The best individual seasons for New York Yankee players

The Yankees have had many great players who have had record-setting individual seasons. While there are intangible factors to consider when looking at a player's individual success, for this article available statistics, post-season honors, and the team's overall achievement during the season were considered. Since most players have had more than a few outstanding years, only one season has been included for each player. 

10) Roger Maris, RF, 1961: Named Most Valuable Player, Maris led the American League with 61 home runs, 141 RBI's, 132 runs scored, and 366 total bases. He batted .269 with a .372 on base percentage and a .620 slugging percentage. 

9) Don Mattingly, 1B, 1986: Donnie Baseball batted .352 with 31 home runs, 113 RBI's, 117 runs scored, and a .394 on base percentage. He led the major leagues with 238 hits, 53 doubles, 388 total bases, and a .573 slugging percentage. Mattingly also won a Gold Glove. 

8) Whitey Ford, SP, 1961: Winner of the Cy Young Award, Ford's record was 25-4, for a .862 winning percentage. He struck out 209 batters while leading the league with 283 innings pitched. His ERA was 3.21. Ford was named MVP of the World Series, as he went 2-0 and held the Reds scoreless in 14 innings. 

7) Ron Guidry, SP, 1978: Louisiana Lightning won the Cy Young Award with a 25-3 record, a .893 winning percentage. Guidry struck out 248 batters in 273 innings. He led all pitchers in ERA with 1.74, an amazingly low number for a starter, and also led the majors in tossing 9 shutouts. 

6) Alex Rodriguez, 3B, 2007: Winner of the MVP award, Rodriguez hit .314 with 54 home runs, 156 RBI's, and a .422 on base percentage. He led the American League with 143 runs scored, 376 total bases, and a .645 slugging percentage. 

5) Joe DiMaggio, CF, 1937: It's difficult to select any one season for DiMaggio, since he had a number of outstanding years. But in 1937 he batted .346 with 215 hits, 167 RBI's, and a .412 on base percentage. He led the American League in runs scored with 151, home runs with 46, total bases with 418, and slugging percentage at .673.       

4) Aaron Judge, RF, 2024: The MVP of the American League batted .322 and scored 122 runs while leading the major leagues with 58 home runs, 144 RBI, and 133 walks. His .458 on base percentage and .701 slugging also led MLB, and 392 total bases led the AL. 

3) Mickey Mantle, CF, 1956: The AL MVP, Mantle won the Triple Crown with a .353 batting average, 56 home runs, and 130 RBI's. he also led the league with 132 runs scored, 376 total bases, and a .705 slugging percentage. Mantle also walked 112 times and had an on-base percentage of .464. 

2) Lou Gehrig, 1B, 1927: Gehrig had many incredible years so it's tough to pick just one as his best. In 1927 he batted .373 with 46 home runs, 218 hits, 149 runs scored, 109 walks, 18 triples, and 10 stolen bases, with an on base percentage of .474 and slugging percentage of .765. He led the American League with 52 doubles, 175 RBI's, and 447 total bases, and was named Most Valuable Player. 

1) Babe Ruth, RF, 1921: Ruth's numbers were astounding in just about every season that he played. So we'll pick 1921 as the best. He batted.378, and led the American League with 59 home runs, 171 RBI's, 177 runs scored, 145 walks, 457 total bases, on base percentage at .512, and slugging percentage at .846. He had 204 hits, 44 doubles, 16 triples, and 17 stolen bases. Ruth's statistics sometimes do not even seem real.

