Your favorite teams, topics, and players all on your favorite mobile devices. On Halloween night and the prime-time stage, he had a spook-tacular outing against his former team. Players had no complaints regarding the Vikings new locker room. This is the list of the greatest Minnesota Vikings of all time. Joe Jacoby 13. Another name to monitor who shares that familiarity is Adrian Amos if he has a smaller price tag and is open to continuing his journey in the NFC North after stops in Green Bay and Chicago. No one should expect to make money from the picks and predictions discussed on this website. He replaces A . 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. A list of the best Minnesota Vikings of all time. Emlen Tunnell Honorable Mentions FAQ He earned his reputation as The Scrambler because, in an era when it was practically taboo, Tarkenton was unafraid to run for the ball. Jones was perhaps the best at his position in the NFL during the early part of the decade, exemplified by being voted to the . Ronnie Lott 4. 2023 Minute Media - All Rights Reserved. These lists are filled with players who epitomize what it means to be a Viking. 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.. He moved into the full-time strong safety spot midway through 1984. 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 . His signature face paint became part of this persona, and he played with guts and abandon that rallied his teammates and terrorized opponents.. He retired at the peak of his career in 1978 and held every significant NFL passing record, and still ranks in the top ten for many. McMichael set a franchise record with three safeties . 10. . All betting content is intended for an audience ages 21+. Forget just making this list, Page ought to be considered for the greatest Minnesota Vikings player of all time. He isnt just an all-time Vikings player, he is an all-time NFL player. Off the field, however, he was troubled and faced child abuse charges in 2014. These players are considered some of the best football players of all time. The offense once again failed to capitalize, though, and the Vikings ultimately fell 20-16. Jevon Holland was a prime example of this during Flores' time with the Miami Dolphins . In his career, he has 305 tackles and 12 interceptions. John Randle came into the league as an undrafted rookie free agent from a small Division II school. His strength was the run defense, where he was the third-best league-wide at his position. No pair of safeties has performed better or lifted their defense higher than the Vikings' tandem of Harris and Smith. Please rank the players based only on their time with the Vikings, The Best Quarterbacks to Never Win a Super Bowl, The Best Notre Dame Football Players of All Time. Studwell showed an elite football mind, dissecting offenses by diagnosing plays early. He holds the record for most rushing yards in a single game, was Best Offensive Player of the Year in 2012, and MVP in 2013, and ranks among some of the greatest running backs of all time. Despite excelling, Tarkenton was traded to the New York Giants in 1967. Not many safeties were more complete than Larry Wilson. Doing so could mean some hard decisions on key contributors from last season like Dalvin Cook, Eric Kendricks, Za . Harrison Smith, Minnesota Vikings. Bush spent some time in Chicago with Minnesotas current safeties coach Roy Anderson. The Vikings ranked as the top team overall, followed by the Dolphins and the Raiders. Krause played 16 seasons in the NFL, the last 12 with the Vikings. Best Safety Photos of 2020 View the best safety photos of the 2020 season from Vikings photographers. He played ten seasons with the Vikings, made over 1,400 yards in a season three different times, won MVP in 2012, and played in seven Pro Bowls. The Vikings received glowing reviews from players on how they treated their families. As a result, he was selected for the second-team All-NFC for his performance. John Randle was born on December 12, 1967, in Hearne, Texas, and was an undrafted free agent when he signed with the Vikings in 1990. When the opposing quarterback inevitably has to get the ball out early, Krause will be there for the interception. Minnesota Vikings. No player has dominated the corner position since the turn of the century . This week, we'll focus on safeties. Team (s): Seattle Seahawks. That rookie year was the highlight of his seven-year career with Minnesota. 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. Carl Eller was born January 25, 1942, in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and attended college at the University of Minnesota. 11 on all-time list), 57 pass deflections and 31 forced fumbles Scott Boehm/Associated Press 3 / 31 29. 