Longtime Minnesota Vikings athletic trainer Fred Zamberletti has passed away and many legends from franchise history stepped forward to honor Freddie Z.
If you mention the name Fred Zamberletti to a casual fan of the Minnesota Vikings, they may not be familiar with the name. However, the impact that the longtime trainer had on the organization is definitely not lost on those who were close to the organization during his tenure there.
Fans visiting U.S. Bank Stadium may see his name among the team’s greatest members in the Ring of Honor and not realize how much the man known as Freddie Z meant to the team and the staff.
Zamberletti was the franchise’s first athletic trainer who stuck with the team from 1961 to 1998. Following that, he became the coordinator of medical services until 2001, then transitioning to a senior consultant and team historian.
Sadly, Fred Zamberletti passed away on September 2, and left an everlasting impact on the past, present, and future of the Minnesota Vikings franchise. In fact, many of the individuals who worked with Freddie Z had nothing but kind words about him.
Some of the most powerful words regarding the passing of Zamberletti came from Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback Fran Tarkenton, who referred to him as the, “heart, soul, and foundation,” of the franchise.
"“I want all young Vikings fans to look up Fred Zamberletti and never forget him. He was the heart and soul and the foundation of what we call the Vikings.”"
Tarkenton also spoke of what the former trainer meant to him and how passionate and devoted he was to his craft to make him so beloved by the players and the organization.
"“If you needed to get treatment at 12 o’clock at night, he was in there at 12 o’clock at night. He was as loyal as a person could ever be to all of us players, all the coaches, and he is just iconic.”"
Pro Football Hall of Fame wide receiver Randy Moss offered his feelings on Instagram, giving the following kind words:
"“On behalf of all the Purple People Eaters & true Viking fans worldwide……..”thank u mr.fred zamberletti!”"
Former Vikings receiver Jake Reed shared his feelings about Fred, expressing his personal interactions with him and explaining how he went the extra mile to help him in his time of need with the team.
"“I cannot put into words what Fred Zamberletti meant to me. He helped me more than anyone ever knows through all my injuries and down time. I am forever grateful to him. Rest In Peace, my friend! Much love and respect…God bless you, my man!”"
Former head coach Bud Grant worked closely with the team’s training staff and had a great working relationship with Freddie Z, praising his professionalism and confidentiality while being the team’s trainer.
"“First of all it was integrity. Anything the players would say in the training room, Fred never came to me with that,” he said. “The players could talk with immunity knowing that what they were talking about never got to the coaches.”"
Qadry ”The Missile” Ismail said on Twitter that Freddie Z was one of the reasons his time with the Vikings was so pleasurable:
"“Thanks Freddie Z … I enjoyed my time as a Viking and you were one of the reasons why! RIP”"
Former Vikings running back Robert Smith talked on Twitter about how his former trainer would motivate him to be the best player he could be.
"“A special man that will be greatly missed. I cussed you out so many times when you had me running laps in training camp recovering from ACL surgery! You were the greatest Freddie- RIP my friend…”"
And finally, the current lead trainer for the Vikings spoke about following in the footsteps of Freddie Z, praising him for everything he’s done for the profession. Here is what Eric Sugarman had to say on Twitter:
"“Rest in Peace Fred – A HOF Athletic Trainer and an perfect example for all health care professionals that strive to make a difference with compassion, honesty & trust.”"
Fred Zamberletti will be missed by the Minnesota Vikings. Whether he was a trainer, consultant, or historian, being with the franchise since its first year of existence is an amazing achievement and one that will never be forgotten by the team. Rest in peace, Freddie Z.