Mike Kafka sat down in his office with Giants.com for a conversation about the latest at 1925 Giants Drive. We catch up with Kafka as he prepares for his second game as interim head coach, which will be a road trip to Detroit.
Q: Is "normal" out of the vocabulary for an interim head coach?
Kafka: "Yes, it is. It's just you're playing catch-up a little bit. That's what it is. You understand that's part of the deal, but I have a great support staff, a great group that I'm working with. They keep me on schedule."
Q: How instrumental has (director of coaching operations) Laura Young been for you?
Kafka: "L.Y. is phenomenal. She makes everything go here. She's phenomenal. Every day, me and her are in touch and talking through the day, making sure it's all good for the players and the staff, making sure everyone is on the same page. She coordinates pretty much the whole flow of the day and practice."
Q: Some interim head coaches get only a few games at the end of the season. You have a seven-game runway. I'm curious, how does that length of time dictate your approach?
Kafka: "I'm not looking forward into all those games. I'm just focusing on the one week at a time, one day at a time. That's really been the focus."
Q: How did your gameday routine change?
Kafka: "A lot of it stays the same because I've got to prep myself to get ready to call it. So, it's really the same thing. I'm obviously talking with the game management people a little bit more, the weather, the kick game a little bit more, just to make sure we're all on the same page. But for the most part, my routine is going to stay and remain the same."
See the top photos from practice as the Giants prepare for their Week 12 matchup against the Lions.
RB Tyrone Tracy Jr. (29)
ILB Bobby Okereke (58)
T Andrew Thomas (78)
OLB Abdul Carter (51)
S Dane Belton (24)
RB Eric Gray (20)
S Jevón Holland (8)
LB Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles (33)
K Ben Sauls (30)
DB Korie Black (38)
DB Korie Black (38)
CB Rico Payton (36)
CB Nic Jones (31)
DL Rakeem Nuñez-Roches (93)
DT Elijah Chatman (94)
TE Zack Davidson (39)
TE Zack Davidson (39)
RB Tyrone Tracy Jr. (29)
RB Tyrone Tracy Jr. (29)
RB Eric Gray (20)
RB Eric Gray (20)
K Ben Sauls (30)
CB Dru Phillips (22)
OLB Zaire Barnes (46)
RB Tyrone Tracy Jr. (29)
K Ben Sauls (30)
WR Dalen Cambre (83)
WR Dalen Cambre (83)
RB Dante Miller (25)
RB Dante Miller (25)
OLB Abdul Carter (51)
OLB Abdul Carter (51)
LB Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles (33)
S Raheem Layne (43)
Interim Head Coach and Offensive Coordinator Mike Kafka
RB Eric Gray (20)
RB Eric Gray (20)
RB Eric Gray (20)
QB Russell Wilson (3)
S Jevón Holland (8)
WR Dalen Cambre (83)
WR Dalen Cambre (83)
WR Wan'Dale Robinson (17)
WR Gunner Olszewski (80)
WR Ihmir Smith-Marsette (87)
WR Ray-Ray McCloud (88)
WR Isaiah Hodgins (89)
WR Isaiah Hodgins (89)
WR Isaiah Hodgins (89)
WR Isaiah Hodgins (89)
RB Eric Gray (20)
RB Eric Gray (20)
RB Eric Gray (20)
RB Tyrone Tracy Jr. (29)
RB Tyrone Tracy Jr. (29)
WR Ihmir Smith-Marsette (87)
WR Isaiah Hodgins (89)
WR Ray-Ray McCloud (88)
WR Jalin Hyatt (13)
WR Ray-Ray McCloud (88)
OLB Abdul Carter (51)
Q: I remember going into the Bears game, you were being asked about Ben Johnson's offense. But you didn't have to worry about facing a high-powered offense then as the offensive coordinator. Now you do. And obviously he came from the offense you're about to see with the Lions. How much overlap is there?
Kafka: "You definitely see some influence. The Detroit offense is explosive. They are multiple. They shift. They motion. They do a really nice job in tying all that stuff together."
Q: Fourth downs are big with Dan Campbell, but you have attempted the second-most in the NFL this season. The Lions are tied for third. How much pressure does that chess match put on both teams?
Kafka: "I wouldn't say it's pressure. It's just about execution. We put our guys in those situations throughout practice, so that they're ready for it. It's not like the first time they're doing a fourth down is in game. We do it in practice. It's part of the flow of our operation."
