The report card mentioned that all players felt like owner Zygi Wilf is willing to spend money to upgrade their facilities. All he did from there was become the emotional leader of the Vikings, and a fierce pass rusher from the inside of the line. Big fan of Minnesota football? Those are true Vikings. He finished his career with 37 interceptions, fourth in team history. Either way, safeties are usually the last line of defense. Jones was perhaps the best at his position in the NFL during the early part of the decade, exemplified by being voted to the . Flores sees safeties as an integral piece on the chess board and uses them in a variety of ways. While he earned a reputation for his tumultuous personal life and numerous legal battles, his formidable speed, athleticism, and talent are undeniable. Krause still holds the all time interceptions record in the NFL with 81. And with Dorn and Metellus now having two seasons under their belt, will they become more regular contributors on defense in 2022? He played for the University of Georgia and was drafted to the Vikings in 1961 when the team was just getting its start. Have a player you'd like to nominate? Krause was named All-NFL four times, started in four Super Bowls and has a Minnesota Vikings record with 10 interceptions in a year. Moss played with the Vikings from 1998-2004 and again for a year in 2010. The Minnesota Vikings need to be efficient in the offseason. Team (s): Seattle Seahawks. All advice, including picks and predictions, is based on individual commentators opinions and not that of Minute Media or its related brands. Joey Browner was a fantastic all-around player, but his ability to hit as a strong safety easily stands out as his most impressive skill. Your favorite teams, topics, and players all on your favorite mobile devices. The Vikings ended up falling just short in the Week 9 contest, but Bynum's big play helped give them a chance. Bush has 17 tackles over the last two seasons on special teams. He was known as much for his consistency as his stature and grit. Who are the best Minnesota Vikings football players of all time? When the opposing quarterback inevitably has to get the ball out early, Krause will be there for the interception. Karl Kassulke may be best known for the tragic motorcycle accident he suffered on his way to training camp in 1973. In seven seasons, Bush has just 12 starts, three interceptions, and 100 tackles. The team's first-round draft choice in 1983, he came from USC to the NFL and quickly established himself as one of the best players in the league on special teams. "Lewis is in a great spot right now, he's well ahead of his . Strong Safety. 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. Honorable mentions: Jim Marshall, Jared Allen and Kevin Williams. He was drafted in the first round by the Vikings in 1988 as an offensive guard. 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. 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 . 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. The NFLPA specifically mentioned that they provide all three meals. That won't be happening here. Not going with the Purple People Eaters as a whole felt wrong. He intercepted nine passes in his rookie season, which is still a team record for a rookie. The Minnesota Vikings were the valedictorians of the survey, finishing first among all 32 NFL franchises. 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. 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. Even though he wasn't known primarily as a run-stopper, he tallied 442 tackles over his career. The Vikings received glowing reviews from players on how they treated their families. Browner was later named to the Pro Football Hall of Fame's Team of the '80s. Bynum filled in admirably when Smith who disclosed earlier in the year he was unvaccinated tested positive for coronavirus. By the time his nine seasons in purple were over, he had racked up some serious statistics. 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. 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 best Minnesota Vikings running back of all time is Adrian Peterson. In 1990, the team successfully claimed Cris Carter off waivers. The data was averaged for the number of years each duo players together. Fran Tarkenton was born in Richmond, Virginia, on February 3, 1940. Smith had 87 tackles, a fumble recovery and three interceptions for the Vikings in 2012. But nevertheless, it's always less than idea to lose your top safety for back-to-back games. "VALHALLA" | AGGRESSIVE Viking Battle Music Best Vikings Music Of All Time Viking Music 2021 Image: Quote from Vikings: Valhalla If there is any prob. There's a certain feel to those classic Vikings standing on the sideline at Met Stadium in freezing conditions with steam coming out of their face masks. NFL-record four career safeties Recorded 136 career sacks (No. Picking a highest high proved challenging because a number of the safeties' big plays occurred mostly in games Minnesota ultimately lost. The Commanders were at the bottom of the rankings, with the Cardinals 31st and the Chargers 30th. In his time with thee Vikings, he was named to six-straight Pro Bowls from 1985-1990, including three All-Pro nods. Here is every player who has ever held the position of Minnesota Vikings starting cornerback. 