Blake Cashman is in his third year with the Minnesota Vikings, but his fandom extends far beyond those three years. He grew up in Eden Prairie, MN, and then played for the Minnesota Golden Gophers from 2015-18. Through that, he cheered on his hometown team.

Right now, the Vikings are 5-0, led by a defense that ranks 1st in EPA/play and 1st in DVOA. Cashman has been one of the leaders of the unit, registering 2.5 sacks and a 29.5 QB pressure rate that ranks first among players with at least 30 pass-rush snaps.

If the Vikings can maintain their defensive dominance and get some help from an offense that slowly improved before the bye week, they could compete for a Super Bowl. That would mean a little more for Cashman, who has seen first-hand what the franchise means to locals.

"If we win a Super Bowl, I might run for governor," Cashman joked on NFL Spotlight With Ari Meirov. "That's something that, obviously, we are always working for; it's always on our minds, something I've dreamed about being able to hoist that Lombardi Trophy, doing the parade in downtown (Minneapolis). I mean, I can't think of any better moment than that."

"What would be so exciting about that is how much it would mean not just to the Minnesota Vikings fans, but to the state of Minnesota," Cashman continued.

The Vikings have a tough stretch after this week, facing the Lions, Bills, Packers, and 49ers. A potential postseason run could look more attainable if Minnesota not only survives that stretch but also shows it can beat playoff-caliber teams. If they do, the Vikings will be one step closer to fulfilling Cashman's dreams.