The Best 50 New York Yankees of All Time

The best 50 New York Yankees in history Trying to rank the best Yankee players in franchise history isn't easy. The top four are pretty obvious, but placing the others is not. There are a number of variables to look at, including length of service, career statistics, single season records, individual awards, and contributions to championship teams. Taking all those factors in account, below are the best fifty players to wear the pinstripes: 50) Allie Reynolds, P: "SuperChief" had a 131-60 record, a .686 winning percentage, with a 3.30 ERA and 27 shutouts during his eight years with the team, 1947-1954. 49) Frank Crosetti, SS: Crosetti played 1,516 games at shortstop in 17 years. A member of six World Championship teams in the 1930's and early 1940's, he led American League shortstops with .968 fielding percentage in 1939. His 792 walks rank tenth all-time on the Yankees. 48) Clete Boyer, 3B: An excellent fielder who led the American League's third basemen in range factor each season from 1961-66, Boyer appeared in 1,068 games during eight years with the Yankees. 47) Waite Hoyt, SP: A 157-98 record - a .616 winning percentage - and 15 shutouts as a starter from 1921-1930 lands Hoyt among the best Yankees of all time. 46) Bob Shawkey, P: A 168-131 record with a 3.12 ERA and 26 shutouts from 1915-1927 places Shawkey among the best Yankee starting pitchers in their history. 45) Herb Pennock, SP: From 1923-1933 Pennock posted a 162-90 record, a .643 winning percentage, along with 19 shutouts as a starting pitcher. He also had a 5-0 record with a 1.95 ERA in five World Series games. 44) Reggie Jackson, OF: In 653 games in his five years with the team Jackson batted .281 with 144 home runs and 461 RBI's, although his true value was in October when he batted .328 with 12 homers and 29 RBI's in 34 post season games, contributing to world championships in 1977 and 1978. 43) Robinson Cano, 2B: During nine years and 1,374 games in pinstripes Cano hit .309 with 204 homers and 822 RBI's. He was five time All Star and a Gold Glove winner in 2010. 42) Red Rolfe, 3B: Playing his entire ten years, 1,175 games, in the majors with the Yankees, Rolfe was a member of five world championship teams in the 1930's and batted .289 with an on-base percentage of .360 during his career. His fielding average of .956 was higher than the league average of .943. 41) Mel Stottlemyre, P: In eleven years Stottlemyre tossed 40 shutouts, good for second in team history. A five time All Star, he compiled a 164-139 record with an outstanding 2.97 ERA while pitching for some not so good teams. 40) Dave Righetti, P: The American League Rookie of the Year in 1981 and two time All Star during eleven seasons, Righetti tossed a no-hitter in 1983 but was then converted into a closer. He ended up second in team history in saves with 224. 39) Bobby Richardson, 2B: Winner of five Gold Gloves and named to seven All Star teams, Richardson played in 1,412 games during his 12 seasons, contributing to three world championships in the late '50's and early '60's. 38) Roger Maris, OF: A three time All Star and a Gold Glove winner in 1960, in 850 games during seven years with the Yanks Maris batted .265 with 203 home runs and 547 RBI's. He won two American League MVP awards and contributed to two World Championships. 37) Joe Gordon, 2B: Gordon played 1,000 games at second base from 1938-1946, contributing to four World Championships. Named an All Star for six consecutive years, Gordon won the MVP award in 1942. He averaged .271 and hit 153 home runs and drove in 617 runs during seven seasons with the Yanks. 36) Hank Bauer, OF: Appearing in 1,196 games in right field during his 12 years with the team, Bauer hit .277 with 158 home runs and 654 RBI's in his Yankee career. He was a three time All Star, and contributed to seven World Series titles in the 1950's. 35) Bill Skowron, 1B: A five time All Star, Skowron appeared in 1,087 games during nine years with the Yankees, contributing to four championship titles in the 1950's and 1960's. He batted .294 with 165 homers and 672 RBI's. 34) Bobby Murcer, OF: Playing in 1,256 games during 13 seasons with the team, Murcer won a Gold Glove as a centerfielder in 1972, and was named to four All Star teams. He batted .278 with 175 home runs and 687 RBI's in his Yankee career. 33) Alex Rodriguez, 3B: Rodriguez was the winner of MVP awards in 2005 and 2007. During twelve seasons and 1,509 games with the Yankees, he had a .283 batting average, 351 home runs, and 1,096 RBI’s. 32) Tino Martinez, 1B: Playing in 1,054 games in seven years, Martinez drove in over 100 runs in five of those seasons. A key member of four World Championship teams, he averaged .276, hit 192 home runs, and drove in 739 runs in his Yankee career. 31) Dave Winfield, OF: Playing in 1,172 games during nine years in New York, Winfield was named to eight All Star games and won five Gold Gloves. He batted .290 with 205 home runs and 818 RBI's in his Yankee career. 30) Rich Gossage, P: In seven years with the Yanks Gossage had a 42-28 record with 151 saves and a 2.14 ERA. A four time All Star, he struck out 512 batters in 533 innings and held opponents to a .207 batting average. 29) Sparky Lyle, P: Winner of the 1977 Cy Young award, Lyle saved 141 games and had a 2.41 ERA in his seven years with the team. A three time All Star, he was an important contributor to the team's championship seasons in the 1970's. 28) Tommy Heinrich, OF: A five time All Star, contributing to four World Series championships in the late 1930's and 1940's, Heinrich batted .282 with 183 homers and 795 RBI's in 1,284 games during his eleven year Yankee career. 27) Charlie Keller, OF: A five time All Star, Keller played in 1,066 games during eleven seasons with the Yankees, from 1939-1949. Batted .286 with 184 homers and 723 RBI's. His on-base percentage of .410 ranks fourth in team history, and he is eighth with a .518 slugging percentage. Keller also drove in 18 runs in 19 World Series games, contributing to three titles. 26) Paul O'Neill, OF: Playing in 1,254 games during his nine years with the Yankees, O'Neill batted .303 with 185 home runs and 858 runs batted in. A four time All Star, he was a key member of four World Championship teams. 25) Lefty Gomez, P: A seven time All Star, Gomez had a 189-101 record in 13 years with the Yankees, for a winning percentage of .652. He is fourth among pitchers with 28 shutouts. Gomez shined in the World Series, with a 6-0 record and 2.86 ERA., contributing to five World Championships in the 1930's. 24) Elston Howard, C: A nine time All Star and winner of the 1963 American League MVP award, Howard played in 1,492 games in 13 years with the Yanks. He batted .279, hitting 161 home runs and driving in 733 runs while contributing to four World Championships in the 1950's and 1960's. 23) Bob Meusel, OF: Playing in a total of 1,294 games in ten years Meusel contributed to three World Series titles in the 1920's. He ranks eighth all time on the Yankees with a .311 batting average; is tenth with 338 doubles; and twelfth with 1,005 RBI. 22) Andy Pettitte, P: Ranking first in team history among pitchers with 2,020 strikeouts, Petitte's Yankee career record of 219-115 gives him a winning percentage of .633. A three time All Star in 15 seasons, he was a member of five world championship teams. 21) Ron Guidry, P: A four time All Star, winner of the 1978 Cy Young Award, and recipient of five Gold Gloves, Guidry is third among Yankee pitchers in strikeouts with 1,778 and sixth in shutouts with 26. In 14 seasons he compiled a 170-91 career record for a winning percentage of .651 and was a key member of two World Championship teams. 20) Willie Randolph, 2B: Appearing in 1,694 games during his 13 seasons with the team, Randolph's batting average was .275 and his on-base percentage was .374. He ranks fifth in team history with 1,005 walks and third in stolen bases with 251. Contributing to the team's championship years in the late 1970's and early 1980's and a five time All Star, Randolph was also a steady defender. 