CINCINNATI — Minnesota Vikings rookie linebacker Ivan Pace Jr. affectionately refers to Lakota West football coach Tom Bolden as "Pops."
In a similar vein, Bolden, who coached Pace at Colerain, calls him "Son."
So it didn't take long after the Vikings' 3-0 win at Las Vegas Sunday night for Bolden to send a congratulatory text message to the 2019 Colerain grad.
Pace, a 5-foot-10, 231-pound undrafted rookie, had 13 tackles, one sack and an unforgettable game-sealing interception that resulted in a celebratory backflip in the end zone.
The former University of Cincinnati and Miami University star was named the Pro Football Focus Rookie of the Week.
"I just kept telling him how proud he keeps making me and that I loved him," Bolden said Tuesday morning. "When he got done with his interviews and all that I got a text back from him. He told me: 'Thanks, Pops. Love you too.' He knows I'm always here for him."
Family and friends will pay close attention to Pace on Saturday when the Vikings (7-6) visit the Bengals (7-6) at 1 p.m. on WCPO 9. Saturday will be Pace's 23rd birthday.
"He's just so tenacious," Bolden said. "He's always got the juice but there will be a little extra come Saturday."
David Becker/AP
Minnesota Vikings linebacker Ivan Pace Jr. (40) and safety Josh Metellus (44) celebrate after an interception against the Las Vegas Raiders during the second half Dec. 10 in Las Vegas.
That juice is evident in Pace's rookie season and going back to high school.
"Ivan has that unique ability to always sort of outshine what people think he can do," said former Colerain head coach Shawn Cutright.
Pace told reporters Sunday he isn't surprised by his success in his first NFL season.
"I got that 'dawg' in me, man — that's all I got to say," Pace said. "I know how good I am. I've been showing the world since I was young that I was good and now I'm here in the league and still proving it."
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