Paternity leave sparks debate after Vikings fire former GM Adofo-Mensah

MINNEAPOLIS  — The NFL is facing criticism and renewed discussion about work-life balance after the Minnesota Vikings’ recent firing of former general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and subsequent attention to his decision to take paternity leave.

Adofo-Mensah, 44, was dismissed by the Vikings on Jan. 30, three weeks after the team’s season ended, despite a 43-25 regular-season record over four seasons and a contract extension agreed to in May 2025.

Reports citing The Athletic detailed that Adofo-Mensah took two weeks of paternity leave during the 2023 training camp following the birth of his first child, working remotely during that stretch. While the Vikings publicly supported his choice at the time, the detail has resurfaced and drawn scrutiny from some fans and commentators.

Hall of Fame tight end Shannon Sharpe questioned why the paternity leave was being highlighted only after Adofo-Mensah’s firing, calling it a personal decision that should not be weaponized against the executive.

The former Vikings boss deciding to take paternity leave raised eyebrows. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)

Former NFL safety Ryan Clark also weighed in, saying the league’s culture traditionally prioritizes football over family milestones and that paternity leave in pro football remains rare.

NFL insider Dianna Russini clarified on social media that the Vikings supported Adofo-Mensah throughout his leave and that the paternity leave was not held against him internally.

Analysts say other factors, including roster decisions and quarterback management, are more likely to have influenced Minnesota’s decision to make a change in its front office. Sam Darnold, the team’s 2024 starter, is now with the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl LX, after the Vikings chose not to re-sign him.

The debate over Adofo-Mensah’s paternity leave has triggered broader conversations about personal time off in a league known for its demanding work culture, with some fans blasting the NFL’s perceived stance, even if the Vikings organization itself supported the executive at the time.