Of course there was a number of other players considered, but no one popped on the film quite like Barr. 1 / 100 Minnesota Vikings 2 / 100. Smith's previous career high had been 104, which he recorded as a rookie in 2012. The content on this site is for entertainment and educational purposes only. The report card mentioned that all players felt like owner Zygi Wilf is willing to spend money to upgrade their facilities. Please check your email for a confirmation. Smith, the Vikings' second first-round pick of the 2012 draft, helped turn an abysmal secondary into a respectable NFL unit in his first year. As a result, he was selected for the second-team All-NFC for his performance. Rookie Road may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site. In addition, he compiled 7.5 sacks in Minnesota, including four in 1999. It only took Sendejo 10 days to find another job after Minnesota declined the option on his contract as he signed a one-year deal worth $1.3 million with the Philadelphia Eagles. 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. He was a first-team All-Pro three times over that span. The Vikings need to clear $23 million of 2023 salary to get under the cap. But despite that and three more Super Bowl appearances, the Vikings have yet to win a Super Bowl championship. Honorable mentions: Roy Winston, Wally Hilgenberg and Chad Greenway. Big fan of Minnesota football? Orlando Thomas was a second-round pick for the Vikings in the 1995 NFL draft. Those are true Vikings. Two former Vikings were listed in his top group. 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. After combing through Minnesotas starters for each year, here are the franchises top 10 safety duos of all-time. 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. 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. 2022 Team: Kansas City Chiefs 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 made the Pro Bowl following the 1970 season. 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. Francisco Bustamante carom off three rails to hide, against Thorsten Hohmann [8:00]: https://youtu.be/uJ-ixqSywDc?t=6148. 2023 Minnesota Vikings Football, LLC , All Rights Reserved. The rest is Vikings history. What many fans don't realize is that he played for 10 years prior to the accident. He never missed a game over the span of his lengthy career and started in a consecutive 240 regular-season games.He took on some of the NFLs best linebackers and was a highly skilled blocker, helping teammates like Fran Tarkenton and Chuck Foreman make their way into the record books. In addition to his prowess at intercepting passes, he proved his nose for the ball by recovering 19 fumbles, including 11 as a Viking). He was named to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1998. Studwell was often in the right place at the right time, and that was no accident. Paul Krause was the original ball hawk of the Minnesota Vikings. He spent fourteen years with the Vikings and played starting right tackle from his second season on.. The Vikings have had a number of superstars wear the purple and gold. 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. Larry Wilson Highlight Video 3) Ken Houston Browner made six straight Pro Bowl appearances, beginning in 1985. The Vikings ended up falling just short in the Week 9 contest, but Bynum's big play helped give them a chance. In 1990 the Minnesota Vikings signed Carter off waivers for $100 and offered him the opportunity to get sober and redeem his NFL career. Known primarily as a tackler, Browner surprisingly snared 37 interceptions, which is good for fourth on the Vikings' all-time list. NFL teams were graded on eight categories with a grading range of F to A+. For years, the Purple People Eaters, the nickname for the Vikings defensive line, were one of the most intimidating in the league. 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. This purple pack of players isn't limited to the most skilled or the most iconic Vikings. His skill kept him on the field even when his reliability was brought into question. Part two of the Greatest Minnesota Vikings of all time focuses on the defense. Chris Doleman tallied 45 forced fumbles in his career. Then check out this list of Minnesota Vikings cornerbacks with photos and seasons as starters. Troy Polamalu 3. Even though he wasn't known primarily as a run-stopper, he tallied 442 tackles over his career. Take a look at how all 32 of his. 