave an “immediate yes” and was “counting down the days.”
Jones received the invite in thanks for “substantial” financial contributions to Asamoah’s Be Authentic Foundation, Asamoah said. Jones was already committed to a separate, league-sponsored offseason trip but wanted to make the trip to Ghana work, too.
“We’re trying to grow the game of football internationally, and he’s helping do that,” Jones said of Asamoah. “We know the kids there, they don’t have the resources, or really have been taught the correct way to play. Just going over there, being an open book for them and just supporting my teammate as well.”