Prepare To Be Moved To Tears, Folks
by Christopher Gates on Dec 15, 2011 2:00 PM CST
in Minnesota Vikings 2011 Season
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PrintJust one more thing to toss onto the pile of disappointing crap from this season.
Yes, ladies and gentlemen, we may be witnessing the final three games of one of this site's favorite Vikings and the only player on the roster left from the Denny Green era.
According to Tom Pelissero of ESPN 1500, Jim Kleinsasser is giving indications that he might be done with football after this season
Kleinsasser was the Vikings' second-round pick (44th overall) in the 1999 NFL Draft out of the University of North Daokta. As I mentioned, he's the only player on the team that remains from the Denny Green era. . .and heck, he's one of the few that's left over from the Mike Tice era. This season, he has just one catch for four yards, and through his career has racked up 192 receptions for 1,688 yards and six touchdowns. His best year came in 2003, when he had 46 catches for 401 yards and four of those six career scores, but he's always been better known for his crushing ability as a run blocker than he has for his pass catching prowess.
Unfortunately, as sad as it might be, it makes sense for the man we refer to around here as The People's Champion to hang it up at this point. He's been fighting an elbow issue all season, to the point where he only played 10 snaps in this past Sunday's loss to the Detroit Lions. He's in the last year of his contract, and the Vikings are obviously going in a direction to get younger. Kleinsasser is quoted in the story as saying that there's no point in him uprooting his family for a year or two in order to go play somewhere else, so it sounds like it's either the Vikings or nothing.
I, personally. . .and probably selfishly. . .hope that we aren't watching #40's last three games these next few weeks. Even a youth movement needs something that resembles veteran leadership, and when Kleinsasser is healthy, he's still a force in the run game. If he's not playing for the Vikings any more, I would hope that Leslie Frazier could find room for him on the coaching staff. . .I'm sure he could give a pretty significant hand to folks like Kyle Rudolph and Allen Reisner going forward, particularly if Visanthe Shiancoe isn't back next season.
But, if this is the end, I expect we'll see him in the Vikings' Ring of Honor at some point. As somebody that has followed Jim Kleinsasser's career since high school when my dad was calling some of his games on the radio back in southeast North Dakota, I'm happy as hell that the guy has spent his entire career as a part of my favorite professional football team, and he's been a hell of a player to have around. It will be a sad day in Vikings' history when the man hangs it up.
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Vikings Ring of Honor, no question about it.
Probably one of my favorite players in Vikings history. I’d hate to see him go, but as long as he retires in purple, then I’ll be happy.
"Like I said, I don’t think anybody on this team knows what schism is, let alone could use it in a sentence. I thought it was an STD when I first heard it. And I was like whoa, we preach abstinence around these parts." - Jared Allen
Ring of honor...No way
That is reserved for the best of the best. Although I too like Kleinsasser His career is not worthy of the ring of honor…
z
If we can't laugh at ourselves, Packer fans will call us crybabies and we will be forced to kick their tooth in. I really don't want to go to jail (again).
by Alittlemore_cowbell on Dec 16, 2011 10:32 AM CST up reply actions 1 recs
I see what you did there.
The Vikes aren't in a remodeling or reconstruction they are in a burn the place down and start praying they don't mimic the Lions rebuilding process.
Hated him in college, love him in the pros
I had to watch Jimmy K absolutely pummel my beloved North Dakota State Bison during my freshman year of college. He was simply impossible to take down. I had a Ron Burgundy/Wes Mantooth relationship with him—I hated him with every bone in my body, but dammit, I respected him.
Watching him be the battering ram for my favorite pro team for the past dozen years has been an absolute pleasure. He gave everything he had to the Minnesota Vikings, and I’ll always consider him one of my favorite Vikings of all time.
Proud contributor to Daily Norseman and SB Nation Minnesota.