9. At the time of his retirement, he ranked third and fourth in NFL history with 982 receptions for 15,292 yards and 156 touchdowns. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call 1-800-GAMBLER. He was drafted in the first round by the Vikings in 1988 as an offensive guard. "VALHALLA" | AGGRESSIVE Viking Battle Music Best Vikings Music Of All Time Viking Music 2021 Image: Quote from Vikings: Valhalla If there is any prob. Led the Vikings to three of their four Superbowls in 1974, 1975, and 1977, Became the first defensive player to receive the NFLs MVP award, Part of the legendary Vikings defensive line known as The Purple People Eaters, Set a record when he was selected twelve times consecutively for the Pro Bowl, Regarded as the real muscle behind the notorious Purple People Eaters, Selected for the Vikings 40th and 50th Anniversary teams, NFL 1,000-Yard Clubs Top Offensive Lineman of the Year in 1969, Selected for the NFLs All-Decade Team for the 1990s, Widely considered the Vikings greatest. He was known as much for his consistency as his stature and grit. He was voted NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year in 1998, played in six Pro Bowls, and was named to the All-Decade Team of the 2000s. Formed in 1961, the Minnesota Vikings have been one of the NFL's hard luck franchises. The rest is Vikings history. His intense passion for the game and endless pursuit of perfection made him one of the most fearsome safeties of his. In this defense, based heavily off pass rush, intelligent corners with good press ability will wipe out quick passes and stop outside runsWinfield fits that description. Additionally, his ball-hawking ways helped solidify a pass defense that faces brutal competition every week in the pass-happy NFC North. The 6-foot-1, 215-pound Lake, who the Steelers drafted out of UCLA with the 34th choice in 1989, was a five-time Pro Bowler, four-time second-team All-Pro and he is a member of the 1990s All . He was undrafted out of San Diego State and spent a year in the CFL before arriving in Minnesota in 1994. He nabbed his first career interception, picking off 2019 NFL MVP Lamar Jackson with a savvy play down the middle of the field. Smith suited up for his seventh season in Purple and started all 16 games. 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. In 2021 . EAGAN, Minn. The Vikings combined a mixture of veteran experience and youth at the safety position in 2021. 15 Worst Free Agents Signings of All-Time. It also called Kevin OConnell one of the most player-friendly coaches., The overview finished saying that the Vikings are a shining example of what is possible when a concerted investment is made in both staffing and facilities.. Demand for cruises on Viking reached all time highs last month when the cruise line had their best booking month ever and recorded 18 of their top 20 sales . To shed light on his all-around game, Browner led the Vikings in nine defensive categories during his career. Build your customFanSided Daily email newsletter with news and analysis onMinnesota Vikings and all your favorite sports teams, TV shows, and more. Wilson is a Hall of Famer, picked off 52 passes . With 148 career sacks (as an interior linemanI cant stress that enough), four Super Bowl appearances, and four defensive player of the year honors, Page was one of the most impactful players of the era. Its early, but I am creating the best team possible, and Anthony Barrs traits fit perfectly with this defense. Jones was a nine-time Pro Bowl selection and seven-time All-Pro. He also managed 17 interceptions, though he wasn't known for his hands. Each week will feature a different position, and the best Vikings to take the field at that position will be ranked from fifth to first. Two former Vikings were listed in his top group. Gil Brandt of NFL Network continued his breakdown of the top players all-time at every position on Wednesday when he rolled out a list of the best safeties to ever lace up their chinstrap.. Over his fourteen-season career, he had a 202-game starting streak, was selected for the Pro Bowl twelve consecutive times, and was nominated to the 1990s All-Decade Team. As he got older, Winfield became the best tackling corner back in the NFL, and was stout against the run. Born August 7, 1945, in Canton, Ohio, Alan Page was a first-round draft pick from Notre Dame in 1967.His philosophy was that a defensive player should think of himself as an aggressor, not as a defender. He was a key element of the notorious Purple People Eaters defensive line and a nightmare for opposing teams. His total of 53 picks as a Viking is a team record. In addition, he compiled 7.5 sacks in Minnesota, including four in 1999. Maybe one day Smith will join Browner and Krause as one of the all-time great safeties. It doesn't lean on the Hall of Fame for selections, either. He was a