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“I Loved Playing for Flo”: Brian Flores’ Former Player Defends Vikings Coach Amid Racial Allegations

A previously sealed report from the Las Vegas Raiders’ head coaching evaluation has come to light, raising questions about Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores. After seeing the report, longtime Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward spoke up, offering a very…

By Ishani Jayara · Essentially Sports

Published: Wednesday, 14 October 2026 at 2:55 AM

Key Things to Know

Cameron Heyward defended former coach Brian Flores following the release of an unsealed evaluation report.
Heyward praised Flores on social media, describing him as a hardworking leader with a brilliant football mind.
The unsealed Korn Ferry report for the Las Vegas Raiders outlined critical weaknesses in Flores' profile.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward publicly defended Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores following the unsealing of a critical coaching evaluation. Heyward, who played under Flores in Pittsburgh during the 2022 season, praised Flores on social media as a brilliant, dedicated mind who held players accountable, pushing back against negative depictions of his leadership.

The unsealed evaluation, prepared by recruiting firm Korn Ferry for the Las Vegas Raiders' 2024 coaching search, listed multiple weaknesses and suggested Flores' polish could be misleading. Flores' attorneys argue that the report relies on harmful racial stereotypes and retaliates against him for his ongoing 2022 racial discrimination lawsuit against the NFL.

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