Vikings Players Support Brian Flores With Classy Gesture After Tua Tagovailoa Jabs

Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores spoke to the media for the first time since being criticized by Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.

Tagovailoa implied that Flores was unsupportive and had a negative impact on him during their two seasons together in Miami.

"To put it in simplest terms, if you woke up every morning and I told you, you suck at what you did, that you don’t belong doing what you do, that you shouldn’t be here, that this guy should be here, that you haven’t earned this right," Tagovailoa said on "The Dan Le Batard Show" on Monday.

Upon arriving at his press conference on Tuesday, Flores received support from his team members. Safety Josh Metellus and defensive tackle Harrison Philips flanked Flores, symbolically serving as his bodyguards as he spoke to the media.

This gesture was a discreet yet impactful demonstration of solidarity with their defensive coordinator.

Flores expressed to the media his best wishes for Tagovailoa and discussed the significance of player-coach relationships to him.

The Vikings will open their season against the New York Giants on Sept. 8 at 1 p.m.

Related: Ex-Dolphins Coach Brian Flores Responds to Tua Tagovailoa's Spicy Comments