'I've Proved Plenty': John Sullivan Confident After Return From Injury
MANKATO, Minn. (WCCO) – When it comes to Vikings center John Sullivan, there's really never been any question about his ability.
But heading into this camp, there are questions about his health after he missed all of last season following two back surgeries.
But Sullivan says, in his mind, he knows the answer.
"My body feels good. I'm not being told by my body that it's time to stop, so I'm going to come out and keep doing what I enjoy," he said.
Mike Zimmer clearly has not forgotten what kind of player Sullivan can be when healthy.
"John is a very, very intelligent person, and that may be his strength as a football player," Zimmer said. "Coach Sparano said one day that Sullivan's brilliant, just ask him. But he is, he is brilliant."
After six years as a starter and one of the NFL's best centers, Sullivan now finds himself in a battle for the starting job with Joe Berger, who played well in Sullivan's place last season.
Both have seen time with the first units so far in camp. But Sullivan made it clear he doesn't feel like he has to prove what he can do.
"I don't think I need to prove anything. It's my ninth year in the NFL, I've proved plenty," said Sullivan. "What this is now is I'm here because I want to work hard, I'm here because I like this team. I think I have plenty of great football left in me and I want to go out and win some games."
Because what's the point of being able to play in them unless you win them?
