Throwback Thursday: Orban “Spec” Sanders

This Flicker was originally posted March 1, 2012. 

Orban Eugene Sanders was born on January 26, 1918. Everyone saw that mass of freckles on young Orban's face and started calling him "Spec." The name stuck.

Buddy Young, who saw a lot of football as a player and later as a league official, once described Spec Sanders as being in a class with just a handful of other backs, including Jim Brown, Gale Sayers, Hugh McIlhenney and Lenny Moore. That's a pretty select group. All but Sanders are honored in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Sanders lost the early years of his career to World War II. His best years were in the All America Football Conference with the New York Yankees. So his efforts have mostly been ignored by the NFL. That's unfortunate as his 1947 season was one of the best ever. He led the AAFC with 231 carries, 114 points and his 18 rushing touchdowns was a professional record that stood until Jim Taylor rushed for 19 in 1962. His 1432 yards rushing established a record that stood until 1958 when Jim Brown ran for 1527 yards. Sanders could throw the ball as well, completing 93 passes for 1442 yards and 14 more touchdowns. He also returned kicks, taking one kickoff back for another score. Although he was used sparingly on defense, he intercepted three passes. He also averaged 42.1 yards on 46 punts. In a game against the Chicago Rockets, Sanders gained 250 yards rushing, a mark that went untouched for more than 25 years. He was removed from the game after only three quarters. If he'd remained in the game, Adrian Peterson's 296 yards against the San Diego Chargers might still be looking up at Sanders. It was an incredible season. When viewing season statistics of this era, Spec Sanders' 1947 season is so outlandish it strikes one as a misprint.

At a time when most players did a lot of things on the football field Sanders did everything better than pretty much everyone. His versatility might be matched only by the great Sammy Baugh.

Sanders suffered from knee woes and retired after the 1948 season. Despite playing only three seasons, he finished as the AAFC's second leading all-time rusher, leader in touchdowns, fourth in total points, and still found time to finish eighth in passing.

Sanders was lured out of retirement to play in the NFL in 1950 with a different but similarly named New York Yanks. Because of the knee problems, he opted to play only defense that year. In his one year in the NFL Sanders was named to the Pro Bowl after his record setting 13 interception season.

Spec Sanders had only a four year career with only one in the NFL. World War II and knee problems kept it brief. It's unfortunate that his three incredible years in the AAFC are largely forgotten. Those that saw Sanders play football never forgot him.

He’s Back

The Minnesota Vikings strengthened their running back group with a familiar player. Cam Akers was acquired in a trade with the Houston Texans. The Vikings traded a conditional 2026 sixth-round pick and the Texans returned a conditional 2026 seventh-round pick. The trade will be complete once Akers passes a physical. 

Against the New York Jets in Week 5, Vikings top back Aaron Jones exited the game late in the first quarter with a hip injury. He didn’t return to the game. He’s expected to be ready for Sunday’s big game against the Detroit Lions. Ty Chandler is a nice option as the Vikings #2 back but more depth and security was becoming a necessity at the position. Akers should provide that. He’s a skilled player and he’s familiar with the team and system. He was in Los Angeles when current Vikings head coach was offensive coordinator of the Rams. More significantly, Akers was with the Vikings last season. He played in six games. Just as his role appeared to be growing, he was lost for the season with a torn Achilles. It was the second torn Achilles of his career. Unfortunately, he’s become accustomed to coming back from the injury. The Vikings were reportedly interested in re-signing Akers in the offseason but he opted for an opportunity with the Texans. He even played against the Vikings this season, scoring a touchdown in Week 3. 

The curious part to this trade is that it’s the second consecutive season in which the Vikings have acquired Akers in a trade. Last September, it was a trade with the Rams. This October, it was a trade with the Texans. To make it even more curious, the Vikings used the same conditional 2026 sixth-round pick in each trade. Due to the Achilles injury, the conditions of last year’s trade weren’t met. The Vikings were able to use the same pick to get their running back, the same back, this year. 