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. 4 position on the list of greatest Vikings safeties of all time. The Vikings need to clear $23 million of 2023 salary to get under the cap. Art Monk 5. Especially intriguing is Metellus, who received more opportunities this past year, including in the nickel when Mackensie Alexander missed the regular-season finale. He was voted AP Offensive Rookie of the Year, selected for six Pro Bowls, and chosen for the 2000s NFL All-Decade Team. 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. In addition to leading the team in tackles with eight, Woods intercepted QB Cooper Rush early in the second quarter. The second on the list, or first we suppose, was Paul Krause. Paul Krause | S. The NFL's all-time leader in interceptions spent 12 of his 16 years in Minnesota. McMichael set a franchise record with three safeties . His strength was the run defense, where he was the third-best league-wide at his position. Is someone on the list who shouldn't be there? 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. 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.. 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. A season ago, Harris (91.6) and Smith (91.4) produced PFF's top two coverage grades among players at the position. At the time of his retirement, he ranked third and fourth in NFL history with 982 receptions for 15,292 yards and 156 touchdowns. Gil Brandt from NFL.com ranks Krause as the 11th-best safety in NFL history. What many fans don't realize is that he played for 10 years prior to the accident. 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. Mario He jump safe, against Bashar Hussain [0:35]: https://youtu.be/8l22PVMLcds?t=20992. 25. The Minnesota Vikings received strong reviews in both staff and facilities. After his retirement in 1981, Page began a career in law and was elected to the Minnesota Supreme Court. 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. Over the next several seasons, even as the Vikings struggled to find their footing, Tarkenton continued to prove his merit. Wilson is a Hall of Famer, picked off 52 passes . Updated: Mar 1, 2023 / 04:14 PM CST. What College Football Team Did John Wayne Play For? "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 drafted well over the years. Kassulke was drafted by the Detroit Lions in 1963. Karl Kassulke was known in NFL circles as a fierce hitter, but Robert Griffith made a career out of it. Rookie Road may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site. Ed Reed's impact should not be downplayed, however. The crash left him paralyzed from the waist down, ending a stellar career. He played this position immaculately but was also so versatile a player that he was utilized in unconventional ways. 8. Bynum certainly showed promise in his first season, especially considering the Vikings converted him from cornerback. 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. 3 spot on this list of greatest Vikings safeties. His skill kept him on the field even when his reliability was brought into question. The survey . 0. Heres where it gets arguable. 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. Known for his formidable speed and aggression on the field, Page spent eleven seasons with the Vikings as a defensive tackle, helped them win four title games, and played in all four Super Bowls they appeared in.He was awarded Defensive Player of the Year in 1971 and 1973, selected nine consecutive times for the Pro Bowl, and made history in 1971 as the first defensive player to be named MVP. 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. The Minnesota Vikings continue to reshape their defensive coaching staff under new defensive coordinator Brian Flores. Hes a hall of famer and widely considered one of the best in the league. Eller led the charge in four Minnesota Vikings campaigns that led to Super Bowl appearances, and hardly ever missed a start throughout his career. He returned two of the interceptions for touchdowns, demonstrating his knack for making big plays. EAGAN, Minn. The Vikings combined a mixture of veteran experience and youth at the safety position in 2021. Then check out this list of Minnesota Vikings cornerbacks with photos and seasons as starters. Kam Chancellor NFL rules have changed throughout the years. 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. 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 goal: assemble the scariest, most talented roster from Vikings historya group that promises to make the crowd roar without allowing a score. No receiver went over the middle against Minnesota without paying the price. Build your customFanSided Daily email newsletter with news and analysis onMinnesota Vikings and all your favorite sports teams, TV shows, and more. Will young safeties make a jump this next season? These players are considered some of the best football players of all time. Jackson had one of the best seasons we have ever seen at the safety position back in 2018, earning an overall PFF grade of 93.2 and a coverage grade of 94.7, but since Vic Fangio left town to coach the Broncos, Jackson's elite play has evaporated and he has posted seasons of 67.0 and 59.5 in terms of PFF grade. Part two of the Greatest Minnesota Vikingsof all time focuses on the defense. Griffith was named to the Pro Bowl after the 2000 season and was an All-Pro selection in 1998 and 1999. 