Q: Speaking of fourth downs, Isaiah Hodgins had two passes thrown his way and converted both of them just three days after signing back…
Kafka: "…How about that? How cool was that?"
Q: How difficult was that?
Kafka: "It's super impressive, super impressive. For him to come in on a Thursday, operate the way he did, make the plays the way he did, just unbelievable. It's just really, really cool to watch. I'm not shocked because I know him and how much he studies and how much it means to him. So, it was great to actually watch him go out there and execute that way. I was very, very pleased with him."
Q: You scored a touchdown on the opening drive again, this time with Jameis Winston. You're now tied with the Eagles for third with 38 points on the first possession; the Lions are first with 45. What's your philosophy with scripted starts? Is that teed up?
Kafka: "No, it's really just flow of the game. I have some favorites that I like, and then we just adjust. I think our coaching staff does a nice job of building the game plan. Tim Kelly (whom Kafka elevated from tight ends coach to offensive coordinator) has done an awesome job this week and the last couple weeks of putting stuff together for us, making sure they're complementary. Then the players are ultimately going out there and executing. They study. They prep. They're ready to go early in the games, and they've been executing, whether it's third downs or whether it's in the red zone. They've done a really nice job."
Q: One thing you always hear head coaches say is you can't imagine everything that comes across your desk…
Kafka: "…Yes, no question."
Q: I bet you didn't think WWE would come up in your first week. Are those situations where you lean on what your coaching mentors have taught you? It's not just about Xs and Os.
Kafka: "Absolutely, absolutely. You have to have some basis. I've been around as a player, now as a coach. I've seen some different scenarios. So, you kind of know how you want to operate, and now you've been put in those positions. Now it's your chance to put your name on it and stand up for what you believe in."
Q: Where does the former player perspective show up for you? Is it how you call a game? Is it how you deal with the players? Is it how you present things to the team?
Kafka: "I don't really think about it that way. I just kind of react how I would react, and then try to see it through, not make rash decisions or a sped-up decision, but kind of be real, be in the moment. What's the best thing for the player? What's the best thing for the team? Those really are the things that are on my mind."
Q: You had Pat Fitzgerald here this week, your former coach at Northwestern. Did the 2010 Outback Bowl come up? I'm not sure if you're aware, but your stat line from that game was making the rounds on social media when you took over.
(Kafka completed 47 of 78 passes for 532 yards and four touchdowns with five interceptions. He also had 20 rushing attempts for 34 yards and a touchdown in a 38-35 overtime loss to Auburn.)
Kafka: "We did talk about that (laughs). Coach Fitz came and visited, and we had a good trip down memory lane right there. That game, oh my, it was just back and forth. Defensive turnovers – I had too many turnovers in that game. That's what I remember, which didn't help it. It was just an unbelievable game."
Q: Does Jameis know about that stat line?
Kafka: "I don't know if the quarterbacks do. I don't know if I want to tell them that, though."
Q: The NFL is celebrating "My Cause My Cleats" during Weeks 12 and 13. Your sneakers represent Documenting Hope. What is the story behind it?
Kafka: "Really cool. We got introduced to them several years ago. My daughter (Ashton) has juvenile arthritis, and so it's an organization that is helping do a lot of research that my wife (Alli) looked into and was talking with them. So, we wanted to support them in any way we can and help them raise funds to continue their research on juvenile arthritis, autoimmune disease, things like that. My kids always design my shoes, which are always pretty interesting. We have a great designer, Kato (Mitchell), who does a good job bringing that to life. It's cool. I enjoy it. I think the players enjoy it. It lets them have their personality on it."
View photos of interim head coach Mike Kafka, a former quarterback who is in his ninth season coaching in the NFL.
