The Vikings had several Hall of Famers suit up for them during their Super Bowl years like Fran Tarkenton, Alan Page and Ron Yary. Your favorite teams, topics, and players all on your favorite mobile devices. 4) Larry Wilson He revolutionized the "safety blitz" that we see in every game today and finished his career with a whopping 52 interceptions. L.C. For his imposing presence in the backfield and his sheer number of tackles, Griffith edges past Kassulke into the No. He played with the Vikings from 2007 to 2016, barring a brief suspension in 2014 when he pleaded no contest to a charge of misdemeanor reckless assault against his then-four-year-old son. He was second on the team's all-time sack list with 92.5 and played in 191 consecutive games every game for 12 consecutive seasons. Larry Wilson Highlight Video 3) Ken Houston 4 position on the list of greatest Vikings safeties of all time. All he did from there was become the emotional leader of the Vikings, and a fierce pass rusher from the inside of the line. For his intense field presence, his contributions to some of the best defenses in history and his longevity with the club, Karl Kassulke moves past Orlando Thomas into the No. For his outstanding performance throughout most of the '80s and his high rankings in the Vikings record books, Joey Browner outdistances Robert Griffith for second place on the list of great Minnesota safeties. As a result, he was selected for the second-team All-NFC for his performance. No receiver went over the middle against Minnesota without paying the price. Who Is The Best Running Back In The NFL Right Now? The Vikings offer a steam room and sauna, which 100% of players said were big enough. He's a seven-time First-Team All-Pro and has 56 career picks and counting. For the first time, the NFL Players Association released their team report cards on Wednesday. Vote or rerank this list of the greatest Minnesota Vikings ever, then head over and check out some of the best Vikings kickers ever. Rookie Road may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site. According to The Top Tens, a website that allows fans to vote, Smith currently tops the as the best safety of the 2018-2019 season. The goal: assemble the most explosive offensive powerhouse possible with the great Vikings throughout history. The Minnesota Vikings were the valedictorians of the survey, finishing first among all 32 NFL franchises. Honorable mentions: Jim Marshall, Jared Allen and Kevin Williams. Of course there was a number of other players considered, but no one popped on the film quite like Barr. Asked on Tuesday morning at the NFL Combine about a potential contract extension for Jefferson this offseason, Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah made himself clear. 22 in the videowas the greatest ball hawk in NFL history. It is highly recommended that you use the latest versions of a supported browser in order to receive an optimal viewing experience. 9. The following browsers are supported: Chrome, Edge (v80 and later), Firefox and Safari. Studwell didnt receive many accolades for his play, but the tape suggests that was a mistake. 15. 8. O'Connell gave a positive update on Cine's recovery process, noting the young safety's clear excitement about the upcoming season. He went on to win the starting job at free safety in 1979, and would finish his career as arguably the greatest. Moss played with the Vikings from 1998-2004 and again for a year in 2010. Three Seahawks named among NFL.com's top safeties of all time Teams AFC East Bills Dolphins Jets Patriots AFC North Bengals Browns Ravens Steelers AFC South Colts Jaguars Texans Titans AFC. Scott Studwell was a ninth round draft choice in 1977, and dominated throughout his career, playing all of it in Minnesota. The Minnesota Vikings' defense could be different at all levels in 2023, depending on how radical they decide to be when it comes to personnel changes. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call 1-800-GAMBLER. He helped the Bucs to a Super Bowl title his rookie year and followed that up with a . Last week, we covered the tight ends. To shed light on his all-around game, Browner led the Vikings in nine defensive categories during his career. Studwell was often in the right place at the right time, and that was no accident. Minnesota Vikings. Other players, particularlyAdrian Peterson, would have been fun in any era. Over the course of his tenure, Thomas intercepted 22 passes, which is good for seventh place on the team's all-time list. Top 50 Washington Redskins Players of All Time By Clark Boinis | Aug 28, 2021, 12:32pm 1. He also recovered 10 fumbles and returned two of them for touchdowns. According to the press release, the NFLPAs goals were to highlight positive clubs, identify areas that could use improvement, and highlight best practices and standards.. This purple pack of players isn't limited to the most skilled or the most iconic Vikings. In his 1990 sophomore season, Atwater tallied an all-around 173 tackles, two forced fumbles, two interceptions, and one sack. Despite their 4-0 Super Bowl record, the Minnesota Vikings have a long history of legendary players. 