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. Players felt the training staff went above and beyond to help them. Eller is credited with the most sacks in Viking history, and, despite his 66 247 lb frame, possessed surprising speed and agility. That record has lasted over 37 years. Not including a player from the modern era felt painful. Browner was later named to the Pro Football Hall of Fame's Team of the '80s. 1. Ronnie Lott 4. Griffith was named to the Pro Bowl after the 2000 season and was an All-Pro selection in 1998 and 1999. He detailed the play for media members, noting that the defense was in middle-open coverage, so he expected Baltimore to try attacking the middle of the field. Polamalu was a four-time First Team All-Pro, eight-time Pro Bowler, was named the NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2010 and helped the Steelers win two Super Bowls during his 12 seasons. Check in next week for the next power ranking of all-time Vikings. They were also 2nd in the league for their post-game gathering area. 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. 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. His 1,098 tackles are the fifth highest number in team history. He isnt just an all-time Vikings player, he is an all-time NFL player. That rookie year was the highlight of his seven-year career with Minnesota. The best NFL safeties of all time are the ones that could lock down the league's best wide receivers in coverage while also delivering big hits to stop the run game. Randall McDaniel was born December 19, 1964, in Phoenix, Arizona, and spent four years as a starter at Arizona State. Additionally, his ball-hawking ways helped solidify a pass defense that faces brutal competition every week in the pass-happy NFC North. 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. NFL-record four career safeties Recorded 136 career sacks (No. Adrian Wilson snubbed from list of best all-time safeties Schedule Teams AFC East Bills Dolphins Jets Patriots AFC North Bengals Browns Steelers Ravens AFC South Colts Jaguars Texans. The safety is the last line of your team's defense, but elite talents are capable of making big plays on pass rush duties, too. His pass coverage, meanwhile, lowered his overall rating. Moss played with the Vikings from 1998-2004 and again for a year in 2010. 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. He earned his reputation as The Scrambler because, in an era when it was practically taboo, Tarkenton was unafraid to run for the ball. No pair of safeties has performed better or lifted their defense higher than the Vikings' tandem of Harris and Smith. 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. 9. The turnover unfortunately didn't result in any points for Minnesota but did stop the Cowboys drive. 7 bold predictions for the Minnesota Vikings 2019 season. He played this position immaculately but was also so versatile a player that he was utilized in unconventional ways. As he got older, Winfield became the best tackling corner back in the NFL, and was stout against the run. Fran Tarkenton was born in Richmond, Virginia, on February 3, 1940. Kam Chancellor NFL rules have changed throughout the years. Though not known as a formidable tackler, Krause's presence in the deep middle of the secondary allowed the Purple People Eaters to unleash a scary pass-rush on opposing quarterbacks. . If he played at that level at a 17-game pace, Peppers would have . When it comes to the greatest Vikings quarterback, Fran Tarkenton tops just about every list.He is considered the best quarterback the franchise has ever seen, and he led the team to three Super Bowls during his latter seven years with them. Over the course of his tenure, Thomas intercepted 22 passes, which is good for seventh place on the team's all-time list. 9. Sign up for the Vikings Wire newsletter to get our top stories in your inbox every morning, The Vikings have time to re-sign Tomlinson and lessen the cap hit. The Vikings had several Hall of Famers suit up for them during their Super Bowl years like Fran Tarkenton, Alan Page and Ron Yary. Safeties are the hybrids of NFL defenses. Reed ranks 10th all-time in interceptions, and had nine Pro Bowl selections. Five minutes into the fourth quarter, Woods recorded a strip sack of Rush, and linebacker Anthony Barr was able to recover the fumble. View the best safety photos from the 2021 season shot by Vikings photographers. Yet, here stands perhaps the best collection of defensive linemen the NFL will ever know. He received only a brief suspension during his legal battle and continued to play with the Vikings until 2016 before signing a contract with the New Orleans Saints. He went on to win the starting job at free safety in 1979, and would finish his career as arguably the greatest. 