Penn State Northwestern during the quarter of an NCAA college football game in Evanston, Ill., Saturday, Oct. 31, 2009.(AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
Philadelphia Eagles' Mike Kafka during the third quarter of an NFL preseason football game, Thursday, Sept. 1, 2011, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Henny Ray Abrams)
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) runs drills with coach Mike Kafka during practice on Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2020, in Davie, Fla., for the NFL Super Bowl 54 football game. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
Interim Head Coach Mike Kafka
New York Giants offensive coordinator Mike Kafka talks to reporters before NFL football practice in East Rutherford, N.J., Thursday, June 5, 2025. (AP Photo/Noah K. Murray)
Interim Head Coach and Offensive Coordinator Mike Kafka
Head coach Mike Kafka
National team head coach Mike Kafka of the New York Giants during practice for the Senior Bowl NCAA college football game, Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025, in Mobile, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
West head coach Mike Kafka, of the New York Giants, during the second half of the East West Shrine Bowl NCAA college football game in Frisco, Texas, Thursday, Feb. 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
West's Myles Murphy (8), of North Carolina, douses head coach Mike Kafka, of the New York Giants, during the second half of the East West Shrine Bowl NCAA college football game in Frisco, Texas, Thursday, Feb. 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
West head coach Mike Kafka, left, of the New York Giants, stands on stage with defensive MVP Jarius Monroe, of Tulane, following the East West Shrine Bowl NCAA college football game in Frisco, Texas, Thursday, Feb. 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
West head coach Mike Kafka, of the New York Giants, participates in the East West Shrine Bowl NCAA college football game in Frisco, Texas, Thursday, Feb. 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Ed Stolze, from left, of the Imperial Sirs, West's Frank Gore Jr., of Southern Miss, NFL Network reporter Jane Slater, West head coach Mike Kafka, of the New York Giants, West's Jarius Monroe, of Tulane and Matt Sturlaugson, Shriners Childrens Board of Directors, EWSB Committee Chairman, participate in the award ceremony after the East West Shrine Bowl NCAA college football game in Frisco, Texas, Thursday, Feb. 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
West head coach Mike Kafka, of the New York Giants, walks onto the field following by players at the end of the East West Shrine Bowl NCAA college football game in Frisco, Texas, Thursday, Feb. 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
New York Giants offensive coordinator Mike Kafka speaks during a news conference at the NFL football owners' spring meetings Tuesday, May 21, 2024, in Nashville, Tenn. Kafka is participating in the league's coach accelerator program. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
New York Giants assistant head coach and offensive coordinator Mike Kafka walks along the sideline before an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024 in Cleveland. The Giants defeated the Browns 21-15. (Paul Spinelli via AP)
National team head coach Mike Kafka, of the New York Giants, runs through drills with players during practice for the Senior Bowl NCAA college football game, Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025, in Mobile, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
National team head coach Mike Kafka, center, of the New York Giants talks with quarterbacks Tyler Shough, left, of Louisville, and Taylor Elgersma, of Laurier, during practice for the Senior Bowl NCAA college football game, Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025, in Mobile, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
National team head coach Mike Kafka of the New York Giants during practice for the Senior Bowl NCAA college football game, Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025, in Mobile, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
National team head coach Mike Kafka of the New York Giants during practice for the Senior Bowl NCAA college football game, Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025, in Mobile, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
National team head coach Mike Kafka, of the New York Giants, watches during the first half of the Senior Bowl NCAA college football game against the American team Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025, in Mobile, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
New York Giants offensive coordinator Mike Kafka talks to reporters before NFL football practice in East Rutherford, N.J., Thursday, June 5, 2025. (AP Photo/Noah K. Murray)
Mike Kafka Assistant Head Coach/Offensive Coordinator
Mike Kafka Assistant Head Coach/Offensive Coordinator
Mike Kafka Assistant Head Coach/Offensive Coordinator
Mike Kafka Assistant Head Coach/Offensive Coordinator
Mike Kafka Assistant Head Coach/Offensive Coordinator
Mike Kafka Assistant Head Coach/Offensive Coordinator
Mike Kafka Assistant Head Coach/Offensive Coordinator
Mike Kafka Assistant Head Coach/Offensive Coordinator
QB Russell Wilson (3), Mike Kafka
Mike Kafka
Mike Kafka
New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart (6), Mike Kafka
Assistant Head Coach and Offensive Coordinator Mike Kafka
Mike Kafka
Mike Kafka
Mike Kafka
QB Russell Wilson (3), Mike Kafka
Assistant Head Coach/Offensive Coordinator Mike Kafka
Assistant Head Coach/Offensive Coordinator Mike Kafka
Mike Kafka
Mike Kafka
Mike Kafka Assistant Head Coach/Offensive Coordinator
Mike Kafka Offensive Coordinator
Mike Kafka Assistant Head Coach/Offensive Coordinator, RB Tyrone Tracy (29)
Mike Kafka Offensive Coordinator
Mike Kafka Offensive Coordinator
Mike Kafka Assistant Head Coach/Offensive Coordinator
Mike Kafka Assistant Head Coach/Offensive Coordinator
Mike Kafka Assistant Head Coach/Offensive Coordinator
Mike Kafka Offensive Coordinator
Mike Kafka Offensive Coordinator
Mike Kafka Offensive Coordinator
Mike Kafka Assistant Head Coach/Offensive Coordinator
Mike Kafka Assistant Head Coach/Offensive Coordinator
Mike Kafka Offensive Coordinator
Offensive Coordinator Mike Kafka
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) runs drills with coach Mike Kafka during practice on Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2020, in Davie, Fla., for the NFL Super Bowl 54 football game. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) runs drills with coach Mike Kafka during practice on Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2020, in Davie, Fla., for the NFL Super Bowl 54 football game. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) runs drills with coach Mike Kafka during practice on Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2020, in Davie, Fla., for the NFL Super Bowl 54 football game. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
Kansas City Chiefs quarterbacks coach Mike Kafka during an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, October 3, 2021 in Philadelphia.