Follow @eric_j_thompson
by Eric J. Thompson on Dec 15, 2011 2:13 PM CST reply actions
Yeah
One of my high school coaches played for Augustana (which I played for them as well later of course lol) when The Sauce was there and just said he was such a load to bring down.
IF YOU THINK REEM SHOULD BE RATED ANY HIGHER THAN AROUND THE #5 HEAVYWEIGHT (AND THAT IS STRETCHING IT) THEN YOU ARE A FLIPPIN MORON, PLAIN AND SIMPLE.
by Edgecrusher71 on Dec 15, 2011 4:58 PM CST up reply actions
off topic but..
Do u think if I get into auggie I have a chance at being drafted anywhere? If I end up being good enough anyways
by AP's Future Replacement on Dec 15, 2011 11:07 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
Is it harder to get drafted being DII? Absolutely it is but if you are good enough it doesn't matter.
The thing about once you get into college is the mental aspect of the game is much different than High School. Augie has had a player get drafted and was the first DII player to ever be nominated for the Butkus award, you can see his wikipedia page here http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bryan_Schwartz
Sometimes its about luck in some ways if you are not on a big school with lots of exposure like Nebraska or one of the many Florida schools lol. This guy http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IWCNL-Cmk Tommy Ellingworth played at Augie when I was there and he had the 3rd fastest 40 time of anyone and he didn’t get drafted and yet you see a guy I played against and he played against for the Lions Stephan Logan is returning kicks for them. Logan was a stud for USD!
IF YOU THINK REEM SHOULD BE RATED ANY HIGHER THAN AROUND THE #5 HEAVYWEIGHT (AND THAT IS STRETCHING IT) THEN YOU ARE A FLIPPIN MORON, PLAIN AND SIMPLE.
by Edgecrusher71 on Dec 16, 2011 12:04 AM CST up reply actions
I couldn't read much of this
I got something in my eyes. Picture all blurry and wet…
"Go hard. I mean, like relentless. I want a bunch of coaches that coach like their hair’s on fire, and I want a football team that goes for four to six seconds (per play) with relentless effort." OSU Coach Urban Meyer.
I think it's contagious
"Winning isn't everything but losing is nothing" - Ace Bricka coach of the Galaxy Aces
I second that.
"Like I said, I don’t think anybody on this team knows what schism is, let alone could use it in a sentence. I thought it was an STD when I first heard it. And I was like whoa, we preach abstinence around these parts." - Jared Allen
Beat meto it.
FIXED lol
IF YOU THINK REEM SHOULD BE RATED ANY HIGHER THAN AROUND THE #5 HEAVYWEIGHT (AND THAT IS STRETCHING IT) THEN YOU ARE A FLIPPIN MORON, PLAIN AND SIMPLE.
by Edgecrusher71 on Dec 15, 2011 5:00 PM CST up reply actions
Glad you said this
Because I was having troubles putting it into words.
If we can't laugh at ourselves, Packer fans will call us crybabies and we will be forced to kick their tooth in. I really don't want to go to jail (again).
by Alittlemore_cowbell on Dec 15, 2011 10:39 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
He should go to the Hall of Fame just for his run blocking.
I’ve him shove a defensive end into a cornerback then go take down a linebacker.
"Winning isn't everything but losing is nothing" - Ace Bricka coach of the Galaxy Aces
Well... yeah.
Sometimes there’s a player that breaks your heart to see leave, and even more so, that we couldn’t have him with us for a Super Bowl ring. He truly has given everything he’s got to this team, and I wish he was wearing a ring for his efforts.
At the same time… I suppose it’s right. He’s not getting younger, and as Mark put it recently, ‘The warrior is aging’. I don’t want him to get injured, or for him to end his career on such a note. I suppose this is right for him now… it hurts, yes, but at the same time, I nod my head in respect and admiration (and a little of something in my eye as well…), and admit that this is probably best for him… so in that way, I’m OK with it.
I guess.
