Minnesota PJ Fleck explains viral ‘Blood Brother’ moment on ‘Big Noon Kickoff’ set

Minnesota PJ Fleck explains viral ‘Blood Brother’ moment on ‘Big Noon Kickoff’ set appeared first on ClutchPoints. Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Minnesota football program’s NFL team isn’t called the Vikings for nothing. The two teams are among the very best in the business, but PJ Fleck seemed to take the Vikings’ role quite literally.

Fleck became the center of attention following Minnesota’s 27-24 victory at Washington when he embraced linebacker Maverick Baranowski after the final play. Baranowski had blood on his face after taking a cleat to the mouth during the tackle.

Fleck wiped the blood from his player and rubbed it onto his own cheeks. The moment quickly spread across social media and eventually earned Baranowski a new nickname from his coach. Fleck called the senior linebacker his “blood brother” after the game.

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During his appearance on FOX’s “Big Noon Kickoff,” the Golden Gophers coach addressed the unusual celebration that went viral after their win over Washington.

“Well, it’s just a way you can’t go out there and believe with them and play with them as players anymore. You’re a coach, right, but the way to show that is. I got your back. And in that moment, that’s what I felt (was) right,” Fleck said.

“And you know, Maverick was originally committed to the Air Force. He was gonna fight for our country, so I figured (it out) and did that. And if you get your first deer, you’re supposed to take a bite out of the heart. So I didn’t do that,” he added.

🩸 @GopherFootball head coach PJ Fleck explains his viral Blood Brother moment from last week pic.twitter.com/feytPtnlFH

— Big Noon Kickoff (@BNKonFOX) October 3, 2026

However, just as the coach mentioned, Baranowski had plenty to celebrate beyond the viral moment. He recorded seven tackles, including two for loss, a sack and an interception.

His pick came after Anthony Smith pressured Washington quarterback Demond Williams Jr., forcing a pass that landed in Baranowski’s hands. Minnesota immediately capitalized. Drake Lindsey found Quayd Hendryx for a 15-yard touchdown on the next play, giving the Gophers an early 7-0 lead. Javon Tracy later added a touchdown on seven catches for 41 yards as Minnesota built a 21-7 advantage.

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