7 October 2023
There was something very specific that stood out about running back Cam Akers in his team debut, and it had nothing to do with him carrying the ball.
Allow quarterback Kirk Cousins to explain.
“He was hilarious,” Cousins said. “He was in the locker room talking to himself like, ‘Come on, Cam.’”
It continued when Akers finally got on the field for the Vikings against the Carolina Panthers.
“He’s in the huddle and he is doing the same thing,” Cousins said. “I called run and he’s like, ‘You got this, Cam.’ It was awesome. I was like, ‘This guy is really good for morale.’”
It kept going from there.
“We called a pass and I thought, ‘He probably won’t,’ ” Cousins said. “He did it again like, ‘We got this. Let’s go.’ ”
The words of affirmation have been a calling card for Akers throughout his career. He prides himself on being somebody who brings energy every single time he steps on the field.
Asked why it’s become his thing over the years, Akers replied, “I’m just being me.” That explains the actions from last week.
“I was talking myself up and I was trying to talk the team up,” Akers said. “Just real stuff. Not saying it to boost morale or nothing. I’m telling the truth.”
That authenticity is something head coach Kevin O’Connell and offensive coordinator Wes Phillips have come to appreciate about Akers going back to their time together with the Los Angeles Rams.
“He’s got a feel to him in game,” O’Connell said. “It’s never going to be too big for Cam.”
There was a perfect example of that in the middle of the game last week. With the Vikings hurrying to the line of scrimmage, Akers basically learned a play on the fly, then got the ball and sprung it for a decent gain.
“Whenever my number is called I’ll be ready,” Akers said. “I’m the new guy on the block. I’ve got to earn my keep here and earn my way in. That’s what I’m trying to do.”
That was on display last week as Akers gained 40 yards on the ground. There’s a pretty good chance he sees even more work this week as a complement to fellow running back Alexander Mattison in the backfield. What does Akers think he can bring with more touches?
“A major threat,” Akers said. “I’ll bring attention on the field. You’ve got to respect me and what I can do. I think teams know that.”
There it is. More words of affirmation from Akers.
“He’s been that way since he was a rookie,” Phillips said. “The guys love him in the huddle whether he’s talking to himself or talking to the other guys. He loves football. He’s got an energy about him and a positivity about the game.”
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