25. He spent fourteen years with the Vikings and played starting right tackle from his second season on.. Brian Dawkins 5. Anthony Barr converted to linebacker late in his college career from running back, and has quickly become a top-tier 4-3 outside linebacker in the NFL. According to On3 Sports' Matt Zenitz, the Vikings are hiring Colorado's defensive tackles coach Patrick Hill to be their new assistant defensive line coach. The Minnesota Vikings were the valedictorians of the survey, finishing first among all 32 NFL franchises. Vikings have 2 of the top safeties of all time Teams AFC East Bills Dolphins Jets Patriots AFC North Bengals Browns Ravens Steelers AFC South Colts Jaguars Texans Titans AFC West Broncos. AncientPages.com - For many years, archaeologists and historians have provided an increasingly informed insight into the dynamic world of the vikings, chipping away at the clichs of a crazed, capricious people preoccupied with beards and bloodshed.One particular approach to understanding viking activity has been to study the encampments they set up along the coasts and rivers of western . Justin Bergman carom off three rails for hide and distance, against Niels Feijen [10:43]: https://youtu.be/aNZJURtAflE?t=161010. Its early in his career, but its worth keeping an eye on current Vikings safety Harrison Smith. The Vikings drafted Camryn Bynum out of Cal and converted the cornerback to safety, which worked out well for the youngster. Kam Chancellor NFL rules have changed throughout the years. Regarding staff, 95% of players felt the Vikings had enough athletic trainers (ATCs), and 92% said they had enough physical therapists (PTs). The Best Minnesota Vikings Cornerbacks Of All Time. While he earned a reputation for his tumultuous personal life and numerous legal battles, his formidable speed, athleticism, and talent are undeniable. He made a name for himself immediately, setting the NFL record for most rushing yards in a single game (296) in his very first season, earning himself Rookie of the Year in 2007. While stats are taken into account, there are other, more subjective criteria as well. Browner made quick reads and accelerated downfield quickly. For years, the Purple People Eaters, the nickname for the Vikings defensive line, were one of the most intimidating in the league. The organization ranked 7th in support of players families, with the NFLPA citing that the Vikings offered a family room and daycare. In 1990 the Minnesota Vikings signed Carter off waivers for $100 and offered him the opportunity to get sober and redeem his NFL career. Browner forced 18 fumbles over his career and recovered 16 of them. Will the Vikings' offense be better or worse in 2019? He has 37 career interceptions, 1,118 tackles and is a six-time All-Pro. "I don't want to . Ed Reed's impact should not be downplayed, however. He is still regarded as one of the best QBs in the league. He played for the University of Georgia and was drafted to the Vikings in 1961 when the team was just getting its start. For Bush, the NFL journey has been full of backup time and special teams, a role that is more valuable than the respect it receives. Joe Theismann 11. As was the case for Anthony Harris, Smith had to do more with less around him. The best in the business need to be athletically gifted: fast,. Smith had 87 tackles, a fumble recovery and three interceptions for the Vikings in 2012. A list of the best Minnesota Vikings of all time. In the run, Studwell was the first body to the hole. Ed Reed 2. Carnell Lake. Blitzers, nickel defenders, single-high, or the classic cover 2 shell Flores needs a diversity of skill sets and depth at safety to make his scheme work. February 28, 2023. Take a look at how all 32 of his. Harrison Smith & Anthony Harris, Minnesota Vikings. Orlando Thomas was a second-round pick for the Vikings in the 1995 NFL draft. Tarkentons eventual return to the Vikings in 1972 brought even more success.He played another seven years and led the Vikings to six NFC Central Division titles and three of their four Super Bowls. No one should expect to make money from the picks and predictions discussed on this website. Part one of the Greatest Minnesota Vikings of All Time focuses on the offense. Krause was named All-NFL four times, started in four Super Bowls and has a Minnesota Vikings record with 10 interceptions in a year. . Heres where it gets arguable. In a comparison between Krause and Smith, even though they come from different eras, the edge would easily go to the player who wore No. Here's a look at the best Vikings safety duos of all-time. The 25 Best Safeties In NFL History. King of Denmark, Norway, and England. Most of all, these three linebackers work well together because of their game intelligence. It doesn't lean on the Hall of Fame for selections, either. Larry Wilson, who played for the St. Louis Cardinals from 1960-1972, comes in 15th overall, just ahead of Paul Krause and just behind Willie Wood. When he came to the Vikings prior to the 1968 season, he had already intercepted 28 passes as a member of the Washington Redskins. Ken Houston 6. Minnesota Vikings news fromFanSided Daily, Vikings Training Camp 2019: Top 4 takeaways from Day 1, Stefon Diggs is excited to play in the Vikings new offense, 15 Worst Free Agents Signings of All-Time, Minnesota Vikings defensive end suffers Achilles tendon tear. Smith already was with the team in Baltimore when he received the positive test, and he later thanked the Wilf family for providing him with a private flight back to Minnesota. Inducted into the hall of fame in 1988. The Minnesota Vikings new training staff was a welcome change from the previous regime. The report card stated that several players had a negative experience with the old head trainer. For years, the Purple People Eaters, the nickname for the Vikings defensive line, were one of the most intimidating in the league. Players had no complaints regarding the Vikings new locker room. The Vikings could lose their top punt gunner in Kris Boyd, which would be a tough loss for a team that created plenty of mishaps on special teams the past few