100 Greatest Minnesota Vikings Players: 60-51

The Flea Flicker countdown of the 100 Greatest Minnesota Vikings Players continues with #s 60-51.

100 Greatest Minnesota Vikings Players: 60-51

  60. Karl Kassulke, S

  59. Jeff Christy, C

  58. Ed McDaniel, LB

  57. Tim Irwin, OT

  56. EJ Henderson, LB

  55. John Gilliam, WR

  54. Gary Larsen, DT

  53. Anthony Barr, LB

  52. Stefon Diggs, WR

  51. Dalvin Cook, RB

Karl Kassulke had his career cut short by a motorcycle accident while on his way to training camp in 1973. He and Paul Krause was one of the best safety pairing in Vikings history. Kassulke was the linebacker-like hitter. Krause was the roving centerfielder. 

Jeff Christy ranks behind the great Mick Tingelhoff and Matt Birk in the Vikings long, strong center tradition. 

Ed McDaniel was always a favorite of mine. The Vikings defense wasn’t great in the late 1990s but they were strong up the middle with John Randle, McDaniel, and Robert Griffith. 

Tim Irwin=steady and dependable. He received zero accolades during his long starting run in Minnesota. Still, he was named one of the 50 Greatest Vikings. 

Anthony Barr is the epitome of Mike Zimmer’s team defense. If he’d been drafted by a team that simply sent him after quarterbacks on every snap, he’d probably have a much more recognizable career and sizable stat sheet. He’s been a very good, often great, football player but he’ll never receive the appreciation from Vikings fans that he deserves. 

The days that Stefon Diggs, Percy Harvin, and Randy Moss were traded were three of the saddest days of my Vikings life. I loved watching Diggs play the receiver position. His route-running. His pass-catching. His energy. His passion. He was a blast. The fact that Justin Jefferson is now in Minnesota makes it easier to see Stefon Diggs in Buffalo. 

Dalvin Cook is simply resting at #51. He won’t be there long.