Minnesota Vikings training camp battles: Replacing Chad Greenway

With training camp underway we review the candidates the Minnesota Vikings have on their roster to replace Chad Greenway following his retirement.

When the Minnesota Vikings began their first practice of training camp they were missing a mainstay of their defense. After his emotional retirement in March Chad Greenway was absent in Mankato for the first time in 11 seasons.

Drafted 19th overall out of Iowa in the 2006 draft Greenway became an ever present member of the Viking’s linebacker corps for over a decade. Despite a delayed debut Greenway became a tackling machine, making two pro bowls and ended his career 2nd in the Vikings’ all time leading tackler list (per pro football reference). It is safe to say that by the time he hung up his cleats he had established himself as a fan favorite and will be sorely missed by the Vikings faithful.

Greenway’s role may have diminished in recent seasons, his snap count had fallen considerably each year since 2014, due to the increased usage of the nickel defense and the emergence of Kendricks & Barr as a modern linebacker duo. Despite a reduced role he remained a crucial cog of the Vikings base defense and was a key veteran figure in the locker room.

Whilst the Minnesota Vikings posses plenty of players who are ready to step up from a leadership perspective, this article reviews the candidates to watch throughout training camp as they fight to replace Greenway on the field.