Top 10 Minnesota Vikings tight ends in franchise history
By Tim Arcand
2. Kyle Rudolph (2011-2018)
- 112 games
- 386 receptions
- 3,787 yards
- 41 touchdowns
A second-round draft pick of the Vikings in 2011, Kyle Rudolph has quietly and consistently moved his way up the ranks of the franchise’s all-time receivers—not just their tight ends.
In eight seasons, so far, he has averaged six touchdowns per year. He is currently second among Vikings tight ends in receptions, trailing the all-time leader by only 112 catches. But with an average of 68 catches over the last three seasons, Rudolph is on pace to become the leader in this category in just two years.
What makes his performance even more impressive is that Rudolph has caught passes from six different quarterback during his eight seasons in Minnesota.
His 41 career touchdown catches leads all tight ends in Vikings history and also ranks fifth in the franchise’s history ahead of some pretty impressive wide receivers.
A two-time pro bowler, Rudolph was named the game’s MVP in 2012 when he finished the contest with five receptions for 122 yards and a touchdown.
Here’s hoping his Vikings career continues through the last year of his contract in 2019 and beyond. The only thing that keeps from topping this list in the future is if he and Minnesota part ways due to salary cap concerns.