Frank Gilliam Exits

Frank Gilliam has been a player-personnel guy and scout for the Minnesota Vikings since 1970. During his tenure, Gilliam has been responsible for identifying, drafting and/or signing numerous unsung talents who went on to become pro-Bowlers, including such illustrious Vikes as Scott Studwell, Steve Jordan, John Randle and Matt Birk. Now, Vikings VP of Player-Personnel, Rick Spielman, has announced that Gilliam is leaving the Vikes to pursue other opportunities. All over the Web, people who know Gilliam are singing his praises, including SI’s Don Banks.

Men like Gilliam are unheralded, and probably like it that way. But without Gilliam and the players he was responsible for bringing to the team, the history of the Vikings would be a lot less rich.