Michael Rand
Columnist / Reporter
RandBallMichael Rand is a North Dakota native, a graduate of the University of Minnesota and an enthusiastic consumer of tacos. He lives in Eagan with his wife, three children and one energetic pug.
Latest from Michael Rand
Sports
Podcast: Two options for Julius Randle + Three big Vikings takeaways
Host Michael Rand starts with the Timberwolves, who look lost again after dropping their third game in a row. Vikings writer Andrew Krammer joins Rand to break down film from Sunday’s win over Seattle and to examine the NFC North.
December 24, 2024
Sports
RandBall: Sunday was a reunion of failed Jets QBs — and a reason to rethink the position
Sam Darnold and Geno Smith went toe-to-toe as the Vikings defeated the Seahawks 27-24. Mark Sanchez provided color commentary on the broadcast. All three were once thought of as the quarterback of the future for the Jets.
December 23, 2024
Sports
Podcast: Patrick Reusse on belief in the Vikings + the Wolves’ big problem
Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse joins host Michael Rand for a look back at the weekend in sports, which included one of the best Vikings’ wins of the season. In news that is, um, less good: The Wolves have lost two in a row and look just as lost as they did earlier in the season.
December 23, 2024
Sports
RandBall: Wolves’ offense is broken, but same was true with KAT here
After a blowout loss to Knicks, Edwards bemoaned Wolves’ lack of offensive identity. But Minnesota hasn’t had a true offensive identity in years.
December 20, 2024
Sports
Podcast: Karl-Anthony Towns, Kirk Cousins and a tale of two comebacks
Host Michael Rand starts with the unsightly mess that happened at Target Center on Thursday in Karl-Anthony Towns’ much-anticipated return after a trade just a few months ago. Star Tribune Vikings writer Ben Goessling joins Rand as they dive into the benching of former Vikings QB Kirk Cousins.
December 20, 2024
Sports
RandBall: A difficult stretch and concerning underlying stat for the Wild
The Wild have lost three of their past four games, including two very lopsided results. How worried should we be that a longer slide is coming?
December 19, 2024
Sports
Podcast: Will the Vikings win the NFC North? + KAT’s return to Minnesota
Host Michael Rand starts with the Wild, who have lost three of their last four games, including another lopsided defeat (6-1) on Wednesday against Florida. Plus La Velle E. Neal III joins Rand for their weekly debate segment.
December 19, 2024
Sports
RandBall: Cousins' fast and terrible fall in Atlanta
Former Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins left Minnesota for a long-term contract with the Falcons. On Tuesday, he was benched for rookie Michael Penix Jr., creating all sorts of short- and long-term questions.
December 18, 2024
Sports
Podcast: Karl-Anthony Towns, Kirk Cousins and a tale of two comebacks
Host Michael Rand starts with the unsightly mess that happened at Target Center on Thursday in Karl-Anthony Towns’ much-anticipated return after a trade just a few months ago. Star Tribune Vikings writer Ben Goessling joins Rand as they dive into the benching of former Vikings QB Kirk Cousins.
December 20, 2024
Sports
RandBall: A difficult stretch and concerning underlying stat for the Wild
The Wild have lost three of their past four games, including two very lopsided results. How worried should we be that a longer slide is coming?
December 19, 2024
Sports
Podcast: Will the Vikings win the NFC North? + KAT’s return to Minnesota
Host Michael Rand starts with the Wild, who have lost three of their last four games, including another lopsided defeat (6-1) on Wednesday against Florida. Plus La Velle E. Neal III joins Rand for their weekly debate segment.
December 19, 2024
Sports
RandBall: Cousins' fast and terrible fall in Atlanta
Former Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins left Minnesota for a long-term contract with the Falcons. On Tuesday, he was benched for rookie Michael Penix Jr., creating all sorts of short- and long-term questions.
December 18, 2024