He played in his first NFL game, and started his second. Even among NFL players, Kleinsasser's toughness astounds. Hes a great role model. Jim Kleinsasser's House in Mound, MN (Google Maps) Mound, Minnesota (MN), US Like Tweet Share Pin The professional football player lives here. He played college football at North Dakota and played for the Vikings his entire career since being drafted in 1999. Former Vikings Ahmad Rashad and Tommy Kramer sounded the Gjallarhorn prior to the Vikings-Colts game on Dec. 17. Jim Kleinsasser played 181 games . [fetch instagram= display=posts show=2 ]. We knew how good he was.". Philosophical Discussions About Everyday Life, North Dakota Legislative Review 2023 | Sen. 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Born in 1977 in Carrington, North Dakota, Jim Kleinsasser played college football in his home state for the University of North Dakota Fighting Sioux. On Sunday, Kleinsasser will suit up one last time in purple. The greatest overall compatibility with Aquarius is Leo and Sagittarius. Carter, the Kleinsasser patriarch, has just retired from running the family farm outside Carrington. I think a lot of guys get caught up in themselves and don't really realize it. Jimmie Johnson, a 10-year veteran in the NFL and the team's tight ends coach, has called Kleinsasser the best blocking tight end in the league. He was a versatile TE and is remembered for his gritty toughness. Drafted by the only NFL team within a 10-hour drive of his home, he became the longest-tenured professional athlete in the Twin Cities despite choosing a sport defined by short careers and catastrophic injuries. Weekend nights, teenagers would cruise the main drag. "He always wanted to play with me and my friends," Sheri said. I let him, as long as he would lay down in the backseat. The Kleinsassers moved here in 1974, to acquire more farmland, and planted a long row of evergreens for beauty and protection from the high winds, and a couple of ash trees for shade. "First game of the year, his senior season, we're playing one of the toughest teams in our state, and we send Jimmy down the seam," Hochhalter said. He's unselfish and I don't think it's too much of a stretch to say that he's one of the last few of his kind, the last of the true Vikings. On a December morning, their homestead is an oasis of heat and color on a desolate and windblown landscape. I've got college friends who are here, who provided an instant support system. He finished his pro playing career with 192 receptions for 1,688 receiving yards and six touchdowns. While playing for Carrington High, Kleinsasser was two times named All-Region, All-State and Gatorade Circle of . Jim Kleinsasser expects a raucous cheering section in the Metrodomes north end zone Sunday for the final game of his unlikely 13-year career with the Vikings. In football, he was a two time All-Region honoree and All-State honoree, and was twice named the Gatorade Circle of Champions North Dakota Player of the Year. By ", When Sheri got her license, she'd drive into Carrington daily to shoot hoops or lift weights. The following browsers are supported: Chrome, Edge (v80 and later), Firefox and Safari. There weren't many distractions in Carrington, a town of about 2,200. 2023 Celebrity Net Worth / All Rights Reserved. "I have to lift weights.". Next Sunday, Jimmy Kleinsasser will line up against the Bears and throw a few more blocks before ending a career that has unfolded like every little league parent's daydream. Jimmy Kleinsasser attended Carrington High School in Carrington, North Dakota and was a letterman and a standout in football, basketball, and track & field. I guess that was his early lesson in humility.". We have estimated '", Years later, Jimmy ran into Theismann at a golf tournament and told him he cried the day Theismann's leg was broken in one of the more grotesque moments in NFL history. When Jimmy was in middle school, Carter fired up the obsolete machine that produced square bales, just to show the kids how farm work was done before modern machines did the hoisting. He demonstrated remarkable durability throughout his career, playing in all 16 games up to 2010, except for missing 15 games because of an knee injury in 2004. Jim Kleinsasser's birthstone is Garnet. Kleinsasser was drafted as a tight end in the second round of the 1999 NFL Draft. "I was always 'Sheri's little brother' in Carrington," Kleinsasser said. WanMor, the sons of R&B legend Wanya Morris of Boyz II Men, sang the National Anthem prior to the Vikings-Jets game on Dec. 4. Kathe is about to be bracketed by retired workaholics, men who spent a lifetime of autumns reaping what they sowed. Kleinsasser was drafted as a tight end in the second round of the 1999 NFL Draft. I feel at home here. Former Vikings WR Jarius Wright sounded the Gjallarhorn prior to the Vikings-Jets game on Dec. 4. I just take pride in the fact that I work hard, and I figure that if you're willing to do anything, there's value in that. Thursday's Hometown Hero was Trish Thacker, the Executive Director of The Salvation Army Harbor Light Center in Minneapolis. Since retiring, Kleinsasser has spent time with his wife and two sons, who are 6 and 4 years old. The school gym had six backboards, two of which were not breakaways, one of which Kleinsasser had demolished with a dunk. More important, she was his transportation. Jimmy grew the most underappreciated career in Minnesota sports. But parting ways with Kleinsasser prematurely wouldn't have allowed the Vikings to accomplish the seemingly few feats that the fans cling on to. The official source for NFL news, video