Vikings Hope To Send The People's Champion Out In Style
by Ted Glover on Dec 29, 2011 7:50 AM CST
in Minnesota Vikings 2011 Season
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PrintSunday marks the end of a 13 year career for Jim Kleinsasser, People's Champion, and the Vikings want to send him out with a bang.
I'm not one to step on Chris' Fantasy Sleeper of the Week, but you might want to think about starting KSauce, because from the sound of it the Vikings are going to do everything they can to get him into the end zone, and get him a fair amount of touches.
In this lost season, one of the few guys that has performed at a consistently high level has been #40. He looks like he's the best tackle on the team, which is as much a compliment to him as it is an indictment on the regular tackles. He consistently seals off the edge or delivers a punishing lead block to spring Adrian Peterson or Toby Gerhart, and he's done it for 13 years. According to Pro Football Focus, he has been the best TE in the NFL over the last three years in pass blocking efficiency, and they've labeled him their 'Secret Superstar.'
Almost every game, without fail, Kleinsasser puts the smackdown on somebody and I look at my Dad and go 'ooooh, did you see that block'? My Dad smiles and says 'yeah, was that #40?' I smile and say 'yeah, that was him'. (My dad has a horrible time pronouncing names, so he gave up on Kleinsasser a long time ago. He just calls him '#40' or 'that kid from North Dakota').
My Dad and I hoot and holler like the VIkes just won the Super Bowl whenever he catches a pass--seriously, it's an event in the Glover household. If/when he scores against the Bears, I might accidentally knock a lamp over or something...if my Dad doesn't beat me to it.
What am I going to miss the most about Kleinsasser? Well, next season we are going to come to find how sorely the Vikings miss his ability to obliterate people, and I think it's going to be noticeable. I like Kyle Rudolph, and I think he's going to be a great TE for the Vikes, but if I could paraphase the late Lloyd Bentsen: Mr. Rudolph, I know Jim Kleinsasser's blocking. Jim Kleinsasser's blocking is a friend of mine. You can't block like Jim Kleinsasser.
Mostly, I'll miss Kleinsasser because he was just an awesome guy to root for. He took his job seriously, but never really seemed to take himself seriously, and seems to have a perspective about who he was, what his role was, and how to lead by example. It's a quality not found in a lot of athletes these days, and it's still appreciated by a lot of fans, this one included.
The Vikings are entering into uncertain waters this off season, and it kind of feels like the rudder is leaving.
And that bums me out.
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A legend...
It’d be kinda cool if we could put together something to send him – perhaps a big, long petition of thank-you’s and messages?
by Curvespace on Dec 29, 2011 8:35 AM CST reply actions 1 recs
I have always thought
It would be great to get him a “The Sauce is Boss” shirt. the shirts are made by the YouTube sensations Epic Meal Time which you guys should check out anyway but ever since I saw those shirts that idea came across my mind.
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 29, 2011 10:14 AM CST via Android app up reply actions
This is a great idea!
It’d be really cool if a few of us could chip in a buck or so a piece and send him a “Good Luck, Thanks For the Memories – From The Daily Norseman” shirt or something like that.
Build up your weaknesses until they become your strong points." --Knute Rockne
Ask management...
I’ll be up for contributing. Perhaps a donation to a charity on his behalf or something?..
I will contribute as well
I’ve been sitting on my couch long enough playing MW3 some of my loose change must’ve fallen into the cushions.
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.
Count me in
Jimmy K’s been a true Viking, he will be missed.
Ah, ah,
We come from the land of the ice and snow,
From the midnight sun where the hot springs blow.
The hammer of the gods will drive our ships to new lands,
To fight the horde, singing and crying: Valhalla, I am coming!
SKOL!
I guess it just says Sauce Boss
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 29, 2011 11:58 PM CST up reply actions
they really......
…..can’t find a way to bring him back for another year?? There are how many players on the roster??? You’re writing is on-point, his presence on and off the field will be missed…..in the day of spoiled-rotten players he is old-school and I love it….
by Marooned Pirate on Dec 29, 2011 8:39 AM CST reply actions
When it's time, it's time
Retirement comes for everyone eventually. He had a great run and will be sorely missed.