Assuming Cam Akers passes his physical, here are the Vikings running backs:

Aaron Jones

Ty Chandler

Cam Akers

Myles Gaskins

Zavier Scott - Practice Squad

I’m guessing that Myles Gaskin will continue his yo-yo existence between the practice squad and active roster and return to the practice squad. 

Welcome Back, Cam Akers. 

Minnesota Vikings 53/52 - Man Roster

The Minnesota Vikings are coming off their Week 6 bye. With last week’s release of defensive tackle Jalen Redmond, the roster is currently at 52 players. Perhaps tight end T.J. Hockenson will be #53. He started the season on the PUP list as he went through the final stages of his recovery from a torn ACL. His 21-day practice window opened on October 4 while he and the team were in London. Hockenson can be moved to the active roster at any time. A return against the Detroit Lions on Sunday would be a splendid thing. Another player that’s on the verge of returning to the roster is guard Dalton Risner. He’s been recovering from a back injury. His 21-day practice window was opened yesterday. As for Redmond, he wasn’t separated from the team for long. He was signed to the practice squad. With the bye week in the past, here’s another look at the Minnesota Vikings 53/52 - Man Roster

Minnesota Vikings 53/52 - Man Roster

Offense (24)

Quarterbacks (3)

14 Sam Darnold

12 Nick Mullens

19 Brett Rypien

Running Backs (2)

33 Aaron Jones

32 Ty Chandler

Fullback (1)

30 C.J. Ham

Receivers (6)

18 Justin Jefferson

  3 Jordan Addison

83 Jalen Nailor

  4 Brandon Powell

11 Trent Sherfield

  8 Trishton Jackson

Tight Ends (3)

84 Josh Oliver

86 Johnny Mundt

85 Robert Tonyan

Offensive Linemen (9)

71 Christian Darrisaw

64 Blake Brandel

56 Garrett Bradbury

67 Ed Ingram

75 Brian O’Neill

76 David Quessenberry 

78 Walter Rouse

65 Michael Jurgens

69 Dan Feeney

Defense (25)

Defensive Linemen (5)

97 Harrison Phillips

90 Jonathan Bullard

99 Jerry Tillery

50 Levi Drake Rodriguez

94 Taki Taimani

Outside Linebackers (5)

58 Jonathan Greenard

43 Andrew Van Ginkel

15 Dallas Turner

91 Patrick Jones II

52 Jihad Ward

Inside Linebackers (4)

  0 Ivan Pace Jr.

51 Blake Cashman

  6 Brian Asamoah

54 Kamu Grugier-Hill

Cornerbacks (6)

  2 Stephon Gilmore  

  7 Byron Murphy Jr.

  1 Shaq Griffin

21 Akayleb Evans

23 Fabian Moreau

29 Dwight McGlothern

Safeties (5)

22 Harrison Smith

24 Camryn Bynum

44 Josh Metellus

26 Theo Jackson

20 Jay Ward

Special Teams (3)

Kickers (1)

16 Will Reichard

Punter (1)

17 Ryan Wright

Long Snapper (1)