261 Daily Norseman readers and counting say I am a genius... the masses have spoke!
...and those who voted 'moron' were secretly Packer trolls.
Follow @KJSegall
by KJSegall on Dec 15, 2011 2:28 PM CST reply actions 1 recs
Sasser
The only guy on the team that not only plays like a true Viking would, but dammit does he look the part. If Frasier can convince him to come back as a “tight ends” coach or something of that nature, he could make Rudolph one of the most complete tight ends in the NFL with his freak like catching ability, and any future tight ends into a pretty formidable bunch.
I will miss watching him block multiple defenders with each other.
guess I have been in denial
I feel like a kid still, but I’m firmly in middle age…K-sauce is an “old man” in the football universe, but is 23 months younger than me….
I hope he changes his mind, maybe comes back with a veteran min salary for 1-2 years, even being used as a backup, and then slide into a coaching role….I’d love to see him stick with the organization.
He might actually be a better RT than loadholdt…..
Youth movement or not
I think as long as he’s playing at an elite level, i could definitely still see the Vikings bring him back for 2 reasons:
1. I don’t think they bring Shank back – he’s in a contract year, and the Vikes have invested in Rudolph, who has amazing hands (the catch during the denver game still gives me chills). With a full off season and some rapport with ponder (along w/ some blocking so he isn’t in pass protect) I think Rudolph will be a very good TE
2. Jimmy’s pass blocking skills are still amazing. I don’t know if you guys follow 1500’s tape review each week, but it always seems Pelissero is usually raving about Jimmy picking up a block or something. The Vikes don’t have another player who can do that nearly as well and losing him would be a liability.
I think they’ll bring him back w/ a 1 year contract, plus maybe a 1 year option, load it with incentives (kind of like what they did w/ Winfield) and we have two still very productive Vets on the team.
my philosophy is you don’t cut the players just to get younger, unless they are seriously on a decline cough McNabb cough
when asked by Dan Patrick if his name alluded to not making quick decisions in the pocket, Ponder calmly replied "As crazy as it sounds, my mom's maiden name is actually Superbowlwinner. All one word"
It will be a sad day when Kleinsasser isn't taking the field as a Viking anymore...
And I kind of hope that day can be delayed a little longer. If it can’t be delayed though, he will be missed.
Life being what it is, one dreams of revenge.
- Paul Gauguin
http://www.dailynorseman.com/
Here's to 13 years of greatness at the TE position
Guys like Kleinsasser don’t come around often, he deserves HoF consideration and definitely a spot in the Vikings ring of honor
you play to WIN THE GAME, that's the great thing about sports
Thought I would add some depth
Ranks 2nd in team history by starts made by a TE with 119
Ranks 4th in catches by a TE in Vikings history with 192
and most importantly
Paved the way for 7 of the top 8 single-season rushing marks in Vikings History
you play to WIN THE GAME, that's the great thing about sports
I’ll miss him. He was a great player and has been one of the best blocking tight ends in the league, but he’s too one-dimensional to warrant Hall of Fame consideration. He should definitely go into the Ring of Honor, though.
Bullshit
Show me a lineman in the NFL right now that is half the blocker the Sause is. There are alot of linemen in the HOF right now, and Hutch will be in there soon. Hutch, and every lineman or lineman I’ve ever seen play this great game are a bunch of fairies compared to the Sause in terms of run and pass blocking. He’s earned his spot in the hall.
If we can't laugh at ourselves, Packer fans will call us crybabies and we will be forced to kick their tooth in. I really don't want to go to jail (again).
by Alittlemore_cowbell on Dec 15, 2011 11:00 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
Hutch is a fairy
That’s just got me laughing, but I do see what you’re saying.
The Vikes aren't in a remodeling or reconstruction they are in a burn the place down and start praying they don't mimic the Lions rebuilding process.
It's really hard
To get into the HoF as a blocking TE. Or a fullback.
