Top Ten Minnesota Vikings Linebackers

The ranking of the Top Ten Minnesota Vikings players at each position continues with the linebackers.

Top 10 Minnesota Vikings Linebackers

1.   Matt Blair

2.   Anthony Barr

3.   Eric Kendricks

4.   Jeff Siemon

5.   Chad Greenway

6.   Ed McDaniel

7.   Ben Leber 

8.   E.J. Henderson 

9.   Roy Winston 

10. Lonnie Warwick 

10. Wally Hilgenberg

The Vikings defensive front is loaded with Hall of Famers, soon-to-be Hall of Famers, and could-be Hall of Famers. The team’s linebacker tradition doesn’t really have any players like that. Most of the above Top-10 can be presented in many ways. 

Matt Blair is the one Vikings linebacker that’s deserving of a Hall of Fame argument. I have doubts that he’ll ever get it. A lot of players were added in the 1970s to eventually take over for the great players that formed the Purple People Eaters. It was a very tall task for all of those new players. Blair was the one player that was up to the task. While he started a handful of games as a rookie in 1974, he became a full-time starter in 1976. Blair was soon one of the best linebackers in the league. He was named to the Pro Bowl six times and 1st-team All-Pro once. In addition to his outstanding play on defense, he was one of the best kick blockers I have ever seen. I don’t think that Anthony Barr ever got enough credit for all that he did in Mike Zimmer’s defense. He was a great blend of speed and power. Zimmer’s team-defense revolved around his talents, physically as well as mentally. He probably would’ve been a bigger star as an edge rusher in a 3-4 but he was great in Zimmer’s 4-3. From UCLA to the Vikings, Eric Kendricks was Anthony Barr’s long-time defensive partner. Drafted a year apart, they were an outstanding pairing in the middle of the Vikings defense. Despite his modest size, Kendricks could do everything required of an NFL middle linebacker. Blitz, stop the run, and drop in coverage. He was named 1st-team All-Pro and went to his only Pro Bowl in 2019. With only that one season of post-season accolades, Kendricks was wildly underrated. He was one of the best middle linebackers in the game for all of his eight years in Minnesota. 

Jeff Siemon may have been the only Vikings player to have a good game in Super Bowl XI. It felt like he made every tackle that day. The Vikings terrific front four and safety Paul Krause got most of the defensive attention in the 1970s. Siemon was deserving of some of it. He was a very good linebacker. With four Pro Bowl appearances, he did get some recognition for his play. Chad Greenway lost his rookie season to a torn ACL in his first preseason game. He came back in 2007 like it never happened. He played all of his 11-year career in Minnesota and the fans love him for it. He was a very good, and often great, linebacker for all of those 11 years. Ed McDaniel is one of the most underrated players in Vikings history. John Randle got most of the attention on those modest Vikings defenses of the 1990s. McDaniel was deserving of much more than he received. He was named to one Pro Bowl. It should’ve been about five. 

In my opinion, Chad Greenway, E.J. Henderson, and Ben Leber are the best trio of linebackers in Vikings franchise history. Greenway was always so steady. Leber always seemed to be there for the big play when the big play had to be made. Henderson was the heart of the defense. After the brutal broken leg late in the 2009 season, his play and leadership was missed in the playoffs.

The linebacker trio of Greenway, Henderson, and Leber just edges that of Roy Winston, Lonnie Warwick, and Wally Hilgenberg for the best in franchise history. Winston was the Vikings starting left-side linebacker from 1963-73. Warwick was the starting middle linebacker from 1966-70. Hilgenberg was the right-side linebacker from 1969-76. In 1969, the Vikings defense emerged as one of the best the league has ever seen. Most of the attention was focused on the outstanding front four. In terms of accolades, the trio of linebackers that played behind them were mostly anonymous. Despite the lack of attention, the trio was very good and were a big part of those dominant Vikings defenses. 

The strength of the current Vikings defense crafted by Brian Flores is its adaptability. At its base is a 3-4. If Jonathan Greenard and Andrew Van Ginkel build on what they did during their first season in Minnesota, I’ll be forced to rethink this traditional linebacker ranking. 3-4 outside linebackers are nothing like the linebackers of the Vikings past. Greenard and Van Ginkel were outstanding. In his second season, Dallas Turner will unleash his untapped talent. 

Top Ten Minnesota Vikings Defensive Tackles

The ranking of the Top Ten Minnesota Vikings players at each position continues with the defensive tackles. 

The Vikings defensive end tradition is strong. Their defensive tackle tradition is even stronger. 

Top Ten Minnesota Vikings Defensive Tackles

1.   Alan Page

2.   John Randle

3.   Kevin Williams

4.   Keith Millard

5.   Henry Thomas

6.   Pat Williams

7.   Gary Larsen

8.   Linval Joseph

9.   Doug Sutherland

10. Tom Johnson

Older Vikings fans probably have Alan Page #1. Younger Vikings fans probably have John Randle #1. Both have a bust in Canton. 

Alan Page was a great football player. His play was one of the reasons I fell for the Vikings as a California kid in the 1970s. After his unreal 1971 season, Page became the first defensive player to ever be named league MVP. His career accolades are many and rival those of any defensive tackle in league history:

MVP

Defensive Player of the Year

5x 1st-team All-Pro

3x 2nd-team All-Pro

9x Pro Bowl

1970s All-Decade

Just as Page ripped up the league in the late 1960s and the 1970s, John Randle ripped up the league in the 1990s. He had eight seasons of double-digit sacks in his 11 years in Minnesota. With his riotous on-field behavior, snap-to-whistle effort, and ridiculous production, Randle was and continues to be a fan favorite. 

Kevin Williams started his Vikings career as a defensive end. He collected 10.5 sacks. He moved to the interior in his second season and was named 1st-team All-Pro and went to the Pro Bowl. Over the next nine years, Williams would be named 1st-team All-Pro four more times and go to five more Pro Bowls. His outstanding play over his 11 years in Minnesota would earn him 2000s All-Decade honors. It should eventually get him into Canton. If not for the injuries that derailed, and then ended, his brilliant career, Keith Millard would have a bust in Canton. From 1985-89, he played the defensive tackle position as well as anyone I’ve ever seen. He wrecked offenses. In 1988, Millard was runner-up for Defensive Player of the Year. In 1989, he won it. He was also fifth (1988) and third (1989) in voting for league MVP . 

For his first three years, Henry Thomas was Keith Millard’s defensive tackle partner. For his final three years in Minnesota, he was John Randle’s defensive tackle partner. For all of his eight years at the heart of the Vikings defense, Thomas was a steady and often outstanding football player. His best years were the eight years in Minnesota. His entire 14-year career is deserving of a Hall of Fame discussion. Pat Williams was a very good and fun football player. During his six-year Vikings career, he paired with Kevin Williams to form the “Williams Wall.” For half of those six years, the duo were named to the Pro Bowl. No one ran on the “Williams Wall.” Pat Williams is one of the best free agent signings in Vikings franchise history. Gary Larsen was the least acclaimed of the Vikings brilliant Purple People Eaters defensive line. While Alan Page, Carl Eller, and Jim Marshall often met at the quarterback, Larsen was always there to clean up what was left. From 1965-73, Larsen was a steady and productive presence on the Vikings front. That play earned him Pro Bowl honors in 1969 and 1970. In Pat Williams and Linval Joseph, the Vikings were successful in finding enormous run-stuffers in free agency. Joseph was often a lot more than just a run-stuffer. There were stretches in which he destroyed offensive line interiors tasked only with slowing him. While Williams had Kevin Williams as an outstanding defensive tackle partner, the Vikings never could find a similar every-down partner for Joseph. When Joseph was at his best, he was unblockable. Doug Sutherland took over for Gary Larsen as the least acclaimed member of the Vikings Purple People Eaters. Sutherland started his NFL career as a guard for the New Orleans Saints. The Vikings acquired him in 1971 and immediately moved him to defense. He had a solid and overlooked 10-year career in Minnesota. 

For the final spot on this ranking, I’m going with one of the most underrated Vikings free agent additions. Like Lance Johnstone was for the defensive ends, Tom Johnson was something of a designated pass rusher at defensive tackle. He was a starter in 2017 but he always seemed more productive when his snaps were limited. He was an excellent pass rusher from the interior. Johnson had an interesting, nomadic, 13-year professional football career. 

Indianapolis Colts practice squad (2006-07)

Cologne Centurions (2007) - NFL Europe

Grand Rapids Rampage (2008) - Arena Football League

Philadelphia Soul (2009) - Arena Football League

Calgary Stampeders (2009-10) - Canadian Football League

New Orleans Saints (2011-13)

Minnesota Vikings (2014-17)

Seattle Seahawks (2018)

Minnesota Vikings (2018)

That’s persistence. That persistence was highlighted by his productive and underrated four-plus years with the Vikings. 

Top Ten Minnesota Vikings Defensive Ends

It’s on to the defense. The ranking of the Top Ten Minnesota Vikings players at each position continues with the defensive ends. 

Ever since the Purple People Eaters of the late 1960s and 1970s, the Minnesota Vikings have had a very good to great defensive tradition. Starting with the defensive ends, here’s a look at some of the players that make up that tradition.

Top 10 Minnesota Vikings Defensive Ends

1.   Carl Eller 

2.   Chris Doleman 

3.   Jared Allen 

4.   Danielle Hunter

5.   Jim Marshall 

6.   Everson Griffen 

7.   Brian Robison 

8.   Doug Martin

9.   Mark Mullaney 

10. Lance Johnstone 

Carl Eller and Chris Doleman are in the Hall of Fame. Jared Allen will join them this summer. Danielle Hunter continues to build his Hall of Fame case. Then there’s Jim Marshall. He’s been on the Hall’s wait list for so long that it’s bordering on the ridiculous. 

Speaking of Hall of Fame waits, Carl Eller had about a 20-year wait. You look at his career and accolades and have to wonder, “how can that be?”. 

1970s First-team All-Decade

5x 1st-team All-Pro

6x Pro Bowl

He also made 2nd-team All-Pro in a year he didn’t make the Pro Bowl

3x Top-10 in MVP voting

2nd to teammate Alan Page in the 1971 Defensive Player of the Year voting

A player has a career of that quality today and he’s probably going into the Hall on his first vote. Eller’s 20-year wait is one of the great mysteries of that voting process. 

