Ghana to the World: Vikings LB Brian Asamoah on heritage, exposure, and NFL Playoffs

"Did you ever think you'd be called for your NFL dreams by a guy named Kwesi?"

Those were the first words Minnesota Vikings linebacker Brian Asamoah II (Ah-sum-wah) heard from Vikings General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah when his NFL dreams came true on draft night in 2022 when he was selected as the 66th overall pick.

Asamoah is just one of seven Ghanaian players in the league this season but the love he has for his culture far outweighs the small number. If anything, it fuels him.

In the conversation below, part of NBC Sports' By Way of Africa series, Asamoah unpacks the power of exposure and shares how a trip to Ghana changed his perspective on football and ignited a passion to give back and grow the game on the continent. Asamoah also discusses the Vikings' mindset as they prepare for the playoffs.

*This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

When you were 10 years old you spent a year in Ghana and I read that, that was the moment when you realized how much you loved football. Can you tell me about how your time in Ghana—being immersed in your culture—shaped you as a person and impacted your love for the game?

Asamoah: At the age of 10, I was sent to Africa by my parents to live with my dad's brother, who was actually a pastor in the Accra region. That experience was really crazy—being super young and [navigating] life without my parents, but also understanding why I was in Africa: to gain that perception and perspective of what life is like there.

Throughout that process, I learned a lot. Going to school out there was just very, very different from living in the U.S., and that gave me a sense of urgency about what I wanted to do with my life. It gave me the opportunity to [understand] what I wanted to do, how I wanted to attack it, and the legacy I wanted to leave—not only in my family but also in Accra, Ghana. It was really a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

I will never regret going to Ghana at 10 years old because it's helped me understand what life is like over there and [realize] how grateful I am for the life I have [in the U.S.]. To be able to have dreams and be able to actually execute my dreams is the biggest thing. I look back and I see kids like me that just don't have the opportunity.

Fast forward about 12 years later, and your NFL dreams came true. You were the 66th pick in the third round of the 2022 Draft, and the person on the other end of the phone was Vikings General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, who is also from Ghana—you both speak the same language. What did that moment mean to you, and can you talk about the cultural bond you share?

Asamoah: It was unbelievable! As I was going through the entire draft process, I talked to the Vikings probably once or twice, but I never really spoke to [Kwesi]. It's funny because prior to this, when he was named Vikings GM, I had retweeted the news—not knowing that I would get picked up for my NFL dream by him. You can still see it if you scroll all the way down on my page.

So fast forward to draft night, and I see Minneapolis, Minnesota, calling on my phone. When I picked up, he uttered the words, "Did you ever think you’d be called for your NFL dreams by a guy named Kwesi?"

I was just ecstatic. I couldn't believe it—just the connection that he and I share... the love that I have for him—I'm just so very grateful that he chose me in that moment to be a part of this wonderful organization. I talk to him every day. He's a great guy. It was an unbelievable feeling, and we sometimes even talk about it to this day. I will never forget that.

I love that you got to experience that! This is your third year in the NFL. What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned about yourself, and just in general, from your time in the league?

Asamoah: I think what I've learned throughout my career so far is just that consistency is a big part of who you are. You have to stay consistent in this world of lots of change, especially in our league where there are changes every day, week, and year. You also need to be able to adapt to what's going on in your life.

I've also learned that this life is a journey—at some point, you'll get to your destination—but throughout the journey, you have to appreciate the things that happen to you. You have to make the most of every moment and appreciate life itself because it's a blessing to just wake up and play the sport that I love every day. You have to come in with that hard-working mentality but also [know] that it could be your last day, wherever it is. Appreciate where you are and just make the most of it. Love what you do and do what you love.

I feel like I'm embracing that right now and I appreciate every single thing that I've been through.

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Draft night was an emotional one for you. I saw the video of you being selected, with tears streaming down your face. I heard the emotion in your voice as you spoke to the head coach on the phone. If you could go back to that day and give yourself—the soon-to-be rookie—some advice, what would you say?

Asamoah: I would say, you did it, but you're not done yet. You have to continue to work and never lose that hunger that helps you get to where you are. Continue to put the work in every day, and don't let external factors dictate your level of happiness. Every day is going to be an up-and-down roller coaster, but you've got to stay even-keeled the entire time. Continue to put the work in and don't lose focus.

Whether it’s on your headband, your thigh pads, or your cleats, you represent Ghana from head to toe. Why is representing your culture so important to you?

Asamoah: Looking back, I've talked to my parents and my family, and I never in a million years would have thought that I'd be where I am. Going to the NFL was always my dream, but just being in America and playing football at the highest level is a huge blessing. That's something that I prayed for extensively so why not rep where I come from and express my love and my gratitude for where I'm from?

America is known for its diversity, and I'm blessed to be African, competing at the highest level. I just try to do my best to show the next generation where they could be and what they could be doing to show their love. You go to other countries and see how people are passionate about where they're from. I just try to do my best to show my love for my country and where I'm from. If you talk to any guys in the locker room, I'm playing my African music too. Anything I can do to show my love for Ghana, I'm going to do it 100% of the time.

Brian’s Instagram

I know that you've given some of your coaches Ghanaian traditional wear and that you guys had a Jollof Rice competition on the team. What are some other ways that you've shared your culture with the team?

