Matt Cassel will start for the Vikings on Sunday against the Steelers in London.
There’s no question Cassel’s path to Minnesota was a crazy one, and the Pioneer Press has the details.
“I’m excited about the opportunity,” Cassel said Friday. “I’ve been through it a lot, but at the same time you still get those butterflies. I just found out about it this morning before practice. At the same time, I’ve been preparing for this. I feel like I’m ready to go.”
Take a look at a timeline of Cassel’s career.
April 24, 2005 — Drafted out of Southern California in the 7th round by the New England Patriots.
October 2, 2005 — Came off the bench in a loss to the Chargers to make his NFL debut. He went 2-4 with 15 yards and an interception.
January 1, 2006 — Threw his first career touchdown pass in a 28-26 loss to the Dolphins.
September 21, 2008 — Made his first career start one week after Tom Brady tore his ACL. Cassel went on to lead the Patriots to an 11-5 record. Despite the great record, the Patriots missed the playoffs.
March 1, 2009 — The Patriots traded Cassel to the Kansas City Chiefs for the 34th overall pick in the 2009 draft. Cassel later signed a six-year, $62.7 million contract.
September 20, 2009 — A week one loss to the Raiders started a 4-12 journey as Cassel and the Chiefs struggled mightily in his first season in Kansas City.
January 2, 2011 — Capped off a 10-6 regular season and a AFC West division title for the first time in seven years. He was later named to the Pro Bowl.
January 9, 2011 — Cassel made his first career playoff start — a 30-7 loss to the Baltimore Ravens. He threw for 70 yards and three interceptions in the game.
October 7, 2012 — Chiefs fans cheered after Cassel suffered a concussion against the Ravens.
March 14, 2013 — The Chiefs released Cassel, who on the same day signed with the Vikings.
September 29, 2013 — Cassel will make his first career start for Minnesota.