years. In seven seasons, Bush has just 12 starts, three interceptions, and 100 tackles. Updated: Mar 1, 2023 / 04:14 PM CST. But, this time Im ranking best safety duos in Vikings history. The browser you are using is no longer supported on this site. As Easley is often looked past due to his short career in the NFL, his play on the field was at a top level and one that had in the elite group . His overall total in Minnesota was 635 tackles. https://vikingswire.usatoday.com/2017/07/05/vikings-have-2-of-the-top-safeties-of-all-time/, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. He even helped push the Vikings to all four of their Super Bowl appearances and four championship victories, playing in the Vikings most successful era and demonstrating an impeccable work ethic and sportsmanship. We asked for your Top 10 Vikings players of all time and more than 5,000 people responded. Griffith was named to the Pro Bowl after the 2000 season and was an All-Pro selection in 1998 and 1999. Who are the best cornerbacks in Minnesota Vikings history? Browner, a 1983 first-round pick, played nine seasons with the Vikings and one with Tampa Bay. Picking a highest high proved challenging because a number of the safeties' big plays occurred mostly in games Minnesota ultimately lost. Sendejos contract option was $5.4 million in 2019 and it ended up being a price too high for the Vikings as Harris looked more than capable in his nine starts last year. He replaces A . They held teams to just 10.3 points per game, and in their championship game they held the Giants to just ten points. Carl Eller was born January 25, 1942, in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and attended college at the University of Minnesota. He managed to play all 1208 defensive snaps for Zimmers defense in 2021 and led the whole team in snaps. Bryant was also an excellent special teams player, making him even more of a threat after an interception. Woods provided the experience the Vikings hoped for in the secondary, but he also was targeted most by opponents who likely veered away from a six-time Pro Bowler in Smith, who played more at the line of scrimmage than Woods. https://vikingswire.usatoday.com/lists/vikings-rank-1st-in-inaugural-nflpa-team-report-card/, finishing first among all 32 NFL franchises, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. 2023 Minute Media - All Rights Reserved. Not many safeties were more complete than Larry Wilson. After his retirement in 1981, Page began a career in law and was elected to the Minnesota Supreme Court. He adopted intimidation tactics, trash-talking, and a larger-than-life presence on the field that waged absolute psychological warfare. Coming in as one of the top free safeties just missing the cut is the New England Patriots star Devin McCourty. The report card explains that the weight room is new and players are happy with it. 98% of the players felt like the Vikings had enough strength coaches. Art Monk 5. He was known as much for his consistency as his stature and grit. The draft capital and the cap space are limited, so Kwesi Adofo-Mensah needs to hit on the top signings and the first selection in the draft. Honorable mentions: Roy Winston, Wally Hilgenberg and Chad Greenway. That isn't due to the lack of great players. Additionally, his ball-hawking ways helped solidify a pass defense that faces brutal competition every week in the pass-happy NFC North. The Vikings have drafted well over the years. He proved his merit over time, beginning a 176 consecutive-game streak with 133 straight starts in 1992.It wasnt until around 1996, though, that he truly came into his own. Part two of the Greatest Minnesota Vikings of all time focuses on the defense. He went on to snag 53 more as a member of the Vikings, setting an all-time NFL record of 81. 114 tackles (83 solo), 3.0 sacks, 3 tackles for loss, 7 passes defensed, 1 interception, 1 forced fumble; started all 15 games he played; on field for 1,049 of Minnesota's 1,280 defensive snaps (86.8 percent), 108 tackles (72 solo), 1.0 sack, 1 tackle for loss, 3 interceptions, 10 passes defensed, 2 forced fumbles; started all 17 games he played; on field for all 1,280 defensive snaps (100 percent), 28 tackles (20 solo), 1.0 sack, 1 tackle for loss, 1 interception, 3 passes defensed; started 3 of 14 games he played; on field for 211 defensive snaps (17.5 percent), 13 tackles (8 solo), 1 pass defensed; played in 16 games (0 starts); on field for 54 defensive snaps (4.5 percent), 3 special teams tackles (1 solo), played in 9 games (0 starts); did not play any defensive snaps. Buy Vikings Tickets. The Commanders were at the bottom of the rankings, with the Cardinals 31st and the Chargers 30th. The Minnesota Vikings continue to reshape their defensive coaching staff under new defensive coordinator Brian Flores. NFL teams were graded on eight categories with a grading range of F to A+. That record has lasted over 37 years. Smith suited up for his seventh season in Purple and started all 16 games. 2023 Minute Media - All Rights Reserved. 955 - 1035. Randy Moss was born in West Virginia on February 13, 1977, and was a first-round draft pick from Marshall University in 1998.He played with the Vikings for seven seasons as a wide receiver from 1998-2004 and for a brief stint in 2010, setting records and collecting accolades along the way. The Vikings have had a number of superstars wear the purple and gold. In addition, he compiled 7.5 sacks in Minnesota, including four in 1999. Karl Kassulke was known in NFL circles as a fierce hitter, but Robert Griffith made a career out of it. 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