There are no stats to point to during the discussion.
I understand that,
but the people who vote on it watch tape, and know of him as the best blocker in the NFL I’m sure.
If we can't laugh at ourselves, Packer fans will call us crybabies and we will be forced to kick their tooth in. I really don't want to go to jail (again).
by Alittlemore_cowbell on Dec 16, 2011 5:02 PM CST up reply actions
The Pro Football Hall of Fame Selection Committee meets annually at the time of the Super Bowl to elect new members to the Hall of Fame. There is no set number of new enshrinees, but the Committee’s current ground rules do stipulate that between four and seven new members will be selected each year. Every candidate is carefully scrutinized and must receive at least 80 percent approval of the Committee at the annual meeting before he can be elected.
Pretty much, they get together and go over game film.
If we can't laugh at ourselves, Packer fans will call us crybabies and we will be forced to kick their tooth in. I really don't want to go to jail (again).
by Alittlemore_cowbell on Dec 16, 2011 5:07 PM CST up reply actions
Remember
These are the same people who have continued to deny Cris Carter year after year
you play to WIN THE GAME, that's the great thing about sports
HOF considerations are you crazy.....
He should not be in the ring of honor. What did he make 1 pro bowl maybe
z
If we can't laugh at ourselves, Packer fans will call us crybabies and we will be forced to kick their tooth in. I really don't want to go to jail (again).
by Alittlemore_cowbell on Dec 16, 2011 10:32 AM CST up reply actions
Not even one.
Not one single Pro Bowl. And as far as Jimmy being in the HOF? That claim might be one of the most bizarre assertions I’ve ever read on this site. And that’s saying a lot.
by SeventhViking on Dec 16, 2011 5:26 PM CST up reply actions
We all know pro bowls are the ultimate measure of success
That’s why big Mac got in right? Maybe if it was actually the best players out there it would be more noteworthy but there is A LOT of people who get in on reputation.
He is a long shot to make it but just because he doesn’t have huge numbers doesn’t automatically make it a bizarre assertion. Players make it into the HoF based on how well they played their position. Jimmy is one of the last great blocking TE’s, they are few and far in between in today’s NFL. The position has evolved sure but he has mastered his trade and that is what being a hall of famer is all about
you play to WIN THE GAME, that's the great thing about sports
They would have to force me to retire !
I know the peoples champ has made a lot of money in his long career, but if i’m still one of the premier blocking TE’s in the league….
(I’m sure his investments and properties have been affected by the unstable market just like everyone else)
If I was the Vikings, I would offer Sasser a moderate 2yr-deal….long enough to reinforce the Oline and bring in another Balanced-TE.
By no means should they beak the bank to keep Sasser, but the Vikings don’t have anybody to replace him next year…..
He hasn't announced anything yet...
The Vikings know he is a valuable asset, and after a long and disappointing season he is likely just mulling the idea over. This season has to be a drag on him. Next off-season he will probably get the itch.
Epic win.
Rec’d.
"Like I said, I don’t think anybody on this team knows what schism is, let alone could use it in a sentence. I thought it was an STD when I first heard it. And I was like whoa, we preach abstinence around these parts." - Jared Allen
It's either the Vikings or no team.
He doesn’t want to move and if the Vikings don’t offer him a contract, he’ll retire. Simple as that. The youth movement is in full effect, I didn’t expect him back anyway.
by christian220896 on Dec 15, 2011 3:39 PM CST reply actions
I LOVE THIS GUY!
I’m selfish, I want him to be here for at least 3 more years! Then with HOPE and a PRAYER….We can get him a RING!!!
*shield tap*
Love ya, Sauce.
A few years ago it became kind of a live meme among the small group of Vikings fan I watch with- “SAUCE IS IN! SCORE INCOMING!”