On a Christmas night in 1989, I had a pretty good idea that Chris Doleman would end up in Canton. That was the night that he ran past and through Cincinnati Bengals all-everything tackle Anthony Munoz. He finished with 21 sacks that season. Jared Allen topped Doleman’s 21 sacks with 22 in 2011. The trade for Allen in 2008 was one of the best in Vikings franchise history. He was the final piece to an emerging defense. The defensive line of Allen, Kevin Williams, Pat Williams, and Ray Edwards rivaled that of the Purple People Eaters. It was a damn sad day to see Danielle Hunter sign with the Houston Texans last offseason. He had a brilliant eight-year career in Minnesota. He sat behind Brian Robison for a couple seasons. Despite playing limited snaps, he collected 12.5 sacks in his second season. There was no sitting after that. If he hadn’t missed all of the 2020 and most of the 2021 seasons, he would’ve collected over 100 sacks in those eight years. Five years after his career is done, there will be a Hall of Fame argument for Hunter. There’s been about a 40-year Hall of Fame argument for Jim Marshall. This is a very sensitive subject for Vikings fans. They see no argument. It’s sensitive because Marshall might be the most important player of the team’s first 20 years. He was the heart, soul, and leader of the great Vikings teams that went to four Super Bowls. He was also a great football player. 

Everson Griffen’s career was interesting. He sat behind Jared Allen for his first four years. And Allen rarely came off the field. Despite playing very limited snaps, anyone looking could see Griffen’s talent. The Vikings tried him at linebacker one training camp just to get him on the field. He was a gunner on punts. A 275-pound gunner! His first year as a starter was the first year of his second contract. He received a big second contract despite never having been a full-time player. He showed immediately that he deserved that contract. He was a mystery to the national media. He was even a mystery to his new coach, Mike Zimmer. Griffen was one of the league’s best pass rushers for the rest of his career. Brian Robison played all of his 11 seasons in Minnesota. Fitting, as he was always and always will be a fan favorite. He was the less heralded member of a 2007 Vikings draft class that included Adrian Peterson and Sidney Rice. Robison’s career would be a lot like his status in that draft class. Initially, he played behind Ray Edwards for four years. Then he played in the shadow of Jared Allen and Everson Griffen. He even played in the shadow of Danielle Hunter while starting ahead of him. Through it all, Robison was a very good and productive football player. Doug Martin and Mark Mullaney had the misfortune of being drafted to replace legends. Even though I thought and hoped that Carl Eller and Jim Marshall would play forever, their great Vikings careers were going to eventually end. It was hoped that Martin and Mullaney would simply continue the team’s great defensive end tradition. Those are brutal expectations. Martin got off to a decent start. His 11.5 sacks in the strike-shortened 1982 season led the league. He followed that up with 13 sacks in 1983. Sack-wise those were the best of his 10 years in Minnesota. He had a couple nine-sack years later in the decade. Mullaney’s career was a little less productive but he was a strong contributor on the defensive line for all of his 11-year career.

Lance Johnstone edged out Al Noga and Ray Edwards for #10. I decided that Johnstone had a greater impact despite playing fewer snaps. Johnstone is one of the Vikings most underrated free agent signings. He played in Minnesota from 2001-05. His only season as a full-time starter was 2002. He was the definition of a designated pass rusher. He collected 41 sacks over those five years. He had 10 sacks 2003 and 11 in 2004. He was an impact pass rusher for the Vikings. 

Top Ten Minnesota Vikings Centers

The receiver and defensive line traditions of the Minnesota Vikings are among the NFL’s best. They also have a strong center tradition. It helps that the tradition started with a Hall of Fame player that didn’t miss a game for 17 years. 

Top Ten Minnesota Vikings Centers

1.   Mick Tingelhoff

2.   Matt Birk

3.   Jeff Christy

4.   John Sullivan

5.   Dennis Swilley

6.   Kirk Lowdermilk

7.   Garrett Bradbury

8.   Joe Berger

9.   Pat Elflein

10. Bill Lapham

10. Adam Schreiber 

Mick Tingelhoff was a remarkable football player. From 1962-78, Tingelhoff started every game that the Vikings played. It was an unbelievable streak. His best years were the mid 1960s. He was All-Pro for six consecutive seasons. He should’ve made it to Canton long before he finally did. Tingelhoff kicked off the Vikings strong center tradition. From 1962-2014, the fulcrum of the offensive line was in steady hands. Mick Tingelhoff to Dennis Swilley to Kirk Lowdermilk to Jeff Christy to Matt Birk to John Sullivan. While Christy and Birk were the only centers after Tingelhoff to receive post-season honors, all of them were solid to better football players. Then we get to the offensive line issues of the past decade. Joe Berger was a nice fill-in in 2015 and 2016. Pat Elflein was selected in the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft to be the next great center. He showed promise as a rookie but then things started to fade. Garrett Bradbury was selected in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft. He was definitely drafted to be the next great center. While he showed unique quickness traits and had some strong moments he never could quite overcome his relatively small stature. Bigger, stronger defensive linemen often overwhelmed him. Unfortunately for Bradbury and the Vikings, the NFL has been filled with bigger, stronger, and talented defensive tackles. The Vikings had two centers that held the job for a single season. Bill Lapham was the first Vikings center in 1961. Adam Schreiber was the starter in 1993 as the Vikings transitioned from Lowdermilk to Christy. 

The Vikings signed Ryan Kelly this offseason to replace Garrett Bradbury. Kelly is closer to the end of his excellent career than the start. If he can give the Vikings two years on the level of his past seasons, he could challenge for the spots currently held by Sullivan and Swilley. 

Top Ten Minnesota Vikings Guards

The ranking of the Top Ten Minnesota Vikings players at each position continues with the offensive guards.

As with the offensive tackles, the best guards in the franchise history of the Vikings are topped by two Hall Famers. 

Top Ten Minnesota Vikings Guards

1.   Randall McDaniel

2.   Steve Hutchinson

3.   Ed White

4.   David Dixon

5.   Anthony Herrera

6.   Milt Sunde

7.   Charles Goodrum

8.   Wes Hamilton

9.   Terry Tausch

10. Brandon Fusco

With apologies to John Hannah and Larry Allen, Randall McDaniel is the best guard I’ve ever watched. From that funky stance to his unreal speed, he was fun to watch from snap to whistle. Thanks to the genius “poison pill,” Steve Hutchinson is the Vikings best free agent signing. Recently, there’s been a guard problem in Minnesota. I’ve spent much of the past decade dreaming of a Vikings offensive line with McDaniel and Hutchinson on it. 

It’s easy to look past a guard on an offensive line that had a couple of players with busts in Canton. Ed White played between Mick Tingelhoff and Ron Yary. If anyone on the offensive line got a bit of attention it was one, or both, of the eventual Hall of Famers. Yary and Tingelhoff were great. So was White. He was the bully of that offensive line. A defensive lineman at Cal, White played guard with the aggressiveness of a defensive lineman. It was a damn shame that he was shipped to the San Diego Chargers while he was still in his prime. He has a Hall of Fame argument that’s yet to be heard. After McDaniel, Hutchinson, and White, the best remaining guards in Vikings franchise history can be presented in almost any order. I like David Dixon and Anthony Herrera next. Each played guard opposite one of the Vikings Hall of Famers. Dixon played his best years opposite McDaniel. Herrera played his best years opposite Hutchinson. Huge Dixon and aggressive Herrera were terrific on the right side. Milt Sunde was the Vikings first solid guard. He formed a nice left side with tackle Grady Alderman from 1964-67. Sunde flipped sides and formed a nice right-side with tackle Ron Yary until White took over. In the 1970s, Charles Goodrum was a solid left guard on the Vikings first great offensive line. 

As the Vikings transitioned from their great 1970s offensive line, Wes Hamilton and Terry Tausch had solid stints as starting guards in the 1980s. Just as Brandon Fusco looked to be on a trajectory that would put him on the top half of this ranking, injuries slowed and ultimately ended his promising career in Minnesota. 

The Vikings overhauled the interior of the offensive line this offseason. They spent heavily in free agency for Will Fries. They spent their first round pick on Donovan Jackson. Fries will play right guard. Jackson will play left guard. Both have the opportunity to soar up this list. They are easily the most talented pair of Vikings guards since Hutchinson and Herrera. 

Top Ten Minnesota Vikings Tackles

The ranking of the Top Ten Minnesota Vikings players at each position continues with the offensive tackles. 

The list of the best offensive tackles in Vikings franchise history is topped by a couple Hall of Famers. After that, it’s a bunch of solid football players. When their careers are done, the current tackles could challenge those at the top. 

Top Ten Minnesota Vikings Tackles

1.   Ron Yary

2.   Gary Zimmerman

3.   Grady Alderman

4.   Todd Steussie

5.   Brian O’Neill

6.   Christian Darrisaw

7.   Tim Irwin

8.   Korey Stringer

9.   Matt Kalil

10. Bryant McKinnie

Ron Yary was arguably the league’s best offensive tackle for the duration of his 14 years in Minnesota. He was All-Pro from 1971-76. He has a bust in Canton. Due to a Super Bowl title in his final season, some think of Gary Zimmerman more for his Denver Broncos days. His seven years in Minnesota were, by far, his best. He also has a bust in Canton. Grady Alderman is one of the most underrated players in Vikings history. He was the Vikings left tackle from 1961-74. He went to six Pro Bowls. His absence from the team’s Ring of Honor is a mystery. Todd Steussie was a very good offensive tackle. He was also dependable. He started all but one game in his seven seasons with the Vikings. He formed an excellent left side with guard Randall McDaniel. Brian O’Neill is the current right tackle. Christian Darrisaw is the current left tackle. The two arguably form the best tackle duo in Vikings franchise history. O’Neill will probably end his career right behind Zimmerman on this list. Darrisaw has Hall of Fame potential and could end his career challenging Yary. Tim Irwin was a solid, reliable tackle for over a decade. From 1983-93, he started every game. RIP Korey Stringer. His shocking death will always top his legacy but he was a very good football player. After his rookie season, it felt like Matt Kalil was on the verge of a career destined for a bust in Canton. He made the Pro Bowl in his first season but never returned. Nagging injuries kept him from reaching the potential he showed in that first season. Bryant McKinnie is probably the most frustrating player in all my years following the team. He had the talent to top this list. Unfortunately, he never showed the desire to do so. He finally made the Pro Bowl in his eighth season. He was kicked out of the game before it was even played. An indication of his ridiculous talents is that he was able to skate through 12 years in the NFL and look back on a respectable career. He could’ve been so much more. 