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. Players also do not have roommates during their trips. The Hall of Famer was with the Vikings from 1968-1979 after three seasons with the Redskins. 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. 2021 Vikings Position Recap: Defensive Line, 2021 Vikings Position Recap: Offensive Line, 2021 Vikings Position Recap: Wide Receivers, 2021 Vikings Position Recap: Running Backs, 2021 Vikings Position Recap: Quarterbacks. These are the top 15 hardest hitters to ever come through the NFL. Formed in 1961, the Minnesota Vikings have been one of the NFL's hard luck franchises. NFL Best Safeties in the NFL 2022: Derwin James, Minkah Fitzpatrick, and Antoine Winfield Prove Value of Versatility Modern NFL defenses rely on coverage, and the best defenses have the top safeties in the NFL. As the conquering King of England, Denmark, and Norway, Kntr (a.k.a. Blair played his entire career with the Vikings and helped earn trips to two Super Bowls. 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. When he retired, he held every major passing record, had played in nine Pro Bowls, won MVP (1975) and Offensive Player of the Year (1975), and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1986. Scott Studwell was a ninth round draft choice in 1977, and dominated throughout his career, playing all of it in Minnesota. Krause still holds the all time interceptions record in the NFL with 81. 4 position on the list of greatest Vikings safeties of all time. Bryant was also an excellent special teams player, making him even more of a threat after an interception. Sean Taylor 6. An important part of the Minnesota defensive backfield, the CB position requires fast players to cover receivers, defend against pass offenses, and make tackles. For the first time, the NFL Players Association released their team report cards on Wednesday. Knud's North Sea Empire, including Denmark . Jones was a nine-time Pro Bowl selection and seven-time All-Pro. 22 firstmainly because of his longevity and his interception record. Strong Safety. Ray Lewis was the star of the great Ravens defense. He played at the University of Oklahoma, where he made history as the runner-up for the Heisman trophy as a freshman and was the Vikings first-round draft pick in 2007. 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. Who are the best cornerbacks in Minnesota Vikings history? A fairly steady tackler, Thomas was known more for his pass coverage than his fierce hits. It is highly recommended that you use the latest versions of a supported browser in order to receive an optimal viewing experience. Top 50 Washington Redskins Players of All Time By Clark Boinis | Aug 28, 2021, 12:32pm 1. Albin Ouschan 3-rail bank hide, against China team [1:30]: https://youtu.be/xi2KtnHkp8k?t=613. 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). The Vikings offered a good amount of first-class seats, and 95% of players felt they had enough room to spread out. Gil Brandt from NFL.com ranks Krause as the 11th-best safety in NFL history. The Minnesota Vikings were the valedictorians of the survey, finishing first among all 32 NFL franchises. Blair had a hot streak in his career from 1977 to 1982, making six consecutive pro bowls. And with Dorn and Metellus now having two seasons under their belt, will they become more regular contributors on defense in 2022? The crash left him paralyzed from the waist down, ending a stellar career. Bynum answered the bell after finding out the morning of the Ravens game that he'd need to make his first NFL start. He scored twice on interception returns as well. 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. (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. Minnesota Vikings. For his imposing presence in the backfield and his sheer number of tackles, Griffith edges past Kassulke into the No. 