Then it turned into a legitimate joy and feeling of security seeing #40 hustle onto the field from the sidelines. Even if the buy guy only pulled in a couple yards, the guttural yell of “SAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAUCE!!!” every time he had his hands on the ball always filled my heart with delight.
In the last couple years, just seeing him prevent Favre/Tjack/Webb/McNabb/Ponder from getting completely murdered with his stellar blocking was inspiring.
An absolute unsung hero in this game (although not unsung to many of us).
If these are Sauce’s last three games- well… there aren’t enough ‘thank yous’ for his service from me.
SKOL!
by Odin'sDrunkenSon on Dec 15, 2011 4:00 PM CST reply actions
*correction
“Even if the buy guy only pulled in a couple yards”
‘buy’ should obviously be ‘big’. :p
Damnit I wish we had an edit button lol
by Odin'sDrunkenSon on Dec 15, 2011 4:03 PM CST up reply actions
as suggested in another thread
Hire the Sauce to coach blocking and I will add hire Winfield to coach tackling. Then if we need them due to injuries sign them as players.
by SouthernNorseman on Dec 15, 2011 4:06 PM CST via mobile reply actions
While we're at it
Re-sign Chris Coleman to play opposite Jared Allen. That isn’t sarcasm either, he looks like he could still play
by Amrius on Dec 15, 2011 5:24 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
Flying Saucer, one of my all-time favorites. If he's done, I'll be sad.
Should be first-ballot Ring of Honor, no problem, in my opinion.
SAVE THE SAUCE!!!
I hope the Viking brass isn’t pushing K-Sass out just because they have Rudolph, Reisner, and Shuler. If you think the O-line’s blocking is bad now, just waiting until K-Sass is gone.
Ring of Honor?
I love Kleinsasser, and his retirement will definitely indicate the ending of an era. But explain to me why (and not just based on emotion) does he deserve to be in the same company as Carter, Tarkenton, Studwell, Randle, Stringer etc?
Also of note.
He has not appeared in a single Pro Bowl. I love the guy a lot, and he’s a fan favorite for good reason. But he’s not deserving of the Ring of Honor.
by SeventhViking on Dec 15, 2011 5:44 PM CST up reply actions
Ahhh can you say...
I believe the ring of honor is not only about a guys play but also his characture and contribution to the team. For years he has been the best old school blocking type TE in the game. Im all for this guy in the ring of honor.
@}-----You've been Touched-----{@
Why does he deserve to be in??
ANSWER : High level of play, longevity, and for being a class act on and off the field. For being an outstanding representation of our Minnesota Vikings. As for not making the Probowl, that’s because the only TE’s to make the Probowl are glorified receivers. The TE representative is unfairly chosen solely on their receiving stats.
Yes.
Period. Dot.
"Go hard. I mean, like relentless. I want a bunch of coaches that coach like their hair’s on fire, and I want a football team that goes for four to six seconds (per play) with relentless effort." OSU Coach Urban Meyer.
Isn't even a question.
Ring of Honor.
"Like I said, I don’t think anybody on this team knows what schism is, let alone could use it in a sentence. I thought it was an STD when I first heard it. And I was like whoa, we preach abstinence around these parts." - Jared Allen
Carter, Tarkenton, Studwell, Randle, Stringer
One of these things is not like the other.
by Birdman84 on Dec 15, 2011 9:04 PM CST up reply actions 2 recs
That thing might be a lot like
Sauce though.
If it weren't 11:05 at night right now
I’d hop on my computer and you’d be flagged for ignorance.
If we can't laugh at ourselves, Packer fans will call us crybabies and we will be forced to kick their tooth in. I really don't want to go to jail (again).
by Alittlemore_cowbell on Dec 15, 2011 11:06 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
CAVikefan
As a proud FIGHTING SIOUX (Take that you ncaa ___holes) alumni, it has been great watching Kliny stand tall in the NFL for all these years. I agree, it would have been nice to get the guy a ring, to hard of a worker not to have one!