You know, part of me agrees with this sentiment
But I applaud the guy for going out on his terms, when he wants to. It’s sad to see him go, but it would be even worse seeing him stick sround for a year too long and getting manhandled by guys he used to be able to squish like a bug, or God Forbid, getting seriously hurt.
No, I’m glad he’s going out while he’s still at the top of his game. That’s how I want to remember him.
"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.
It was a personal decision...
Kleinsasser knows when it is time to hang up the cleats, he has his health, his head and his knees are still intact… Sometimes it is best to quit while you are ahead.
My old man got me a Kleinsasser jersey for Christmas. It sucks that I’ll only get to wear it for one game of his career, but I will be wearing it proudly long after he retires.
by fitzyfantastic on Dec 29, 2011 8:59 AM CST via mobile reply actions
In the old days
I used ot get so pissed at players retiring when they still had a lot left in the tank (see: Exhibit A, Robert Smith). To those of us without pro football ability, it seemed like such a waste of an amazing talent and lifestyle.
Now? I’m glad. All of the focus on concussions has really made me question how viable football is in its current state. I don’t want to be reading stories about Kleinsasser living under a bridge or in a home at 55 because of concussions. Bad knees and arthritis are one thing. Dementia, depression and suicide are a whole other category.
What a great player he was, I’m sorry he never made it to the SuperBowl but he can leaved with his head high.
by Darren From The Bronx on Dec 29, 2011 9:26 AM CST reply actions
but what some dont realize
is maybe roids were bigger in the 80’s than people like to admit . because those are the same characteristics …. maybe to cover it up some were not series of noggin knockers but juicing . lyle alzato died from the roids but years after career. or a combo of both who knows for sure
by skol viking on Dec 29, 2011 11:56 AM CST up reply actions
Role Model
It is sad to see a real sports role model leave the game, there just aren’t enough of them anymore. He has been one of the players that I have pointed out to my son since he started playing football. I am working as fast as I can to get my son ready to replce him but it will be at least 10 years. Also it doesn’t hurt he wears the same number I did in high school and grew up less that an hours drive from my home town.
I hope we get to see a TD from TPC in his final game. It would be a great start the New Year. Not sure other fans would realize what Kleinsasser means to the Vikings and their fans, but it has been a pleasure to watch him for the past 13 years. Send him out in style, please.
"When I put on my uniform, I feel I am the proudest man on earth."
-Roberto
by blackjackfishtaco on Dec 29, 2011 9:54 AM CST reply actions
game tied with 1 second left. 4th and 1 from the one. everyone knows...
and yet no one can stop it. The people’s champ for the game winning TD.
I will hate to pick # 6 in the draft
But I really want the vikings to beat the bears this sunday, we need to finish this horrendous season on a positive note, We need Ponder to have a good game, we need at least one interception, I will be very Happy if Allen gets 4 sacks but my day will be completelly great if #40 have a great game with at least a TD
Picking at #6 is not that bad, there are plenty of good players that will be available for us
Go Vikings
SKOL !!!!!!!!
Oh, that would rock
4 sacks from Allen and a #40 TD. Perfect way to end the season.
by REVENGE4KLUWE on Dec 29, 2011 9:37 PM CST up reply actions
yeah I would rather win
With kleinsasser getting a TD or two and Allen breaking the record
"You can write articles and do whatever you want, you can break down every player. Good, bad or ugly. But we just aren't good enough as a team, as a group. Offensively, defensively and special teams, from the No. 1 on the roster to the last man on the roster. We just aren't good enough. It's as simple as that." - Chad Greenway
by Grape Drank on Dec 30, 2011 12:03 AM CST up reply actions
Agree with KSauce excitement
Every time he touches the ball, be it a dump pass or what-have-you, my brother and I always jump up and yell “Sausage” as we watch run over lesser dbs during hid rumbling-bumblin.
Don't you know who the *^$% I am?
by Jeppernaut on Dec 29, 2011 10:08 AM CST via mobile reply actions
For the sake of everything that is holy:
Would someone please upload the bit where Ray Edwards got leveled by The People’s Champ this season?