Kansas City Chiefs quarterbacks coach Mike Kafka looks from the sideline during an NFL football game against the Las Vegas Raiders, Sunday, Nov. 14, 2021 in Las Vegas. The Chiefs won the game 41-14. (Paul Jasienski via AP)
Kansas City Chiefs quarterbacks coach Mike Kafka looks from the sideline during an NFL football game against the Las Vegas Raiders, Sunday, Nov. 14, 2021 in Las Vegas. The Chiefs won the game 41-14. (Paul Jasienski via AP)
Kansas City Chiefs quarterbacks and passing game coordinator Mike Kafka during pre-game warmups before an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, Nov. 21, 2021 in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann)
Kansas City Chiefs quarterbacks coach Mike Kafka, center, during pre-game warmups before an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Dec. 5, 2021 in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann)
Kansas City Chiefs quarterbacks coach Mike Kafka watches Patrick Mahomes during pre-game warmups before an NFL football game against the Las Vegas Raiders, Sunday, Dec. 12, 2021 in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann)
Kansas City Chiefs quarterbacks coach Mike Kafka during pre-game warmups before an NFL football game against the Las Vegas Raiders, Sunday, Dec. 12, 2021 in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann)
Kansas City Chiefs quarterbacks coach Mike Kafka during pre-game warmups before an NFL football game against the Las Vegas Raiders, Sunday, Dec. 12, 2021 in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann)
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback coach Mike Kafka watches before an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Jan. 2, 2022, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/David Dermer)
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback coach Mike Kafka watches warmups before an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Jan. 2, 2022, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Emilee Chinn)
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback coach Mike Kafka watches warmups before an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Jan. 2, 2022, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Emilee Chinn)
Kansas City Chiefs quarterbacks coach/passing game coordinator Mike Kafka watches during an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos Saturday, Jan. 8, 2022, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Kansas City Chiefs quarterbacks coach/passing game coordinator Mike Kafka during an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos Saturday, Jan. 8, 2022, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Kansas City Chiefs Quarterbacks Coach Mike Kafka on the bench during an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos on Saturday, January 8, 2021 in Denver. (Steve Sanders/Kansas City Chiefs via AP)
Kansas City Chiefs Quarterbacks Coach/Passing Game Coordinator Mike Kafka during an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos, Saturday, Jan. 8, 2022 in Denver. The Chiefs won 28-24. (Ric Tapia via AP)
Kansas City Chiefs quarterbacks coach Mike Kafka during pre-game warmups before an NFL wild-card playoff football game, Sunday, Jan. 16, 2022 in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photos/Reed Hoffmann)
Kansas City Chiefs quarterbacks coach Mike Kafka, left, watches Patrick Mahomes during pre-game warmups before an NFL wild-card playoff football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Sunday, Jan. 16, 2022 in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photos/Reed Hoffmann)
Kansas City Chiefs quarterbacks coach Mike Kafka, left, watches Patrick Mahomes during pre-game warmups before an NFL wild-card playoff football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Sunday, Jan. 16, 2022 in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photos/Reed Hoffmann)
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Mike Kafka (4) throws a pass during the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Canton, Ohio, Sunday, Aug. 9, 2015. (AP Photo/Don Wright)
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Mike Kafka participates in drills at an NFL football training camp on the campus of Minnesota State University Sunday, July 26, 2015, in Mankato, Minn. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Mike Kafka (3) tries a last second pass in the second half of an NFL football game at the Georgia Dome against the Atlanta Falcons in Atlanta on Sunday, Sept. 18, 2011. Atlanta won 35-31. (AP Photo/John Amis)
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Mike Kafka (3) is pictured in the second half of an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta on Sunday, Sept. 18, 2011. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
New England Patriots quarterback Mike Kafka during a team practice in Foxborough, Mass., Tuesday, June 4, 2013. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Mike Kafka leaves the field after NFL football minicamp, Wednesday, June 12, 2013, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Mike Kafka throws a pass during NFL football minicamp, Wednesday, June 12, 2013, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