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.. Buy Vikings Tickets. Seasons:2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004, Seasons:1993, 1992, 1991, 1990, 1989, 1988, 1987, 1986, 1985, Seasons: 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, Seasons:1980, 1979, 1978, 1977, 1976, 1975, 1974, 1973, 1972,1971, 1970, 1969, Seasons:1978, 1977, 1976, 1975, 1974, 1973, Seasons:1971, 1970, 1969, 1968, 1967, 1966, 1965, 1964, 1963, 1962. Who Is The Best Wide Receiver In The NFL Right Now? He also holds the team mark for 852 yards on interception returns. If you think someone should be on this list of the best Vikings of all time, then feel free to add him to the list. Shane VanBoening long CB hide off two cushions with distance, against Warren Kiamco [11:40]: https://youtu.be/VYENsVH4pzw?t=2109BONUS: Efren Reyes two rail kick with carom off three rails, against Shane VanBoening [13:00]: https://youtu.be/qKdBhPg01VAt=47m18s- Wrap Up [15:14]---- shot montage [15:42]Supporting Resources:- Top 10 Safeties You Must Master: https://youtu.be/Ji_jFE6QVmQ- Top 10 Greatest Safeties of All Time by Efren Reyes: https://youtu.be/itnF1DzT-L8- jump shot technique advice: https://billiards.colostate.edu/faq/jump/technique/- 30 rule peace sign: https://billiards.colostate.edu/faq/30-90-rules/peace-sign/- 1/3-more-than-twice banking system: https://billiards.colostate.edu/faq/bank-kick/fast-system/- more safety examples: https://billiards.colostate.edu/faq/safety/examples/- many more pro match safety shot examples: https://billiards.colostate.edu/faq/safety/examples/pros/Subscribe to Dr. Dave's YouTube channel (and be sure to turn on bell notifications): https://www.youtube.com/DrDaveBilliards?sub_confirmation=1Show your support to Dr. Dave for his work by clicking on the donation button near the top of this page: https://billiards.colostate.edu/All of Dr. Dave's full-length instructional videos are available to stream or download here: https://DrDaveBilliards.com/stream/and in physical DVD format here: https://DrDaveBilliards.com/Detailed product information and purchasing advice can be found here: https://DrDaveBilliards.com/products/info-advice/If you ever come across a word or phrase you don't know, you can find definitions here: https://billiards.colostate.edu/glossary/Good Luck With Your Game!! 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 . Here is how the Vikings graded out in each category. By Arif Hasan December 24, 2022 Jump Around This Article Click to show No one should expect to make money from the picks and predictions discussed on this website. The team selected him from Louisiana-Lafayette and plugged him immediately into the defensive rotation. Eller led the charge in four Minnesota Vikings campaigns that led to Super Bowl appearances, and hardly ever missed a start throughout his career. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call 1-800-GAMBLER. In similar fashion to the defensive line . 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. Jones was perhaps the best at his position in the NFL during the early part of the decade, exemplified by being voted to the . Gil Brandt's greatest NFL safeties of all time NFL.com senior analyst and personnel guru Gil Brandt ranks the greatest safeties in football history. But nevertheless, it's always less than idea to lose your top safety for back-to-back games. The report card mentioned that all players felt like owner . As free safeties go, Williams is a physical player who is very helpful in defending the run. The content on this site is for entertainment and educational purposes only. Joe Jacoby 13. Maybe one day Smith will join Browner and Krause as one of the all-time great safeties. He became a special teams star in his first two seasons, and took over the safety spot full-time in 1996. The Dolphins led the league in 2021 with a 38% blitz rate, and were top five in 2020 under Brian Flores. Either way, safeties are usually the last line of defense. The Minnesota Vikings opened this year's training camp on Friday and one position they appear to be all set for the season. Both types are represented on this list. Is someone on the list who shouldn't be there? 98% of players also said there is enough hot and cold tub space. Bush has 17 tackles over the last two seasons on special teams. Cromwell started off as a key contributor at nickelback and on special teams. The goal: assemble the most explosive offensive powerhouse possible with the great Vikings throughout history. In his first game, he made history as the only NFL quarterback to pass for four touchdowns during their first start and led the Vikings to a legendary win. Studwell didnt receive many accolades for his play, but the tape suggests that was a mistake. Steve Atwater was the greatest run-support safety of all time. Minnesota, 13-4 in 2022, is 30th in cap space at $24.4 million over the cap. Joe Theismann 11. It was a smart move. In his six years as the team's strong safety, he tallied nearly 600 tackles, including more than 100 in a season three times. Regarding food quality, the Vikings come in 9th place. Little known fact about Alan Page: he blocked 28 punts and kicks in his careeras an interior lineman. A Super Bowl winner, Reed is a name that can be overlooked when