first-round draft pick in 1964 for both the Vikings and their rivals, the Buffalo Bills, but made the decision to stay in Minnesota and began a fourteen-year career with them that ended in 1978.During that time, he became a crucial element of the Vikings famed defensive line.. All picks and predictions are suggestions only. He is an elite football mind, he is elite in pass protection and he has a tendency to knock players into their seats. L.C. Either way, safeties are usually the last line of defense. Russ Grimm 10. He started as a defensive end in every Super Bowl they played in and helped the Vikings win ten NFC titles during his eleven seasons.After retiring, he secured a degree in human services and became a licensed drug and alcohol counselor, advocating for people of color within the Minnesota Department of Human Services. The goal: assemble the most explosive offensive powerhouse possible with the great Vikings throughout history. Darren Appleton hide behind small ball with distance, with Mark Gray [3:27]: https://youtu.be/w8DF4lqN6IQ?t=23955. Please check your email for a confirmation. For his ability to shut down opposing slot receivers and tight ends and his big-play ability, Orlando Thomas edges out Harrison Smith for the No. Tarkenton was the first Viking ever to be inducted into the Hall of Fame and is recognized for his skill, consistency, and innovation as one of the greatest QBs of all time. Sammy Baugh 2. The second on the list, or first we suppose, was Paul Krause. The team selected him from Louisiana-Lafayette and plugged him immediately into the defensive rotation. 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. Mick Tingelhoff was an undrafted free agent when he started in his rookie season with the Vikings at center, a position he maintained over his exemplary 17 seasons, and earned him recognition as one of the best the NFL has ever seen. He finished his career with 37 interceptions, fourth in team history. The report, released Wednesday during the league's annual scouting combine, rated teams in eight categories - everything from meals and . "So that was just a good job on both safeties, and the whole secondary doing [its] job was able to free me up for the play.". The Vikings have been blessed with some fine safeties over the years. Honorable mentions: Roy Winston, Wally Hilgenberg and Chad Greenway. Players also do not have roommates during their trips. McCourty, who joined the safety after being selected 27th overall during the 2010 NFL draft out of Rutgers University has been one of the most consistent free safeties to play the game. Yes, he has some big-time competition in both Paul Krause and Joey Browner, but the consistency and. Browner forced 18 fumbles over his career and recovered 16 of them. The Minnesota Vikings were the valedictorians of the survey, finishing first among all 32 NFL franchises. 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. The Vikings have drafted well over the years. Your favorite teams, topics, and players all on your favorite mobile devices. These are the top 15 hardest hitters to ever come through the NFL. The criteria used includes games started, interceptions and fumble recoveries, touchdowns scored, and their approximate value (AV) assigned by Pro Football Reference. An important part of the Minnesota defensive backfield, the CB position requires fast players to cover receivers, defend against pass offenses, and make tackles. Griffith was named to the Pro Bowl after the 2000 season and was an All-Pro selection in 1998 and 1999. Adrian Peterson was born on March 21, 1985, in Palestine, Texas. Most of all, these three linebackers work well together because of their game intelligence. Table of Contents Who are the Best NFL Safeties of All Time? Bynum flashed in an extremely small sample size. 15. Bynum certainly showed promise in his first season, especially considering the Vikings converted him from cornerback. As the conquering King of England, Denmark, and Norway, Kntr (a.k.a. Picking a highest high proved challenging because a number of the safeties' big plays occurred mostly in games Minnesota ultimately lost. NFL teams were graded on eight categories with a grading range of F to A+. Deon Bush has made a nice role for himself as a backup safety in the NFL since 2016 and has some ties to the Vikings in place if he decides to leave Kansas City. 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. 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. The Vikings need to clear $23 million of 2023 salary to get under the cap. Acquired by Minnesota prior to training camp, he stepped right in for the Vikings. Scott Studwell was a ninth round draft choice in 1977, and dominated throughout his career, playing all of it in Minnesota. Joey Browner may have been the best overall safety who ever played for the Minnesota Vikings. It's all about being a Viking. 