Minnesota Vikings Mike Kafka throws during OTA football practice at the Vikings practice facility Wednesday, May 27, 2015 in Eden Prairie, Minn.(AP Photo/Andy Clayton-King)
Philadelphia Eagles Mike Kafka throws a pass in the second half of an NFL preseason football game against the New York Jets, Thursday, Sept. 2, 2010, in Philadelphia. New York won 21-17. (AP Photo/Michael Perez)
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Mike Kafka waiting in the tunnel before the start of an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, Nov. 7, 2010 in Philadelphia. The Eagles won 26-24. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
Philadelphia Eagles' Mike Kafka warms up before an NFL football game against the Houston Texans, Thursday, Dec. 2, 2010 in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Mike Kafka (3) looks to throw in the second half of a preseason NFL football game with the Baltimore Ravens Thursday, Aug. 11, 2011, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Michael Perez)
Philadelphia Eagles' Mike Kafka, left, is forced out of bounds just before the end zone by New York Jets' Emanuel Cook, right, and Davon Morgan during the third quarter of an NFL preseason football game, Thursday, Sept. 1, 2011, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Henny Ray Abrams)
Philadelphia Eagles' quarterback Mike Kafka (3) calls a play in the second half of an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta on Sunday, Sept. 18, 2011. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Mike Kafka (3) directs the team with running back LeSean McCoy (25) in the second half of an NFL football game with the New York Giants Sunday, Sept. 25, 2011 in Philadelphia. Giants won 29-16. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Mike Kafka (3) looks to pass in the second half of an NFL football game with the New York Giants Sunday, Sept. 25, 2011 in Philadelphia. Giants won 29-16. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Philadelphia Eagles quarterbacks, from left, Vince Young, Mike Kafka, and Michael Vick, stand during an indoor practice at their NFL football training facility, Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2011 in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg, middle, talks to Vince young, left and Mike Kafka during the second half of an NFL football game against the New England Patriots Sunday, Nov. 27, 2011 in Philadelphia. The Patriots won 38-20. (AP Photo/Michael Perez)
Philadelphia Eagles quarterbacks Vince Young, left, and Mike Kafka, right warm up before the NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks, Thursday, Dec. 1, 2011, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
Philadelphia Eagles quarterbacks Mike Kafka (3) and Vince Young (9) are seen during practice before the start of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 11, 2011, in Miami . (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
Philadelphia Eagles quarterbacks Trent Edwards back row left, Mike Kafka, and Nick Foles, watch as Michael Vick, front center, prepares to run a drill during an NFL football practice at their training facility Wednesday, May 23, 2012 in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Philadelphia Eagles' Mike Kafka practices at the team's NFL football training facility, Friday, June 1, 2012, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Mike Kafka throws during the team's NFL football team's practice, Thursday, June 11, 2015, in Eden Prairie, Minn. (AP Photo/Jim Mone)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Mike Kafka during an NFL football organized team activity Tuesday, May 27, 2014, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Mike Kafka (3) runs against the Atlanta Falcons during the second half of a preseason NFL football game, Thursday, Aug. 29, 2013, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Dave Martin)
Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Mike Kafka (3) works against the Atlanta Falcons during the second half of a preseason NFL football game, Thursday, Aug. 29, 2013, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Dave Martin)
Jacksonville Jaguars Mike Kafka works before the first half of a preseason NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons, Thursday, Aug. 29, 2013, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Dave Martin)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Mike Kafka (3) throws during the fourth quarter of an NFL preseason football game against the Miami Dolphins Saturday, Aug. 16, 2014, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Mike Kafka (3) works against the Atlanta Falcons during the second half of a preseason NFL football game, Thursday, Aug. 29, 2013, in Atlanta.(AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Mike Kafka (3) looks to pass against the Washington Redskins during a NFL preseason football game Thursday, Aug. 28, 2014 in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Steve Nesius)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Mike Kafka (3) warms up before the NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday, Sept. 28, 2014 in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Don Wright)