19) Roy White, OF: A two time All Star, during his fifteen years with the team White delivered a number of key hits and was an important contributor to the Yankees' championship teams of 1976, 1977, and 1978. On the all-time records' lists for the Yankees White ranks seventh in games played with 1,881, eighth in walks with 934, fifth in stolen bases with 233, second in sacrifice flies with 69, and fourth in the power-speed category with a number of 189.7, behind only Jeter, Mantle, and Williams. 18) Jorge Posada, C: A five time All Star, Posada played in 1,829 games while contributing to four Yankee World Championships. In a 16 year career he batted .273 with 275 homers and 1,065 RBI's, and is seventh in Yankee history with 379 doubles. 17) Graig Nettles, 3B: A five time All Star who drove in more than 90 runs for four consecutive seasons, Nettles played in 1,535 games with the Yankees. He won two Gold Gloves for his defensive excellence, and also hit for power, belting 250 home runs with 834 RBI's during his eleven year Yankee career. 16) Phil Rizzuto, SS: The 1950 American League MVP was selected to five All Star teams. Rizzuto played in 1,647 games in 13 seasons with the Yankees. The shortstop on seven World Championship teams, he has a career batting average of .273 with an on base percentage of .351 and 149 stolen bases. 15) Earle Combs, OF: Ranks third in Yankee history with a .325 batting average, and his outstanding .397 career on base percentage is eighth all time. Ranks second all time in team history with 154 triples as well as seventh in runs scored with 1,186. Combs led the American League in hits with 231 in 1927, which is second in team history for a single season. Batting .350 in 16 World Series games and a member of three world championship teams, he played in 1,455 games during his 12 year career. 14) Tony Lazzeri, 2B: Lazzeri appeared in 1,659 games during his 12 seasons with the Yanks, averaging .293 with an on base percentage of .379. He drove in more than 100 runs in seven seasons and his total of 1,154 RBI's place him ninth on the Yankees all time list in that category. Lazzeri was a key player on five World Championship teams from 1926-1937. 13) Red Ruffing, P: A six time All Star, Ruffing's career record with the Yanks was 231-124 for a winning percentage of .651. He is second in team history with 40 shutouts, second with 3,168 innings pitched. and fourth with 1,526 strikeouts. In ten World Series games he was 7-2 with a 2.63 ERA, contributing to six World Championships in the 1930's. 12) Don Mattingly, 1B: A six time All Star, awarded nine Gold Gloves for defensive excellence, and winner of the 1985 American League MVP award, Mattingly played in 1,785 games in his 14 year career, all with the Yankees. His .307 batting average ranks ninth on the Yankees all time list. He holds the team record for sacrifice flies with 96, is fourth in doubles with 442, seventh in hits with 2,153, eighth in total bases with 3,301, tenth in runs scored with 1,007, and tenth in RBI's with 1,099. 11) Thurman Munson, C: Winner of the 1970 Rookie of the Year Award, and named the American League MVP in 1976, Munson led the Yankees to three pennants and two World Championships. A seven time All Star selection as a catcher and winner of three Gold Gloves, in his career Munson threw out 44% of baserunners attempting to steal (better than Johnny Bench's 43% and Carlton Fisk's 34%). He also hit .373 and drove in 12 runs in 16 World Series games. Munson had a .292 career batting average while playing in 1,423 games in eleven seasons, and was recognized by pitchers for his ability to call a great game. 10) Bill Dickey, C: An eleven time All Star, Dickey's .313 batting average places him seventh in Yankee history. His 1,209 RBI's rank eighth and 1,969 hits are good for ninth. In 17 years Dickey caught 1,708 games, the most in team history, while contributing to seven world championships in the 1930's and early 1940's. 9) Bernie Williams, OF: A five time All Star and winner of four Gold Gloves while playing 1,857 games in center field, Williams contributed to four World Championship titles. In Yankee history he ranks third in doubles with 449, fifth in hits with 2,336, sixth in runs scored with 1,366, sixth in RBI's with 1,257, and seventh in home runs with 287. 8) Mariano Rivera, P: The all time major league leader in saves with 652, Rivera was 82-60 with a 2.21 ERA during the regular season. A 13 time All Star and member of five World Championship teams, he pitched 141 innings in 96 post season games, with an 8-1 record, 42 saves and 0.70 ERA. 7) Yogi Berra, C: Selected to the All Star team 15 times in his 18 years with the Yankees, Berra contributed to 10 World Championships in the late 1940's, 1950's and early 1960's. He caught 1,699 games, and his 358 home runs and 1,430 RBI's each rank fifth in team history. Berra also won three American League MVP awards. 6) Derek Jeter, SS: A fourteen time All Star, winner of five Gold Gloves, and a member of five World Championship teams, Jeter is the only Yankee with at least 3,000 hits, totaling 3,465. He also holds Yankee records in games played with 2,747 and stolen bases with 358. Jeter's 544 doubles rank second in team history; 1,923 runs scored are third; 1,082 walks are fourth; 1,311 RBI’s are sixth; and .310 career batting average places him eighth. 5) Whitey Ford, P: With a 236-106 record - a .690 winning percentage - Ford is not only the Yankees all time leader in wins, but also innings pitched with 3,170, games started with 438, and second in strikeouts with 1,956. An eight time All Star and winner of the 1961 Cy Young award, he had a 2.75 ERA in the regular season and 2.71 ERA in 22 World Series games, contributing to six World Championships. 4) Mickey Mantle, OF: A 16 time All Star selection, the American League Triple Crown winner in 1956, a three time league MVP, and winner of a Gold Glove in 1962, Mantle played 2,401 games. He led American League centerfielders in assists with 14 in 1952 and 20 in 1954, and his .995 fielding percentage led all centerfielders in 1955 and 1959. Mantle hit .298 with 536 home runs and 1,509 RBI's in 18 years with the Yankees, contributing to seven World Championships. The Hall of Famer holds a number of World Series batting records including the most home runs with 18, RBI's with 40, runs scored with 42, and walks with 43. 3) Joe DiMaggio, OF: Despite missing three seasons while serving in the military during World War II, DiMaggio still ranks in the Yankees' top ten in most batting categories. He is third with a .325 batting average, third in RBI's with 1,537, third in triples with 131, third in slugging percentage at .579, fourth in home runs with 361, fifth in runs scored with 1,390, and seventh in on base percentage at .398. Playing in 1,736 games, DiMaggio's .997 fielding percentage in 1947 led all American League centerfielders, and he also led in assists with 21 in 1937, 20 in 1938, and 15 in 1946. An All Star in each of his 13 seasons with the team, DiMaggio won three league MVP awards and contributed to nine Yankee World Championships. 2) Lou Gehrig, 1B: Named the American League MVP in 1927 and 1936, and winner of the Triple Crown in 1934, Gehrig played in 2,164 games during 17 years with the Yankees, leading the team to six World Championship titles in the 1920's and 1930's. In 34 World Series games he hit .361 with 10 homers and 35 RBI's. He is first in Yankee history with 534 doubles, first in triples with 163, first in RBI's with 1,995, and second in hits with 2,721. His .340 batting average, .447 on-base percentage, .632 slugging percentage, and 1,888 runs scored are second in team history. 1) Babe Ruth, OF: Playing in 2,084 games during 15 years with the Yankees (he played right field, left field, and pitcher) Ruth is first in Yankee history in a number of hitting categories, including: batting average, .349; on base percentage, .484; slugging percentage, .711; runs scored, 1,959; total bases, 5,131; home runs, 659; and walks, 1,852. He is second in RBI's with 1,971. In 36 World Series games with the team Ruth batted .348, hit 15 home runs, and had 30 RBI's. What else can you say about someone who may be the game's greatest player ever?