highlights, fantasy football, game-day coverage, schedules, stats, scores and more. By, Why? The Kleinsassers expected Jimmy to be drafted in the second or third round by the New York Giants. Thats been a big for me.. Most important, though, he leaves the game relatively healthy and with financial security to enjoy with his wife, Christa, and sons, Carter and Cayden. Kleinsasser played sports, went to school, worked on the farm, did a little fishing and otherwise followed Sheri around. A lot of the guys that have retired say to take your time before you jump into anything. While playing for Carrington High, Kleinsasser was twice named All-Region, All-State and Gatorade Circle of Champions North Dakota Player of the Year. We recommend you to check the complete list of Famous People born on 31 January. Kleinsasser, who grew up on a farm in Carrington, N.D., said he's now a "full-time dad," and "probably the worst 5, 6, 7-year-old soccer coach in history, but I did it with enthusiasm." He said. He finished his career with the second-most starts by a tight end in Vikings history with 119. "I thought for sure the ball was overthrown. Minnesota Vikings great Jim Kleinsasser's Last run through the tunnel 1-1-2012 (Pioneer Press: Sherri LaRose-Chiglo), Fans of Jim Kleinsasser cheer for him in the end zone during the pregame prior to the start of the Minnesota Vikings game against the Chicago Bears at the Metrodome in Minneapolis. He will depart as the Vikings all-time leader in games played by a tight end (181), knowing he helped clear a path during seven of the teams eight top individual rushing seasons. A Vikings team picture stands on an easel near the front door, and the walls are filled with likenesses of roosters. "It's going to be sad to see Jim go, but I know that it's the right thing for him, and I'm happy for him," he said. When he was still in diapers, Kleinsasser had trouble breathing, so Carter and Kathe took him to the hospital. "Jimmy always tagged along," Sheri said. "He has been lifting weights as long as I can remember.". The browser you are using is no longer supported on this site. This Sunday will be Jim Kleinsassers birthday. "We'd bounce the ball two or three times, and we'd be in a fight. One day Kleinsasser brought home a box holding large shards of plastic, then Carter got a call from the Carrington High principal. Adrian Peterson is, without question, the best running back in the NFL when healthy. "We joke that he's the 'Missing Link,' because he'll get hurt and a couple of days later he's 100 percent again," Hutchinson said. It would be downright wrong, in my opinion, if he didn't make it and make it someday soon. Saxophonist Trey Daniels, whose first single "86th St." was listed on the Smooth Jazz Billboard Chart in 2017, performed the National Anthem prior to the Vikings-Giants game on Dec. 24. [1][6] He continued his 13-year career with the Vikings in the 2011 season. Long-snapper Cullen Loeffler has played for the Vikings since 2004. I wouldn't hesitate to say that much of Peterson's success could be attributed to the player in front of him and out on the wings, setting up blocks so that he can break the big one. [1][2] In 1998, Kleinsasser had 45 receptions for 710 yards and 86 rushing yards.[2]. Kleinsasser spent his entire 13-year career with the Vikings. "Once I had a license, Jimmy would want to come with us. He was 3. Kleinsasser has played for four head coaches. Between 300 to 400 people showed up at Dickinsons Menards for grand opening week to get an autograph from Kleinsasser. "He has been lifting weights as long as I can remember.". The principal asked Carter to put a claim in on his homeowners insurance, and the policy paid the school $500. Things that are important. "He's still very considerate, still very much himself. During his time in the NFL, Kleinsasser had 192 receptions for 1,688 yards and six touchdowns. 9. Its weird in the sense that you are so used to this routine and youre on a schedule, he said. "No farming, and no football.". Next Sunday, Jimmy Kleinsasser will line up against the Bears and throw a few more blocks before ending a career that has unfolded like every little league parent's daydream. We would advise you to tell your son that if he's going to continue to dunk the basketball, he should do so very carefully.". He speaks highly of his mom and dad and about doing right by them, Hochhalter said. The 34-year-old veteran has given his body and 13 years of his life to the great fans of the Minnesota Vikings. He's an anomaly among anomalies.". "It's going to be sad to see Jim go, but I know that it's the right thing for him, and I'm happy for him," he said. asked Marty Hochhalter, Kleinsasser's high school coach. He was moved to the fullback position for a short time where he quickly gained a reputation as a ferocious blocker for the other running backs. Vikings head coach Mike Tice said, If people look at the true requirements of the position, then I think they would agree that Jimmy is the best all-around tight end in the league.. He played professionally for 13 years. Minnesota quarterback Daunte Culpepper agreed. Jimmys been a beast his entire career. Jim Kleinsasser was born on the 31st of January, 1977. "You've got the farms and the bars and the churches and the characters. "I thought for sure the ball was overthrown. Theyve been my everything.. I think theres something to be said for keeping a little bit for the rest of your life. "For him, Advil is a cure-all. The Minnesota Vikings drafted him with the. Kleinsasser, 34, could hardly imagine the life the NFL afforded him after growing up on a wheat farm