Kyle Van Noy, the veteran linebacker, has officially transitioned from the Baltimore Ravens to the Minnesota Vikings, marking a significant change in his NFL career. After completing his contract with the Ravens, Van Noy signed with the Vikings' practice squad before being elevated to the active roster. This move, while offering new opportunities, has left him with a sense of nostalgia for his time in Baltimore, particularly as he did not have the chance to properly say goodbye to his former teammates.
In a heartfelt message shared on social media platform X, Van Noy expressed his feelings, stating, "Hate I didn’t get another chance to rep b more because I loved everything about the people and the city. It was my pleasure to put on for y’all. Appreciate the fans always reppin heavy! Blessings!" This sentiment underscores the strong connections he formed during his three-year stint with the Ravens, where he made a notable impact.
Joining the Ravens in 2023, Van Noy quickly established himself as a key player, achieving impressive statistics that included 20 solo tackles and nine sacks in his first season. His performance led to a two-year contract extension, reflecting the team's confidence in his abilities. In a previous interview on "The Lounge Podcast" in 2024, Van Noy shared his gratitude for being part of the Ravens organization, stating, "I enjoy coming to work. I enjoy seeing everybody. I enjoy seeing familiar faces. I enjoy being around a bunch of good people, and this building has the best people in the league."
Van Noy's relationship with key figures in the Ravens organization, including owner Steve Bisciotti, general manager Eric DeCosta, and head coach John Harbaugh, contributed to his positive experience in Baltimore. He appreciated the team culture and the way players were treated, which fostered a strong sense of belonging. This connection likely fueled his desire to remain with the team longer.
His time with the Ravens peaked in 2024 when he earned his first Pro Bowl selection after an outstanding season that featured 41 tackles and 12.5 sacks. However, the following year saw a decline in his performance, with only two sacks recorded in 2025. This drop in production, coupled with the Ravens' depth at outside linebacker, played a role in the decision to part ways with the 35-year-old linebacker as the team looked to younger talent.
Now with the Vikings, Van Noy finds himself in a familiar environment, reuniting with defensive coordinator Brian Flores, who previously coached him during their time together with the New England Patriots. This connection could prove beneficial as the Vikings seek to bolster their defensive lineup, especially after the injury of Tyler Batty, who was placed on injured reserve following an ACL tear. Van Noy's extensive experience in the league, which includes stints with four other teams and a total of 561 tackles and 57 sacks in 173 regular-season games, makes him a valuable asset for Minnesota.
As Van Noy embarks on this new chapter with the Vikings, he carries with him the lessons and memories from his time in Baltimore, ready to contribute to his new team's pursuit of a playoff run.
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