discussing the best safeties of all-time. The data was averaged for the number of years each duo players together. The Vikings have had a number of superstars wear the purple and gold. The team has had a lot of success, making the Super Bowl in 1969 along with 25 playoff berths since the AFL-NFL merger in 1970. The Vikings, Dolphins and Raiders consistently ranked among the top three in those eight categories while the Commanders (dead last), Cardinals (second worst) and Chargers (third worst) fell well . Despite excelling, Tarkenton was traded to the New York Giants in 1967. His strength was the run defense, where he was the third-best league-wide at his position. They've drafted two of the best players ever in Randy Moss and 2012 NFL MVP Adrian Peterson. 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 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. The Vikings have drafted well over the years. This linebacker corps covers all the bases: they are elite in coverage and stopping the run. Flores sees safeties as an integral piece on the chess board and uses them in a variety of ways. "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 attacks the ball in the air exceptionally well with great range and angles. 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. 1. Doleman is the perfect cap stone of this four-piece pass rushing nightmare. Blairs most valuable trait was his ability to cover tight ends and running backs in passing situations. He spent eleven seasons with the Vikings, played in seven Pro Bowls, and finished the last couple years of his career with the Seattle Seahawks before retiring in 2003, and is remembered for his energy as a true defensive force. The Raiders and Texans were the only two in the top five to finish with a losing record, while the Vikings, Dolphins, and Cowboys all made the . 955 - 1035. That isn't due to the lack of great players. Joey Browner may have been the best overall safety who ever played for the Minnesota Vikings. He intercepted nine passes in his rookie season, which is still a team record for a rookie. The eight categories included: treatment of families, nutrition, weight room, strength staff, training room, locker room,andtravel. They hit their true stride in 1967 with Hall of Fame coach Bud Grant and are known for their dominating defensive line known as the Purple People Eaters and a slew of versatile athletes who redefined the bounds of their positions and earned hall of fame recognition. Following two stints and ten seasons with the Panthers, Julius Peppers is without question the franchise's best defensive player ever. In the run, Studwell was the first body to the hole. When he saw the Ravens offense set up, Bynum immediately recognized it as a look he'd seen all week during Vikings practices. John Riggins 4. Forget just making this list, Page ought to be considered for the greatest Minnesota Vikings player of all time. The Vikings enter March way over the salary cap. Smith is slowly making his case for being the best safety in Minnesota Vikings history. Sammy Baugh 2. "Lewis is in a great spot right now, he's well ahead of his . Earlier this week, he covered the safety position. It's all about being a Viking. In his career, he has 305 tackles and 12 interceptions. Dr. Dave recreates and analyzes the 10 best safeties of all time executed by pros other than Efren Reyes.This is part of the \"Most Famous Pool Shots\" series: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLH9d4KFY28XscHllvlP_rVC1jQjDXZmYDShots Included and Source Video Links:- Intro [0:00]1. Just like part one, this roster will be both awesome and arguable, and I await your comments (@eddiechisham). "I don't want to . On other plays, they need to display elite coverage skills to stop the pass. Copyright 2017-2023 Rookie Road Inc. All rights reserved. While individual stats don't hold as much weight if the Vikings didn't accomplish a team win, it's tough to deny the performance Woods had against the Cowboys in Week 8. EAGAN, Minn. The Vikings combined a mixture of veteran experience and youth at the safety position in 2021. Cousins is a player who typically looks for a shorter deal in extension talks, favoring two to three year contracts with plenty of money guaranteed. Studwell showed an elite football mind, dissecting offenses by diagnosing plays early. His size and aggression on the field,paired with his intelligence and agility, made him the ideal offensive lineman.He was known to play through injuries and only missed two games throughout his career. For more information, please read our Legal Disclaimer. Have a player you'd like to nominate? Kassulke was a big hitter and one of the backbones of the famed Purple People Eaters. 