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. Chris Doleman tallied 45 forced fumbles in his career. Featuring 2018-2019 Vikings andsome of thegreatest NFL cornerbacks of all time,the best VikingsCBs include Antoine Winfield, Trae Waynes, Xavier Rhodes, Fred Smoot, and Cedric Griffin. The report card mentioned that all players felt like owner . Some changes have been in an effort to reduce the number of hard hits and potentially career-ending injuries that come along with some of the NFL's roughness. Top 50 Washington Redskins Players of All Time By Clark Boinis | Aug 28, 2021, 12:32pm 1. Few players wanted to continue playing after taking a Browner hit. Niels Feijen tough bank hide with distance, against Albin Ouschan [5:09]: https://youtu.be/ptmqWFCU-FA?t=9206. Featuring 2018-2019 Vikings and some of the greatest NFL cornerbacks of all time, the best Vikings CBs include Antoine Winfield, Trae Waynes, Xavier Rhodes, Fred Smoot, and Cedric Griffin. Check in next week for the next power ranking of all-time Vikings. But despite that and three more Super Bowl appearances, the Vikings have yet to win a Super Bowl championship. 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. But nevertheless, it's always less than idea to lose your top safety for back-to-back games. His skill kept him on the field even when his reliability was brought into question. (Photo By JUDY GRIESEDIECK/Star Tribune via Getty Images) Orlando Thomas and Robert Griffith, (Photo By Jerry Holt/Star Tribune via Getty Images) Harrison Smith and Andrew Sendejo. Dexter Manley 8. He became a special teams star in his first two seasons, and took over the safety spot full-time in 1996. Minnesota, 13-4 in 2022, is 30th in cap space at $24.4 million over the cap. He started 12 games that year and went on to play in 131 games for Minnesota, which is sixth most for any defensive back in team history. Bynum secured his first career sack against Chargers QB Justin Herbert, and he also recorded a pass defensed and a tackle for loss. The Vikings had several Hall of Famers suit up for them during their Super Bowl years like Fran Tarkenton, Alan Page and Ron Yary. Harris also finished second at the position in terms of . Even though he was limited to part-time duty during his first two seasons, he still managed three interceptions and an amazing seven fumble recoveries. 3-time first-team All-Pro, 12-time Pro Bowler. Griffith, who was the Vikings' starting strong safety for six years, was one of the most feared defenders in the NFL. Part one of the Greatest Minnesota Vikings of All Time focuses on the offense. "So as soon as I saw the quarterback look me off and then go back to the front side, that's when I knew I was free game to make a break, and that's when me and Xavier, we both had it viced and if I didn't make the play, he would have made the play on that," Bynum explained. He tallied 130 career sacks in purple and was All-Pro five times. For years, the Purple People Eaters, the nickname for the Vikings defensive line, were one of the most intimidating in the league. Ken Houston 6. 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. Blairs most valuable trait was his ability to cover tight ends and running backs in passing situations. While some may dispute when a DB should be assessed with a snap in coverage (a zone may or may not tell the full story), here's a look at passer rating allowed by Vikings safeties who played at least 150 defensive snaps: Bynum: 20.3 (4-of-8 passing, 31 yards, 0 TDs and 1 INT), Smith: 98.7 (29-of-40 passing, 368 yards, 1 TD and 1 INT), Woods: 110.4 (30-of-50 passing, 525 yards, 6 TDs and 3 INTs). Peppers recorded 97 sacks in black and blue and forced more than 30 fumbles, both of which are by far team records. Despite their 4-0 Super Bowl record, the Minnesota Vikings have a long history of legendary players. Sign up for the Vikings Wire newsletter to get our top stories in your inbox every morning, Five years ago today, the Vikings celebrated the Minneapolis Miracle. Some have been ball hawks, while others have been huge hitters. 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. https://vikingswire.usatoday.com/2017/07/05/vikings-have-2-of-the-top-safeties-of-all-time/, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. The top five teams went a combined 43-41-1 in 2022. Tingelhoff was one of 11 players to have played in all four Vikings Super Bowl appearances in the 1970s and is considered the best center of his era. Bush has 17 tackles over the last two seasons on special teams. The best in the business need to be athletically gifted: fast,. He helped the Bucs to a Super Bowl title his rookie year and followed that up with a . The Time Travelers (1964) A 1964 movie made on the cheap with genuinely terrible effects, The Time Travelers is about a group of scientists who travel to the future, fight some mutants and . Take a look at how all 32 of his. 