Strength in the Huddle: A Morning of Leadership, Faith & Community
A Morning That Mattered
On Wednesday morning, nearly 200 business leaders, nonprofit leaders, volunteers, sponsors, and community members gathered at the Vikings Museum for Strength in the Huddle — Amplify Mission Network’s 2026 annual fundraiser.
And what a meaningful morning it was.
Featuring a live conversation between Minnesota Vikings Head Coach Kevin O’Connell and Paul Allen, the morning centered around leadership, authenticity, resilience, faith, teamwork, and the responsibility leaders carry every day — both publicly and privately.
But perhaps what made the event most impactful wasn’t simply the setting or speakers. It was the reminder that leadership was never meant to be carried alone.
Leadership Lessons That Resonated Far Beyond Football
Throughout the conversation, Coach Kevin O’Connell shared leadership insights that resonated deeply not only with sports fans, but with business leaders, nonprofit leaders, parents, entrepreneurs, and teams across every industry represented in the room.
“The #1 job of a coach is to help players reach their potential.”
“As a leader, I am always thinking about authenticity and empathy.”
“The best game plan is the one your team can actually execute.”
“I will give each player a hug and some hope.”
“Thy, not I.”
O’Connell spoke candidly about leadership during difficult moments — including the reality of cutting NFL players, navigating pressure, building culture, and leading through authenticity rather than ego.
Attendees also connected deeply with the discussion around faith, humility, and the importance of caring for people first.
As one attendee shared afterward:
“Leadership lessons don’t stay in the locker room. They live in boardrooms, in competitive markets, product reviews, and every hard conversation we choose not to walk away from.”
Why This Matters to Amplify
At Amplify Mission Network, we believe healthy nonprofit leaders create stronger organizations and healthier communities.
Every day, nonprofit leaders carry enormous responsibility while serving others — often with limited resources, increasing demands, and little support for their own leadership journey.
Because of the generosity shown through Strength in the Huddle, Amplify can continue coming alongside nonprofit leaders with:
- Coaching
- Strategic support
- Encouragement
- Connection
- Community
- Leadership development
And perhaps most importantly, reminders that they are not alone.
A Community That Showed Up
Strength in the Huddle would not have been possible without the incredible support of our sponsors, volunteers, committee members, donors, attendees, and partners.
We are deeply grateful to every individual and organization that invested their time, resources, leadership, and generosity into this event and into the mission of Amplify.
Thank you for believing in nonprofit leaders.
Thank you for investing in stronger communities.
And thank you for helping us continue strengthening leaders who spend their lives serving others.
Thank You to Our Sponsors
Strength in the Huddle would not have been possible without the generosity and partnership of these incredible sponsors. Thank you for helping Amplify continue to strengthen nonprofit leaders, organizations, and communities across Minnesota.
