Vikings 50 All Time Greatest Players In Franchise History

Throughout the history of the Minnesota Vikings, numerous players have graced the field and left an indelible mark on the franchise. From talented quarterbacks to fierce defensive linemen, the Vikings have been fortunate to have some of the greatest players in NFL history wear their jersey. In this article, we will delve into the 50 greatest players to ever play for the Vikings.

1. Fran Tarkenton - Considered one of the greatest quarterbacks to ever grace the NFL, Fran Tarkenton revolutionized the position with his mobility and ability to extend plays. Tarkenton led the Vikings to three Super Bowl appearances during his career and remains one of the most iconic figures in franchise history.

2. Adrian Peterson - Known for his incredible speed, agility, and determination, Adrian Peterson electrified fans with his unbelievable rushing ability. Winning the MVP award in 2012, Peterson broke the single-season rushing record and established himself as one of the most dominant running backs in NFL history.

Vikings 50: All-Time Greatest Players in Franchise History

by Barbara I. Bond (Kindle Edition)

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	11015 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	225 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

3. Randy Moss - A once-in-a-generation talent, Randy Moss mesmerized fans with his combination of speed and athleticism. Moss was a game-changer, and his highlight reel catches are still talked about to this day. He holds numerous records and is considered one of the best wide receivers to ever play the game.

4. Alan Page - Arguably the greatest defensive tackle in NFL history, Alan Page was a force to be reckoned with on the Vikings' defensive line. Winning the league MVP award in 1971, Page was instrumental in the Vikings' dominant defense during the 1970s.

5. Cris Carter - Known for his incredible hands and precise route-running, Cris Carter was one of the most reliable wide receivers in NFL history. Carter was a key part of the Vikings' high-powered offense during the 1990s, and his numerous records speak volumes about his greatness.

6. Carl Eller - A key member of the Vikings' "Purple People Eaters" defensive line, Carl Eller wreaked havoc on opposing offenses during his career. Eller was dominant against both the run and the pass, earning him a rightful spot among the franchise's greatest players.

7. Jim Marshall - Known for his durability and longevity, Jim Marshall holds the NFL record for most consecutive starts with 270. Marshall was a key leader on the Vikings' defense during their dominant years in the late 1960s and 1970s.

8. John Randle - Undersized but incredibly quick and relentless, John Randle was a menace on the defensive line. Randle's ability to disrupt plays and get to the quarterback earned him a spot in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, solidifying his status as one of the greatest Vikings of all time.

9. Paul Krause - A ball-hawking safety, Paul Krause holds the NFL record for most interceptions in a career with 81. Krause was a key playmaker in the Vikings' defense and helped solidify their reputation as one of the league's most dominant units.

10. Fran Tarkenton - A dynamic running back with excellent vision and elusiveness, Chuck Foreman was a crucial part of the Vikings' offense during the 1970s. Foreman's ability to contribute both in the running and passing game made him a nightmare for opposing defenses.

11. Matt Blair - A versatile linebacker, Matt Blair was a standout player on the Vikings' defense for over a decade. Blair's ability to excel in both pass coverage and run defense made him one of the most complete linebackers in franchise history.

12. Mick Tingelhoff - The rock at the center of the Vikings' offensive line for 17 seasons, Mick Tingelhoff was a consistent and reliable presence. Tingelhoff was a key contributor to the Vikings' success during the 1960s and 1970s.

13. Randy Moss - An imposing presence on the offensive line, Ron Yary was a dominant force during his time with the Vikings. Yary's physicality and technical prowess made him one of the best offensive linemen in NFL history.

14. Randall McDaniel - A ten-time Pro Bowler, Randall McDaniel was a dominant force at the guard position. McDaniel's athleticism and technique were unparalleled, and he is widely considered one of the greatest offensive linemen of all time.

15. Jared Allen - Known for his iconic mullet and relentless motor, Jared Allen was a dominant force on the Vikings' defense. Allen led the league in sacks multiple times and terrorized quarterbacks throughout his career.

16. Daunte Culpepper - A dual-threat quarterback, Daunte Culpepper was a nightmare for defenses. Culpepper had a cannon for an arm and was equally dangerous with his legs, making him one of the most exciting players to watch in Vikings history.

17. Adrian Peterson - A hard-hitting and instinctive middle linebacker, Scott Studwell was a key part of the Vikings' defense during the 1980s. Studwell's tackling ability and leadership skills made him one of the most beloved Vikings of his era.