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. Brian Bahr/Allsport. Projected to line up alongside him is Anthony Harris who took over as the starter in 2018 after Andrew Sendejo suffered a groin injury that eventually ended his season as well as his career with Minnesota. Sean Taylor 6. Randle led the Vikings in sacks in nine of his 11 seasons, and strung together eight seasons in a row with over 10 sacks. Steve Atwater was the greatest run-support safety of all time. One name that is well worth mentioning among the Top 10 Strong Safety All-Time list is the former Seattle Seahawks and Pro Football Hall of Famer strong safety Kenny Easley. 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. Cris Carter was born November 25, 1965, in Troy, Ohio, and played college ball at Ohio State University. The report card mentioned that all players felt like owner . 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. He had 51 interceptions in 13 years and had four defensive touchdowns. He became their starting quarterback in his rookie season and began a relentless career that landed him in the history books and at the top of our list. Regarding food quality, the Vikings come in 9th place. NFL teams were graded on eight categories with a grading range of F to A+. 2. His intense passion for the game and endless pursuit of perfection made him one of the most fearsome safeties of his. 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. Not including a player from the modern era felt painful. He scored twice on interception returns as well. Top 10 BEST SAFETIES of All Time And How to Shoot Them 56,661 views Dec 16, 2020 1.2K Dislike DrDaveBilliards 240K subscribers Dr. Dave recreates and analyzes the 10 best safeties of all time. 2023 Minute Media - All Rights Reserved. The Minnesota Vikings opened this years training camp on Friday and one position they appear to be all set for the season is safety. They were also 2nd in the league for their post-game gathering area. . Who are the best cornerbacks in Minnesota Vikings history? 9. The Vikings offer a steam room and sauna, which 100% of players said were big enough. Part one of the Greatest Minnesota Vikings of All Time focuses on the offense. Russ Grimm 10. In the pass, Studwell came away with 11 interceptions despite his lack of elite physical traits. All advice, including picks and predictions, is based on individual commentators opinions and not that of Minute Media or its related brands. He went on to win the starting job at free safety in 1979, and would finish his career as arguably the greatest. Brian Dawkins 5. Just like part one, this roster will be both awesome and arguable, and I await your comments (@eddiechisham). 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 . If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call 1-800-GAMBLER. Acquired by Minnesota prior to training camp, he stepped right in for the Vikings. Harrison Smith, Minnesota Vikings. It includes every starting cornerback from throughout Minnesota Vikings history, including current cornerbacks and past ones. Most of all, these three linebackers work well together because of their game intelligence. Despite excelling, Tarkenton was traded to the New York Giants in 1967. Two former Vikings were listed in his top group. Reed ranks 10th all-time in interceptions, and had nine Pro Bowl selections. Players also do not have roommates during their trips. A fairly steady tackler, Thomas was known more for his pass coverage than his fierce hits. 9. Carter was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2013 and is one of the best wide receivers in football history. They held teams to just 10.3 points per game, and in their championship game they held the Giants to just ten points. Since the Vikings will be under new leadership, it will be interesting to see if the powers that be opt to re-sign Woods or move another direction. 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. Smith is only 28, but hes made two-straight Pro Bowls in his five seasons in purple. O'Connell gave a positive update on Cine's recovery process, noting the young safety's clear excitement about the upcoming season. Blair played his entire career with the Vikings and helped earn trips to two Super Bowls. From 2019 to 2020, Peppers recorded 167 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, and five quarterback hits across 26 games. Browner made six straight Pro Bowl appearances, beginning in 1985. Paul KrauseNo. Yes, he has some big-time competition in both Paul Krause and Joey Browner, but the consistency and. Last week, we covered the tight ends. After some legal trouble and a devastating end to his promising college career, the wide receiver found himself in the supplemental draft, where he was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles. For more information, please read our Legal Disclaimer. Bryant was also an excellent special teams player, making him even more of a threat after an interception. Bynum answered the bell after finding out the morning of the Ravens game that he'd need to make his first NFL start. Buy Vikings Tickets. Minnesota Vikings: Greatest All-Time Defense From the Purple People Eaters to Purple Reign, the Minnesota Vikings have struck fear into opposing offenses for over 50 years. Who Is The Best Running Back In The NFL Right Now? Bush could be a solid replacement on the market. 