Everyone was looking for an explanation about how Andrew Van Ginkel hoodwinked Aaron Rodgers in the Minnesota Vikings’ win over the New York Jets in London last year. How could Rodgers, one of the league’s savviest veterans, fail to see Van Ginkel as he reared back to pass in the first quarter of a 3-0 game?
Van Ginkel snuck into the backfield, and Rodgers hit him right in the hands for a pick-six and a 10-0 Vikings lead.
ANDREW VAN GINKEL PICK-6!
📺: #NYJvsMIN on NFL Network
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/2FUojk8zLu
— NFL (@NFL) October 6, 2024
“I’m just glad I caught it,” Van Ginkel said matter-of-factly after the game, “and the rest is history.”
The reporters in London tried to elicit an emotional response from Van Ginkel. He had just picked off Rodgers, whom Kevin O’Connell had called “a supercomputer” in the week leading up to the game! He read the guard’s movements and Rodgers’ eyes correctly, then cut off Rodgers’ hot read!
Pick sixes are fun!
“I mean, I’m at a loss for words,” Van Ginkel offered. “I couldn’t believe it happened.”
Andrew Van Ginkel’s teammates couldn’t quite find the right words, either. They were excited about the play and Van Ginkel’s impact on Minnesota’s defense. Still, they were also concise when describing their taciturn teammate.
“He’s the Gink,” Harrison Smith said, laughing incredulously. “He’s the Gink.”
The Gink may not say much, but the Vikings are missing his game-changing plays this year. Van Ginkel is a crucial component in Brian Flores’ defense, and he’s only played 69 snaps this season. In Week 1, he suffered a concussion when he fell headfirst on the unyielding Soldier Field turf as he leaped to deflect Caleb Williams’ pass.
#Vikings edge rusher Andrew Van Ginkel said he got a concussion on this play in week 1, which aggravated the neck injury. Van Ginkel has played 69 snaps this season, and has 2 sacks. Would be a big boost for Minnesota’s defense. pic.twitter.com/0TJYgNG9ms
— VikingzFanPage (@vikingzfanpage) October 29, 2025
“That also kind of re-aggravated the neck,” Van Ginkel clarified on Wednesday. “It’s been a long process.”
Van Ginkel said his goal is to suit up Sunday in Detroit, but that “there are steps to return to play.” He said he trusts Minnesota’s medical staff and will do what he must to be confident he can play without worsening the injury. Still, he’s eager to get on the gridiron again.
“It’s brutal,” he said regarding being on injured reserve. “There’s nothing worse. This is why we play the game — to get out there, to earn the respect of your teammates, your coaches, and all the fans that watch.
“So it’s been eating at me, and I can’t wait to get back on the field.”
Flores emphasized that football is a team game and that Dallas Turner and Eric Wilson have stepped up in Van Ginkel’s absence. Still, he acknowledges that Van Ginkel plays a vital role in Minnesota’s defense.
“Gink’s an integral part to what we want to do defensively,” said Flores, “how we play, his acumen, his athleticism, his versatility.”
We still don’t know for sure if Van Ginkel will play in Detroit. He was also mum on whether the injury would limit him on the field or how he feels during the recovery process.
“I’m not going to get into what I’m feeling and what I’m going through,” he said. “It’s all about confidence, getting back to play.”
Van Ginkel also wouldn’t speculate about whether he would need offseason surgery.
“I’m not going to get into all that,” he said. “I’ll let the medical staff and the doctors and all that take care of itself.”
Andrew Van Ginkel is ever the enigma. Still, it’s fitting. He thrives on keeping a low profile, going unseen until the quarterback throws the ball or holds onto it too long. The Gink may keep a low profile, but it’s always evident when he’s missing.