18. Everson Griffen - A relentless pass rusher, Everson Griffen wreaked havoc on opposing quarterbacks during his time with the Vikings. Griffen's combination of speed and power made him a dominant force on the defensive line.

19. Harrison Smith - One of the best safeties in the league, Harrison Smith has been a cornerstone of the Vikings' defense since joining the team. Smith's versatility and playmaking ability make him a nightmare for opposing offenses.

20. Adam Thielen - From undrafted tryout player to Pro Bowl receiver, Adam Thielen's rise to stardom is a testament to his work ethic and determination. Thielen's route-running and hands have made him one of the most reliable targets in the NFL.

21. Fran Tarkenton - A standout defensive end, Chris Doleman was a dominant force on the Vikings' defense for over a decade. Doleman's ability to get to the quarterback earned him a spot in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

22. Cris Carter - A hard-hitting and instinctive safety, Joey Browner was a key part of the Vikings' defense during the 1980s. Browner's ball-hawking skills and physicality made him one of the most feared safeties of his era.

23. Ron Yary - A dynamic and explosive punt and kick returner, Cordarrelle Patterson provided the Vikings with electrifying plays on special teams. Patterson's speed and agility made him a threat to score every time he touched the ball.

24. Randy Moss - A dominant force at defensive tackle, Kevin Williams anchored the Vikings' defensive line for over a decade. Williams' combination of size, strength, and quickness made him one of the best interior linemen of his era.

25. Jim Marshall - A versatile offensive lineman, Ed White was a key contributor to the Vikings' dominant offensive lines during the 1970s. White's technique and tenacity made him one of the best guards in franchise history.

26. John Randle - An explosive and physical running back, Chuck Foreman was a key part of the Vikings' offense during the 1970s. Foreman's ability to break tackles and make big plays made him one of the most exciting players in franchise history.

27. Carl Eller - A reliable and sure-handed tight end, Steve Jordan provided the Vikings with a consistent threat in the passing game. Jordan's size and athleticism made him a difficult matchup for opposing defenses.

28. Paul Krause - A versatile and hard-hitting linebacker, Matt Blair was a key part of the Vikings' defense during the 1970s and 1980s. Blair's ability to excel in both pass coverage and run defense made him a valuable asset.

29. Fran Tarkenton - Known for his ability to play multiple positions on the offensive line, Stu Voigt was a key contributor to the Vikings' success during the 1970s. Voigt's versatility and toughness made him a fan favorite.

30. Alan Page - A fast and elusive wide receiver, Ahmad Rashad provided the Vikings with a consistent threat in the passing game. Rashad's ability to make acrobatic catches and create separation made him one of the most exciting players to watch.

31. Matt Blair - A dominant and physical cornerback, Antoine Winfield was a key part of the Vikings' defense during the early 2000s. Winfield's ability to shut down opposing receivers and make tackles in the open field made him one of the best cornerbacks in franchise history.

32. Mick Tingelhoff - A hard-hitting and instinctive linebacker, Wally Hilgenberg was a key part of the Vikings' defense during the late 1960s and 1970s. Hilgenberg's ability to diagnose plays and make tackles made him a valuable asset.

33. Randy Moss - Known for his incredible speed and elusiveness, Percy Harvin provided the Vikings with a dynamic playmaker on offense and special teams. Harvin's ability to make big plays in the open field made him one of the most exciting players in franchise history.

34. Ron Yary - A tenacious and physical linebacker, Scott Studwell was a key contributor to the Vikings' defense during the 1980s. Studwell's ability to read offenses and make tackles made him one of the most respected players in franchise history.

35. Randall McDaniel - A dynamic and elusive running back, Robert Smith provided the Vikings with a consistent threat in the running game. Smith's ability to break tackles and make big plays made him one of the most exciting players to watch.

36. Jared Allen - A reliable and sure-handed wide receiver, Anthony Carter provided the Vikings with a consistent threat in the passing game. Carter's ability to make acrobatic catches and gain yards after the catch made him one of the most exciting players in franchise history.

37. Daunte Culpepper - A tenacious and physical defensive back, Robert Griffith was a key part of the Vikings' defense during the late 1990s and early 2000s. Griffith's ability to cover receivers and make tackles in the open field made him a valuable asset.