The best 20 victories in Minnesota Vikings history:

The best 20 victories in Minnesota Vikings history:

20) November 9, 1969: A 51-3 pounding of the Cleveland Browns, a top team in the NFL that year.

19) October 18, 1970: A 54-13 pummeling of the Dallas Cowboys, who later went on to win the conference.

18) November 26, 1998: The 46-36 final makes this game seem closer than it was. The Vikings demolished the Dallas Cowboys on Thanksgiving to establish themselves as one of the best teams of the 1998 season.

17)  September 27, 2009: A 27-24 win over the San Francisco 49’ers on the game’s final play, a pass from Brett Favre to Greg Lewis.

16)  September 18, 1985: The Vikes scored 14 points in the last 3 minutes to win 28-21 against the San Francisco 49’ers.

15) October 4, 1992: Down 20-0 in the 4^th quarter, the Vikes rally to beat the Chicago Bears 21-20.

14) December 29, 1974: A close playoff victory, 14-10, against the Los Angeles Rams.

13) January 3, 1988: A 44-10 victory over the New Orleans Saints in the playoffs.

12) November 26, 1987: A 44-38 win in overtime, on Thanksgiving against the Dallas Cowboys.

11) January 17, 2010: Dismantling the Dallas Cowboys 34-3, the Vikings advance to the NFC championship game.

10) December 26, 1976: A 24-13 win over the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC championship game sends the Vikings to their fourth Super Bowl.

9) December 4, 1977: Losing 24-7 in the 4^th quarter, the Vikes come back to win 28-27 against the San Francisco 49’ers.

8) January 11, 1988: A 36-24 win against the San Francisco 49’ers propels the Vikings to the NFC championship.

7) October 11, 1981: The Vikes recover an onside kick, then win 33-31 on a field goal in the game’s final minute against the San Diego Chargers.

6) December 22, 1973: A second half comeback gives the team a 27-20 victory over the Washington Redskins in the divisional playoffs.

5) October 5, 1998: With both teams undefeated at 4-0 entering this Monday night contest, the Vikings destroy the Green Bay Packers 37-24.

4) January 4, 1970: A 27-7 win over the Cleveland Browns in the last NFL championship game sends the Vikings to their first Super Bowl.

3) December 30, 1973: The Vikings dominate the Dallas Cowboys in a 27-10 victory in the NFC championship game.

2) December 14, 1980: Losing 23-9 in the 4^th quarter, the Vikings rally and beat the Cleveland Browns 29-23 on the game’s final play, a pass from Tommy Kramer to Ahmad Rashad, that gives the team the NFC central division championship.

1)  December 27, 1969: A second half comeback results in a 23-20 Vikings playoff win over the Los Angeles Rams, sending the team to the NFL championship. The game featured big plays from QB Joe Kapp, DT Alan Page, and DE Carl Eller.

ALL-TIME BEST MINNESOTA VIKINGS BY POSITION

ALL TIME VIKINGS

FIRST TEAM OFFENSE

QB – Fran Tarkenton

RB – Chuck Foreman

C – Mick Tinglehoff

G – Randall McDaniel

G – Ed White

T – Ron Yary

T – Grady Alderman

TE – Steve Jordan

WR – Cris Carter

WR – Anthony Carter

WR – Randy Moss

K – Fred Cox

 

FIRST TEAM DEFENSE

MLB – Jeff Siemon

OLB – Matt Blair

OLB – Roy Winston

E – Carl Eller

E – Jim Marshall

T – Alan Page

T – John Randle

CB – Bobby Bryant

CB – Carl Lee

S – Paul Krause

S – Joey Browner

P – Greg Coleman

 

SECOND TEAM OFFENSE

QB – Tommy Kramer

RB – Adrian Peterson

RB – Bill Brown

C – Matt Birk

G – Milt Sunde

G – Steve Hutchinson

T – Tim Irwin

T – Gary Zimmerman

TE – Stu Voight

WR – Sammy White

WR – Ahmad Rashad

K – Ryan Longwell

 

SECOND TEAM DEFENSE

MLB – Scott Studwell

OLB – Wally Hilgenberg

OLB – Ed McDaniel

E – Chris Doleman

E – Jared Allen

T – Gary Larsen

T – Kevin Williams

CB – Antoine Winfield

CB – Ed Sharockman

S – Karl Kassulke

S – Harrison Smith

P – Chris Kluwe

 

THIRD TEAM OFFENSE

QB – Joe Kapp

RB – Dave Osborn

RB – Robert Smith

C – Jeff Christy

G – David Dixon

G – Charles Goodrum

T – Steve Riley

T – Todd Steussie

TE – Kyle Rudolph

WR – John Gilliam

WR – Gene Washington

K – Fuad Reveiz

 THIRD TEAM DEFENSE

MLB – Lonnie Warwick

OLB – Fred McNeil

OLB – Chad Greenway

E – Doug Martin

E – Everson Griffen

T – Henry Thomas

T – Keith Millard

CB – Nate Wright

CB – Xavier Rhodes

S – Robert Griffith

S – Jeff Wright

P – Mitch Berger

The best Safeties in Minnesota Vikings history

The best Safeties in Minnesota Vikings history

A safety is the last line of defense; they cover the pass and stop the run. In the years the Minnesota Vikings have had strong defenses, they have had one or two good players at the position. Here are the top ten safeties in franchise history:

10) Kurt Knoff: In four years from 1979-1982 Knoff played in 51 games, starting 43. He intercepted 10 passes, returning one for a touchdown.

9) Darren Sharper: Named to two Pro Bowls in his four years with the team from 2005-2008, Sharper started all 62 games he played in. He picked off 18 balls, returning 3 for scores, broke up 38 passes, recovered three fumbles, and forced two.

8) Tommy Hannon: A hard hitter who played in 117 games and started 103 in his eight year career from 1977-1984, Hannon ranks tenth in team history with 11 fumble recoveries. He also intercepted 15 passes and returned one for a touchdown.

7) Orlando Thomas: Fourth in team history with 65 passes defensed, in his seven year Viking career Thomas intercepted 22 passes, returning two for touchdowns. He also forced six fumbles and recovered 10 while playing in 98 games, starting 87, from 1995-2001.

6) Jeff Wright: Wright was a solid player and part of the team's top defenses during a seven year career from 1971-1977, playing in 83 games and starting 54. He intercepted 12 passes and recovered 9 fumbles.

5) Robert Griffith: Named to one Pro Bowl in his eight years with the team from 1994-2001, Griffith played in 119 games, starting 88 for winning Viking teams in the mid to late 1990's. He picked off 17 passes, forced seven fumbles, recovered two, recorded 7.5 QB sacks, and defensed 56 passes.

