Minnesota Vikings C/G Joe Berger likely to retire after 2017 season

After 14 seasons in the NFL, Minnesota Vikings guard and center Joe Berger will likely hang up his cleats for the last time following the 2017 campaign.

Joe Berger has quietly put together an amazing NFL career. In a profession where longevity is rare, the hard-nosed offensive lineman has made a niche for himself with the Minnesota Vikings and earned the respect of fans and his peers.

After being drafted out of Michigan Technological University in the 6th round of the 2005 NFL Draft by the Carolina Panthers, Berger struggled to stick with a team, bouncing to the Dolphins, Cowboys, and back to Miami before finally landing in Minnesota for the 2011 season.

The Vikings didn’t let go of Berger, and now have him as a starter on the offensive line where they can plug him into the center position or either guard spot. After 14 seasons in the NFL, Berger is still an excellent offensive lineman who gives great value to Minnesota.

But it doesn’t appear as though at 15th season is in the plans for Berger. The versatile lineman is once again discussing hanging up his cleats for good after this season when the Pioneer Press caught up with him on Friday:

"“To me, this is it. Things change and stuff comes up. I’m not signing retirement papers as soon as I walk out of here, but’s that’s kind of the way I see it. I’m 35 years old. It’s been fun, but it’s time for the young kids to do it.”"

There is one thing that would make his decision a lot easier. Heading into Week 17, the Vikings are four consecutive wins away from doing something Berger (and the Minnesota Vikings) have never done before.

"“I want the opportunity to be like Chad last year, to be able to walk away on his own. And if you can walk away on your own after a Super Bowl win, that’s hard to beat.”"

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Of course, that’s still going to be one heck of a challenge for Minnesota, but it would be great to see Berger go out on top with his teammates. And what he would do with that time is interesting as well, since he’d like to get some use of his degree from MTU after a little rest and relaxation.

"“I’ll take some time and relax,” he said. “I think I’ve afforded myself that with the 13-year career I’ve had. But then I’ll figure it out. Mechanical engineering or something like that would be fun.”"

However, there are some teammates that aren’t buying into the idea of Joe Berger calling it quits after the 2017 season. In fact, Kyle Rudolph sees the offensive lineman playing so well that it would be a shame to let him go.

"“We’ll have a locker for him in Eagan,” Rudolph said of the team’s new training facility scheduled to open in March. “I’ve been hearing (about Berger’s retirement) every year. I don’t believe him. He’s playing at as high of a level as he ever has in his career.”"

Next: Changes coming to Vikings offense in 2018

If the 2017 season is the last time Joe Berger suits up for the Minnesota Vikings, he will have contributed immensely to a team that helped to give him an opportunity to shine, and his presence will be missed on the offensive line. If not, it will be nice to have the veteran guard/center available in 2018.

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