Eric Decker returned to Minneapolis with the New York Jets for Sunday's game against the Minnesota Vikings at TCF Bank Stadium.

The Gophers alum, who was drafted by the Denver Broncos in 2010, signed a five-year deal with the Jets worth over $32 million in March.

But while he's making a name for himself in the NFL, Decker said he's certainly paid attention to his former team. Last week, he told me he's been impressed with Jerry Kill's revamp of the Gophers' football program.

"He's done a tremendous job of building a team that really identifies what Minnesota stands for in discipline and hard work," Decker said. "They have some great skilled players in there."

Like many Gophers fans, Decker said he's anxious to see what's next under coach Kill and his staff.

"To turn around, have the record we did and compete the way we did this year with some of the top 10 teams in the nation is definitely a step in the right direction. I see them contiuning to build, and I'm really excited for the future."