4) Harrison Smith: Named to four Pro Bowls and one All Pro team in seven seasons from 2012-2018, Smith has played in 99 games, starting 98. He has intercepted 20 passes, returning four for touchdowns, knocked down 45 balls, forced four fumbles and recovered six, and has recorded 12 QB sacks, which is first all-time among Viking defensive backs.

3) Karl Kassulke: A key player on the team's outstanding defenses in the late '60's and early '70's, Kassulke played in 131 games at safety from 1963-1972, starting 121, intercepting 19 passes. Selected to one Pro Bowl, he had 9 fumble recoveries and his 8 sacks are third among defensive backs.

2) Joey Browner: Selected to the Pro Bowl as a safety six times in his nine seasons from 1983-1991, Browner played in 145 games, starting 117. He is fifth in forced fumbles with 18, fifth in fumble recoveries with 17, fourth in interceptions with 37, and third in passes defensed with 76. He also recorded 9.5 QB sacks, second among Viking defensive backs, and scored 4 touchdowns.

1) Paul Krause: The NFL's record holder for interceptions with 81, Krause is the Vikings leader in that category with 53 picks, returning two of those for touchdowns. He also recovered 11 fumbles, bringing back two for scores, and knocked down 54 passes, ninth in team history. In 12 years with the team from 1968-1979 he played in 172 games, starting 146, and was selected to six Pro Bowls. Krause was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1998.

The best cornerbacks in Minnesota Viking history

The best cornerbacks in Minnesota Viking history

With rules regarding the passing game changing through the years in the NFL, favoring offensive players to a great degree, the position of cornerback may have become the most difficult position to play in pro football. Cornerbacks have to cover wide receivers, who are often the best athletes on the field. They also have to be sure tacklers. The Vikings have had some good corners who were important parts of dominant defenses; here are the top ten in franchise history.

10) Cedric Griffin: In six years from 2006-2011 Griffin played in 80 games, starting 70, and intercepted eight passes. He knocked down 50 balls, forced 14 fumbles, and recovered 3.

9) Willie Teal: Teal played in 80 games and started 61 in seven years with Minnesota from 1980-1986. He intercepted 15 passes, returning one for a touchdown, and recovered 5 fumbles.

8) Earsell Mackbee: In five seasons with the Vikings from 1965-1969 Mackbee played in 66 games, starting 56, including the team's dominant 1969 season. He picked off 15 passes, taking one back for a touchdown, and recovered 4 fumbles.

7) Audray McMillian: In five years with the team from 1989-1993 McMillian played in 79 games, starting 43, and was selected to one Pro Bowl. He intercepted 19 passes and returned three for scores.

6) Xavier Rhodes: In five seasons from 2013-2017 Rhodes has been named to two Pro Bowls, while playing in 75 games, starting 68. Teams rarely throw in his direction; he has intercepted 9 passes, returning one for a score, has defensed 59 balls, and has forced two fumbles.

5) Nate Wright: A steady cornerback during the mid-1970's when the team led the league each year in many defensive categories, Wright played in 129 games in his ten years with the team from 1971-1980 and ranks fifth in Viking history with 31 interceptions.

4) Ed Sharockman: A consistent defensive back on Minnesota's great defenses of the late '60's and early '70's, Sharockman played in 142 games, starting 121, during his 12 years with Minnesota from 1961-1972. He ranks third with 40 interceptions, returning four for touchdowns, and also recovered 9 fumbles.

3) Antoine Winfield: Selected to three Pro Bowls during his nine years with the Vikings from 2004-2012, he played in 119 games, starting 115. Of Winfield's 21 interceptions two have been returned for touchdowns. He defensed 73 passes, which is fourth in team history, recorded 6.5 QB sacks, forced 11 fumbles and recovered 9, returning two of those for touchdowns as well.

2) Carl Lee: Selected three times to the Pro Bowl, Lee played in 169 games, starting 144, during 11 seasons with the team from 1983-1993. A key player at cornerback on Minnesota's great defenses in the late 1980's, he is the Vikings all-time leader in passes defensed with 128, recovered 6 fumbles, and is sixth with 29 interceptions, two of which he returned for touchdowns.

1) Bobby Bryant: A playmaker at cornerback, Bryant was selected to two Pro Bowls in 13 seasons, playing in 161 games and starting 121 from 1968-1980. He is second in team history with 51 interceptions and second in passes defensed with 77. He also recovered 14 fumbles and scored four touchdowns, in addition to coming up with a number of big plays in playoff games during the 1970's.

The best linebackers in Minnesota Vikings history

The best linebackers in Minnesota Vikings history

The Vikings have had some outstanding linebackers who played important roles in the team's dominant defenses through the years; here are the eleven best.

11) Mike Merriweather: Starting each of the 63 games he appeared in from 1989-92, Merriweather registered 10 sacks and intercepted 7 passes, returning two for touchdowns. He also recovered 7 fumbles, taking one back for a score. Remembered for blocking a punt in an overtime game against the Rams that bounced out of the end zone for a safety, winning the game for the Vikes.

10) Jack Del Rio: Selected to one Pro Bowl in four seasons, Del Rio started all 57 games he played in from 1992-95. He intercepted 10 passes, returning one for a touchdown; recorded 7.5 QB sacks; forced three fumbles, and recovered five.

9) Chad Greenway: A two time Pro Bowl selection, Greenway played in 156 games, starting 144, in a ten year career with Minnesota from 2007-2016. He recorded 18 quarterback sacks, forced 8 fumbles and recovered 11, and intercepted 11 passes, returning two for touchdowns.

8) Lonnie Warwick: Warwick played in 92 games and started 75 from 1965-1972. The middle linebacker in a defense that dominated opponents, he intercepted 12 passes, recorded 7.5 sacks and recovered 6 fumbles in his eight year career with the Vikes.

7) Fred McNeil: Playing in 167 games and starting 122 at outside linebacker during his 12 years with the team from 1974-1985, McNeil recovered 16 fumbles, intercepted 7 passes, and recorded 13 quarterback sacks.

6) Ed McDaniel: The team leader in tackles for loss with 90.5, he ranks second among Viking linebackers with 20.5 sacks. McDaniel is also sixth on the team with 17 forced fumbles. He has 5 fumble recoveries, intercepted 4 passes and was named to the Pro Bowl once during his nine seasons and 125 games, 109 starts, from 1992-2001 with the Vikings.

