Minnesota Vikings By The Numbers: #21

We are just about through the 20s as we make our way through our Minnesota Vikings By The Numbers series. Today, we’ve reached the number 21, and like a few other numbers we’ve had in this range, the decision for this one really comes down to a running back vs a defensive back.

The Vikings selected Clemson running back Terry Allen in the ninth round of the 1990 NFL Draft, and he spent his rookie year on injured reserve after tearing an ACL. He was the backup to Herschel Walker in 1991, and upon gaining the starting job in 1992 rushed for 1,201 yards and 13 touchdowns. In 1993, he missed the entire season after tearing his “good” ACL during training camp. He came back in 1994 and posted another 1,000+ yard season, but with Robert Smith also in the fold, the team decided to let Allen walk away. He went on to have the two best seasons of his career with the Washington Redskins in 1995 and 1996, and stayed in the league until 2001, making stops in New England, New Orleans, and Baltimore before hanging it up.

Defensive back Corey Chavous was signed by the Vikings before the 2002 season after starting his career with the Arizona Cardinals. A cornerback during his time in Arizona, Chavous started at cornerback for one season in Minnesota before the team made the move to switch him to safety. Chavous was a big success at the safety spot immediately, as he intercepted eight passes in 2003 and was voted to the Pro Bowl at the safety position. Known as one of the smartest players in the league. . .he now runs his own draft scouting website. . .Chavous was one of the leaders of the Minnesota defense until he departed the team following the 2005 season. He played for the St. Louis Rams for three seasons before announcing his retirement after the 2008 season.

Those are really the two primary options for the number 21 for the Vikings. Not really a whole lot in the way of honorable mentions for this one, either. Moe Williams wore the #21 in his first stretch with the Vikings, but wore a different number for his second (and much more productive) stint with the team. We’ll talk about him a little more tomorrow.

Vikings that have worn the number 21:

• Chuck Lamson (1962 - 1963)
• Tom Michel (1964)
• Jim Lindsey (1966 - 1972)
• Joe Blahak (1974)
• Rufus Bess (1982 - 1987)
• Terry Allen (1990 - 1994)
• Charles Mincy (1995)
• Moe Williams (1996 - 2000)
• Henry Jones (2001)
• Dale Carter (2001)
• Corey Chavous (2002 - 2005)
• Fred Smoot (2006)
• Mike Doss (2007)
• Marcus McCauley (2008)
• Asher Allen (2009 - 2011)
• Josh Robinson (2012 - 2015)
• Jerick McKinnon (2016 - present)

We will wrap up the 20s tomorrow, folks. Enjoy the rest of your day!