Top Ten Minnesota Vikings Tight Ends

The ranking of the Top Ten Minnesota Vikings players at each position continues with the tight ends. It’s probably safe to say that the Vikings have had a good but not great tight end tradition.

Top Ten Minnesota Vikings Tight Ends

1.   Steve Jordan

2.   Kyle Rudolph

3.   Jim Kleinsasser

4.   T.J. Hockenson

5.   Joe Senser

6.   Visanthe Shiancoe

7.   Josh Oliver

8.   Jermaine Wiggins

9.   Stu Voigt

10. Byron Chamberlain

The first three are easy. Steve Jordan played during an era in which tight ends were emerging as offensive weapons. He rivaled the likes of Ozzie Newsome, Todd Christensen, Keith Jackson, Mark Bavaro, and Shannon Sharpe. Jordan played 13 seasons for the Vikings. He was tapped for the Pro Bowl six of those seasons. Perhaps if the Vikings were contenders for more than a handful of those 13 seasons, Jordan would have a bust next to Newsome and Sharpe. Kyle Rudolph was a terrific tight end for all of his 10 seasons in Minnesota. Injuries forced a stuttering start to his career. When he was on the field, he was great. He made the Pro Bowl in his second season and was MVP of the game. He earned his second Pro Bowl in his seventh season. Throughout his Vikings career, it never really felt like he was as much a part of the offense as he should’ve been. During his last few seasons, he was often more blocker than receiver. Jim Kleinsasser was an awesome football player. Unfortunately, his awesomeness was as a blocker. Among fantasy football maniacs, that doesn’t get much attention. Kleinsasser, and Rudolph, should one day join Jordan in the Vikings Ring of Honor. T.J. Hockenson’s #4 ranking might be more forward-looking than it should be. He has the talent to end his, hopefully very long Vikings career at the top of this list. He’s been in Minnesota for 3 years. During that time, he’s played less than two seasons worth of games. He arrived in a midseason trade. He missed about half of his third season rehabbing a knee injury from the end of his second season. His one mostly complete season was outstanding. 960 yards in 15 games. Unfortunately, that one season was ended in the 15th game by an asshole from Detroit. Finally fully healthy, this season should be his best. One of the great “What ifs” in Vikings franchise history is Joe Senser. As a rookie in 1980, he showed a lot of promise with 42 catches, 447 yards, and 7 touchdowns. In his second season, he was brilliant. 79 catches, 1004 yards, and 8 touchdowns. It was the most productive season by a Vikings tight end. The strike-shortened 1982 season was a wash for Senser, the Vikings, and the league. A knee injury in 1983 wiped out his fourth season. Senser’s career was over after his fifth season. Joe Senser had the talent to be one of the game’s great tight ends. Visanthe Shiancoe had a solid five years with the Vikings. In particular, he really seemed to fit in well with the Brett Favre-led 2009 offense. Josh Oliver is right behind Jim Kleinsasser as a blocker. I appreciate tight ends that haven’t forgotten about the blocking responsibilities of the position. Oliver also provides a giant target in the passing game. Jermaine Wiggins provided Daunte Culpepper a reliable target when he joined the Vikings as a free agent in 2004. Wiggins had 71 and 69 catches in his first two seasons. His third, and final, season in Minnesota was less productive with Brad Johnson throwing the ball. Stu Voigt was the Vikings tight end of my youth. There’s fondness for him for that reason. I remember being very annoyed when a preseason magazine described him as a mediocre player. His receiving production was respectable for his era. His blocking was always a strength. Voigt was much better than mediocre. Byron Chamberlain rounds out the Vikings Top Ten Tight Ends. He only played two seasons in Minnesota. His first season ended with an invitation to the Pro Bowl. 

Top Ten Minnesota Vikings Receivers

The receiver tradition of the Minnesota Vikings can rival that of any team in the NFL. Two Vikings receivers have busts in Canton and the sculpting of a bust for the third can probably begin. Receiver has always been my favorite position. Following the Vikings receivers for the past 50+ years have been an amazing treat. 

Top Ten Minnesota Vikings Receivers

1.   Cris Carter

2.   Randy Moss

3.   Justin Jefferson

4.   Anthony Carter

5.   Ahmad Rashad

6.   Adam Thielen

7.   Stefon Diggs

8.   Sammy White

9.   Jake Reed

10. John Gilliam

Most people probably have Randy Moss over Cris Carter. I get it. Moss is the most physically gifted receiver to ever play. I have Carter #1 simply because he and Alan Page are my favorite Vikings. It’s a personal thing. As a fan of receivers, I never thought I’d ever see a receiver to rival Carter and Moss. Along came Justin Jefferson. Just as I thought I’d never see a receiver challenge Carter and Moss. I never thought I’d ever see a player challenge Carter and Page. Jefferson is doing both. He’s done so much already, it’s unbelievable that he’s only played five seasons. He’s a brilliant, fun receiver and football player. And person. 

It’s hard to believe that Cris Carter was once the second Carter to Anthony Carter. If Anthony Carter had come straight to the Vikings rather than slumming it in the USFL for three years, he’d have a better Hall of Fame argument. His destruction of the San Francisco 49ers in the 1987 Divisional Playoffs will always be remembered. Another receiver that should’ve gotten to the Vikings sooner was Ahmad Rashad. If he’d played his entire career with Fran Tarkenton and Tommy Kramer, he’d be in the Hall of Fame. For all of his seven years in Minnesota, he was one of the best receivers in the league. Adam Thielen is a great Minnesota story. His is also a great football story. He was also an excellent receiver. Stefon Diggs’ time in Minnesota is interesting. Highlighted by the Minneapolis Miracle, his play was often outstanding. Quickness, route-running, hands. He had fun receiving traits. On and off the field, he was also quite unpredictable. That unpredictability eventually brought Justin Jefferson to Minnesota. Sammy White exploded on the NFL scene as a rookie. He was the second of four Vikings receivers to earn the league’s Offensive Rookie of the Year. Sammy White and Ahmad Rashad were the first great Vikings receiver tandem. Statistically, Cris Carter and Jake Reed was the Vikings greatest receiver tandem. For four seasons, both gained over 1000 yards. It’s easy to get lost in the Vikings great receiver tradition. John Gilliam shouldn’t be forgotten. He came to Minnesota the same year Fran Tarkenton returned (1972). They immediately had a big play connection. From 1972-74, Gilliam averaged 22.0, 21.6, and 22.2 yards per reception. That’s ridiculous during any era. It was especially ridiculous during an era in which the league’s rules didn’t do much to aid the passing game.

I had to include John Gilliam on this list but it really hurt to leave off Percy Harvin. During his four years with the Vikings, Harvin was one of the most fun, most explosive Vikings players I’ve ever seen. If this list was based on pure athletic talent, he’d be right behind Moss. I hated to see Harvin leave Minnesota. I really hated to see him leave for Seattle. 

Top Ten Minnesota Vikings Running Backs

The ranking of the Top Ten Minnesota Vikings players at each position continues with the running backs. 

I suppose that one could just go down the Vikings career rushing leaders for this ranking. As with the quarterbacks, the top four Vikings running backs are straightforward.

Top Ten Minnesota Vikings Running Backs

1.   Adrian Peterson

2.   Chuck Foreman

3.   Robert Smith

4.   Dalvin Cook

5.   Bill Brown

6.   Tommy Mason

7.   Darrin Nelson

8.   Dave Osborn

9.   Ted Brown

10. Terry Allen

Despite being #4 on the Vikings career rushing leaders, Chuck Foreman passes Robert Smith and Dalvin Cook in this ranking. For about a four-year period, Foreman was arguably the league’s best running back. He was definitely the most versatile. If he’d avoided the injuries that shortened his career, he would’ve been in Canton long ago. Despite the shortened career, he has a Hall of Fame argument that’s yet to be heard. Smith would also have a Hall of Fame case if his career hadn’t taken so long to get rolling and if he hadn’t retired so early. As it was, his career was brilliant for four years. The same can be said of Cook. An ACL injury in the fourth game of his rookie season essentially wrecked his first two seasons. Over the next four seasons he was one of the most explosive backs in the league. While he’s honored in the team’s Ring of Honor, Bill Brown is one of the underrated franchise greats. Like Foreman, injuries whittled away at Tommy Mason’s talents. As the first pick in franchise history, Mason emerged as the Vikings first great offensive playmaker. Darrin Nelson’s Vikings career was doomed from the start as he was selected ahead of Marcus Allen in the 1982 NFL Draft. Nelson was a solid, versatile but never great running back. Allen was an all-time great. With 972 yards in 1967, Dave Osborn was the first Vikings back to challenge the 1000-yard mark. He and Bill Brown led an effective Vikings running committee as the team became a league power in the late 1960s. Ted Brown had the unfortunate responsibility of being drafted to replace Foreman. That’s a no-win situation. After Foreman did it three times, Brown was the second Vikings back to gain 1000 yards. Terry Allen was the third. After gaining 1200 yards in his second season, it looked like he was going to be the team’s next great runner. Instead, he left as a free agent. He’s probably better remembered for his time with Washington than his promising start in Minnesota. 

Top Ten Minnesota Vikings Quarterbacks

The time between the last offseason practice and the start of training camp is about six weeks. It feels at least twice that. To help pass that time, I’ll be ranking the best at each position in the franchise history of the Minnesota Vikings. As always, first up is the quarterbacks.

