Greatest Viking Of All Time: (5) Jim Kleinsasser vs. (12) Ed McDaniel

The first round of our Greatest Viking Of All Time Tournament continues on here at The Daily Norseman, folks! Today's first round match-up pairs a sentimental favorite against one of the more overlooked linebackers in team history.

Jim Kleinsasser

Alma Mater: University of North Dakota
Acquired by Vikings: Round 2, 1999 NFL Draft
Seasons in Minnesota: 13 (1999-2011)
Position: Tight end

A long-time fan favorite in Minnesota, Kleinsasser had his opportunities to go elsewhere, but played his entire 13-year career in the purple and gold. Though he was never really known for his receiving prowess, he does rank 4th in receptions for Vikings tight ends with 192. What he was known, however, was his great blocking skills, whether it was as a fullback (where he started his career, hence his wearing of the #40) or at the tight end position. A guy that was never afraid to take on anybody, Kleinsasser found his way into the hearts of the Vikings faithful.

Not a lot of Kleinsasser highlight videos, unfortunately.

Ed McDaniel

Alma Mater: Clemson University
Acquired by Vikings: Round 5, 1992 NFL Draft
Seasons in Minnesota: 10 (1992-2001)
Position: Linebacker

Ed McDaniel wasn't your prototypical middle linebacker, standing in at just 5'11", but he did an outstanding job filling in the middle of the Vikings' linebacker corps for the majority of the decade he was wearing the purple. According to Pro Football Reference, he stands as the fourth-leading tackler in Minnesota Vikings history, and made the Pro Bowl during the Vikings' great 1998 season. He was never the marquee guy on the Vikings' defense, but he certainly made his presence felt to opposing offenses.

Here's a review of how the voting process works, folks.

-If you want to vote for Jim Kleinsasser, rec the comment that says, "Vote - Jim Kleinsasser"
-If you want to vote for Ed McDaniel, rec the comment that says, "Vote - Ed McDaniel"

Don't rec both comments. . .we're on the honor system here, folks. Although I don't know why you'd rec both anyway. . .you'd end up just canceling yourself out.

Please do not reply to either of the top two comments. . .if you want to debate or make your case or what have you, feel free to do so underneath those top two comments. Remember. . .only recs count, so make sure that's how you register your vote.

The voting will remain open until 8 AM Central time tomorrow, at which point the next two match-ups will be posted.

Have at it, everybody!