and playing football for then-Division II North Dakota. While the Minnesota Vikings play their last game of the season on Sunday against the Chicago Bears, TE Jim Kleinsasser will be playing his last NFL game ever. His net worth has been growing significantly in 2022-2023. Follow Brian Murphy on twitter.com/bmurphPiPress. They'd leave their parents' cute, modest home to play one-on-one on the basket near the Quonset hut out back, and return shortly, red-faced. Jim Souhan Kleinsasser shakes his head when asked to put his career in perspective. '", Years later, Jimmy ran into Theismann at a golf tournament and told him he cried the day Theismann's leg was broken in one of the more grotesque moments in NFL history. Some may argue that the Vikings should have cut ties with him long ago, because of his age and because of how the league has become so pass-happy. Kleinsasser's first love was basketball, but football came naturally because he liked hitting people. Kleinsassers high school football, track and basketball coach plans to be among the Carrington contingent at the Metrodome. The 46-year-old American football player has done well thus far. Kleinsasser, a six-foot-three, 272-pound tight end, was twice selected to the All-Joe team put together by the "USA Today" in 2007 and again in 2008. Ive always wanted to stay here. Bookmark this page and come back often for updates. He outlasted the likes of Torii Hunter, Kevin Garnett and Matt Birk, three celebrated local athletes whose substantial contracts prompted their departures. "He'd want one soon as he got into the truck, and then he'd get hungry later. We see that you have javascript disabled. "Jimmy's teacher said, 'Why would I do that? "I gotta get to town," Jimmy said. He also played in the North Dakota Shrine game and the Montana-North Dakota All-Star game. Jimmy grew the most underappreciated career in Minnesota sports. 2023 Minnesota Vikings Football, LLC , All Rights Reserved. Thats kind of how your clock works. On a December morning, their homestead is an oasis of heat and color on a desolate and wind-blown landscape. Carter remembers another. He's six weeks old.' He may be called "Purple Jesus," but he sure still needs blockers to help him part defenders. Teammates are using his swan song as a rallying cry to finish 4-12 and avoid matching the 1984 Vikings for the worst 16-game record in franchise history. His position is almost as unsexy as offensive lineman, but he's such a key to not only your running game but your whole offense. It brings up a lot of memories driving back. "We said, 'Cereal? Carter planted sunflowers, soybeans and wheat. 1 priority in free agency was re-signing Jimmy Kleinsasser, Tice said. He's not what you'd call an impact player. We'd sit there and drink a cup of coffee and talk about football, ice fishing, our kids, whatever. He was a two-time Gatorade Circle of Champions North Dakota player of the year in football. Jim Kleinsasser Net Worth: Jim Kleinsasser is a retired American professional football player who has a net worth of $12 million. People born under this sign are often seen as humorous and gifted in literature and art. "To have somebody like him talk like that, it feels good," Kleinsasser said. "The best thing about Jim is that he hasn't changed," Kathe said. He was longtime teammates with star wide receiver Randy Moss as a member of the Minnesota Vikings. During the Spanish-American War, the first battle involving Theodore Roosevelt and his Rough Riders took place on June 24, 1898. For him to make it 13 years, damn near 180 games, and still be standing at the end of it, that's something special. He was fine with that. Saturday's Hometown Heroe was Emily Hunt Turner. Even among NFL players, Kleinsasser's toughness astounds. Children's Health. Its been a step back and just focusing on family, Kleinsasser said. Retiring on his terms, in the stadium where it all began, in front of friends and family, Kleinsasser would not have it any other way. When is Jim Kleinsassers birthday? Carter and Kathe are sitting at their kitchen table. Once again, Jimmy dived for cover. "Kid," Theismann told him, "I cried, too. There is nothing, outside of your own misdeeds, you have to worry about.". He won the USA Today All-Joe Team award for under-appreciated players two consecutive years in 2007 and 2008. BMTN Staff Updated: Mar 8, 2018 One day Kleinsasser brought home a box holding large shards of plastic, then Carter got a call from the Carrington High principal. Eventually, after switching to tight end, Kleinsasser became one of the most versatile blockers on the team. "He couldn't stand to lose.". Ruling Planet: Jim Kleinsasser has a ruling planet of Uranus and has a ruling planet of Uranus. Jim Kleinsasser's net worth How tall is Jim Kleinsasser? Jimmy C. Kleinsasser attended North Dakota. Its always nice to come back here and see some of the same, old faces.. He's a product of nature and nurture, combining genetics that created a 6-foot-3, 275-pound man who ran sprints and played basketball in high school, and a work ethic inherited from parents who ran a farm without any outside help. He grew up with his family in White River Junction, Vermont. Then Vikings coach Denny Green traded three draft choices to the Steelers for the chance to take. Jim Kleinsasser's life path number is 11. "Jimmy probably feels the same way. Im pretty damn proud of it.. A long-time fan favorite in Minnesota, Kleinsasser had his opportunities to go elsewhere . During Saturday's game against the Colts, the Vikings honored members of the 2022 All-State Team.
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