Asamoah: I give my coaches Jollof rice all the time. I will also be sharing an experience of them coming to Ghana to help me with my camp next year. It hasn’t been released yet, but I’m probably going to do a camp there next year. I also have a U-14 youth football league in Accra, Ghana, that was just announced in November. I’m trying to give these kids the opportunity of a lifetime to one day be able to compete at the highest level, like I am right now. That’s going to continue to grow, and you’re going to see kids coming from Accra, Ghana—like myself—with unbelievable skill sets that haven’t been seen before, just because they don’t have the exposure.

That’s what I’m here to do—to give these kids exposure to showcase not only what’s in America, but let’s make this sport global. Let’s look at the kids we have in Africa and bring them to America. With my teammates’ help, and also general funding to support this, I can see us going pretty far.

This season, there are 138 African players in the NFL, seven of whom are from Ghana. What does it mean to you to know that you are one of the seven?

Asamoah: It is extremely exciting for me but I know there's much more talent out there in the world that doesn't have the exposure. They [deserve] to be seen and I'm going to do my part to make sure they can become part of this special game.

The league continues to expand and give kids exposure through NFL Africa. Last year, you had the opportunity to travel to Nairobi, Kenya, to lead one of the talent identification camps. I spoke to one of the athletes who attended, Benson Jerry, and he described it as a life-changing experience.

Can you talk about how that experience impacted you and why it has inspired you to give back?

Asamoah: I lose words when I think about that experience because it's once in a lifetime. Just seeing the talent that these kids have—they're only 15 to 18 years old and they have the stature to go out there and compete in the NFL today. It was a cool moment that I got to see people who were just like me, who come from the same heritage—the same country. Seeing the sport grow itself in a whole different country is really crazy to me, but it was an amazing experience just to be around the kids and help them try to achieve their dreams because I wouldn't be where I am if people didn't help me.

Osi [Umenyiora] and NFL Africa are doing a wonderful job. It was a life-changing experience and I would recommend anybody to go do that. Go be a part of something special—something that's growing. Go be a part of something that is going to leave a lasting legacy in our world today. These kids have talent and they just need exposure.

Brian’s Instagram

Brian’s Instagram

Can you tell me about the foundation that you started and why creating opportunities for the next generation is so important to you?

Asamoah: Creating opportunities for the next generation is very important because we're looking at the [future] generation of leaders and that's what the "Be Authentic” foundation is about. We strive to help kids exceed their goals in whatever avenue they choose, whether it's sports, academics, or any field that they aspire to be successful in. We provide the resources they need.

Right now, along with my U-14 youth football league, we're giving kids an opportunity to gain exposure through their love of the game. We're also giving them the opportunity to practice in front of media and people who can see their talent and [potentially] get them to the International Player Pathway program. We also pay for kids’ school fees so that they can someday pursue their dreams, whether that’s becoming a doctor or anything else.

I believe this is something that God has also called me to do. It's something that my parents have instilled in me. You always have to help your community, your country, and give back through service. A big shoutout to my parents and everybody that's helped me get this rolling, especially my brother. He's played a key part in helping me get this whole thing started.

What is your favorite thing about being Ghanaian?

Asamoah: The food, the music, and how we carry ourselves. I think that's the best part about being Ghanaian. We understand where we're from, and we're not afraid to express that. I love our music! Our culture is just different, and our food is one of a kind! There hasn't been a person that I've given Jollof rice or [any other Ghanaian food] who has said "I don't like this." They appreciate the history that this food comes from and the rich taste that it comes with!

Brian’s Instagram

Brian’s Instagram

Brian’s Instagram

What are the values and traditions from your culture that made you who you are today?

Asamoah: I think the value that has really helped me is integrity. You always want to be looked upon as a very trusted individual. My parents have always said that with your word, you have to be able to speak impeccably. This is in the Bible as well, but my dad always told me "Respect yourself and be humble".

Those two things have helped shape me into the individual that I am today.

Can you tell me what your last name translates to in Twi, your language?

Asamoah: "Asamoah" means leader—a man on a mission—and I think that really exemplifies who I am, being a leader in every environment I’m in, and establishing the type of energy that comes with being who I am. I feel like every time I walk into a room, people will appreciate me being there, whether it's to light the room up with my joy or whatever it is. You’re just going to appreciate me being in the same space.

I want to touch a little bit on this season before we wrap up our game. What is the conversation like with this Vikings group as we approach the playoffs?

Asamoah: I think the focus of this group is really just to worry about the next game. That's been the mentality throughout this entire season. We've been doing a great job of taking it one week at a time, respecting our opponent, and just trying to find ways to get better every single week. It's a special group, and a wonderful organization to be a part of. They appreciate us, and we appreciate the coaches. We've found a great way to have a good working environment, so that we can help bring wins to this organization.

Jollof rice or Waakye?

Asamoah: Jollof rice.

Plantain or Boiled Yam?

Asamoah: Boiled yams.

Afrobeats or Amapiano?

Asamoah: Afrobeats.

Who are your top 3 Afrobeats artists of all time?

Asamoah: I like Burna Boy, WizKid, and Black Sherif.

What song do you have on repeat lately?

Asamoah: "Dance" by WizKid or “MMS” by Asake and WizKid.

Editor’s Note: By Way of Africa is a series committed to highlighting the talent and stories from the African continent and its diaspora. African stories are worth telling, and the culture—all of the languages, tribes, and traditions—is worth celebrating. Embedded in these narratives is a profound testament to the diligence, discipline, and work ethic deeply ingrained in African heritage. Whether born on the continent or dispersed across the globe, the contributions of these stories to society resound uniquely, by way of Africa.