FALCON HEIGHTS, Minn.—Blaze Credit Union said it has entered into a partnership with Minnesota Vikings Head Coach Kevin O’Connell.
“We chose to partner with O’Connell, because of his character and reputation,” President and CEO Dan Stoltz said in a statement. “He is a genuine person who knows what it takes to lead both on and off the field. He treats every individual with sincerity and respect which aligns with Blaze to the core.”
O’Connell joins a team of Blaze ambassadors that currently include Brock Faber, Defenseman for the Minnesota Wild; Lindsay Whalen, Assistant Coach for the Minnesota Lynx; Tony Oliva, Baseball Hall of Famer; Gable Steveson, UFC Fighter; Greta Myers, Olympic Speed Skater and Carrie Tollefson, Olympic Runner and Commentator.
“When we look for people to represent Blaze, a passion for kindness and helping others and our community absolutely must be part of the deal. Kevin is a true professional with a big heart,” said Stoltz.
O’Connell will appear in the $4.8-billion Blaze advertising campaigns and collaborate with Blaze on community-focused giveback initiatives.
‘Excited to Partner’
“I’m excited to partner with Blaze Credit Union, an organization that is truly invested in making a difference,” said O’Connell in a statement. “Together, we have an opportunity to positively impact people’s lives—not just through football, but by supporting their financial futures and community involvement.”
O’Connell started his professional career as an NFL quarterback; he was Patriots’ head coach Bill Belichick’s earliest quarterback selection in any NFL draft. Since, O’Connell has gone on to be named the 2024 Associated Press Coach of the Year, and finish with the second-most season wins in Vikings franchise history.
Active in Charity
O’Connell and his wife, Leah, are parents of four: two sons, Kaden and Kolten, and two daughters, Quinn and Callie. O’Connell is also a proud advocate for the fight against childhood cancer. For the past three consecutive seasons, he has worn custom-painted shoes for the NFL’s My Cause My Cleats initiative to highlight nonprofits that support children battling cancer and fundraise for pediatric cancer research.
