Minnesota Vikings 2010s All-Decade Team: Who made the cut?

Tight End

Kyle Rudolph

Tight end was another position that didn’t have many names to consider, but the name at the top of the list was a no brainer. As a second-round pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, Kyle Rudolph had the size and hands to be a playmaker for the Vikings offense. While he didn’t become the Gronk-like impact player that some thought he would be early in his career, Rudolph had a nose for the end zone with 47 touchdown grabs in his eight seasons with the team.

In addition to his on-field performance, Rudolph has also entrenched himself in the Minneapolis community. Rudolph’s efforts were brought into the light last year when he was nominated for the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award. He has also done plenty of work with the University of Minnesota Masonic Children’s Hospital including establishing the Kyle Rudolph End Zone, which has offered a place for patients to play between treatments.

The Vikings have tried to find a faster, younger tight end to supplant Rudolph over the years, but he has been the same, consistent target he was at the beginning of his career. Even while showing rookie Irv Smith Jr. the ropes, Rudolph has been a professional for the Vikings and should go down as one of the greatest players in franchise history.