5) Wally Hilgenberg: A tough outside linebacker on the Vikings' great defenses of the late 60's and throughout the 70's, Hilgenberg played in 158 games, starting 118, in 12 seasons from 1968-1979. He recovered 13 fumbles, recorded 8 sacks, picked off 8 passes and scored two touchdowns.

4) Roy Winston: In 15 seasons from 1962-1976 Winston played in 191 games, starting 158 at outside linebacker on dominant Viking defenses in the late '60's and early '70's. A playmaker, he had 16 sacks and 14 fumble recoveries, third and fourth among linebackers, and 12 interceptions, second among linebackers, and scored 3 touchdowns. He also is fifth all-time with 68 tackles-for-loss.

3) Scott Studwell: Fifth in team history with 201 games played, Studwell started 161 at middle linebacker and was selected to the Pro Bowl twice in his 14 year career from 1977-1990. He forced 12 fumbles, recovered 15, intercepted 11 passes, and had 9 QB sacks. He ranks ninth with 46 tackles-for-loss.

2) Jeff Siemon: A key player as the middle linebacker on the team's top defenses in the mid-1970's, Siemon played in 156 games, starting 123, and was selected to four Pro Bowls during his eleven year career with the Vikings from 1972-1982. He is ninth in team history with 14 forced fumbles; he recovered 11, had 6 QB sacks, and 11 interceptions.

1) Matt Blair: Selected to six Pro Bowls in his 12 seasons from 1974-1985, Blair played in 160 games, starting 130. He is first among Minnesota linebackers, and fourth and third in team history, with 19 forced fumbles and 20 fumble recoveries. He is also tenth on the team in tackles-for-loss with 44. His 23 sacks and 16 interceptions are first among Vikings linebackers. He also blocked 20 kicks in his career. Blair is the best linebacker in Minnesota's history.

The Best Defensive Ends in Minnesota Vikings history

The best defensive ends in Minnesota Vikings history

NFL defensive ends have varied responsibilities on the field; they have to contain runners with the ball to the inside - no one should get to their outside. They must be able to shed blockers to get to the ball and make tackles behind the line, as well as shut down screen passes. Most importantly they have to pressure quarterbacks on passing plays, either sacking them for a loss or hurrying them into throwing an incompletion or interception.

Some of the Vikings' defensive ends have been the best in NFL history. Here are the top ten:
 

10) Neil Elshire: From 1981-1986 Elshire appeared in 63 games, starting 27, and registered 19 QB sacks in six seasons, with a high of 9.5 in 1983.

9) Ray Edwards: In five seasons from 2006-2010 Edwards played in 72 games, starting 58, and recorded 29.5 sacks, with 8.5 coming in 2009.

8) Al Noga: Scoring two touchdowns on one interception and three fumble recoveries, Noga had 29.5 QB sacks in five years from 1988-1992, with 11.5 in 1989. He played in 73 games, starting 56.

7) Brian Robison: In eleven seasons from 2007-2017 Robison has played in 173 games, starting 103. He has registered 60 QB sacks, forced 13 fumbles, and recovered 8.

6) Everson Griffen: Named to three Pro Bowls in eight seasons from 2010-2017, Griffen has played in 121 games, starting 63. He has 61 sacks, forced 9 fumbles and recovered 6, returning one for a TD, and also intercepted one pass, running it in for a score.

5) Doug Martin: A former first round pick, Martin started and ended his career with the team on controversial notes, but was a pretty good player on the field in ten seasons from 1980-1989. He played in 126 games, starting 94, and recorded 60.5 sacks and 7 fumble recoveries.

4) Jared Allen: Named to the Pro Bowl four times in his six years with the team from 2008-2013, Allen's 88.5 sacks place him sixth in team history. He also intercepted 4 passes, forced 16 fumbles, recovered 9, and registered 4 safeties while starting all 96 games he appeared in at right end.

3) Chris Doleman: A six time Pro Bowl selection, Doleman played in 154 games, starting 142, in 10 seasons with the Vikings from 1985-1993 and 1999. He leads the team with 33 forced fumbles, is fifth in sacks with 96.5, sixth in fumble recoveries with 16, and seventh in tackles-for-loss with 60. He also intercepted five passes, scored two touchdowns, and recorded two safeties.

2) Jim Marshall: Starting all 270 games in which he played as a Viking at right defensive end from 1961-1979, Marshall is second in team history with 127 QB sacks, first with 29 fumble recoveries, and fourth in tackle-for-loss with 74. A two time Pro Bowl selection, he deserves to be in the Hall of Fame.

1) Carl Eller: The team's all-time leader in QB sacks with 130, Eller was selected to six Pro Bowls. He ranks second in tackles-for-loss with 87, second in fumble recoveries with 23, and seventh in forced fumbles with 15. He also blocked 15 kicks. Eller played in 209 games, fourth in team history, and started 201 from 1964-1978. He was inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame in 2004, an honor that was long overdue. Eller is the best defensive end in Vikings' history as well as one of the NFL's all-time bests.

 

 

The best defensive tackles in Minnesota Vikings history

The best defensive tackles in Minnesota Vikings history

A defensive tackle in pro football may be called upon to fill several different roles, including holding the point of attack and stopping the run, or penetrating a certain gap between offensive linemen to break up a play in the opponent's backfield. A defensive tackle is an important pass rusher as well, since inside pressure may help to free the defensive ends or blitzing linebackers in their pass rush.

The Vikings have had a number of outstanding tackles during their seasons when they fielded dominant defenses. Here are the top ten at the position in franchise history:

10) Paul Dickson: In ten years with the Vikings from 1961-1970 Dickson played in 129 games, starting 81. He registered 29 QB sacks and recovered three fumbles.

9) Pat Williams: Named to three Pro Bowls in six years with Minnesota from 2005-2010, Williams started all 93 games he played in, forcing five fumbles, recovering four, with 7.5 sacks.

8) Linval Joseph: Starting all 60 games he has played in during four seasons, Joseph has recorded 11 sacks, forced four fumbles and recovered one, and has been named to one Pro Bowl.

7) Doug Sutherland: Sutherland played in 138 games during his 10 years with the Vikings, starting 90. He plugged the middle of the defensive line at left tackle during the mid 1970's when the team had highly rated defenses.

6) Keith Millard: Selected All-Pro and to the Pro Bowl twice, Millard was named NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 1989 when he recorded 18 sacks. Millard was a key piece of the team's outstanding defenses in the late '80's, appearing in 75 games during his six years with the Vikes.

