Jordan Addison's Offseason Tribulations: DUI Arrest and a "Dark Place

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison has endured a tumultuous offseason, marked by a DUI arrest and personal struggles. Despite the challenges, Addison remains committed to performing at a high level and putting his past behind him.

Wide receiver Jordan Addison quickly became a fan favorite in Minnesota after joining the Vikings, but his offseason has been anything but smooth sailing. Just weeks before the start of training camp, Addison was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence (DUI) near Los Angeles International Airport.

According to the arrest report obtained by the Los Angeles Daily News, responding officers found Addison asleep behind the wheel of a white Rolls-Royce that was blocking a lane on Interstate 105. It wasn't Addison's first incident behind the wheel. Prior to last year's training camp, he was accused of driving 140 mph in a 55 mph zone in a Lamborghini.

Jordan Addison's Offseason Tribulations: DUI Arrest and a "Dark Place

Addison apologized for the Lamborghini incident, but the DUI arrest took a toll on him emotionally. "I didn't think it was going to be how it was, but it was really important," Addison said at training camp. "I was in a dark place. I was feeling down, and they really uplifted me, uplifted me to come out here and just perform at a high level still."

Despite the recent setbacks, Addison is determined to move forward and put his past behind him. "I'm going to put it behind me and I'm still going to perform at a high level, come out here, give the fans, what they pay for," he said. "Whatever's out there for me, whatever comes with it, I'll own up to everything. I feel like anything that comes my way is meant to happen or is deserved."

Jordan Addison's Offseason Tribulations: DUI Arrest and a "Dark Place

Addison had a breakout rookie season with the Vikings last year, catching 70 passes for 911 yards and 10 touchdowns. With T.J. Hockenson on the PUP list to start the season, targets are expected to be available for the 22-year-old.

The Vikings selected quarterback J.J. McCarthy with the 10th overall pick in this year's draft, setting up a potential quarterback battle with Sam Darnold in training camp. Addison's availability and performance could play a crucial role in the Vikings' success this season.

Addison's offseason struggles serve as a reminder of the challenges athletes face both on and off the field. While the Vikings will need Addison to perform at a high level, they will also provide him with the support he needs to overcome his personal adversity.