Minnesota Vikings: 10 best fourth-round draft picks of all-time

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MINNEAPOLIS, MN – NOVEMBER 4: Fans of the Minnesota Vikings do the Skol clap in the first half against the Detroit Lions at U.S. Bank Stadium on November 4, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Vikings defeated the Lions 24-9.(Photo by Adam Bettcher/Getty Images) /

2. Roy Winston, linebacker – 1962

When it comes to the ironmen of the Minnesota Vikings, Roy Winston is often overlooked. However, his amazing career wearing a purple and gold jersey is something that should be celebrated more often.

Playing for 15 seasons with the Vikings, Winston took part in 191 games as a linebacker, starting 158 of those. He was an important part of the widely heralded Purple People Eaters defense and played in all four of Minnesota’s Super Bowl appearances plus the 1969 NFL Championship game.

While tackles weren’t a registered statistic during his time in the NFL, it would have been great to see what that total would have been. Despite that, Winston is credited with 14 fumble recoveries, 12 interceptions, three defensive touchdowns, and one safety scored.

Fans probably know Winston best for the brutal hit he put on Larry Csonka of the Miami Dolphins during the 1972 season which put fear into the hearts of viewers that the running back’s spine had been broken in two. Thankfully, it was not.

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