Cashman’s persona leaves an indelible impression, making it easy for people to vouch for him.

“My favorite memory off the field was when we were at a wedding and he’s teaching my son how to rip his shirt off on the dance floor: ‘You’ve got to rip it so the buttons fly!’ ” Sherels said, laughing over Cashman instructing his son Quinton, who was 7 years old then. “He was putting him up on his shoulders and just making him feel like he’s on top of the world.

“We still talk,” said Sherels, referring to Cashman as an “awesome dude” and a great friend of his family.

In the spring of 2024, following the linebacker’s breakthrough in Houston, Sherels was hanging at his home with Flores of all people. The bond between the older brother of Vikings Legend Marcus Sherels, a punt return phenom, and the four-time Super Bowl Champion assistant coach formed like most adult friendships – through their children. As legend goes, during a daughters’ playdate, Flores saw a commemorative piece of art in Sherel’s basement: six linebackers and Sherels in a Gophers beanie.

Boys that Sherels coached into men in college, who made it to the NFL: Jonathan Celestin, Damien Wilson, Cashman, Kamal Martin, De’Vondre Campbell and Carter Coughlin. Flores knew of a couple.

And then he wondered, “Who are the rest?” So, Sherels gave the lowdown on each to Flores.

Intentionally saving ‘Cash’ for last, aware his guest was linebacker shopping, he redirected his gaze to the 6-foot-1, 235-pounder’s painting and told Flores, ” ‘Blake Cashman. He’s an unbelievable athlete.

“‘He can do everything,’ ” Sherels continued with sincerity he thinks Flores trusted. “That was it. I didn’t say, ‘He’d be a perfect fit for your defense!’ I thought [that], but typically a hard sell is not the way to go.

“It was just an off-handed comment that stuck in his head, and then when the time came to look at free-agent linebackers, I’m sure he saw [him] on that list, and he was like ‘Oh this is Mike’s guy. I’m going to put [on the tape],” Sherels added. “I hope he stays for a while, because it’s a good match, those two.”