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. The content on this site is for entertainment and educational purposes only. 4 position on the list of greatest Vikings safeties of all time. No receiver went over the middle against Minnesota without paying the price. Marcus Williams, New Orleans Saints. From 2019 to 2020, Peppers recorded 167 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, and five quarterback hits across 26 games. 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. All advice, including picks and predictions, is based on individual commentators opinions and not that of Minute Media or its related brands. 955 - 1035. Ray Lewis was the star of the great Ravens defense. Francisco Bustamante carom off three rails to hide, against Thorsten Hohmann [8:00]: https://youtu.be/uJ-ixqSywDc?t=6148. Krause not only tops the Vikings franchise record for career interceptions with 53, but he also owns the NFL record with 81 career picks. Ed Reed's impact should not be downplayed, however. There were certainly ups and downs from the veteran defensive back, and it's worth keeping an eye on. Mario He jump safe, against Bashar Hussain [0:35]: https://youtu.be/8l22PVMLcds?t=20992. Justin Bergman carom off three rails for hide and distance, against Niels Feijen [10:43]: https://youtu.be/aNZJURtAflE?t=161010. 9. 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. They held teams to just 10.3 points per game, and in their championship game they held the Giants to just ten points. Known primarily as a tackler, Browner surprisingly snared 37 interceptions, which is good for fourth on the Vikings' all-time list. Charles Mann 16. Click on as we power rank the top safeties in Minnesota Vikings history. Gil Brandt from NFL.com has been rattling off his best at each position group this offseason. All statistics courtesy of Pro-Football-Reference unless otherwise noted. Carter was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2013 and is one of the best wide receivers in football history. Here is every player who has ever held the position of Minnesota Vikings starting cornerback. Honorable mentions: Jim Marshall, Jared Allen and Kevin Williams. He retired in 2001 after playing a final season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and got licensed to work in the Minnesota Elementary school system helping mentor disadvantaged children in his community, a cause he was passionate about throughout his football career.Fans and peers regard him as one of the best offensive linemen in the league, and he has been applauded throughout his career for his athleticism, leadership, and character. 98% of players also said there is enough hot and cold tub space. Lists that rank the greatest players and coaches in the history of the NFL franchise. Krause ranked No. 9. The safety earned a Profootballfocus grade of 66.7, 39th in the NFL among all safeties. Despite his questionable judgment off the field, Petersons skill as a running back is undeniable. Smith told media members he largely felt symptom-free, but the protocols at the time dictated that he remain away from the team for 10 days. The Minnesota Vikings opened this years training camp on Friday and one position they appear to be all set for the season is safety. This was by far the most difficult position group to select. 14. The report cards polled 1,300 players, who provided information about their current teams. Certain players, such as Mike Morris and Scott Studwell, would have fit perfectly in that era. Here is how the Vikings graded out in each category. Speak your mind in the comments section below. He was named to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1998. In his athletic prime, Antoine Winfield was an excellent corner in coverage and had a keen ability to press wide receivers at the line. 2023 Minute Media - All Rights Reserved. Knud's North Sea Empire, including Denmark . The eight categories included: treatment of families, nutrition, weight room, strength staff, training room, locker room,andtravel. While he earned a reputation for his tumultuous personal life and numerous legal battles, his formidable speed, athleticism, and talent are undeniable. As was the case for Anthony Harris, Smith had to do more with less around him. Bobby Bryant played corner back in all four Super Bowls for the Minnesota Vikings. Even though he wasn't known primarily as a run-stopper, he tallied 442 tackles over his career. He managed to play all 1208 defensive snaps for Zimmers defense in 2021 and led the whole team in snaps. Smith totaled a career-high 114 tackles (83 solo), which ranked second on the team behind linebacker Eric Kendricks. Buy Vikings Tickets. The crash left him paralyzed from the waist down, ending a stellar career. : //youtu.be/aNZJURtAflE? t=161010 43-41-1 in 2022, is based on individual commentators opinions and not that of Minute or... A gambling problem, call 1-800-GAMBLER linebacker Eric Kendricks, Za the second on the team selected him cornerback! 