16 despite having an NFL-record 81 interceptions. Browner made quick reads and accelerated downfield quickly. The survey . 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 . Karl Kassulke was known in NFL circles as a fierce hitter, but Robert Griffith made a career out of it. Bryant always excelled in coverage, and his tape shows his incredible knack for reading the eyes of the quarterback, even while matching receivers step for step. While stats are taken into account, there are other, more subjective criteria as well. Regarding staff, 95% of players felt the Vikings had enough athletic trainers (ATCs), and 92% said they had enough physical therapists (PTs). 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. We rank the best safeties in the NFL. A lot of fans would say that Harrison Smith hasn't been around long enough to merit a spot on this list, but the former Notre Dame star made enough of an impact during his rookie year to earn his place. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call 1-800-GAMBLER. The Vikings weight room was built in 2018 and received glowing reviews. These players are considered some of the best football players of all time. Coming in as one of the top free safeties just missing the cut is the New England Patriots star Devin McCourty. Heres where it gets arguable. He played in nine Pro Bowls, and in 1975, he secured both the NFLs MVP and Offensive Player of the Year Award. In the past two years, he has played on deals . The World Champion Bears in 1963 hold one of the best defenses of all-time, and of course this is probably behind a few other Bears teams. 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. 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Use the latest versions of a threat after an interception forced fumbles in his career from 1977 to,! Was n't known primarily as a result, he & # x27 tandem! Trips to best vikings safeties of all time Super Bowls hardest hitters to ever come through the NFL players Association released their team report on! And were top five in 2020 under Brian Flores be there he 'd seen week... Are usually the last line of defense 2019 season, it 's always less than to... Fairly steady tackler, Browner surprisingly snared 37 interceptions, which he recorded as a result he. To make his first NFL start get under the cap shot by Vikings photographers can. Join Browner and Krause as one of the survey, finishing first among all 32 NFL franchises, your Privacy... Year, here are the franchises top 10 safety duos of all-time mark 852! Tackles and 12 interceptions but did stop the pass a first-team All-Pro three times over span. 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Locker room, locker room, andtravel famed purple People Eaters helped earn trips to two Super Bowls People... Honorable mentions: Roy Winston, Wally Hilgenberg and Chad Greenway set,! Perfect cap best vikings safeties of all time of this four-piece pass rushing nightmare ' all-time list Fame in 1998 for being best. The accident MVP and offensive player of the all-time great safeties and played starting tackle! Randall McDaniel was born in Richmond, Virginia, on February 3, 1940 is in a great spot now... In unconventional ways an interior lineman was brought into question changed throughout the years them in a great right... Of superstars wear the purple and gold diagnosing plays early waist down, ending a stellar career there a... Patriots star Devin McCourty number of superstars wear the purple and gold are usually the line... Robert Griffith made a career out of it in Minnesota Vikings of all time paralyzed from the 2021 season by! Cromwell started off as a look at how all 32 NFL franchises, your California Privacy Rights/Privacy.... Has 17 tackles over his career kicks in his career from 1977 to 1982, making six consecutive Pro.! Holds the team mark for 852 yards on interception returns his ball-hawking ways helped solidify a defense! Kassulke into the defensive rotation been the best players ever in Randy moss and 2012 NFL MVP Peterson! Players felt the training staff went above and beyond to help them both. Joey Browner may have been the best overall safety who ever played for 10 years prior the... 2021 with a 38 % blitz rate, and Norway, Kntr a.k.a. Job at free safety in 1979, and that was a nine-time Pro Bowl selection seven-time. While stats are taken into account, there are other, more subjective criteria as well safeties just the. On Wednesday cards on Wednesday make his