In one of the most bizarre and shocking stories to emerge from the NFL offseason, Minnesota Vikings rookie quarterback Max Brosmer is facing legal action and a potential suspension after an incident involving a military tank, his grandfather, and a Tesla owned by none other than tech billionaire Elon Musk.
The Unbelievable Incident
According to Minneapolis Police Department reports, the incident occurred late Saturday night in a quiet suburban neighborhood just outside the city. Witnesses claim they were startled awake by the thunderous sound of what appeared to be a military vehicle rumbling down the street.
Authorities later confirmed that Max Brosmer, 24, was riding in a decommissioned Cold War-era tank driven by his 78-year-old grandfather, Walter Brosmer, a retired army engineer. The two were reportedly participating in what they described as a “family tradition of unconventional bonding.”
The tank, which had been restored and legally registered for parades and exhibitions, was being driven “for fun” when the unexpected happened. As they turned a sharp corner, the tank rolled onto the driveway of a nearby luxury home and accidentally crushed the front half of a limited-edition Tesla Roadster parked outside. That car belonged to none other than Elon Musk, who was reportedly visiting the area for a SpaceX summit with local engineers.
Legal Trouble and NFL Fallout
Max Brosmer was taken into custody for questioning but later released. While he was not behind the wheel, the police cited his role in allowing the unauthorized use of the tank on a public street. His grandfather is also facing multiple charges, including reckless operation of a military vehicle and property damage exceeding $2 million.
Brosmer now faces a court hearing scheduled for next month and potential disciplinary action from the NFL and the Minnesota Vikings.
“We are aware of the incident involving Max Brosmer and are currently gathering all relevant information,” the Vikings organization said in an official statement on Monday. “At this time, we are cooperating with law enforcement and the league office. We take these matters seriously and will respond accordingly.”
The NFL has also issued a statement saying they have launched an internal review to determine whether the incident violates the league’s personal conduct policy.
Elon Musk Reacts
Elon Musk, known for his eccentric presence on social media, addressed the incident with a cryptic tweet:
“So… a tank crushed my Roadster. Still better protection than FSD Beta 12.”
While Musk seemed to downplay the situation with humor, legal representatives for Tesla Inc. confirmed they would be pursuing civil damages. The Roadster in question was reportedly a prototype of the upcoming 2025 model, making the damage far more costly than a typical luxury car incident.
Max Brosmer’s Future in Jeopardy
Max Brosmer, a standout rookie from the University of New Hampshire, had been gaining positive attention during preseason training for his poise and intelligence on the field. Drafted in the fifth round by the Vikings earlier this year, he was expected to be a potential backup to veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers and a developmental project for the team.
Now, with legal trouble hanging over him, Brosmer’s future in the NFL is uncertain. While some fans have rallied behind him, calling the incident an “honest mistake” fueled by family eccentricity, others argue that such reckless behavior is unbecoming of a professional athlete.
A Story Too Strange to Believe
As the story continues to unfold, one thing is clear: this incident is unlike anything the league—or Elon Musk—has dealt with before. Whether Brosmer will be able to shake off the tank-sized scandal and salvage his rookie season remains to be seen.
For now, the Vikings are holding their breath, Elon Musk is calling his insurance company, and the NFL has yet another offseason headline it never saw coming.
