Minnesota Vikings By The Numbers: #75

We are nearly a quarter of the way into our numerical journey through Minnesota Vikings history, as we’re now at the number 75. There’s one particular #75 that pretty well towers above the rest, but there are a few other names that bear mentioning.

If we go chronologically, we had a decent run of 75s starting in 1971 with Bob Lurtesma. “Benchwarmer” Bob had the number from 1971 to 1976, starting just two of his 55 career games in a Vikings’ uniform.

In 1978, the number went to defensive end Randy Holloway. While Holloway didn’t see a lot of field time either. . .he started 31 of his 97 career games in purple. . .he did collect a few sacks, including 7.5 in 1983.

Then, in 1985, we have the man that, for my money. . .and I’m guessing a lot of other people’s money. . .is the best Viking ever to wear the #75 in defensive tackle Keith Millard. Though his career with the Vikings was cut short by injuries, he was an absolute monster when he was healthy. He was named the NFL’s Defensive Player of the Year in 1989, a season that saw him set the record for quarterback sacks by a defensive tackle with a whopping 18. (That was only the second-highest total for a Viking that year, though. . .Chris Doleman picked up 21.) Unfortunately, he suffered a major knee injury early in the 1990 season, and he missed all of 1991 as a result. The Vikings ultimately released him before the 1992 season.

From the famous to the infamous, we have offensive tackle Matt Kalil. The #4 overall pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, Kalil was very good as a rookie and then was. . .well. . .not. He had four more up and down (mostly down) seasons after that, and then moved on to the Carolina Panthers this offseason. Kalil will always be a “what could have been” as far as his tenure with the Vikings was concerned, and I have no idea why he was never able to replicate the success of his rookie year.

Those are the notable #75s in the history of the Vikings, folks.

Vikings that have worn the number 75:

Pat Russ (1963)

Mike Bundra (1964)

Bob Breitenstein (1967)

Bob Lurtesma (1971 - 1976)

Randy Holloway (1978 - 1984)

Keith Millard (1985 - 1990)

Bernard Dafney (1994)

James Manley (1996)

Matt Birk (1998)

Joe Phillips (1999)

Mike Rosenthal (2003 - 2006)

Matt Kalil (2012 - 2016)

I think there’s one fairly obvious choice here, but apparently people love them some voting, so. . .

Number 74 will come your way on Sunday!