Minnesota Vikings Quarter-Century Team

A quarter-century will creep up on you. 25 years into this century has brought various quarter-century teams. Here’s one for the Minnesota Vikings. The idle time between the end of OTAs and Training Camp is the time for things like this. 

Minnesota Vikings Quarter-Century Team

Offense

Quarterback 

Daunte Culpepper

Daunte Culpepper edges out Kirk Cousins. Each earned three Pro Bowls. Culpepper’s 2004 season was MVP worthy.

Running Back

Adrian Peterson

Easy. Adrian Peterson is arguably the league’s running back of the quarter-century.

Fullback

C.J. Ham

C.J. Ham edges Tony Richardson. Richardson was outstanding as a team leader and mentor for Peterson but Ham did more as a runner and receiver. Special teams too.

Receivers

Randy Moss

Justin Jefferson

Adam Thielen

Randy Moss and Justin Jefferson are easy. Adam Thielen edges Stefon Diggs and Percy Harvin.

Tight End

Kyle Rudolph

Kyle Rudolph has the tight end high moments and longevity of the quarter-century.

Offensive Tackles

Christian Darrisaw

Brian O’Neill

I’m going with the current offensive tackles. 

Guards

Steve Hutchinson

David Dixon

Steve Hutchinson is an all-time great. David Dixon was a solid right guard for about a decade.

Center

Matt Birk

On the field, Matt Birk is an easy choice. 

Defense

Defensive Ends

Jared Allen

Danielle Hunter

Jared Allen takes his much-deserved spot in Canton this summer. Danielle Hunter is still working on his potential Hall of Fame career. 

Defensive Tackles

Kevin Williams

Pat Williams

The Williams Wall are the Vikings defensive tackles of the quarter-century. Kevin Williams should find a path to Canton,

Linebackers

Chad Greenway

Eric Kendricks

Anthony Barr

This trio feels right. 

Cornerbacks

Antoine Winfield

Xavier Rhodes

Antoine Winfield and Xavier Rhodes are easily the best Vikings corners of the quarter-century. 

Safeties

Harrison Smith

Joshua Metellus

Harrison Smith is automatic. For half of the quarter-century, the Vikings have been searching for a skilled safety to pair with Smith. There have been so many contenders. Based on his singular 2003 season, Corey Chavous earned consideration. Andrew Sendejo? Anthony Harris? Camryn Bynum? Each is deserving of this quarter-century spot. On his two seasons as a do-everything, play-everywhere safety, I’m going with Joshua Metellus. 

Special Teams

Kicker

Ryan Longwell

Ryan Longwell provided the only reliable Vikings kicking since 1998.

Punter

Chris Kluwe

From productivity to longevity, it’s Chris Kluwe. 

Long Snapper

Cullen Loeffler

It’s tough to judge long snappers. Cullen Loeffler edges Andrew DePoala on longevity. 

Kick Returner

Cordarrelle Patterson

Despite Cordarrelle Patterson rivaling any returner in NFL history, there is a debate between him and Percy Harvin. Following that debate, I’m going with Patterson. 

Punt Returner

Marcus Sherels

The return duo of Cordarrelle Patterson and Marcus Sherels was the league’s best.