Fran Tarkenton retired after the 1978 season as the holder of every career league passing record. He held those records longer than any quarterback ever has. Tarkenton was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1986. It can be argued that the Vikings are still looking for their next franchise quarterback. There’s been many contenders and a handful of hopefuls but no quarterback has truly taken the reigns for an extended period of time since 1978.

Top Ten Minnesota Vikings Quarterbacks

1.   Fran Tarkenton

2.   Tommy Kramer

3.   Kirk Cousins

4.   Daunte Culpepper 

5.   Warren Moon

6.   Brett Favre

7.   Randall Cunningham

8.   Joe Kapp

9.   Brad Johnson

10. Wade Wilson

The first four are straightforward. The order after Fran Tarkenton can vary by observer. I went with Tommy Kramer at #2 simply because he was so much fun when he was on the field. The only problem was the scattered injuries throughout his career. Kirk Cousins and Daunte Culpepper each had six seasons as the Vikings starting quarterback. Both had terrific moments and put up excellent numbers. Culpepper even had an MVP-worthy season. Of the old-farts, Warren Moon gets the edge over Randall Cunningham and Brett Favre because his time in Minnesota lasted about 2.5 seasons. Cunningham and Favre had only one season. Other than the end of them, both seasons were brilliant.

I would understand just about any ranking after the first four. 

If J.J. McCarthy can bring a Lombardi (hopefully several) to Minnesota, he immediately challenges Fran Tarkenton. 

NFL Training Camp Reporting Dates and Locations

NFL Training Camps are creeping closer. Real football is creeping closer. The NFL announced the reporting dates and locations of each team’s training camp. 

Minnesota Vikings

Rookies: 7/20

Veterans: 7/22

TCO Performance Center

Eagan, Minnesota

Arizona Cardinals

Rookies: 7/22

Veterans: 7/22

State Farm Stadium

Glendale, Arizona

Atlanta Falcons

Rookies: 7/23

Veterans: 7/23

IBM Performance Field

Flowery Branch, Georgia

Baltimore Ravens

Rookies: 7/15

Veterans: 7/22

Under Armour Performance Center

Owings Mills, Maryland

Buffalo Bills

Rookies: 7/15

Veterans: 7/22

St. John Fisher University

Rochester, New York

Carolina Panthers

Rookies: 7/21

Veterans: 7/22

Bank of America Stadium

Charlotte, North Carolina

Chicago Bears

Rookies: 7/19

Veterans: 7/22

Halas Hall

Lake Forest, Illinois

Cincinnati Bengals

Rookies: 7/19

Veterans: 7/22

Kettering Health Practice Fields

Cincinnati, Ohio

Cleveland Browns

Rookies: 7/18

Veterans: 7/22

CrossCountry Mortgage Campus

Berea, Ohio

Dallas Cowboys

Rookies: 7/21

Veterans: 7/21

Staybridge Suites

Oxnard, California

Denver Broncos

Rookies: 7/16

Veterans: 7/22

Broncos Park Powered by CommonSpirit

Englewood, Colorado

Detroit Lions

Rookies: 7/16

Veterans: 7/19

Detroit Lions Training Facility

Allen Park, Michigan

Green Bay Packers

Rookies; 7/18

Veterans: 7/22

Lambeau Field

Green Bay, Wisconsin

Houston Texans

Rookies: 7/22

Veterans: 7/22

Houston Methodist Training Center

Houston, Texas

Indianapolis Colts

Rookies: 7/21

Veterans: 7/22

Grand Park

Westfield, Indiana

Jacksonville Jaguars

Rookies: 7/19

Veterans: 7/22

Miller Electric Center

Jacksonville, Florida

Kansas City Chiefs

Rookies: 7/21

Veterans: 7/21

Missouri Western State University

St. Joseph, Missouri

Las Vegas Raiders

Rookies: 7/17

Veterans: 7/22

Intermountain Health Performance Center

Henderson, Nevada

Los Angeles Chargers

Rookies: 7/12

Veterans: 7/16

The Bolt

El Segundo, California

Los Angeles Rams

Rookies: 7/22

Veterans: 7/22

Loyola Marymount University

Los Angeles, California

Miami Dolphins

Rookies: 7/15

Veterans: 7/22

Baptist Health Training Complex

Miami Gardens, Florida

New England Patriots

Rookies: 7/19

Veterans: 7/22

Gillette Stadium

Foxborough, Massachusetts 

New Orleans Saints

Rookies: 7/22

Veterans: 7/22

Ochsner Sports Performance Center 

Metairie, Louisiana 

New York Giants

Rookies: 7/15

Veterans: 7/22

Quest Diagnostics Training Facility

East Rutherford, New Jersey 

New York Jets

Rookies: 7/19

Veterans: 7/22

Atlantic Health Jets Training Center

Florham Park, New Jersey

Philadelphia Eagles

Rookies: 7/22

Veterans: 7/22

NovaCare Complex

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 

Pittsburgh Steelers

Rookies: 7/23

Veterans: 7/23

Saint Vincent College

Latrobe, Pennsylvania 

San Francisco 49ers

Rookies: 7/15

Veterans: 7/22

SAP Performance Center

Santa Clara, California

Seattle Seahawks

Rookies: 7/15

Veterans: 7/22

Virginia Mason Athletic Center

Renton, Washington

Tampa Bay Bucccaneers

Rookies: 7/21

Veterans: 7/22

AdventHealth Training Center

Tampa. Florida

Tennessee Titans 

Rookies: 7/22

Veterans: 7/22

Ascension Saint Thomas Sports Park

Nashville, Tennessee

Washington Commanders

Rookies: 7/18

Veterans: 7/22

OrthoVirginia Training Center at Commanders Park

Auburn, Virginia

***

For purely nostalgic reasons, I miss the days when all NFL teams spent training camp at an outa-the-way, smallish college. It looks like only the Buffalo Bills, Kansas City Chiefs, Los Angeles Rams, and Pittsburgh Steelers carry on that tradition. Then there’s the Dallas Cowboys that cross several state lines to stay at a chain hotel in Oxnard, California for the duration of training camp. These days, most teams get ready for each season in the comfort of their own spiffy training facilities. 

Throwback Thursday: Minnesota Vikings All-Time All-Rookie Team

Due to prior trades, the Minnesota Vikings selected only five players in the 2025 NFL Draft. While one of those rookies is already slotted in as a starter, the Vikings likely aren’t expecting immediate contributions from their first-year players. Here’s a team made up of some of the best rookies in Vikings franchise history. 

Quarterback
Fran Tarkenton-1961

Fran Tarkenton got his rookie season rolling early when he led the Vikings to a win over the Chicago Bears in the first game in franchise history. He's in the Hall of Fame and an easy choice here. Christian Ponder and Teddy Bridgewater are the only other quarterbacks to play significant roles as rookies. So, Tarkenton easily takes it.

Is J.J. McCarthy still a rookie? After missing the entirety of his rookie season to a preseason knee injury, he is the Vikings starting quarterback without ever playing an NFL game. 

Running backs
Adrian Peterson-2007
Chuck Foreman-1973

Easy choices. Each took home rookie of the year awards. Each was an immediate difference-maker.

Receivers
Randy Moss-1998
Justin Jefferson-2020

Randy Moss and Justin Jefferson each had one of the best rookie receiver seasons in NFL history. Randy Moss scored an NFL rookie record 17 touchdowns. Jefferson’s 1,400 receiving yards, at the time, was topped only by the 1,473 yards posted by Bill Groman in the first season of the AFL. Moss was an easy choice for rookie of the year. Jefferson should’ve been. Jefferson’s great rookie season topped that of 2009 Rookie of the Year Percy Harvin, 1976 Rookie of the Year Sammy White, and 1963 Rookie of the Year Paul Flatley. The Vikings have a nice history of rookie receivers. 

Tight end
Joe Senser-1980

Joe Senser's 4-year career was way too short but it started well. 42 catches and 7 TDs.

Tackles
Gary Zimmerman-1986
Korey Stringer-1995

Ron Yary would've made this team at right tackle if it wasn't for Bud Grant's "rookies aren't ready to start" philosophy. Gary Zimmerman was great. So was Korey Stringer. His life and career ended way too soon. In a little way, his being on this team helps keep his spirit alive. Zimmerman played two seasons in the USFL before he became an NFL rookie so he was a "seasoned" rookie. Matt Kalil made the Pro Bowl as a rookie in 2012 but I’m going with Zimmerman at left tackle on this team. He also edges the very good 2021 rookie season of Christian Darrisaw.

Guards
Randall McDaniel-1988
Marcus Johnson-2005

Randall McDaniel is an automatic choice. Marcus Johnson takes the other spot by default as he's the only other guard in Vikings history to play a significant role as a rookie. Ed White would probably get the nod if Bud Grant started rookies. It’s a shame that 2025 first-round pick Donovan Jackson is starting on the left side of the line. While he’d unseat Johnson by the first snap of the first game, bumping McDaniel from the team is a tough ask. 

Center 
Mick Tingelhoff-1962

Tingelhoff started every game in his 17-year Hall of Fame career. That streak started with his rookie season.

Defensive ends
Carl Eller-1964
Kevin Williams-2003

Carl Eller is an easy choice. Kevin Williams played his rookie season at defensive end and collected 10.5 sacks. He went on to a dominant, All-Decade career on the interior the next season. 

Defensive tackles
Alan Page-1967
Keith Millard-1985

Alan Page is an automatic choice. Even Bud Grant couldn't keep Page on the bench as a rookie. Keith Millard was an immediate force in the middle of the Vikings line. 11 sacks as a rookie. Like Gary Zimmerman, Millard wasn't a raw NFL rookie after a short stint in the USFL.

Linebackers
Anthony Barr-2014
Eric Kendricks-2015
Matt Blair-1974

Anthony Barr has been an impact playmaker since his rookie season. Eric Kendricks edges out Jeff Siemon. It took about a month for Kendricks to force his way into the starting lineup. Matt Blair played his way into the starting lineup as a rookie and became a defensive cornerstone.

Cornerbacks
Jeff Gladney-2020
Cameron Dantzler-2020

Rookie cornerbacks don’t jump right into a Mike Zimmer defense. It takes a while for them to learn the nuances of the techniques and schemes. Cameron Dantzler and Jeff Gladney were forced to learn on the run. Injuries kept Dantzler from starting every game. Gladney started 15 games. It’s a shame that those rookie seasons were the Vikings highlights for both players. 

