we will miss you our Purple Brother.

I wouldn’t be surprised if rumors are now circulating in heaven about how Wally got in. When he met St. Peter at the pearly gate and was asked about his qualifications, Wally probably asked the old saint to take a three point stance there and let him demonstrate how he used to come on the blitz. I’m sure that Wally got in, but poor Pete will be using the whirlpool for a week.

I had the pleasure of watching Wally Hilgenberg play. Although the Viking defense of his era probably is best remembered for its ferocious D line, Wally was a key member of a uniformly solid defense. He was tough, steady, smart, and reliable, and his LB unit was cohesive because they played together for so many years. He was smart and had a talent for sniffing out the play call and being around the ball and in on the tackle. LIke many of the Vikings on his teams, he achieved far beyond his athletic talents and defeated several more talented NFL (now NFC) teams, like the Rams and Cowboys, for the right to play in the Super Bowl. Great player, and a great guy, too. He will be missed.

I knew Wally personally. My family knew him and whenever the Vikings were in a town where we lived, he would call us and we would go down to the hotel to see him the day before the game. Wally was so kind to me as a kid and made sure that I was able to meet all of my favorite Vikings players. But, he was and always will be my favorite Viking. For those who saw him play, he was a great linebacker who never got the recognition he deserved. He was a steady player and I can’t remember him not making a play when the Vikes needed it. As a person, Wally was always smiling and fun to be around. I did get to see him about 5 years ago on a business trip to Minneapolis. Wally hadn’t changed a bit. I am really going to miss him. My heart and prayers go out to his family and friends.