Sports

Gophers' Fleck presents Penn State game ball to Gov. Walz

Two men speak at a podium.
Minnesota head football coach coach P.J. Fleck and Gov. Tim Walz laugh during a press conference at TCF Bank Stadium on Tuesday. Walz accepted a game ball from Minnesota's win over Penn State on behalf of the state of Minnesota.
Christine T. Nguyen | MPR News

University of Minnesota football coach P.J. Fleck followed through on his promise to give the state an official token of appreciation from Saturday’s big win over Penn State.

Appearing Tuesday with Gov. Tim Walz at TCF Bank Stadium, Fleck handed over the ball from his team’s game-clinching interception.

“We just want to present the game ball from the Penn State victory, victory No. 9 for the season to you and the state of Minnesota,” Fleck told Walz.

A close-up of hands holding a football.
Gov. Tim Walz holds the football intercepted by Minnesota defensive back Jordan Howden in the fourth quarter of Minnesota's win over Penn State.
Christine T. Nguyen | MPR News

In response, Walz praised the way Fleck and his team have gone about their season.

The team is ranked 7th in the latest Associated Press Top 25 poll, which is the highest in almost 60 years.

“It’s the professionalism. It’s the sense of common purpose. It’s a humble confidence that this team exudes,” said the governor.

The Gophers have another tough test this weekend in a road game against No. 23 Iowa.