The Viking Age
FanSided

Minnesota Vikings: 15 best free agent acquisitions of all-time

By Adam Carlson

14 Nov 1999: John Randle #93 of the Minnesota Vikings runs on the field during the game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois. The Vikings defeated the Bears 27-14 in overtime.
14 Nov 1999: John Randle #93 of the Minnesota Vikings runs on the field during the game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois. The Vikings defeated the Bears 27-14 in overtime. /
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Mick Tingelhoff, Minnesota Vikings
Mick Tingelhoff, Minnesota Vikings. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

2. player. 60. . C. (1962-78). Mick Tingelhoff

For most teams, finding a gem like Mick Tingelhoff as an undrafted free agent would be the biggest steal in franchise history. Any time a player every team overlooked in the NFL Draft goes on to reach the Pro Football Hall of Fame after playing for 17 seasons, that has to be considered a monumental success.

Tingelhoff’s impact while playing center on the offensive line was easy to notice. Not only is he one of only 11 players to be a part of all four of Minnesota’s Super Bowl appearances, but he was an absolute iron man of a player. He started 240 consecutive games for the Vikings. Tingelhoff is only second in franchise history to Jim Marshall.

Minnesota’s 1969 NFL Championship was also a highlight of Tingelhoff’s career. The fact the team had so much success with their free agent signing at center to pair with some great offensive players and defensive talent got the team as close to a Super Bowl win as the franchise has ever seen.

Tingelhoff retired with plenty of personal accolades, including six Pro Bowl nods, seven All-Pro First or Second-Team honors, being placed in the Minnesota Vikings Ring of Honor, having his number retired and, of course, being enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

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