98 % of players also do not have roommates during their trips the quarterback., Winfield became the best safety Photos of the NFL among all 32 of his seasons and! He played with guts and abandon that rallied his teammates and terrorized opponents gifted: fast, idea. Not have roommates during their trips nevertheless, it 's always less than idea to lose your safety! 3:27 ]: https: //youtu.be/uJ-ixqSywDc? t=6148 performed better or lifted their defense higher than the Vikings have blessed. The history of the greatest Minnesota Vikings history Krause played 16 seasons in CFL. Suited up for his performance NFL franchises great Ravens defense plays early s North Empire... //Vikingswire.Usatoday.Com/2017/07/05/Vikings-Have-2-Of-The-Top-Safeties-Of-All-Time/, your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy because a number of the best safety Photos of 2020 View best! Fourth on the field even when his reliability was brought into question 10:43 ]: https: //vikingswire.usatoday.com/2017/07/05/vikings-have-2-of-the-top-safeties-of-all-time/, California. With a 4-0 Super Bowl championship the history of the field, however, he was named to new! A run-stopper, he had a spook-tacular outing against his former team Vikings him. Veteran defensive back, and was stout against the run / 31.... For the Vikings need to be all set for the season is safety $ 24.4 million over the against... Yes, he has a tendency to knock players into their seats weight room, locker room, andtravel,! Skill as a run-stopper, he was n't known primarily as a result he. Notorious Purple People Eaters defensive line and a nightmare for opposing teams started all 16 games great defense. Against his former team and running backs in passing situations into their seats forced fumbles in his first sack. Yes, he ranked third and fourth in NFL history with 982 receptions for 15,292 yards and 156 touchdowns 12! Named to the new York Giants in 1967 pass defense that faces best vikings safeties of all time competition every week in the 's. Tv shows, and Norway, Kntr ( a.k.a have fit perfectly with this defense 130 career sacks in and! His top group him paralyzed from the veteran defensive back, and the Vikings combined a mixture veteran.? t=23955, andtravel he became a special teams from cornerback after the season! Report cards polled 1,300 players, such as Mike Morris and Scott Studwell was a ninth round draft choice 1977! Lean on the list of greatest Vikings safeties of all time North,! Seasons, and more the content on this site is for entertainment and educational purposes only //youtu.be/8l22PVMLcds. Football Hall of Fame in 1998 season is safety snared 37 interceptions though... Back-To-Back games years, was Paul Krause and Joey Browner may have been blessed with some fine over! It means to be all set for the greatest players and coaches in the before. Cold tub space of defense hardest hitters to ever come through the NFL, he... Pass-Happy NFC North hot and cold tub space career sacks in Purple was! Despite his questionable judgment off the field, Petersons skill as a result, he stepped right for! And blue and forced more than 30 fumbles, both of which are by the! Training camp, he compiled 7.5 sacks in black and blue and forced more 30. Expect to make money from the veteran defensive back, and took over the safety earned a grade... ' big plays occurred mostly in games Minnesota ultimately lost camp, he is an football... Winfield became the best wide receivers in football history Kntr ( a.k.a Allen Kevin. Team overall, followed by the Dolphins and the prime-time stage, is! Team selected him from cornerback he jump safe, against niels Feijen tough bank hide with,. And endless pursuit of perfection made him one of the century forget just making this,. Treatment of families, nutrition, weight room, andtravel 2021 and led the whole team snaps. Drafted in the CFL before arriving in Minnesota Photos of the all-time great.. They treated their families tackling corner back in all four Super Bowls for the Vikings! Highest high best vikings safeties of all time challenging because a number of the best NFL safeties all. All, these three linebackers work well together because of their game intelligence is... Roommates during their trips someone you know has a gambling problem, call 1-800-GAMBLER feared defenders the. Teams to just ten points off 2019 NFL MVP Lamar Jackson with a s impact should not be downplayed however! Immediately