A picture ..1000 words, a video..1000000 words (and law suits…but who cares)!
Upload it NOW.
kleinsasser sign
will be at the game on sunday, sitting 12 rows up in the end zone and would love to have an eye catching sign for Kleinsasser…….any thoughts or ideas!!
You should download a beard too!
http://prod.static.vikings.clubs.nfl.com/assets/docs/beard-122911.pdf
You can print out a Jim Kleinsasser beard and wear it as a cutout. Courtesy of the Vikings to celebrate his last game.
"You can write articles and do whatever you want, you can break down every player. Good, bad or ugly. But we just aren't good enough as a team, as a group. Offensively, defensively and special teams, from the No. 1 on the roster to the last man on the roster. We just aren't good enough. It's as simple as that." - Chad Greenway
by Grape Drank on Dec 30, 2011 12:07 AM CST up reply actions
The Sass
was simply born about two thousand years too late. This man was made to dual wield battle axes wearing animal pelts covered in blood as he cuts a bloody swath through a Roman Legion. Don’t lie. You know you can see it too.
by Jepp The Viking on Dec 29, 2011 10:56 AM CST reply actions
when we make it
To the big game we best re-sign him….. If just for one game, to sit on the sideline
by Lunchpail on Dec 29, 2011 11:41 AM CST via mobile reply actions
I'm going to miss seeing Jim Kleinsasser play.
Because he was so often blocking rather than receiving, he was the kind of player you noticed more if something went wrong. When he was doing a good job, nobody really mentioned him, but I get the feeling the Vikings will miss him next year.
Life being what it is, one dreams of revenge.
- Paul Gauguin
http://www.dailynorseman.com/
I hate to admit it
When #40 lumbers into the end zone this Sunday there’s a good chance I’m gonna tear up dice some onions. I’ve loved KSauce as far back as I remember. He’s such an asset we are really going to miss him next year. I sincerely hope the Vikes find a way to keep him around, maybe as a trainer or coach. Hell, make him the O-Line coach, he’s a better blocker than any of those guys.
Skol Vikings.
Ah yes, the sauce
I remeber all the years whenever he gotta catch me nd my dad would go crazy, then he’d ramble on some story about where the sauce is from and whatnot… goodtimes
by AP's Future Replacement on Dec 29, 2011 1:48 PM CST via mobile reply actions
I will also miss the Sauce.
Being a Lions fan, I’ve had the privilege of seeing him light up my boys twice a year for thirteen years. He’s exactly the type of player I love to watch. I have much respect for a player who game in/game out is willing to run up and smack someone in the mouth on every single down. I’m sorry for your loss Vikings fans. Good luck after football Sauce.
It's turkey, Lions and Macy's. Any other combination is just ludicrous.
Twitter is for pussies. I follow people in real life.
"Ambition is a poor excuse for not having sense enough to be lazy." - Charlie McCarthy
Watching Sauce was a pleasure
but the times you noticed him most was when he wasn’t in, and that run up the middle didn’t quite break open. that end got to the tackle a little to fast. K Sauce was never going to be a big play player however, he was the guy who made big play players.
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.
Jim Kleinsasser - World Champion Curler and Llama rider!
What in the name of Sam Snead is this supposed to be?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QwzkuBq_w6Q&feature=related
Build up your weaknesses until they become your strong points." --Knute Rockne
That was.... unique
lol
Ah, ah,
We come from the land of the ice and snow,
From the midnight sun where the hot springs blow.
The hammer of the gods will drive our ships to new lands,
To fight the horde, singing and crying: Valhalla, I am coming!
SKOL!
older video of TPC
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5KHaKOjX_Hs
“flying-sasser” according to the announcer, heh.
Props from Peter King
In case you missed it, Peter King had some nice words about The Sauce on SI.com this week:
“Jim Kleinsasser retires after Sunday’s game. Memo to Jim: The game will really miss you. You’ve always done it right, you’ve never complained about how much you touch the ball or who you have to block. You’ve appreciated your lot in life and realized how fortunate you’ve been to be an NFL player. Been a pleasure watching you for 13 years.”
It’s nice to see JK getting the recognition he deserves….
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