Top 10 Minnesota Vikings tight ends in franchise history

(Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) Kyle Rudolph
(Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) Kyle Rudolph
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MINNEAPOLIS – OCTOBER 23: Jim Kleinsasser
MINNEAPOLIS – OCTOBER 23: Jim Kleinsasser

7. John Beasley (1967-1973)

  • 75 games
  • 115 receptions
  • 1,242 yards
  • 12 touchdowns

John Beasley spent six of his eight seasons in the NFL with the Vikings. An eighth-round draft pick in 1967, he started 48 of his 75 games.

Beasley’s best season came in 1969 when he caught 33 passes for 361 yards and four touchdowns.

6. Joe Sensor (1980-1984)

  • 49 games
  • 165 receptions
  • 1,822 yards
  • 16 touchdowns

A sixth-round draft pick from West Chester University in 1979, Joe Senser is the first entry in the ranking who was selected to a Pro Bowl. He made it in 1981 with 79 receptions for 1,004 yards (which led the Vikings) and eight touchdowns.

Senser was part of an impressive receiving corps that included Sammy White and Ahmad Rashad. Unfortunately, a knee injury cut his career short after only playing half the season in 1984.

5. Jim Kleinsasser (1999-2011)

  • 181 games
  • 192 receptions
  • 1,688 yards
  • 6 touchdowns

Jim Kleinsasser, a second-round draft choice of the Vikings in 1999 NFL Draft, was used mainly as a blocking tight end and a fullback. However, this list would be incomplete without him.

Kleinsasser spent his entire 13-year career in a Minnesota uniform. This ties him with the most seasons of any tight end in Vikings history and his 181 career games are the most ever by a Minnesota tight end.

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