Safeties
Joey Browner-1983
Harrison Smith-2012

Joey Browner and Harrison Smith are two of the best safeties in Vikings franchise history. Browner gets the nod despite not starting a single game at safety as a rookie. He was a dynamo on special teams. Smith was a defensive force from the start.

Kicker
Blair Walsh-2012

Blair Walsh's best season was his first season. He made the Pro Bowl as a rookie.

Punter
Bobby Walden-1964

Bobby Walden led the NFL in punting as a rookie.

Returner

Cordarrelle Patterson-2013

Cordarrelle Patterson edges Percy Harvin. Patterson was All-Pro as a rookie and has been the league’s best kick returner ever since. 

Minnesota Vikings Training Camp Schedule

The Minnesota Vikings announced their 2025 Training Camp Schedule. More accurately, it’s the schedule of practices that are open to the public. The highlights include the annual Night Practice in TCO Stadium and joint practices against the New England Patriots. The practices run from July 26 through August 14.

Minnesota Vikings 2025 Training Camp Schedule

Saturday, July 26

Back Together Weekend

Highlights: offensive line autographs, Youth Football Clinic, Youth Cheer Clinic

Monday, July 28

Highlights: first padded practice, tight ends/special teams autographs, Girls Flag Football Clinic

Tuesday, July 29

Highlights: cornerbacks autographs, Youth Football Clinic, Youth Cheer Clinic

Wednesday, July 30

Highlights: outside linebackers autographs

Friday, August 1

Highlights: inside linebackers autographs

Saturday, August 2

Highlights: defensive line autographs

Monday, August 4

Highlights: Night Practice at TCO Stadium

Wednesday, August 6

Highlights: quarterbacks/running backs autographs

Thursday, August 7

Highlights: safeties autographs

Saturday, August 9 - Preseason Game vs Houston Texans at US Bank Stadium

Monday, August 11

Highlights: wide receivers autographs

Wednesday, August 13

Highlights: Joint Practice with New England Patriots

Thursday, August 14

Highlights: Joint Practice with New England Patriots

Saturday, August 16 - Preseason Game vs New England Patriots at US Bank Stadium

***

Football is right there on the horizon.

First Round Signing Tracker

And then there were three. The Buffalo Bills agreeing to a rookie deal with Kentucky corner Maxwell Hairston on Friday brought the number of unsigned first-round picks to three. That number is nearing the number of SIGNED second-round picks. Only two of the players selected in the second round have signed their rookie contracts. If the general football-following public cares at all about signing progress of the rookies, it’s the players selected in the first round. Here’s another look at the signings of those players.

1.   Tennessee Titans: Cam Ward, QB, Miami - Signed

2.   Jacksonville Jaguars: Travis Hunter, CB/WR, Colorado

3.   New York Giants: Abdul Carter, Edge, Penn State - Signed

4.   New England Patriots: Will Campbell, OT, LSU - Signed

5.   Cleveland Browns: Mason Graham, DT, Michigan - Signed

6.   Las Vegas Raiders: Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State - Signed

7.   New York Jets: Amand Membou, OT, Missouri - Signed

8.   Carolina Panthers: Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona - Signed

9.   New Orleans Saints: Kelvin Banks Jr., OT, Texas - Signed

10. Chicago Bears: Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan - Signed

11. San Francisco 49ers: Mykel Williams, Edge, Georgia - Signed

12. Dallas Cowboys: Tyler Booker, G, Alabama - Signed

13. Miami Dolphins: Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan - Signed

14. Indianapolis Colts: Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State - Signed

15. Atlanta Falcons: Jalon Walker, LB, Georgia - Signed

16. Arizona Cardinals: Walter Nolen, DT, Mississippi - Signed

17. Cincinnati Bengals: Shemar Stewart, Edge, Texas A&M

18. Seattle Seahawks: Grey Zabel, OL, North Dakota State - Signed

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State - Signed

20. Denver Broncos: Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas

21. Pittsburgh Steelers: Derrick Harmon, DT, Oregon - Signed

22. Los Angeles Chargers: Omarion Hampton, RB, North Carolina - Signed

23. Green Bay Packers: Matthew Golden, WR, Texas - Signed

24. Minnesota Vikings: Donovan Jackson, G, Ohio State - Signed

25. New York Giants: Jaxson Dart, QB, Mississippi - Signed

26. Atlanta Falcons: James Pearce Jr., Edge, Tennessee - Signed

27. Baltimore Ravens: Malaki Starks, S, Georgia - Signed

28. Detroit Lions: Tyleik Williams, DT, Ohio State - Signed

29. Washington Commanders: Josh Conerly Jr., OT, Oregon - Signed

30. Buffalo Bills: Maxwell Hairston, CB, Kentucky - Signed

31. Philadelphia Eagles: Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama - Signed

32. Kansas City Chiefs: Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State - Signed

***

29 of the 32 players selected in the first round have singed their first NFL contract. 

Everyone’s waiting on Travis Hunter, Shemar Stewart, and Jahdae Barron. Thanks to the ridiculous frugality of the Mike Brown-led Cincinnati Bengals the wait for Stewart could be lengthy. 

NFL Owners

With the reorganization of the ownership of the Indianapolis Colts following the sad passing of Jim Irsay, ESPN posted a roster of the NFL’s owners. It’s always nice to know the people that actually run the league. 

As they are the most important team in the league, we start with the Minnesota Vikings. 

Minnesota Vikings: Zygi Wilf

The Wilf family and partners purchased the Vikings for $600 million in 2005.

Arizona Cardinals: Michael Bidwill

Charles Bidwill, Michael’s grandfather, bought the league’s oldest team in 1933. 

Atlanta Falcons: Arthur Blank

Blank bought the Falcons for $545 million in 2002.

Baltimore Ravens: Steve Bisciotti

The record books show the Ravens as a 1996 expansion team. In reality, they are the original Cleveland Browns. Bisciotti gained full ownership of the Ravens for total investments of $600 million in 2004.

Buffalo Bills: Kim and Terry Pegula

The Pegula’s purchased the Bills for $1.4 billion in 2014.

Carolina Panthers: David Tepper

Tepper bought the Panthers for $2.3 billion in 2018.

Chicago Bears: McCaskey Family

The Bears have been in the Halas-McCaskey family since George Halas “founded” the team in 1920.

Cincinnati Bengals: Mike Brown

Brown has owned and operated the Bengals since the 1991 passing of his father, Paul Brown.

Cleveland Browns: Dee and Jimmy Haslam

The current Cleveland Browns are the expansion team that the league claims the Ravens to be. The Haslams purchased the Browns for $1.1 billion in 2012. 

Dallas Cowboys: Jerry Jones

Jones purchased the Cowboys for $140 million in 1989.

Denver Broncos: Greg Penner

Penner purchased the Broncos for $4.65 billion in 2022.

Detroit Lions: Shelia Ford Hamp

Hamp inherited  the Lions from her mother. William Clay Ford, Hamp’s grandfather, purchased the team for $6 million in 1963.

Green Bay Packers: ME

As a shareholder, I own the Green Bay Packers.

Houston Texans: Cal McNair

Bob McNair, Cal’s father, purchased the expansion Texans for $700 million in 1999.

Indianapolis Colts: Carlie Irsay-Gordon

After the passing of Jim Irsay, Irsay-Gordon inherits control of the Colts. The ownership history of the Baltimore-Indianapolis Colts and the Irsay’s acquisition of the team are far too complicated to be detailed here. 

Jacksonville Jaguars: Shahid Khan

Khan bought the Jaguars for $760 in 2011.

Kansas City Chiefs: Clark Hunt

Lamar Hunt founded the Chiefs, and the AFL, in 1960. Clark Hunt inherited the team from his father in 2006.

Las Vegas Raiders: Carol and Mark Davis

Using sketchy means, Al Davis wrestled control of the Raiders in the late 1960s, early 1970s. Carol and Mark Davis inherited the team in 2011. 

Los Angeles Chargers: Dean Spanos

Alex Spanos, Dean’s father, bought the Chargers in 1984. Dean Spanos and siblings inherited the team in 2018.

Los Angeles Rams: Stan Kroenke

Kroenke purchased the St. Louis Rams for $750 million in 2010. In one of the league’s great, unspoken mysteries, relatives Stan Kroenke and Greg Penner own the Rams and Broncos. 

Miami Dolphins; Stephen Ross

Ross bought the Dolphins for $1.1 billion in 2008.

New England Patriots: Robert Kraft

Kraft bought the Patriots for $172 million in 1994.

New Orleans Saints: Gayle Benson

Tom Benson purchased the Saints for $70 million in 1985. Gayle Benson inherited the team in 2018.

New York Giants: John Mara and Steve Tisch

Tim Mara bought the Giants for $500 in 1925. Through Jack and Wellington and now John, the team has been with the Mara family ever since. Steve Tisch’s family purchased 50% of the team in 1991.

New York Jets: Christopher and Woody Johnson

Woody Johnson purchased the Jets for $635 million in 2000.

Philadelphia Eagles: Jeffrey Lurie

Lurie bought the Eagles for $195 million in 1994.

Pittsburgh Steelers: Art Rooney II

From Art to Dan to Art II, the Steelers have been in the Rooney family since 1933. 

San Francisco 49ers: Denise DeBartolo York and John York

The most curious thing about the 49ers ownership under the DeBartolo’s is the erasing of Edward DeBartolo Jr.’s ownership of the team. According to ESPN’s paragraph about the 49ers ownership, Edward DeBartolo Sr. purchased the 49ers for roughly $15 million in 1977. Just like it was H.L. Hunt’s money in 1960 that allowed Lamar Hunt to buy an AFL team, it was daddy’s money in 1977, that allowed Junior to buy the 49ers. It was Junior that ran the team. It’s Junior that lifted five Lombardi Trophies. It’s Junior that’s in the Pro Football Hall of Fame for running the team. As far as I can recall, the only thing Senior ever did with the 49ers was provide the money. For some reason, Junior’s ownership involvement is being erased. All for a gambling scandal? With the NFL’s current cuddle with all forms of gambling, that’s surprising. 