SKOL Kliny…
On a day
when I just got done reading about the Sam Hurd bust. Thinking of the Scaucer what a wonderful career and an example of how to do it right…
@}-----You've been Touched-----{@
say it ain't so
if he goes they might as well just up and move the team… to beverly….beverly hil……to distraught must regain composure
skol I guess
A successful coach needs a patient wife, loyal dog, and great quarterback - and not necessarily in that order.
-- Bud Grant
Re-sign him.
He’s got plenty of solid blocking left in the tank, I know it!
One of my favorite guys. I remember I’d cheer so loud when he’d catch TD passes. Very easy guy to love. Say it ain’t so, Jim. Skol.
I'm still a Minnesotan at heart...
This is sad news
I think he still has something in the tank and honestly it would be excellent to see him with the team even if they don’t offer him an extension. There is a level of excitement watching him catch a ball and trundle down hill. With that said though their is an even greater sense of excitement watching him clean the clocks of opposing defenders. It would be interesting to see what some of them would say about the man.
As for the people who don’t respect his contributions because they are difficult to quantify, well not everything breaks down to numbers is all I can say.
The Vikes aren't in a remodeling or reconstruction they are in a burn the place down and start praying they don't mimic the Lions rebuilding process.
Here's to the 'K-man'!
Jimmy K has been one of my favorite Vikings players over the past few years. He has always been known for his blocking abilities. His leadership and method of setting an example by going out and just doing his job will be missed. His loyalty to the team is obvious with his "Vikings or nothing’ stance. I’m hoping he’ll be there for as many years as possible to set the example for some of the younger players.
Stud
The sauce is a total stud. I’m from western North Dakota and though he is quite a bit older than I am a lot of my dads friends remember watching him in High School at state events. He crushed the shot put state record, was the ANCHOR in the mens 4 X 100 meter relay which took state, and was the stand out player on the basketball team for Carrington which went to state. And of the course football speaks for itself. He will be missed and should go down as one of the greatest Vikings in team history.
YOu guys are drinking too much sauce
No way is he a HOF or worthy of the ring of honor
z
If we can't laugh at ourselves, Packer fans will call us crybabies and we will be forced to kick their tooth in. I really don't want to go to jail (again).
by Alittlemore_cowbell on Dec 16, 2011 10:32 AM CST up reply actions
It is inevitable. Father time waits for no man.
I am curious why so many think Reisner is going to be a contributor going forward. He is young, I get that but I have to question a young player who can’t get a shot on this Vikings team.
I'm not sure
I’ve seen almost nothing on him.
One guy I think can step into the Sause’s role with some time and grooming is Ryan D’Impero. He’s making an impact every time he hits the field in terms of blocking downfield and on the LOS.
If we can't laugh at ourselves, Packer fans will call us crybabies and we will be forced to kick their tooth in. I really don't want to go to jail (again).
by Alittlemore_cowbell on Dec 16, 2011 10:38 AM CST up reply actions
Am I the only one thinking
that we have too many positions to fill to not keep the Sauce around for another season or two. I don’t know what the pay/contract situation is, but I don’t think the Vikes resigning him will put us over the cap.
Keep him until he wants too retire
He could go back to fullback or even oline .And hes the only one one the team that remembers what it takes to be in the playoff hunt every year!
The anti modern athlete.........
that keeps his mouth shut, doesn’t complain, shows up every day and does what is asked of him. Oh, and remains loyal to his team. Thank you for your efforts JK. Well done.
Now, move to right guard, OK?
by Mel Allen on Dec 16, 2011 4:15 PM CST reply actions 1 recs
Right Gaurd?
How about Left Tackle?
If we can't laugh at ourselves, Packer fans will call us crybabies and we will be forced to kick their tooth in. I really don't want to go to jail (again).
by Alittlemore_cowbell on Dec 16, 2011 5:03 PM CST up reply actions
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