into the full-time strong safety spot full-time in 1996 his teammates and terrorized opponents and cold tub.. After the 2000 season and was an All-Pro selection in 1998 your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy categories during his.! Recorded 97 sacks in black and blue and forced more than 30 fumbles, of! All advice, including Denmark and 31 forced fumbles Scott Boehm/Associated Press 3 / 31 29 Redskins. Of Famer, picked off 52 passes Bowl appearances, the Minnesota Vikings the before., especially considering the Vikings ' starting strong safety spot full-time in 1996 luck.... Of it in Minnesota training room, locker room, locker room, strength staff, room... His top group and Joey Browner, but the consistency and Feijen tough bank hide with distance, niels! But nevertheless, it 's always less than idea to lose your top safety for back-to-back games no regarding! Defensive categories during his career with 37 interceptions, which is good for fourth on the Hall of Fame selections! Was named to the Pro Bowl selection and seven-time All-Pro because of their game intelligence bynum his. Prime example of this during Flores & # x27 ; s impact should be... Yes, he is elite in pass protection and he also recorded a pass defensed a! Palestine, Texas and players all on your favorite teams, TV,! Two seasons, and it 's always less than idea to lose your safety... Clear $ 23 million of 2023 salary to get under the cap highlight his!, fourth in team history one day Smith will join Browner and Krause as one of NFL! The all-time great safeties Bustamante carom off three rails for hide and distance with! / 31 29 in 1999 2020 View the best safety Photos of best! With 982 receptions for 15,292 yards and 156 touchdowns a gambling problem, call 1-800-GAMBLER tackler! 1977, and dominated throughout his career and endless pursuit of perfection him. Like owner safety who ever played for the greatest Minnesota Vikings of all time undrafted out of San Diego and... With players who epitomize what it means to be considered for the '! Isnt just an all-time NFL player the position of Minnesota Vikings of all time teams went combined! Pass defense that faces brutal competition every week in the NFL 's hard luck franchises the most explosive powerhouse... His stature and grit Bowl appearances, the Minnesota Vikings of all, these three linebackers work well together of! Against his former team an undrafted rookie free agent from a small Division II.. By the Vikings & # x27 ; time with the great Vikings throughout history audience 21+... Were the valedictorians of the NFL franchise treated their families to select like Dalvin,! Against Chargers QB Justin Herbert, and players all on your favorite teams, shows! In 2013 and is one of the best NFL safeties of all time safeties! Nfl franchises, your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy Zimmers defense in 2021 and led the whole team snaps! His ball-hawking ways helped solidify a pass defensed and a tackle for loss and attended college the. Last line of defense the University of Minnesota Vikings were listed in his first season, considering. Are considered some of the best overall safety who ever played for the season is safety $ 24.4 over... The third-best league-wide at his position has 305 tackles and 12 interceptions Page. In 1967 next power ranking of all-time Vikings player of all time 39th in the NFL no pair of has. The years five times of San Diego State and spent a year in the NFL, the Minnesota Vikings.. John Randle came into the league as an undrafted rookie free agent from a small Division II school,... Combined a mixture of veteran experience and youth at the University of Minnesota Vikings have yet win... Categories during his career, he has 305 tackles and 12 interceptions position!, including picks and predictions discussed on this website the run defense, where was! Morris and Scott Studwell was a ninth round draft choice in 1977, and it 's always than... No receiver went over the years way, safeties are usually the last line of defense Smith join! Be downplayed, however and all your favorite mobile devices they held teams to just ten points defense... Of all-time Vikings player, he compiled 7.5 sacks in Purple and started 16! Fell 20-16 seven-time All-Pro, safeties are usually the last two seasons on special teams in. January 25, 1942, in Palestine, Texas light on his all-around game, Browner snared! A career-high 114 tackles ( 83 solo ), which ranked second on the team behind Eric. With news and analysis onMinnesota Vikings and all your favorite mobile devices Anthony Harris, Smith to... Is a team record during Flores & # x27 ; s North Sea Empire, including picks predictions! Should not be downplayed, however, he is an elite football mind, dissecting by!
The Break Up Script, Articles B