42 Andrew DePoala

Practice Squad

13 N’Keal Harry, TE

37 Myles Gaskin, RB

36 Zavier Scott

25 Nahshon Wright, CB

28 Bobby McCain, S

55 Andre Carter II, OLB

68 Henry Byrd, G

79 Tyrese Robinson, G

81 Lucky Jackson, WR

82 Jeshaun Jones, WR

89 Thayer Thomas, WR

92 Jonah Williams, DL

40 Dallas Gant, LB

98 Bo Richter, OLB

61 Jalen Redmond, DL

35 Sammis Reyes, TE

Injured Reserve

  5 Mekhi Blackmon, CB

  9 J.J. McCarthy, QB

36 NaJee Thompson, CB

63 Jeremy Flax, OL

45 Jordan Kunaszyk, LB

34 Nick Muse, TE

Injured Reserve/Designated To Return

59 Gabriel Murphy, OLB

66 Dalton Risner, G

87 T.J. Hockenson, TE

Sitting At 52

With last week’s waiving of defensive tackle Jalen Redmond, the Minnesota Vikings roster currently sits at 52 players. My initial and current thought is that the available roster spot is for T.J. Hockenson. The Pro Bowl tight end has been recovering and rehabbing from the injury that resulted from Detroit Lions shit-back Kerby Joseph targeting his knee. Hockenson started the season on reserve/physically unable to perform. It’s an unfortunate term for an unfortunate situation. The Vikings opened his 21-day practice window on October 4th. His first full-team practice was the Friday in London before the Week 5 game against the New York Jets. With the timing of the Hockenson decisions, my assumption was that the Vikings were targeting the October 24th Thursday Night game against the Los Angeles Rams as his return to game action. That gives him a mini-bye of more than a week to deal with any first-game soreness. The Vikings schedule seemed to be set up perfectly for a Week 8 return. If Redmond’s waiving was to open a roster spot for Hockenson, it looks like the Vikings might be targeting this Sunday for Hockenson’s return. The Detroit Lions. Wouldn’t it be sweet for him to return against the team that drafted him and against the dipshit that intentionally took him off the field for months? The potential drawback for that return is the three-day turnaround that follows. After hosting the Lions on Sunday, the Vikings travel to Los Angeles for that Thursday night game. If Hockenson is ready for a return to the field, I guess that he’s ready for the all of the demands of an NFL schedule. 

The preseason hope was that the Vikings could maintain a competitive position while they waited for T.J. Hockenson’s return to the field. They did much better than “maintain a competitive position” as they sit atop the division, the conference, and the league with a 5-0 record. It’s a perfect start record-wise but there have been moments of concern in the last two games. The offense had sputtering stretches against the Green Bay Packers and New York Jets. When teams use an excess of assets to contain all-world receiver Justin Jefferson, the Vikings offense sometimes loses some zip. When that happens, other playmakers must step up and make defenses pay for the attention paid to Jefferson. The Vikings paid a healthy price in draft picks and salary to acquire Hockenson. His impact on the offense was immediate and consistent. If one were to rank the Vikings offensive weapons, he’s #2 or #3. He’s the ideal receiving compliment to Jefferson. Kirk Cousins was thrilled to have him. Sam Darnold will be as well. Despite the perfect start through five games, Hockenson’s absence has been felt. With Jefferson, Hockenson, Jordan Addison, Aaron Jones, and Jalen Nailor, this offense is loaded with playmakers that can hurt any defense. I can’t wait to see a complete Vikings offense on the field. That time is inching closer. 

Flea Flicker Week 6 Predictions

The Minnesota Vikings are on bye. That leaves a gigantic hole in the Week 6 schedule. Here are guesses at the games. 

Bye: MINNESOTA VIKINGS, Kansas City Chiefs, Los Angeles Rams, Miami Dolphins

Jacksonville Jaguars @ Chicago Bears, in London

Pick: Jaguars

I keep believing that the Jaguars will play to their talent. Maybe they aren’t as talented as I thought. I’ll give them this weird two-week stay in London.

Arizona Cardinals @ Green Bay Packers

Pick: Cardinals

Wouldn’t it be nice if the Vikings can increase their lead over the Packers while on bye.

Indianapolis Colts @ Tennessee Titans

Pick: Colts

I’m going with the hope that Anthony Richardson plays in and finishes this game. 

Houston Texans @ New England Patriots

Pick: Texans

Maybe this week the Texans play like the contenders they are supposed to be. They should be handle the excitement around the debut of Patriots rookie quarterback Drake Maye.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ New Orleans Saints

Pick: Buccaneers

This game could be fun. 

Cleveland Browns @ Philadelphia Eagles

Pick: Eagles

The Browns are fading fast. 

Washington Commanders @ Baltimore Ravens

Pick: Ravens

There’s a lot more to this game than Lamar Jackson vs Jayden Daniels. But it’s always about the quarterbacks. Jackson is always capable of being brilliant. Daniels has been playing brilliant. I see the more talented Ravens slowing the rapidly improving Commanders.

Los Angeles Chargers @ Denver Broncos

Pick: Chargers

Sean Payton is a clown.

