MANKATO — New Vikings wide receiver Jerome Simpson has become somewhat of a fan favorite in training camp, but it has little to do with his catching ability or route running.

Simpson is popular because of touchdown run he made in the final week of last season against the Arizona Cardinals. He was playing for the Cincinnati Bengals at the time and as he neared the goal line, linebacker Daryl Washington moved in to make the tackle. Without breaking stride, Simpson did a complete front flip over Washington and landed on his feet in the end zone for the school.

The video clip of the play went viral right away and can still be seen on ESPN, sports highlight shows and YouTube.

“I didn’t think about it before I did it,” Simpson said. “I’ve always been a good jumper; my instincts took over and I just did it. I was probably as surprised as anyone that I landed on my feet.”

The video clip is usually considered to be on the best plays of the decade and was voted No. 1 on the year’s top 10 sports plays. (Check out the video by clicking on the related link).

Simpson became a free agent at the end of last season and was signed by the Vikings in April of this year. He will have to sit out the first three games of the regular season after getting convicted on drug charges involving marijuana possession.

The wide receiver said watching his teammates play without him will be difficult, but he’s focusing on doing  his best in training camp and preparing himself for Week 4.

Drafted by the Bengals in 2008, Simpson had his best season a year ago when he caught 50 passes for 725 yards and four touchdowns. Capping the year off with “the flip” certainly didn’t hurt his profile entering free agency.

Despite all the attention he’s been getting for the highlight play, the wideout has never lacked for friends. He’s always been considered a likable guy and has already been embraced by his new teammates.

“It’s been great working with Jerome, I love that guy,” quarterback Christian Ponder said. “ He works his butt off, he’s really gifted. We’ve built up a great relationship and he’s making me a better quarterback.”

Head coach Leslie Frazier said Simpson has a fun-loving personality.

“He’s another guy who brings some energy,” Frazier said. “He doesn’t say a whole lot but when he says something, he has a way of making you smile. He’s one of those guys who plays lights out in practice, diving for balls, making the hard catches.”

One of the main reasons the Vikings signed Simpson was to give the team the deep threat they have lacked the last few seasons. With Simpson going long and running deeper routes, things should potentially open up for Percy Harvin underneath.

Offensive coordinator Bill Musgrave said Simpson has the physical talent to be a great NFL receiver. All he needs now is to get up to speed in the Vikings offensive scheme.

“(His next step is) becoming more familiar with our system,” Musgrave said. “He’s got a good working knowledge of it, but there are times out there he will continue to think and reflect to make sure he knows exactly what he’s supposed to do instead of it coming naturally.

“(Once he gets comfortable) he can break the huddle and go full speed. The more turns he gets, I believe the more comfortable he’ll be.”