Seattle Seahawks: Jody Allen

Jody Allen is effectively the owner of the Seahawks but the team is technically part of the trust of Paul Allen. Jody Allen is the trustee and executor of her brother’s estate.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Glazer Family

Malcolm Glazer purchased the Buccaneers for $192 million in 1995. After his death in 2014, his six children split the majority ownership of the Buccaneers.

Tennessee Titans: Amy Adams Strunk

Bud Adams founded the Houston Oilers and, with Lamar Hunt, helped found the AFL in 1960. When Adams died in 2013, Adams Strunk inherited a third of the franchise from her father. She assumed controlling ownership from her sister in 2015. 

Washington Commanders: Josh Harris

Josh Harris bought the Commanders for $6.1 billion in 2023.

Minnesota Vikings Staff Shuffling

Earlier this week, the Minnesota Vikings announced several promotions throughout the team’s various departments. The staff shuffling was highlighted by the promotions of Senior Vice President of Player Personnel Ryan Grigson and Vice President of Football Operations Demetrius Washington. Both are now Assistant General Managers. The promotions were originally reported a couple weeks ago when General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah’s contract extension was announced. With his long-time scouting experience, Grigson will continue to assist Adofo-Mensah on the football side of the evaluation process. Washington, like Adofo-Mensah, operates more from the analytical side of the game. Together, they form a strong problem-solving, football-evaluating trio at the top of the Vikings personnel group. The promotions were two of several the Vikings announced. 

Minnesota Vikings Promotions:

Ryan Grigson - Assistant General Manager

Demetrius Washington - Assistant General Manager

Terrell Barnes - Assistant Equipment Manager

Milan Burgess - Manager, Team Operations

Luke Burson - Senior Director of Football Information Systems

Taylor Brooks - Senior Player Personnel Analyst

Mike Desplenter - Senior Database Administrator

Quinn Gjersvig - Director of Family Engagement

Michelle Mankoff - College Area Scout (Northeast)

Connor Whicker - Associate Head Athletic Trainer

Minnesota Vikings Updated Titles:

Matt Duhamel - Director of Sports Medicine

Jack Essler - College Area Scout (Midwest)

Chuck Petersen - Senior Manager, Team Operations/Liaison to Player Personnel

Dan Ridenour - Assistant Strength Coach/Head of Applied Sports Science

Pat Roberts - Senior College Executive

Minnesota Vikings New Hire:

Ella Pearson - Football Video Coordinator 

***

It’s good to see Terrell Barnes get a promotion. It feels like he’s been with the team for decades assisting Dennis Ryan with the team’s equipment. Remarkably, the Vikings have had only three equipment managers in their 64 years. Stubby Eason kicked it off in 1961 and passed the keys to Ryan in the late 1970s. Ryan was the Vikings equipment manager for nearly 50 years. I thought for sure Barnes would take over when the time came. Instead, Mike Parson became the team’s third equipment manager. 

Considering the top grades the Vikings get for how the team takes care of the player’s families, Quinn Gjesvig is very deserving of this promotion. 

It’s outstanding to see Taylor Brooks and Michelle Mankoff get the scouting/personnel opportunities they’re getting from the Vikings. Hopefully, they get further opportunities to continue their football climb. 

First Round Signing Tracker

The 2025 NFL Draft was nearly two months ago. Teams are inching toward completing the signings of first round picks. The second round picks are a whole other story. Only two of the 32 second round picks are signed. Here’s another look at the signing progress of the players selected in the first round. 

1.   Tennessee Titans: Cam Ward, QB, Miami - Signed

2.   Jacksonville Jaguars: Travis Hunter, CB/WR, Colorado

3.   New York Giants: Abdul Carter, Edge, Penn State - Signed

4.   New England Patriots: Will Campbell, OT, LSU - Signed

5.   Cleveland Browns: Mason Graham, DT, Michigan - Signed

6.   Las Vegas Raiders: Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State - Signed

7.   New York Jets: Amand Membou, OT, Missouri - Signed

8.   Carolina Panthers: Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona - Signed

9.   New Orleans Saints: Kelvin Banks Jr., OT, Texas - Signed

10. Chicago Bears: Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan - Signed

11. San Francisco 49ers: Mykel Williams, Edge, Georgia - Signed

12. Dallas Cowboys: Tyler Booker, G, Alabama - Signed

13. Miami Dolphins: Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan - Signed

14. Indianapolis Colts: Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State - Signed

15. Atlanta Falcons: Jalon Walker, LB, Georgia - Signed

16. Arizona Cardinals: Walter Nolen, DT, Mississippi - Signed

17. Cincinnati Bengals: Shemar Stewart, Edge, Texas A&M

18. Seattle Seahawks: Grey Zabel, OL, North Dakota State - Signed

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State - Signed

20. Denver Broncos: Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas

21. Pittsburgh Steelers: Derrick Harmon, DT, Oregon - Signed

22. Los Angeles Chargers: Omarion Hampton, RB, North Carolina - Signed

23. Green Bay Packers: Matthew Golden, WR, Texas - Signed

24. Minnesota Vikings: Donovan Jackson, G, Ohio State - Signed

25. New York Giants: Jaxson Dart, QB, Mississippi - Signed

26. Atlanta Falcons: James Pearce Jr., Edge, Tennessee - Signed

27. Baltimore Ravens: Malaki Starks, S, Georgia - Signed

28. Detroit Lions: Tyleik Williams, DT, Ohio State - Signed

29. Washington Commanders: Josh Conerly Jr., OT, Oregon - Signed

30. Buffalo Bills: Maxwell Hairston, CB, Kentucky

31. Philadelphia Eagles: Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama - Signed

32. Kansas City Chiefs: Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State - Signed

***

28 of the 32 players selected in the first round have singed their first NFL contract. #2 pick Travis Hunter is the only unsigned top-15 pick. 

It’s mildly interesting that three of the four unsigned first round picks are corners. They are also the only corners selected in the first round. 

The fourth unsigned first round pick is Shemar Stewart. His signing situation is a whole other story. Leave it to the Mike Brown-led Bengals to make the scripted process of signing first round picks difficult. 

Throwback Thursday: When The NFL Got Squirrelly With The Divisions

This Flea Flicker was originally posted on 2/21/19

The National Football League and the American Football League agreed to merge on June 8, 1966. The immediate result of that agreement was a unifying championship game at the end of each season and an end to the bidding war over players. In 1970, the two rival leagues fully merged into one professional football league. One often overlooked result of the merger was the introduction of divisions into the NFL's traditional Eastern-Western alignment. Since 1933, the NFL had separated the teams into Eastern or Western Divisions/Conferences. From 1933-49 it was Divisions. From 1953-66 it was Conferences. From 1950-52, the three seasons following the absorption of the Cleveland Browns, San Francisco 49ers, and Baltimore Colts from the All-America Football Conference, the teams were split into American and National Conferences. That bit of nomenclature was foreshadowing of what was to come about 20 years later. After the 1966 merger, the NFL got a little squirrelly with the separation of their teams. Probably due to the lateness of the merger announcement, the 1966 season was more of the same. 15 teams divided into Eastern and Western Conferences:

Eastern Conference
Dallas Cowboys
Cleveland Browns
Philadelphia Eagles
St. Louis Cardinals
Washington Redskins
Pittsburgh Steelers
Atlanta Falcons
New York Giants

Western Conference
Green Bay Packers
Baltimore Colts
Los Angeles Rams
San Francisco 49ers
Chicago Bears
Detroit Lions
Minnesota Vikings

It was in 1967 that the NFL got squirrelly:

Eastern Conference

Capitol Division
Dallas Cowboys
Philadelphia Eagles
Washington Redskins
New Orleans Saints

Century Division
Cleveland Browns
New York Giants
St. Louis Cardinals
Pittsburgh Steelers

Western Conference

Coastal Division
Los Angeles Rams
Baltimore Colts
San Francisco 49ers
Atlanta Falcons

Central Division
Green Bay Packers
Chicago Bears
Detroit Lions
Minnesota Vikings

This was the NFL from 1967-69. The most surprising aspect of this alignment for me has always been its delightful alliteration. Four divisions with the names Capitol, Century, Coastal, Central. Who would've thought that Pete Rozelle and his pals had that sort of whimsy in them?  The Central Division is the only division that survived the complete NFL-AFL merger. The good old Central continued until the NFL's most recent realignment in 2002. The four teams of the Central make up the NFC North today. They are the only four teams that have stayed together since the NFL got squirrelly in 1967. They were also Western Conference foes from 1961-66. 

A couple things.

I sure do miss seeing the Colts as the Baltimore Colts. I also like seeing them on the National Football side of the ledger. The same is true for the Steelers and the Browns.

The NFL has rarely been very good with geography. They have gotten better in recent years but how can anyone ever seriously place teams from Atlanta and Baltimore in the West? The Cowboys have terrific rivalries with the Redskins, Giants, and Eagles but they aren't geographical rivals.

Vikings Mini-Camp: Day 1

Two things topped Day 1 of the Minnesota Vikings Mandatory Mini-Camp. The first happened before the players even took the field. 

The Vikings and tight end Josh Oliver agreed to a three-year contract extension. Oliver was entering the final season of the three-year, $21 million deal he signed during 2023 free agency. His new deal is worth up to $27.5 million. Now, the Vikings have their tight end duo of T.J. Hockenson and Josh Oliver locked up through the 2027 season. 

Josh Oliver was originally a third-round pick in the 2019 NFL Draft by the Jacksonville Jaguars. He never really got any traction in Jacksonville as he ended each of his two seasons with the team on injured reserve. On March 18, 2021, Oliver was traded to the Baltimore Ravens. He did find some traction in Baltimore as he developed into one of the best blocking tight ends in the league. That earned him a decent free agent deal with the Vikings 2023. In two years, he’s earned a significant role in the offense. While blocking continues to be his strength, Oliver has contributed as a pass-catcher. He played well last season as Hockenson worked his way back from a torn ACL. 

Josh Oliver’s importance in the Vikings offense is revealed in this new deal.

