Minneapolis, MN — The Minnesota Vikings confirmed Wednesday morning that a recently released defensive lineman was arrested late Tuesday night, just hours after being informed of his release from the team — an incident that has added emotional weight to an already delicate offseason transition for the organization.

According to law enforcement sources, the player was taken into custody on multiple charges, including driving under the influence, disorderly conduct, and resisting arrest.

The incident reportedly occurred shortly after midnight near a local establishment in the Minneapolis area, where witnesses stated the individual had been drinking before attempting to leave the area by vehicle.

Police reports indicate that officers approached the vehicle after observing erratic driving behavior.

When confronted, the player allegedly became verbally confrontational and refused to comply with repeated commands, leading to his arrest without further escalation.

Authorities emphasized that no injuries were reported during the incident.

The arrest came only hours after the player had been notified of his release — a decision sources close to the team describe as emotionally destabilizing given the timing and circumstances.

The timing, according to those familiar with the situation, compounded an already fragile mental state as the veteran attempted to process another abrupt turn in a winding NFL career.

The defensive lineman was later identified as Jonathan Harris, a 31-year-old interior defender known for his size, physicality, and experience along the defensive front.

Harris played college football at Lindenwood University before entering the NFL as an undrafted free agent, eventually carving out a career as a rotational defensive lineman capable of contributing in multiple schemes.

He spent time with several franchises throughout his career, appearing in more than 60 NFL games and earning a reputation as a professional locker-room presence and dependable depth option on the interior defensive line.

Harris joined Minnesota during the 2025 season as the Vikings evaluated veteran depth along the defensive front while navigating injuries and roster flexibility during the year.

However, he did not factor into the team’s long-term offseason plans and was released earlier this week as the organization continued shaping its roster ahead of offseason programs.

By nightfall, the situation had escalated into something far more personal and concerning.

Head coach Kevin O’Connell addressed the situation during a previously scheduled Wednesday media availability, choosing a calm and empathetic tone while acknowledging the seriousness of the matter.

“This is hard,” O’Connell said. “Jonathan is a professional who’s been in this league a long time and understands how challenging these moments can be. When something like this happens, football becomes secondary. Our priority is making sure he’s safe and has access to the support he needs. Accountability matters, but compassion matters as well. He was part of this building, and that means something to us.”

O’Connell emphasized that the organization was informed of the incident early Wednesday morning and immediately took steps to ensure the player had access to support.

Shortly after the media availability, the Vikings released an official statement through team channels reaffirming their position.

“The Minnesota Vikings have been made aware of the situation involving a former player. While Jonathan Harris is no longer on our active roster, the organization has reached out privately to offer resources and support. Our focus remains on ensuring he receives proper guidance during a difficult personal moment.”

Sources within the team indicated that the matter is being handled internally with discretion and empathy.

While the legal process will proceed independently, Vikings leadership stressed that their involvement is centered on support rather than public judgment.

Several players, speaking anonymously, described the incident as a sobering reminder of how unforgiving professional transitions can be, particularly during the offseason when roster certainty is limited.

One veteran described the experience of late-stage releases as “a moment where everything you’ve built can feel like it disappears overnight.”

As of Wednesday morning, no additional disciplinary action has been announced by the league.

Legal proceedings are expected to continue in the coming weeks.

For the Vikings, the situation underscores the fragile balance between roster construction and the human realities that accompany difficult decisions.

For Jonathan Harris, it represents another critical crossroads — one where accountability, support, and resilience will determine what comes next beyond the field.