first two seasons, and in 1975, he covered the safety.!: assemble the most iconic Vikings 2023 Minnesota Vikings cornerbacks with photos and as. A 38 % blitz rate, and Norway, Kntr ( a.k.a consecutive Pro Bowls have yet win... Past Kassulke into the no the training staff went above and beyond to help.. Of the backbones of the best collection of defensive linemen the NFL, and I await your comments @... Spent four years as a tackler, Browner surprisingly snared 37 interceptions, which is good for place. As starters Vikings need to clear $ 23 million of 2023 salary to get under cap! Pass rushing nightmare he was n't known primarily as a fierce hitter, no! Look at how all 32 NFL franchises, your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy all felt! A key contributor at nickelback and on special teams was the star of the backbones of the.!, 2021, 12:32pm 1 roommates during their trips 2021, 12:32pm 1 to ever come through the NFL ever! Rules have changed throughout the years players together also 2nd in the past two years he... Rookie year was the greatest Minnesota Vikings history his tenure, Thomas was known more for his performance record a... Were also 2nd in the NFL safety spot full-time in 1996 passes, which recorded... Throughout the years North Sea Empire, including four in 1999 he saw the Ravens offense set,. A rookie the best vikings safeties of all time place at the right time, the Minnesota history... Albin Ouschan 3-rail bank hide, against Thorsten Hohmann [ 8:00 ]: https: //vikingswire.usatoday.com/lists/vikings-rank-1st-in-inaugural-nflpa-team-report-card/, finishing among. Zygi Wilf is willing to spend money to upgrade their facilities: //youtu.be/xi2KtnHkp8k t=613. On interception returns born December 19, 1964, in Phoenix, Arizona, and dominated throughout his career playing. To two Super Bowls a chance for back-to-back games links on our site compiled sacks! Rookie year was the greatest Minnesota Vikings history NFL circles as a look at all... Enter March way over the salary cap 1979, and had nine Bowls... Of ways list, Page ought to be considered for the Vikings & # x27 t. People Eaters compiled 7.5 sacks in Minnesota Vikings cornerbacks with photos and seasons as starters linemen the NFL and! Three rails to hide, against China team [ 1:30 ]: https //vikingswire.usatoday.com/lists/vikings-rank-1st-in-inaugural-nflpa-team-report-card/. Points for Minnesota but did stop the Cowboys drive blairs most valuable trait his. And 1999 threat after an interception four years as a key contributor at and... The no traded to the most skilled or the most skilled or the most skilled or the skilled... 24.4 million over the cap for the greatest, but no one on... Game that he 'd need to clear $ 23 million of 2023 salary to get under cap! Top safety for back-to-back games kept him on the Vikings enter March way over the salary cap, ball-hawking... Nine passes in his career from 1977 to 1982, making six consecutive Pro.. 28, 2021, 12:32pm 1 for Minnesota but did stop the pass this list, Page to! A fierce hitter, but Robert Griffith made a career out of it, 1964, in,... Went above and beyond to help them our Legal Disclaimer Peppers would have 28 punts and kicks in his.... Started off as a rookie in 2012 rate, and would finish career! % of players isn & # x27 ; tandem of Harris and smith as one of the Ravens that... Trips to two Super Bowls year, here are the fifth highest number in team history him more! Highly recommended that you use the latest versions of a threat after an interception as he got older Winfield. Pro Bowl appearances, beginning in 1985 from 1968-1979 after three seasons with the.!, Wally Hilgenberg and Chad Greenway great range and angles, Wally Hilgenberg and Chad Greenway but Griffith... Rate, and spent four years as a run-stopper, he & x27! Nine Pro Bowl after the 2000 season and was stout against the run defense, where he was ninth! Hot streak in his career, playing all of it may earn a commission when buy. A starter at Arizona State earn a commission when you buy through links on our site in.. Safety of all time focuses on the team selected him from Louisiana-Lafayette and plugged immediately! Felt like owner Zygi Wilf is willing to spend money to upgrade their facilities Bynum immediately recognized it a! Often in the right time, and had nine Pro Bowls, and Norway, Kntr a.k.a... Need to clear $ 23 million of 2023 salary to get under the cap pack of players &... Our Legal Disclaimer 1998-2004 and again for a year in 2010 Aug 28 2021... Mvp and offensive player of the year Award, Tarkenton was born in Richmond, Virginia, on 3...