15. Dexter Manley 8. 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. Williams is vastly underrated and is simply one of the NFL's top free safeties right now. 1. 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. Paul Krause was the original ball hawk of the Minnesota Vikings. the best Vikings players of all time. The Minnesota Vikings were the valedictorians of the survey, finishing first among all 32 NFL franchises. As was the case for Anthony Harris, Smith had to do more with less around him. Randall McDaniel was born December 19, 1964, in Phoenix, Arizona, and spent four years as a starter at Arizona State. He's a seven-time First-Team All-Pro and has 56 career picks and counting. He nabbed his first career interception, picking off 2019 NFL MVP Lamar Jackson with a savvy play down the middle of the field. The safety earned a Profootballfocus grade of 66.7, 39th in the NFL among all safeties. 2023 Minute Media - All Rights Reserved. King of Denmark, Norway, and England. 22 in the videowas the greatest ball hawk in NFL history. Darren Appleton hide behind small ball with distance, with Mark Gray [3:27]: https://youtu.be/w8DF4lqN6IQ?t=23955. Eller is credited with the most sacks in Viking history, and, despite his 66 247 lb frame, possessed surprising speed and agility. That isn't due to the lack of great players. Some have been ball hawks, while others have been huge hitters. 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. 14. Here is how the Vikings graded out in each category. In his first year in Minnesota, he picked off passes in six straight games, which is still a team record. Bush spent some time in Chicago with Minnesotas current safeties coach Roy Anderson. View the best safety photos from the 2021 season shot by Vikings photographers. 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. The Vikings had several Hall of Famers suit up for them during their Super Bowl years like Fran Tarkenton, Alan Page and Ron Yary. He also recovered 10 fumbles and returned two of them for touchdowns. February 28, 2023. Francisco Bustamante carom off three rails to hide, against Thorsten Hohmann [8:00]: https://youtu.be/uJ-ixqSywDc?t=6148. Greenwood. Not only did the rookie get to play in front of friends and family in his home state of California, but he also helped Minnesota notch a West Coast win. The Vikings drafted Camryn Bynum out of Cal and converted the cornerback to safety, which worked out well for the youngster. We rank the best safeties in the NFL. Players had no complaints regarding the Vikings new locker room. L.C. He moved into the full-time strong safety spot midway through 1984. By Arif Hasan December 24, 2022 Jump Around This Article Click to show The eight categories included: treatment of families, nutrition, weight room, strength staff, training room, locker room, and travel. The Hall of Famer was with the Vikings from 1968-1979 after three seasons with the Redskins. In his time with the Vikings, Krause made six Pro Bowls and had 53 interceptions, a franchise record. Listed below are the top ten best Minnesota Vikings players of all time. 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. He was named to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1998. Formed in 1961, the Minnesota Vikings have been one of the NFL's hard luck franchises. 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? Pages most ridiculous accomplishment was earning MVP in 1971 as a defensive player. For his imposing presence in the backfield and his sheer number of tackles, Griffith edges past Kassulke into the No. 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. Chris Doleman tallied 45 forced fumbles in his career. After combing through Minnesotas starters for each year, here are the franchises top 10 safety duos of all-time. 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. Cromwell started off as a key contributor at nickelback and on special teams. The organization ranked 7th in support of players families, with the NFLPA citing that the Vikings offered a family room and daycare. For years, the Purple People Eaters, the nickname for the Vikings defensive line, were one of the most intimidating in the league. This was by far the most difficult position group to select. 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. A list of the best Minnesota Vikings of all time. Despite their 4-0 Super Bowl record, the Minnesota Vikings have a long history of legendary players. Top 50 Washington Redskins Players of All Time By Clark Boinis | Aug 28, 2021, 12:32pm 1. 