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Mike Kafka (4) throws the ball against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio on Aug. 9, 2015. (AP Photo/Ben Liebenberg)
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Mike Kafka (4) tosses the ball to a running back as quarterback Teddy Bridgewater (5) watches during practice at an NFL football training camp on the campus of Minnesota State University Sunday, July 26, 2015, in Mankato, Minn. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Mike Kafka throws a pass during an NFL football training camp Monday, Aug. 4, 2014, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
Minnesota Vikings center John Sullivan (65) talks to quarterbacks Teddy Bridgewater and Mike Kafka, during practice at an NFL football training camp on the campus of Minnesota State University Monday, July 27, 2015, in Mankato, Minn. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Mike Kafka walks to the practice fields at an NFL football training camp on the campus of Minnesota State University Sunday, July 26, 2015, in Mankato, Minn. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Mike Kafka (3) works against the Atlanta Falcons during the second half of a preseason NFL football game, Thursday, Aug. 29, 2013, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Mike Kafka (3) throws to an open receiver during an NFL preseason football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Thursday, Aug. 28, 2014, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Brian Blanco)
Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Blaine Gabbert (11), quarterback Mike Kafka (3) and quarterback Chad Henne (7) talk before an NFL preseason football game against the New York Jets, Saturday, Aug. 17, 2013, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback, Mike Kafka (3) gets ready to pass to pass during the teams NFL football training camp at Lehigh University in Bethlehem, Pa, Monday, July 30, 2012. (AP Photo/Rich Schultz)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Mike Kafka (3) throws a pass during NFL football training camp in Tampa, Fla., Friday, July 25, 2014.(AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Mike Kafka during an NFL football minicamp Wednesday, June 11, 2014, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Chicago Bears quarterbacks from left, the Buccaneers' Mike Kafka, Bears' Jay Cutler, the Buccaneers' Mike Glennon, the Buccaneers' Josh McCown, and the Bears' Jimmy Clausen gather before an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 23, 2014, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
Jacksonville Jaguars' Mike Kafka works before the first half of a preseason NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons, Thursday, Aug. 29, 2013, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Dave Martin)
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Mike Kafka (4) throws next to Teddy Bridgewater, left, during warmups before a preseason NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at TCF Bank Stadium Saturday, Aug. 15, 2015, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Ann Heisenfelt)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Mike Kafka during an NFL football minicamp Tuesday, June 10, 2014, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback, Mike Kafka (3) looks to pass during the teams NFL football training camp at Lehigh University in Bethlehem, Pa, Monday, July 30, 2012. (AP Photo/Rich Schultz)
Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Mike Kafka (3) works against the Atlanta Falcons during the second half of a preseason NFL football game, Thursday, Aug. 29, 2013, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Mike Kafka participates in drills at an NFL football training camp on the campus of Minnesota State University Sunday, July 26, 2015, in Mankato, Minn. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Mike Kafka (4) drops back to pass against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio on Aug. 9, 2015. (AP Photo/Ben Liebenberg)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Mike Kafka during an NFL football minicamp Tuesday, June 10, 2014, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Mike Kafka throws during an NFL football minicamp Thursday, June 12, 2014, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
Jacksonville Jaguars Mike Kafka works before the first half of a preseason NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons, Thursday, Aug. 29, 2013, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Dave Martin)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Mike Kafka during a voluntary minicamp NFL football practice Tuesday, April 22, 2014, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Mike Kafka (3) walks to the field during NFL football training camp in Tampa, Fla., Friday, July 25, 2014.(AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Northwestern quarterback Mike Kafka (13) fires a pass as Auburn defensive tackle Jake Ricks (91) rushes in during the second half of the Outback Bowl NCAA college football game Friday, Jan. 1, 2010, in Tampa, Fla. Kafka threw for a career-best 532 yards and four touchdowns, but Auburn won 38-35 in overtime. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
