Former Rams, Vikings and Chargers linebacker Ben Leber retired just over a week ago. It's news that likely skipped across sports desks all over the nation with barely a glance. That's unfortunate. Ben Leber was a terrific football player. He was part of the Minnesota Vikings under the radar yet super 2006 free agency class. With Steve Hutchinson, Chester Taylor and Ryan Longwell, Leber helped the Vikings on the field and off. Their leadership and play helped bring the Vikings to the brink of the Super Bowl in 2009. Leber's play at linebacker was always reliable and frequently spectacular. With EJ Henderson in the middle and Chad Greenway and Leber on the outside, the Vikings had an excellent linebacker group. Playing behind linemen Jared Allen, Pat and Kevin Williams and Ray Edwards, the Vikings front seven was one of the best in the league. Leber was a big part of it yet had the lowest profile. It was a sad day when the Vikings decided not to re-sign Leber following the 2010 season. The team has been going through a bit of a roster purge over the last two seasons. Only defensive tackle Kevin Williams and corner Antoine Williams remain from the "old" days. Seeing him in a St Louis Rams uniform never looked or felt right. It was a real shame that Leber didn't retire as a Minnesota Vikings football player.
Well-spoken and very football knowledgeable, Ben Leber has a bright future in the broadcast booth or on a set. I think that he's leaning that way. It would be a nice transition. He might even become a household name as a TV football personality. I just wish that more recognized Leber as the terrific football player that he was.
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