5) Henry Thomas: Selected to two Pro Bowls while appearing in 118 games and starting 117 in eight seasons, Thomas ranks sixth in tackles-for-loss with 62. He is eleventh with 56 sacks, forced 12 fumbles, and recovered 8, returning two for touchdowns. He also had two interceptions and notched a safety.

4) Kevin Williams: A six time Pro Bowl selection, Williams started all 171 games he appeared in during 11 seasons with the Vikings. He ranks eighth with 60 QB sacks, knocked down 66 passes, forced 8 fumbles, and recovered 13, returning two for touchdowns. Williams also intercepted 5 passes, bring back two for scores.

3) Gary Larsen: A member of one of the best front fours in NFL history, Larsen was a crucial part of the team’s dominant defenses in the late ‘60’s and early ‘70’s. He played in 135 games, starting 107, in 10 seasons for the Vikings. He recorded 37 sacks, recovered 10 fumbles, and was named to two Pro Bowls.

2) John Randle: A standout defensive tackle who played in 176 games and started 150, Randle was named to six Pro Bowls in his 11 seasons with the Vikings. He recovered 9 fumbles, ranks third in forced fumbles with 25, and is third in QB sacks with 114. He was inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame in 2010.

1) Alan Page: A defensive tackle who changed the game in the late 1960's and early 1970's, Page was named the NFL Most Valuable Player in 1971. Selected to the Pro Bowl nine times in his 12 years with the Vikings, he played in 160 games and started 157. He is fourth in team history with 108.5 sacks, fourth with 18 fumble recoveries, third with 77 tackles-for-loss, and second with 28 forced fumbles. Page was inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame in 1988.

The best offensive tackles in Minnesota Vikings history

The best offensive tackles in Minnesota Vikings history

The Vikings have had some pretty good blockers manning the offensive tackle position through the years. Here is a look at the top players in team history at the position:

5) Steve Riley - A first round pick in 1974, Riley started 121 games at left tackle during his 11 year career, protecting the blind side of quarterbacks Fran Tarkenton and Tommy Kramer.

4) Gary Zimmerman - Named to three Pro Bowls in his seven years with the Vikings Zimmerman held down left tackle for 108 consecutive games during the late '80's and early 90's.

3) Tim Irwin - During his 13 years with the team he played in 188 games, starting 181 at right tackle. Standing at 6-7, he also blocked a few extra points and field goals while on the special teams unit.

2) Grady Alderman - Holding down left tackle on offense for 13 years - 1961-1973 - Alderman played in 193 games, starting 174, and was selected to the Pro Bowl six times.

1) Ron Yary - Selected to the Pro Bowl seven times in his 14 years with the Vikings, Yary played in 199 games and started 180 at right offensive tackle. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2001.

The best Offensive Guards in Minnesota Vikings history

The best Offensive Guards in Minnesota Vikings history

Guards on NFL offensive lines are often overlooked but play key roles in a team's offense. They have to block quick defensive players trying to get to the quarterback on passing plays as well as move big defensive tackles out of the way on running plays. The Vikings have had some steady players at the position in franchise history.

10) Chris Liwienski: Played in 94 games and started 74 in seven seasons from 1998-2005.

9) Terry Tausch: In seven years from 1982-1988 played in 81 games, starting 68.

8) Jim Hough: Played in 111 games and started 75 from 1978-86. Bud Grant said Hough should have been selected to the Pro Bowl after the 1983 season.

7) Wes Hamilton: From 1976-84 Hamilton played in 116 games, starting 92. He blocked for QB's Fran Tarkenton and Tommy Kramer and led the way for RB's Chuck Foreman and Ted Brown.

6) Charles Goodrum: Playing in 95 games and starting 72 from 1973-79, Goodrum opened holes for Foreman and protected Tarkenton during the team's dominant seasons.

5) Steve Hutchinson: Named to four Pro Bowls during his six years with the team from 2006-11, Hutchinson started all 89 games that he played in during his tenure with the Vikings.

4) David Dixon: Dixon played in 152 games during eleven seasons for the Vikings. He started 134 of those games at right guard, clearing the way for runners such as Robert Smith, Leroy Hoard, and Michael Bennett.

3) Milt Sunde: A former 20th round pick, Sunde played in 147 games at left guard and right guard, starting 106, including the team's dominant season in 1969.

2) Ed White: Selected to three Pro Bowls in his eight years with the team, White played in 122 games and started 94 at guard during the team's dominant run in the early and mid-1970's.

1) Randall McDaniel: Selected to the Pro Bowl a record 12 times in his 12 years with the Vikings, he played in 190 games, starting 188 at left guard. McDaniel was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2009.

The best Centers in Minnesota Vikings history

The best Centers in Minnesota Vikings history

The importance of the Center in NFL offenses cannot be overlooked. They have to block quick defensive players trying to get to the quarterback on passing plays as well as move big defensive tackles out of the way on running plays. The Vikings have had some steady players at the position in franchise history.

5) Dennis Swilley: While skipping the 1984 season, Swilley was good enough to play in 139 and start 101 games at center during his ten years, 1977-1987, with the team.

4) Kirk Lowdermilk: Playing in 114 and starting 86 games in eight years from 1985-1992, Lowdermilk manned the position during some outstanding seasons for Vikings’ offenses.

3) Jeff Christy: A former practice squad player, Christy played in 101 started 92 games at center during seven seasons from 1993-1999, and was named to two Pro Bowls.

2) Matt Birk: In his ten year Viking career Birk played in 146 and started 123 games at the pivot from 1998-2008, earning six Pro Bowl nods while snapping the ball at center.

1) Mick Tingelhoff: A six time Pro Bowl selection, Tingelhoff started every Viking game at center from 1962 through 1977, 240 consecutive games in all. He anchored the Vikings offensive line during all of their championship seasons and was elected to the NFL Hall of Fame in 2015.

The best Tight Ends in Minnesota Vikings history

The best Tight Ends in Minnesota Vikings history

Because of the hybrid nature of the position, the tight end's role in any given offense depends on the tactical preferences and philosophy of the team's coaches. In some systems, the tight end will act as a sixth offensive lineman, rarely going out for passes. Other systems use the tight end primarily as a receiver, taking advantage of the tight end's size to create mismatches in the defensive secondary. The Vikings have had a number of tight ends who have contributed to their teams' success through the years; here are the seven best:

7) John Beasley: In his six years with the team from 1967-1973 Beasley played in 75 games, starting 48, and was the starting tight end on Minnesota’s 1969 championship team. He averaged 10.8 yards on 115 receptions, while scoring 12 touchdowns.