Pittsburgh Steelers @ Las Vegas Raiders

Pick: Steelers

I’d rather watch a replay of a 1970s version of this rivalry. 

Detroit Lions @ Dallas Cowboys

Pick: Cowboys

Wouldn’t it be nice if the Vikings can increase their lead over the Lions while on bye.

Atlanta Falcons @ Carolina Panthers

Pick: Falcons

Falcons should roll.

Cincinnati Bengals @ New York Giants

Pick: Bengals

I feel like the Bengals are finally find their proper form.

Buffalo Bills @ New York Jets

Pick: Bills

The Jets are a joke. 

Minnesota Vikings All - Time Team

Other than winning the final, big game, the Minnesota Vikings have a strong history. Once they stepped away from their initial expansion team days, they have avoided having more than two consecutive losing seasons. That’s not a real high bar but it shows that they have avoided being woeful. It’s actually the opposite. Far more often than not, they are contenders. Their winning percentage since the NFL-AFL merger is among the best in the league. They have 15 Hall of Fame busts. A handful more deserve a spot. For a team with a history of 30-40 fewer years than many of their peers, that’s a very robust number. The Vikings just need a Super Bowl, preferably several. 

The Vikings have no shortage of players to populate the 27 positions on this Minnesota Vikings All - Time Team. Other than tight end, the offensive positions are mostly taken by Hall of Famers, soon-to-be Hall of Famers, or should-be Hall of Famers. Other than the line, the defensive positions are mostly wide open. Here’s a look at some of the best players in Vikings franchise history.

Minnesota Vikings All-Time Team

Offense

Quarterback 

Fran Tarkenton

Running Back

Adrian Peterson

Fullback

Chuck Foreman

Typically, I think of Bill Brown as the Vikings best fullback. Chuck Foreman lined up as a fullback his first couple years in the league. He had a career worthy of the Hall of Fame. At his peak, he was arguably the best back in the league. He was definitely the most versatile back in the league. It’s fun to think of Adrian Peterson and Chuck Foreman in the same backfield. Peterson will receive his Hall of Fame bust in a few years. 

Wide Receivers

Cris Carter

Randy Moss

Justin Jefferson

Due to the supreme talent available, I must go with three receivers. The Vikings second-team would be the first-team for many franchises. 

Tight End

Steve Jordan

Steve Jordan vs Kyle Rudolph. Both had excellent Vikings careers. If T.J. Hockenson has several seasons like his first season-plus with the Vikings, he joins the All-Time tight end argument.  

Tackles

Gary Zimmerman

Ron Yary

Guards

Randall McDaniel

Steve Hutchinson

In doing these teams, I try to keep the players in the position that they played on the field. Randall McDaniel and Steve Hutchinson are the two best guards in Vikings franchise history. Both played left guard. I can’t leave either off this team. I just can’t. On this team, Hutchinson flips to the right side. The best right guard in Vikings franchise history? That would be Ed White. 

Center

Mick Tingelhoff

Defense

Defensive Ends

Carl Eller

Chris Doleman

Soon-to-be Canton-bound, Jared Allen has a serious argument to be one of the defensive ends on this team. 

Defensive Tackles

Alan Page

John Randle

Alan Page and John Randle are the best defensive tackles in franchise history. Kevin Williams was damn great as well. They all played essentially the same position. If I were to put a run-stuffing nose tackle-type player on this team, then there’s a difficult debate. Henry Thomas, Pat Williams, and Linval Joseph. I’d probably have them in that order. 

Linebackers

Matt Blair

Eric Kendricks

Chad Greenway

It’s tough to leave out Anthony Barr, Jeff Siemon, and any of the Vikings first great trio Wally Hilgenberg, Lonnie Warwick and Roy Winston. 

Cornerbacks

Antoine Winfield

Bobby Bryant 

Antoine Winfield is easy. The second corner spot comes down to Bobby Bryant, Carl Lee, and Xavier Rhodes. Maybe Nate Wright as well. Today, the choice is Bobby Bryant. His long, underrated career finally earned him a spiffy purple jacket and a spot in the team’s Ring of Honor.  