The second highlight of Day 1 of the Vikings Mini-Camp was the presence on the field of left tackle Christian Darrisaw. After suffering a torn ACL and MCL in late October, the most optimistic expectations for an on-field Darrisaw appearance was probably the middle of training camp. He only took part in some position drills and he did so with a large brace protecting the knee but his presence was a startling and happy site. It was a great thing for rookie guard Donovan Jackson to get some reps with his future left-side partner. 

Then the Vikings had a full-squad practice. Very exciting stuff. I can’t wait to see what Day 2 brings. 

Minnesota Vikings 91-Man Roster

The Minnesota Vikings will kick off a three-day mandatory Mini-Camp at spectacular TCO Performance Center. While a final round of OTAs are scheduled for June 16-18, the next three days will be the final real football work before training camp. 

In advance of today’s mini-camp practice, here’s a look at the Minnesota Vikings 91-Man Roster. It’s a full roster with no room for a frequently-injured, cancerous corner from Green Bay. 

Minnesota Vikings 91-Man Roster (91)

Offense (44)

Quarterbacks (4)

  9 J.J McCarthy

  8 Sam Howell

19 Brett Rypien

12 Max Brosmer

Running Backs (5)

33 Aaron Jones

27 Jordan Mason

32 Ty Chandler

36 Zavier Scott

38 Tre Stewart

Fullback (1)

30 C.J. Ham

Receivers (13)

18 Justin Jefferson

  3 Jordan Addison

  1 Jalen Nailor

  4 Rondale Moore

13 Tai Felton

14 Tim Jones

81 Lucky Jackson

82 Jeshaun Jones

89 Thayer Thomas

83 Silas Bolden

19 Dontae Fleming

31 Myles Price

85 Robert Lewis

Tight Ends (6)

87 T.J. Hockenson

84 Josh Oliver

86 Gavin Bartholomew

48 Ben Yurosek

46 Bryson Nesbit

85 Giovanni Ricci

Offensive Linemen (15)

71 Christian Darrsisaw

74 Donovan Jackson

78 Ryan Kelly

76 Will Fries

75 Brian O’Neill

64 Blake Brandel

78 Walter Rouse

65 Michael Jurgens

67 Justin Skule

62 Logan Brown

60 Joe Huber

79 Marcellus Johnson

72 Leroy Watson IV

68 Henry Byrd

63 Zeke Correll

Defense (43)

Defensive Linemen (11)

97 Harrison Phillips

93 Jonathan Allen

98 Javon Hargrave

61 Jalen Redmond

50 Levi Drake Rodriguez

94 Taki Taimani 

90 Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins

99 Alex Williams

69 Elijah Williams

92 Jonathan Harris

95 Travis Bell 

Outside Linebackers (7)

58 Jonathan Greenard

43 Andrew Van Ginkel

15 Dallas Turner

59 Gabriel Murphy

98 Bo Richter

96 Tyler Batty

57 Chaz Chambliss

Inside Linebackers (8)

  0 Ivan Pace Jr.

51 Blake Cashman

55 Eric Wilson

  6 Brian Asamoah

41 Kobe King

45 Max Tooley

52 Dorian Mausi

56 Austin Keys     

Cornerbacks (11)

  7 Byron Murphy Jr.

  5 Mekhi Blackmon

  2 Isaiah Rodgers

21 Jeff Okudah

29 Dwight McGlothern

37 Tavierre Thomas

23 Ambry Thomas

20 Reddy Steward 

25 Kahlef Hailassie

35 Keenan Garber

34 Zemaiah Vaughn     

Safeties (6)

22 Harrison Smith

44 Josh Metellus

26 Theo Jackson

20 Jay Ward

40 Mishael Powell

39 Bubba Bolden

Special Teams (4)

Kickers (1)

16 Will Reichard

Punter (1)

17 Ryan Wright

91 Oscar Chapman

Long Snapper (1)

42 Andrew DePaola

***

The NFL’s offseason roster limit is 90 players. The Vikings have an international pathway exemption for Australian punter Oscar Chapman. 

Unsigned Draft Picks: By Round

Thanks to the 2011 Collective Bargaining Agreement between the NFL and NFLPA, rookie holdouts are a thing of the past. The signings are inevitable. The only difficulties come with the players selected in the second round. Only two players from the second round have signed their initial NFL contract. There are far more unsigned second round picks than there are from the other six rounds combined. Here are the unsigned draft picks in each of the seven rounds.

First Round

2.   Jacksonville Jaguars: Travis Hunter, CB/WR, Colorado

16. Arizona Cardinals: Walter Nolen, DT, Mississippi

17. Cincinnati Bengals: Shemar Stewart, Edge, Texas A&M

20. Denver Broncos: Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas

30. Buffalo Bills: Maxwell Hairston, CB, Kentucky

31. Philadelphia Eagles: Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama

6/32 unsigned

Second Round

35. Seattle Seahawks: Nick Emmanwori, S, South Carolina

36. Cleveland Browns: Quinshon Judkins, RB, Ohio State

37. Miami Dolphins: Jonah Savaiinea, G, Arizona

38. New England Patriots: TreVeyon Henderson, RB, Ohio State

39. Chicago Bears: Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri

40. New Orleans Saints: Tyler Shough, QB, Louisville

41. Buffalo Bills: T.J. Sanders, DT, South Carolina

42. New York Jets: Mason Taylor, TE, LSU

43. San Francisco 49ers: Alfred Collins, DT, Texas

44. Dallas Cowboys: Donovan Ezeiruaku, Edge, Boston College

45. Indianapolis Colts: JT Tuimoloau, Edge, Ohio State

46. Los Angeles Rams: Terrence Ferguson, TE, Oregon

47. Arizona Cardinals: Will Johnson, CB, Michigan

48. Houston Texans: Aireontae Ersery, OT, Minnesota

49. Cincinnati Bengals: Demetrius Knight Jr., LB, South Carolina

50. Seattle Seahawks: Elijah Arroyo, TE, Miami

51. Carolina Panthers: Nic Scourton, LB, Texas A&M

52. Tennessee Titans: Oluwafemi Oladejo, Edge, UCLA

53. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Benjamin Morrison, CB, Notre Dame

54. Green Bay Packers: Anthony Belton, OT, North Carolina State

55. Los Angeles Chargers: Tre Harris, WR, Mississippi 

56. Chicago Bears: Ozzy Trapilo, OT, Boston College

57. Detroit Lions: Tate Ratledge, G, Georgia

58. Las Vegas Raiders: Jack Bech, WR, TCU

59. Baltimore Ravens: Mike Green, Edge, Marshall

60. Denver Broncos: RJ Harvey, RB, UCF

61. Washington Commanders: Trey Amos, CB, Mississippi

62. Chicago Bears: Shemar Turner, DT, Texas A&M 

63. Kansas City Chiefs: Omarr Norman-Lott, DT, Tennessee

64. Philadelphia Eagles: Anthony Mukuba, S, Texas

30/32 unsigned

Third Round

38/38 signed

Fourth Round

104. Jacksonville Jaguars: Bhayshul Tuten, RB, Virginia Tech

105. New York Giants: Cam Skattebo, RB, Arizona State

106. New England Patriots: Craig Woodson, DB, California

107. Jacksonville Jaguars: Jack Kiser, LB, Notre Dame

109. Buffalo Bills: Deone Walker, DT, Kentucky

113. San Francisco 49ers: C.J. West, DT, Indiana

6/36 unsigned

Fifth Round

0/38 unsigned

Sixth Round

0/40 unsigned

Seventh Round

0/41 unsigned

Thanks mostly to the second round, 42/257 of the players selected in the 2025 NFL Draft remain unsigned. 

First Round Signing Tracker

The 2025 NFL Draft was more than a month ago. Other than the second round, teams have made strong strides in getting their players signed. Here’s a look at the signing progress of the players selected in the first round. 

1.   Tennessee Titans: Cam Ward, QB, Miami - Signed

2.   Jacksonville Jaguars: Travis Hunter, CB/WR, Colorado

3.   New York Giants: Abdul Carter, Edge, Penn State - Signed

4.   New England Patriots: Will Campbell, OT, LSU - Signed

5.   Cleveland Browns: Mason Graham, DT, Michigan - Signed

6.   Las Vegas Raiders: Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State - Signed

7.   New York Jets: Amand Membou, OT, Missouri - Signed

8.   Carolina Panthers: Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona - Signed

9.   New Orleans Saints: Kelvin Banks Jr., OT, Texas - Signed

10. Chicago Bears: Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan - Signed

11. San Francisco 49ers: Mykel Williams, Edge, Georgia - Signed

12. Dallas Cowboys: Tyler Booker, G, Alabama - Signed

13. Miami Dolphins: Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan - Signed

14. Indianapolis Colts: Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State - Signed

15. Atlanta Falcons: Jalon Walker, LB, Georgia - Signed

16. Arizona Cardinals: Walter Nolen, DT, Mississippi

17. Cincinnati Bengals: Shemar Stewart, Edge, Texas A&M

18. Seattle Seahawks: Grey Zabel, OL, North Dakota State - Signed

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State - Signed

20. Denver Broncos: Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas

21. Pittsburgh Steelers: Derrick Harmon, DT, Oregon - Signed

22. Los Angeles Chargers: Omarion Hampton, RB, North Carolina - Signed

23. Green Bay Packers: Matthew Golden, WR, Texas - Signed

24. Minnesota Vikings: Donovan Jackson, G, Ohio State - Signed

25. New York Giants: Jaxson Dart, QB, Mississippi - Signed

26. Atlanta Falcons: James Pearce Jr., Edge, Tennessee - Signed

27. Baltimore Ravens: Malaki Starks, S, Georgia - Signed

28. Detroit Lions: Tyleik Williams, DT, Ohio State - Signed

29. Washington Commanders: Josh Conerly Jr., OT, Oregon - Signed

30. Buffalo Bills: Maxwell Hairston, CB, Kentucky

31. Philadelphia Eagles: Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama

32. Kansas City Chiefs: Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State - Signed

***

26 of the 32 players selected in the first round have singed their first NFL contract. #2 pick Travis Hunter is the only unsigned top-15 pick. 