Northwestern's Mike Kafka runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, Feb. 28, 2010. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Northwestern's Mike Kafka runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, Feb. 28, 2010. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Northwestern's Mike Kafka runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, Feb. 28, 2010. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Northwestern quarterback Mike Kafka, left, evades a tackle attempt by Minnesota's Kevin Mannion as he runs for a 28-yard gain during the first quarter of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 1, 2008 in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Jim Mone)
Northwestern quarterback Mike Kafka, center, carries the ball as Ohio State defenders Malcolm Jenkins, left, and Cameron Heyward, right, close in during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Evanston, Ill., Saturday, Nov. 8, 2008. The Buckeyes won 45-10. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
Northwestern quarterback Mike Kafka scores on a keeper against Syracuse during the second quarter of an NCAA college football game in Syracuse, N.Y., Saturday, Sept. 19, 2009. (AP Photo/Kevin Rivoli)
Northwestern quarterback Mike Kafka throws under pressure against Syracuse during the third quarter in an NCAA college football game in Syracuse, N.Y., Saturday, Sept. 19, 2009. (AP Photo/Kevin Rivoli)
Northwestern quarterback Mike Kafka (13) runs past Miam i(Ohio)'s Matt Kajmowicz (97) during the fourth quarter of an NCAA college football game in Evanston, Ill., Saturday, Oct. 10, 2009. Northwestern won 16-6.(AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
Northwestern quarterback Mike Kafka (13) celebrates after his first touchdown against Miami (Ohio) during the first quarter of an NCAA college football game in Evanston, Ill., Saturday, Oct. 10, 2009. Northwestern won 16-6.(AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
Northwestern quarterback Mike Kafka throws a pass during the first quarter of an NCAA college football game against Michigan State, Saturday, Oct. 17, 2009, in East Lansing, Mich. (AP Photo/Al Goldis)
Northwestern's Mike Kafka (13) runs upfield against Indiana during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 24, 2009, in Evanston, Ill. (AP Photo/Jim Prisching)
Northwestern quarterback Mike Kafka looks to a pass during the first quarter of an NCAA college football game against Penn State in Evanston, Ill., Saturday, Oct. 31, 2009. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
Northwestern quarterback Mike Kafka, right, smiles as he celebrates with Sidney Stewart after scoring a touchdown during the second quarter of an NCAA college football game against Penn State in Evanston, Ill., Saturday, Oct. 31, 2009. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
Northwestern quarterback Mike Kafka runs with the ball during the second quarter of an NCAA college football game against Penn State's Sean Lee (45) in Evanston, Ill., Saturday, Oct. 31, 2009. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
Northwestern quarterback Mike Kafka runs off the field after his team's 17-10 victory over No. 8 Iowa in an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 7, 2009, in Iowa City, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Northwestern's Andrew Brewer, center, celebrates his touchdown with teammates, including Zeke Markshausen, left, and Mike Kafka, right, during the second quarter of an NCAA college football game against Wisconsin in Evanston, Ill., Saturday, Nov. 21, 2009. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
Northwestern quarterback Mike Kafka looks to pass during the first quarter of an NCAA college football game against Wisconsin in Evanston, Ill., Saturday, Nov. 21, 2009. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
West quarterback Max Hall, left, of BYU, congratulates East quarterback Mike Kafka, of Northwestern, after the East West Shrine football game in Orlando, Fla., Saturday, Jan. 23, 2010. The East won 13-10. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
East quarterback Mike Kafka, right, of Northwestern, looks for an open receiver as West defensive lineman James Ruffin, of Northern Iowa, applies the pressure during the first half of the East West Shrine football game in Orlando, Fla., Saturday, Jan. 23, 2010. The East won 13-10. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Oklahoma's Sam Bradford, center, watches drills between fellow quarterbacks, left to right, Appalachian State's Armanti Edwards, Western Michigan's Tim Hiller, Northwestern's Mike Kafka, and Troy's Levi Brown at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, Feb. 28, 2010. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Northwestern quarterback Mike Kafka goes to pass against Nevada in a college football game Friday, Sept. 22, 2006, in Reno, Nev. Nevada won 31-21. (AP Photo/Cathleen Allison)