Safeties

Paul Krause

Harrison Smith

Not having Joey Browner on this team is a crime. In terms of skill/ability/talent, Harrison Smith and Browner are probably the best safeties in franchise history. Paul Krause intercepted an NFL record 81 passes. On a list of league records least likely to be broken, that is at the top. He has be on this team. So does Smith. 

Special Teams

Kicker

Ryan Longwell

Punter

Chris Kluwe

Kick Returner

Cordarrelle Patterson

Punt Returner

Marcus Sherels

Special Teams

Joey Browner

Joey Browner first made his mark on special teams. At least, it gets him on this team. He’s one of the greatest players in franchise history. 

Minnesota Vikings Receiver Tradition

The Minnesota Vikings have a great receiver tradition. It can rival that of any team in the league. In only three seasons, Justin Jefferson has joined that tradition. Jordan Addison and Jalen Nailor are looking to do the same. The tradition started with 1963 Rookie of Year Paul Flatley. Sammy White won that award in 1976. Randy Moss did the same in 1998. Percy Harvin did as well in 2009. Jefferson was robbed of the Rookie of the Year award in 2020. He did take home Offensive Player of the Year honors after his third season. The Vikings receivers through 63 years are a great, fun group. 

Minnesota Vikings Receiver Tradition

Paul Flatley

Gene Washington

John Gilliam

Sammy White

Ahmad Rashad

Anthony Carter

Cris Carter

Jake Reed

Randy Moss

Nate Burleson

Sidney Rice

Percy Harvin

Adam Thielen

Stefon Diggs

Justin Jefferson

That’s 15 receivers that were among the best in the league during the time they played. There are a handful more that had solid careers and contributed to the Vikings receiver tradition.

Jerry Reichow

John Henderson

Leo Lewis

Terry LeCount

Hassan Jones

Bernard Berrian

Jarius Wright

The Vikings great receiving tradition is highlighted by Cris Carter and Randy Moss. Both have a bust in Canton. Both are in the argument for best receivers to ever play. Moss is easily in that argument. In my opinion, so is Carter. No one ever caught the ball as well. No one!

I never thought another receiver could challenge Moss and Carter. Both were so damn great. Then Justin Jefferson arrived in Minnesota. He’s done more in four years than any receiver in league history. He’s unbelievable. He just has to get in the end zone more. Put his statistics next to Moss and touchdowns is the only stat that easily leans Moss’ way. In Jefferson’s touchdown defense, he’s had a few called back and spotted on the goal line. He’s had several more catches get the Vikings inside the five-yard line. Justin Jefferson’s work often turned into Dalvin Cook’s glory.

An underrated member of the Vikings great receiver tradition is John Gilliam. He was in Minnesota from 1972-75. During those four years he was the league’s best deep threat. His yard per catch were ridiculous.

1972: 22.0

1973: 21.6

1974: 22.2

1975: 15.5

Over 20 yards per catch is a rarity these days. It was in the 1970s as well. Gilliam was named to the Pro Bowl each season. The drop in 1975 was partly due to a bit more conservative offense that revolved around versatile running back Chuck Foreman. Gilliam’s 50 catches that season was his best total for the Vikings. I didn’t understand his departure during the 1976 offseason. The arrival that same offseason of Sammy White in the draft and Ahmad Rashad in a trade helped explain it. 

The trades/departures of Randy Moss, Sidney Rice, Percy Harvin, and Stefon Diggs were some of the most painful moments of my Vikings life. At least the Diggs trade led directly to the selection of Jefferson in the 2020 NFL Draft. 

Jordan Addison has the talent to join the great Vikings receiver tradition. With his smooth route-running and sticky hands, he can easily be confused with Jefferson. The Jefferson-Addison duo is the best in the league. Addison must stop going astray off the field. Jalen Nailor could be a sneaky addition to the receiver tradition. He’s evolving into a nice #3 to Jefferson and Addison. Nailor just has to stay on the field. Nagging injuries over his two years in the league have been his obstacle. 

It’s been so fun watching the Vikings great receiver tradition all these years.