Legendary Vikings center Mick Tingelhoff has passed away
By Adam Carlson
Pro Football Hall of Fame center Mick Tingelhoff passed away and the Minnesota Vikings community paid their respects to the longtime lineman.
When talking about the greatest players ever to wear purple and gold for the Minnesota Vikings, the discussion should always include Mick Tingelhoff. The hard-nosed and reliable center did some amazing things for the franchise and his contributions will never be forgotten.
Tingelhoff played an amazing 17 seasons during his NFL career, spending the entire time with the Vikings. During his career from 1962 to 1978, Mick earned six Pro Bowl nods and five All-Pro First Team honors as well as being a part of the historic 1969 NFL Championship team.
Sadly, news of Mick Tingelhoff’s passing at the age of 81 was shared by the official Twitter account of the Minnesota Vikings on Saturday, Sept. 11. Here is what they shared:
Our hearts are heavy as we announce the passing of #Vikings Legend Mick Tingelhoff.
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) September 11, 2021
Undrafted in 1962, he helped set the franchise standard for toughness as he started 240 consecutive games throughout his @ProFootballHOF career. pic.twitter.com/ZYwcAkCsqp
Wearing the number 53 jersey throughout his entire career, which is now retired by the Vikings, Tingelhoff was always noted as being a player other players trusted and respected. He and quarterback Fran Tarkenton had a special connection that was made even more obvious during Mick’s induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame when Fran joined him on stage.
The Lexington, Nebraska native was an undrafted free agent out of the University of Nebraska. He signed with the Vikings in 1962 after every team passed on the future Pro Football Hall of Fame lineman.
Over the course of franchise history, the Vikings have appeared in four Super Bowls. One common factor in all those games is Mick Tingelhoff, who was one of 11 players to part of all of those championship games.
Mick Tingelhoff will always have a place in Minnesota Vikings history and will be remembered for being a tough player who commanded the center position for many, many years. May he rest in peace.