38. Adrian Peterson - Known for his versatility and playmaking ability, Percy Harvin provided the Vikings with a dynamic threat on offense, special teams, and even on occasion as a quarterback. Harvin's ability to make big plays in a variety of ways made him one of the most exciting players in franchise history.

39. Everson Griffen - A dominant and physical offensive lineman, Bryant McKinnie was a key contributor to the Vikings' success during the early 2000s. McKinnie's ability to protect the quarterback and open holes in the running game made him one of the best offensive linemen in franchise history.

40. Harrison Smith - Known for his versatility and hard-hitting style of play, Harrison Smith provided the Vikings with a dynamic threat in the secondary. Smith's ability to cover receivers, make tackles, and create turnovers made him one of the most exciting players to watch.

41. Adam Thielen - A tenacious and physical linebacker, E.J. Henderson was a key part of the Vikings' defense during the late 2000s and early 2010s. Henderson's ability to diagnose plays, make tackles, and provide leadership made him one of the most respected players in franchise history.

42. Fran Tarkenton - A dynamic and elusive running back, Chuck Foreman provided the Vikings with a consistent threat in the running game. Foreman's ability to break tackles, catch passes out of the backfield, and make big plays made him one of the most exciting players to watch.

43. Cris Carter - Known for his versatility and playmaking ability, Percy Harvin provided the Vikings with a dynamic threat on offense, special teams, and even on occasion as a quarterback. Harvin's ability to make big plays in a variety of ways made him one of the most exciting players in franchise history.

44. Carl Eller - A hard-hitting and instinctive linebacker, Jeff Siemon was a key part of the Vikings' defense during the late 1970s and early 1980s. Siemon's ability to diagnose plays, make tackles, and provide leadership made him one of the most respected players in franchise history.

45. Paul Krause - A dominant and physical offensive lineman, Gary Zimmerman was a key contributor to the Vikings' success during the early 1990s. Zimmerman's ability to protect the quarterback and open holes in the running game made him one of the best offensive linemen in franchise history.

46. Randy Moss - Known for his versatility and hard-hitting style of play, Robert Griffith was a key part of the Vikings' defense during the late 1990s and early 2000s. Griffith's ability to cover receivers, make tackles, and create turnovers made him one of the most exciting players to watch.

47. Jim Marshall - A tenacious and physical linebacker, Roy Winston was a key contributor to the Vikings' success during the 1960s and early 1970s. Winston's ability to diagnose plays, make tackles, and provide leadership made him one of the most respected players in franchise history.

48. John Randle - Known for his versatility and playmaking ability, Percy Harvin provided the Vikings with a dynamic threat on offense, special teams, and even on occasion as a quarterback. Harvin's ability to make big plays in a variety of ways made him one of the most exciting players in franchise history.

49. Steve Jordan - A dominant and physical cornerback, Antoine Winfield was a key part of the Vikings' defense during the late 2000s and early 2010s. Winfield's ability to shut down opposing receivers, make tackles, and create turnovers made him one of the most respected players in franchise history.

50. Daunte Culpepper - Known for his versatility and hard-hitting style of play, Robert Griffith was a key part of the Vikings' defense during the late 1990s and early 2000s. Griffith's ability to cover receivers, make tackles, and create turnovers made him one of the most exciting players to watch.

In , the Minnesota Vikings have been blessed with an incredible array of talent throughout their storied franchise history. From iconic quarterbacks like Fran Tarkenton to dominant defensive players like Alan Page and Randy Moss, the Vikings have had some of the greatest players to ever grace the NFL. These 50 players represent the best of the best, and their contributions to the franchise will never be forgotten.

Vikings 50: All-Time Greatest Players in Franchise History

by Barbara I. Bond (Kindle Edition)

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	11015 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	225 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

Out of the hundreds of players that have toiled at Metropolitan Stadium and the Metrodome, this collection celebrates only the 50 greatest—the Minnesota Vikings who stood head and shoulders above their peers. Interviews with superstars such as Ron Yary, Paul Krause, Fran Tarkenton, Randy Moss, Adrian Peterson, and more are featured along with authentic accounts from their teammates and coaches. The book explores each competitor’s beginnings as well as his greatest moments on the gridiron, concluding with what he has been doing since his playing days ended. Featuring a compilation of action photographs in addition to personal images, this reflection reveals the never-before-told stories of these elite heroes, making it the perfect companion for devoted Vikings fans of all ages.