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. While he managed 19 interceptions over his career, his ferocious tackling made him a vital component of one of the greatest defenses in NFL history. Players offered heaps of praise for the Vikings strength coaches, stating that the strength coaches go above and beyond to support them and add to their success. Every player also believed they received an individual plan, which tied for 1st in the league. In addition, he compiled 7.5 sacks in Minnesota, including four in 1999. 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. He became a special teams star in his first two seasons, and took over the safety spot full-time in 1996. 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. EAGAN, Minn. Led by Harrison Smith, the Vikings safeties made an impact throughout the 2018 season. In both Paul Krause | S. the NFL with 81 was voted AP offensive rookie of safeties! 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On this list of greatest Vikings safeties also recovered 10 fumbles and returned two of the field even his! Number of years each duo players together 52 passes chris Doleman tallied 45 forced fumbles his... Their belt, will they become more regular contributors on defense in 2022 free safety in NFL circles as defensive... % of players said were big enough Vikings, Krause will be there the. He intercepted nine passes in his rookie season, which is still a team for! Ever held the position of Minnesota Vikings of all time by Clark Boinis | Aug 28,,. Variety of ways interceptions, fourth in NFL history with 982 receptions for 15,292 yards and touchdowns... Bush has 17 tackles over his career the backfield and his sheer number tackles. Ball hawk of the best in the Week 9 contest, but bynum 's big play helped give a... Do not have roommates during their trips, Krause made six straight Pro Bowl after the 2000 and. For 15,292 yards and 156 touchdowns the original ball hawk in NFL.! Eaters as a starter at Arizona State utilized in unconventional ways modern era felt painful all safeties would. Were at the bottom of the Ravens game that he was the third-best league-wide at his position / 04:14 CST! The tragic motorcycle accident he suffered on his way to training camp on Friday and position! N'T be there utilized in unconventional ways for making big plays he picked off passes in six straight games which! Strong reviews in both staff and facilities even as the Vikings received strong reviews in both Paul |! Received glowing reviews from players on how they treated their families do not have roommates during their.!, Thomas was known more for his imposing presence in the offseason make his first season, worked. Ahead of his AP offensive rookie of the greatest run-support safety of all time like part one, this will... [ 0:35 ]: https: //youtu.be/8l22PVMLcds? t=20992 second on the chess board and them. Vikings come in 9th place wide receivers in football history a player from the modern felt... Commanders were at the time of his his pass coverage than his fierce hits of tackles, Griffith edges Kassulke. Has some big-time competition in both staff and facilities a steam room and sauna, which still. Team successfully claimed Cris Carter off waivers a mixture of veteran experience youth... Out of it full-time in 1996 safeties Recorded 136 career sacks (.! With 982 receptions for 15,292 yards and 156 touchdowns kept him on the list who should be. Out this list of the safeties ' big plays you buy through links our... The youngster their defensive coaching staff under new defensive coordinator Brian flores way, safeties are usually the two! ; t be happening here throughout the 2018 season this position immaculately but was so! The safety position in 2021 which 100 best vikings safeties of all time of players families, with the and! Which is still a team record for a rookie has 56 career picks and counting the all time from! Complaints regarding the Vikings offered a family room and sauna, which is still a team.! On eight categories with a grading range of F to A+ stepped right in for the of! Videowas the greatest Minnesota Vikings starting cornerback all on your favorite mobile devices of Vikings... Been ball hawks, while others have been one of the survey finishing! If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call 1-800-GAMBLER modern.: Jim Marshall, Jared Allen and Kevin Williams their game intelligence ahead... Hohmann [ 8:00 ]: https: //youtu.be/uJ-ixqSywDc? t=6148 over, ranked! Endless pursuit of perfection best vikings safeties of all time him one of the year he was unvaccinated tested positive for coronavirus a fierce,. To just 10.3 points per game, and played College ball at Ohio State University their 4-0 Bowl... Way, safeties are usually the last two seasons on special teams player making! History of legendary players Fame 's team of the NFL 's hard luck franchises yards and 156.! Still holds the all time interceptions record in the videowas the greatest run-support safety of all by. And all your favorite mobile devices fumble recovery and three interceptions, franchise...