Five Intriguing Minnesota Vikings Roster Storylines

With a Mandatory Mini-Camp next week and Training Camp on the horizon, several Minnesota Vikings roster storylines are developing. Here are five of the most intriguing. 

1. Quarterback

Quarterback is, of course, up first. All eyes, nationally and locally, are on J.J. McCarthy. All offseason, we’ve been subjected to idiot reports that the Vikings aren’t sold on McCarthy. I believe that the team has been sold on McCarthy since he stepped into the building. You can see that belief in the smiles of every coach and player when asked about the progress of the young quarterback. I believe that the Vikings have finally found their quarterback. It won’t take long for the rest of the football world to see it as well.

2. Receiver

Personally, I always enjoy watching the development of the receivers. At the top of the group, Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison are great. The duo is arguably the league’s best. I’d take them over any of the league’s other top duos. Behind them, is an interesting group. For three years, injuries have kept Jalen Nailor from becoming the contributor that he has the talent to be. He was mostly healthy last year and responded with six touchdowns. He was especially productive early in the season when Addison was out with injuries. This spring, Nailor arrived looking bigger and stronger. He looks ready for his fourth season. Newcomers are free agent Rondale Moore and third-round pick Tai Felton. Moore missed last season to a torn ACL. He’s still rehabbing that injury. If healthy, he brings intriguing quickness and versatility to the offense. Felton could challenge Nailor as the Vikings fastest receiver. The rookie has play-making, game-breaking potential. 

3. Defensive Line

I expect the competition for the available defensive line spots to be the most interesting of training camp. After starters Harrison Phillips, Jonathan Allen, and Javon Hargrave, it’s wide open. Fifth-round pick Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins will likely get one of those spots. After that, Jalen Redmond, Levi Drake-Rodriguez, Taki Taimani, and undrafted rookies Alexander Williams and Elijah Williams will bring a spirited competition for two, maybe three spots. 

4. Outside Linebackers

The greatest challenge for defensive coordinator Brian Flores and outside linebacker coach Thad Bogardus is finding a way to get Jonathan Greenard, Andrew Van Ginkel, and Dallas Turner on the field as much as possible. Perhaps even all three at the same time. The competition between Gabriel Murphy, Bo Richter, and undrafted rookie Tyler Batty for the remaining spots will be fun. 

5. Cornerbacks

Most of the local and national talking heads see the Vikings cornerback group as one in need of upgrades. I’d prefer to see it play out with the group that they have. If the Vikings 2025 cornerback group includes Byron Murphy Jr., Isaiah Rodgers, Jeff Okudah, Mekhi Blackmon, and Dwight McGlothern, I’ll be thrilled. I believe the group will be a team strength. I’m especially intrigued by the plans for Okudah.

Other positions that intrigue:

-returners 

-tight ends

-inside linebackers

-that punter competition

Throwback Thursday: The Development of the 1969 Minnesota Vikings

This Flicker was originally published on January 16, 2020. 

I recently started reading Joe Kapp's book A Life of Leadership: Joe Kapp "The Toughest Chicano." It's a fun read. That's no surprise as every book about the 1960s Minnesota Vikings is a fun read. Kapp's time with the Vikings is a bit before my time but I've read, heard, and learned enough about those teams that I feel as if I actually experienced them. Kapp joined the Vikings in 1967. That was the same year that Bud Grant was hired as head coach. After six years of entertaining but mediocre play, winning football games was about to become the norm in Minnesota. The Vikings won their first division title in 1968. They won the NFL title in 1969. The 1969 team isn't thought of as a champion because they unfortunately went on to lose to the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl IV. That day wasn't their day but the 1969 Minnesota Vikings team is still one of the best in NFL history. In his book, Kapp put together an interesting chart that details how the 1969 Vikings team was put together. It's interesting in that he lists a value that each player brought to the team. I've never seen a player, coach, general manager, anybody do such a thing. He called it the Development of the 1969 Vikings.

Player/Position/Value
1961 (3-11)
Grady Alderman, T: Control
Paul Dickson, DT: Loyalty
Jim Marshall, DE: Spirit
Ed Sharockman, CB: Commitment

1962 (2-11-1)
Fred Cox, K: Responsibility
Mick Tingelhoff, C: Determination
Roy Winston, LB: Wisdom

1963 (5-8-1)
Bill Brown, FB: Toughness
Karl Kassulke, S: Enthusiasm

1964 (8-5-1)
Carl Eller, DE: Confidence
Milt Sunde, G: Dedication

1965 (7-7)
Dale Hackbart, S: Humor
Gary Larsen, DT: Effort
Earsell Mackbee, CB: Concentration
Dave Osborn, RB: Perseverance
Lonnie Warwick, LB: Intensity

1966 (4-9-1)
Doug Davis, T: Awareness
Jim Lindsey, RB: Reliability
Jim Vellone, G: Empathy

1967 (3-8-3)
John Beasley, TE: Faith
Bobby Bryant, CB: Courage
Bob Grim, WR: Poise
Jim Hargrove, LB: Steadiness
Clint Jones, RB: Attitude
Joe Kapp, QB: Hunger
Alan Page, DT: Resourcefulness
Gene Washington, WR: Respect

1968 (8-6) Central Division Champs
Bookie Bolin, G: Cooperation
Gary Cuozzo, QB: Pride
John Henderson, WR: Courtesy
Paul Krause, S: Patience
Bob Lee, QB: Ambition
Mike McGill, LB: Judgement
Oscar Reed, RB: Desire
Steve Smith, DT: Harmony
Charlie West, DB: Integrity
Ron Yary, T: Trust

1969 (12-2) NFL Champs, lost Super Bowl IV
Kent Kramer, TE: Balance
Bill Harris, RB: Initiative
Wally Hilgenberg, LB: Aggression
Mike Riley, LB: Alertness
Ed White, G: Madness

I find the last one funny. Ed White was an All-American defensive lineman at Cal. The Vikings successfully flipped him to the offensive line. Kapp felt that White brought madness to the team.

I've long known Dale Hackbart as a hard-hitting, versatile safety for the 1960s Vikings. From Kapp's book, I discovered that his versatility stretched beyond the football field. As seen above, Kapp valued Hackbart for his humor. The always smiling safety's ability to make his teammates laugh kept the team loose.

Roster note: Even with a roster much smaller than today, the Vikings kept six running backs. The NFL was a very different league in 1969. 

Rest In Peace Captain

“He was the heart and soul of the Minnesota Vikings.”

                            -Vikings Hall of Fame Defensive Tackle Alan Page

“When things were the worst is when he presented himself as the best.”

                           -Vikings Hall of Fame Tackle Ron Yary

“No player in the history of the game ever played harder, longer than Jim Marshall”

                           -NFL Films Steve Sabol

“We had the Purple People Eaters. They were the foundation of who we are. The leader of the band was Jim Marshall.”

                           -Vikings Hall of Fame Quarterback Fran Tarkenton

“Jim Marshall was Special.”

                           -Vikings Hall of Fame coach Bud Grant

The long, full life of Jim Marshall has come to an end. He slapped away death several times during his life. At 87, he decided it was time to finally rest. 

As a California kid in the early 1970s, I fell for a football team in Minnesota. I was immediately taken by the stoic coach on the sideline, the spinning running back, the scrappy quarterback, and the snowy December games. No matter how entertaining the offense, it was the beautiful, terrifying defense that truly stole my heart. Every game, I hoped the Vikings would start out on defense. I couldn’t wait to see Alan Page beat the ball into the backfield and the hulking Carl Eller toss offensive players like rag dolls. The defensive line created chaos up front. The steady linebackers cleaned up anything that got through. The opportunistic secondary collected interceptions. Even a naive, little kid could see that #70 was the key to it all. He wasn’t just the leader of the defense. It was clear on a TV screen half a country away that he was the leader of the entire team. He was the Captain of the Minnesota Vikings. 

The Minnesota Vikings joined the NFL for the 1961 season. Since he was a member of the Cleveland Browns, Jim Marshall wasn’t in the initial plans for the expansion team. His route to the Browns wasn’t a direct one. Marshall was a terrific lineman at Ohio State. He was also one of the nation’s best all-purpose trackmen. He was a conference discus champion and shot thrower. He occasionally ran the 100 meters. His track versatility was such that the Buckeyes track coach suggested that Marshall should train for the Olympic decathlon. He left Ohio State before his senior year so that he could make some money playing football in the Canadian Football League. After a year with the Saskatchewan Roughriders, he was drafted by the Browns. As a rookie, he started seven of 12 games. A bout with encephalitis was Marshall’s first brush with death. It also disrupted training camp and his preparation for his second season with the Browns. All of that led to the Browns trading him to Minnesota only days before the expansion team’s first game. On a couple of days of practice, Marshall was a factor in the Vikings 37-13 upset of the Chicago Bears. Two of his pass rushes led to interceptions. He also forced a fumble. It was the opening act of a brilliant 19-year career with the Minnesota Vikings.

So much of Jim Marshall’s long football career borders on the ridiculous. For 19 years, he started every game for the Vikings. He never missed a practice. #70 at right defensive end was such a gameday staple that it was shocking to not see that number in the lineup for the first game of the 1980 season. This sort of durability is common for less strenuous positions. It’s damn near impossible for linemen that experience collisions on every snap. From 1961-79, Jim Marshall started every single game the Vikings played. 

Jim Marshall was tapped for only Pro Bowls (1969 and 1970). That’s a remarkable thing as his play was so consistent for nearly the entirety of his career. Those two years were really no better than, say, 1964 and  1973. It’s a very lazy take to say that Marshall had only two Pro Bowl-worthy seasons. He was one of the league’s best defensive ends for most of his 19 seasons.

Jim Marshall was one of the best, most special football players in the franchise history of the Minnesota Vikings. He was “the heart and soul of the Minnesota Vikings.” From the very first game he set the franchise’s standard as a player and leader. Teammates Fran Tarkenton, Mick Tingelhoff, Ron Yary, Alan Page, Carl Eller, and Paul Krause are honored in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Each looked to him for leadership. Hall of Fame head coach Bud Grant did the same. 

For 19 years, Jim Marshall was the Minnesota Vikings. He may still be. 

Rest In Peace Captain.