6) Joe Senser: A promising career cut short by a knee injury, Senser played in 49 games, starting 26, from 1980-1984, and was selected to the Pro Bowl after the 1981 season, when he caught 79 passes for 1,004 yards, a 12.7 average, and 8 touchdowns. His career totals are 165 receptions with an 11.0 average and 16 touchdowns.

5) Visanthe Shiancoe: In the five years from 2007-2011 Shiancoe played in 80 games, starting 66. He caught 208 passes for a 11.7 yard per reception average and 24 touchdowns.

4) Jim Kleinsasser: Doing the dirty work as a blocker at tight end, Kleinsasser played in 181 games, starting 130, during 13 seasons with the team. He caught 192 balls for 8.8 yards average and scored 6 touchdowns.

3) Kyle Rudolph: In seven years Rudolph has played in 96 games, starting 88, and was named to one Pro Bowl. He has caught 322 passes with a 9.8 yard average and 37 touchdowns.

2) Stu Voigt: Voigt was a steady tight end during his 11 years and 131 games, 80 starts, with the team. Contributing during the team's Super Bowl seasons in the mid-'70's, he caught 177 passes with a 10.8 average per catch and 17 touchdowns.

1) Steve Jordan: A six time Pro Bowl selection, Jordan was a consistent and durable tight end, appearing in 176 games and starting 149 in 13 seasons. He had 498 receptions, a 12.7 average yards per catch, and scored 28 touchdowns.

The best Wide Receivers in Minnesota Vikings history

The best Wide Receivers in Minnesota Vikings history

 

10) Percy Harvin: While better known as a kick returner, Harvin played 54 games at wide receiver in four seasons from 2009-2012, catching 280 balls for a 11.8 average and 20 touchdowns.

9) Hassan Jones: In seven seasons from 1986-1992 Jones played in 100 games, catching 222 passes for a 16.8 yards per catch average and 24 touchdowns.

8) Jake Reed: Reed played in 134 games and started 83 during his 10 years with the team, 1991-1999, and 2001. His 413 catches rank fourth in team history, and his 33 touchdown receptions are good for sixth.

7) Gene Washington: Playing in 81 games in his six seasons with the Vikings from 1967-1972, Washington was named to the Pro Bowl twice and was the team's top receiver in the 1969 championship season, scoring 9 touchdowns and averaging 21.1 yards per catch.

6) John Gilliam: Named to the Pro Bowl after each of his four seasons with the team from 1972-1975, while playing in 56 games, Gilliam's 20 yard average-per-reception is by far highest among Viking players with at least 100 catches. He scored 27 touchdowns.

5) Ahmad Rashad: Selected to four Pro Bowls in his seven years with the team from 1976-1982, Rashad had 400 receptions and scored 34 touchdowns in 98 games. He was part of one of the most memorable plays in NFL history, catching a touchdown pass on the game's last play against the Browns in 1980.

4) Sammy White: A two time Pro Bowler, White played in 128 games, starting 118, from 1976-1985, averaging 16.3 yards per catch. His 50 touchdown receptions are fourth in team history.

3) Randy Moss: A five time Pro Bowl selection during his seven seasons and 113 games, 101 starts,  with Minnesota from 1998-2003 and 2010, Moss is second in team history in a number of receiving categories, including 587 receptions, 9,316 yards, and 92 touchdowns.

2) Anthony Carter: A dynamic game-changing receiver, Carter averaged 16 yards per catch and is third in team history with 478 receptions, 7,636 yards and 52 touchdowns. Selected to the Pro Bowl three times, he played in 133 games and started 125 in his nine years with the team from 1985-1993.

1) Cris Carter: Selected to 8 consecutive Pro Bowls in his 12 years with the team from 1990-2001, Carter played in 188 games, starting 177. He holds most Viking receiving records, including 1,004 receptions, 12,383 yards, and 110 touchdowns. He ranks fourth all-time in NFL history in receptions and touchdown catches, and was elected to the Hall of Fame in 2013.

The best running backs in Minnesota Vikings history

The best running backs in Minnesota Vikings history

The Vikings have had several great running backs through the years, although the position has not seen as many strong players as other positions through the years.  Here are the ten best in franchise history.

10) Alfred Anderson: Anderson was a decent role player for the Vikings from 1984-1991, rushing for 2,374 yards in 108 games during eight seasons with the team.

9) Terry Allen: While only on the team’s active roster for 47 games in three seasons from 1991-1994, Allen ran for over 1,000 yards in two of those years, with 2,795 total rushing yards and 72 receptions.

8) Chester Taylor: In four years and 61 games from 2006-2009, Taylor rushed for over 1,000 yards once. He totaled 2,797 yards on the ground and caught 160 passes out of the backfield.

7) Tommy Mason: The Vikings’ first-ever draft pick, Mason played in 70 games in seven seasons from 1961-66, and is eighth in team history with 3,252 rushing yards. He was selected to three Pro Bowls.

6) Ted Brown: Brown played in 106 games during his eight year career with Minnesota from 1979-1986, ranking fifth on the team's rushing list with 4,546 yards and seventh in scoring with 53 touchdowns.

5) Dave Osborn: A tough runner and reliable receiver out of the backfield, Osborn's 4,320 rushing yards rank sixth in team history. He was named to one Pro Bowl during his 11 years and 137 games with the team from 1965-1975.

4) Robert Smith: A two time Pro Bowl selection, Smith played in 98 games during his eight seasons with the team from 1993-2000, rushing for 6,818 yards, second in team history.

3) Adrian Peterson: In ten seasons and 123 games, Peterson holds the Viking record in rushing yards with 11,747 and is first in rushing touchdowns with 97. A seven time Pro Bowl selection.

2) Bill Brown: A tough runner, he is in fourth place in rushing yards with 5,757 and second with 52 touchdowns on the ground. He added 286 receptions and another 23 TD's as a receiver out of the backfield. Brown played in 180 games during 13 seasons from 1962-1974 and was selected four times to the Pro Bowl.

1) Chuck Foreman: An exceptional runner and receiver who could turn around a game, Foreman was selected to the Pro Bowl five times and to one All-Pro team in his seven seasons and 93 games in Minnesota from 1973-1979. He is third in team history with 5,887 rushing yards and 52 touchdowns, and caught 336 passes for another 23 scores.