Top 10 Minnesota Vikings Tight Ends
1. Steve Jordan (1982-94)
2. Kyle Rudolph (2011-20)
3. Jim Kleinsasser (1999-2011)
4. T.J. Hockenson (2022-present)
5. Stu Voigt (1970-80)
6. Visanthe Shiancoe (2007-11)
7. Joe Senser (1980-84)
8. Jermaine Wiggins (2004-06)
9. Andrew Glover (1997-99)
10. Bob Schnelker (1961)
The Vikings have an interesting tight end history. Some of that history is due to the evolution of the position. I found football, and the Vikings, at a time in which the tight end’s primary responsibility was still blocking. The position was essentially an extra offensive lineman. Sure, there were game-breaking tight ends in the 1960s and into the 1970s but Mike Ditka, John Mackey, and Jerry Smith were the exception rather than the norm of the position. Those greats paved the way for Jackie Smith, Dave Casper, Kellen Winslow, and Ozzie Newsome. Over the past three decades, there’s been a near complete flip in the expectations of an NFL tight end. Now, the position is a pass catcher first. The evolution of the tight end during my lifetime has been remarkable.
The Vikings tight end history is nothing like the receivers. The receivers probably go about twenty deep with impact players. Tight end is strong at the top but drops off considerably.
Steve Jordan vs. Kyle Rudolph. Either one is worthy of being named the best tight end in Vikings franchise history. I tend to favor Jordan as I feel like he was stronger for a longer period. During a time in which the position was rapidly evolving, Jordan was right with Kellen Winslow, Ozzie Newsome, and Todd Christensen. Jordan made the Pro Bowl from 1986-91. He was named to the Vikings Ring of Honor and his career is deserving of Hall of Fame discussion.
For most of his 10 years in Minnesota, it felt like Kyle Rudolph was only limited by his use in the offense. It never felt like the Vikings went to him enough. For most of those 10 years, he was targeted only in the red zone. He was outstanding there. He could’ve been just as outstanding outside of the red zone.
Jim Kleinsasser was, and will always be, a favorite. He was pure football player. As a tight end, he was a throwback. He was the best blocking tight end in Vikings franchise history and one of the best I’ve ever seen. He blocked like an offensive lineman. Hell, he blocked better than some of the Vikings offensive linemen. With the ball in his hands, it must’ve felt like tackling a tank for defenders.
After only 1.5 seasons, T.J. Hockenson is already #4 on this list. Before he’s done, I expect him to be #1. He’s the most talented tight end the Vikings have ever had.
Stu Voigt was the tight end when I discovered the Vikings as a kid. I remember him as an excellent blocker with a modest impact as a pass-catcher. It did feel like every one of his catches was critical to a drive or in a clutch moment.
Visanthe Shiancoe was an underrated free agent signing in 2007. He played for the Vikings from 2007-11. His best seasons were the middle three. He contributed nicely to the explosive offense directed by Brett Favre in 2009.
Joe Senser might be the greatest “what if” in Vikings franchise history. He was very good as a rookie in 1980: 42 catches/447 yards/7 TDs. He exploded in his second season: 79 catches/1004 yards/8 TDs. He’s the only Vikings tight end to pass 1000 receiving yards in a season. It felt like we were watching the start of a Hall of Fame career. Instead, he struggled in 1982 during the season hacked up and shortened by the player’s strike. A knee injury wiped out his 1983 season. He played in eight games, with one start, in 1984. He wasn’t the same player and retired after the season. Joe Senser’s outstanding 1981 season is the best from a Vikings tight end. I’ve often wondered, “what if” that knee injury hadn’t put an end to his brilliant potential.
Jermaine Wiggins was a fun football player. I’ll always remember his ridiculous hurdle attempts. He only played three seasons for the Vikings but he was a big part of the offense, catching 71 passes in 2004 and 69 in 2005.
Andrew Glover edges out Bob Tucker, Byron Chamberlain, Andrew Jordan, Tyler Conklin, and perhaps a few others. Like Shiancoe in 2009, Glover was a solid contributor in the explosive Vikings offense in 1998. In an offense with pass-catchers like Cris Carter, Randy Moss, and Jake Reed, Glover managed to chip in five touchdowns.
Bob Schnelker makes the Top 10 simply for catching the first touchdown in Vikings franchise history. He played in only six games for the Vikings in 1961 but he has that touchdown. He was also the Vikings offensive coordinator from 1986-90.
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