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On Saturday, prior to their preseason contest at U.S. Bank Stadium against the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Minnesota Vikings will pay tribute to their former offensive line coach, Tony Sparano.
According to Courtney Cronin of ESPN, Sparano’s wife Jeanette, his daughter Ryan, and his son Tony, Jr., will serve as honorary captains for Saturday’s game. Tony Sparano, Jr., is the current assistant offensive line coach for the Jaguars.
The family will be presented with a painting of Sparano, and a tribute video will be shown prior to the game, followed by a moment of silence.
Former Vikings’ offensive lineman Joe Berger will also be given the honor of sounding the Gjallarhorn prior to kickoff of Saturday’s game. Berger played under Sparano on three different teams: the Dallas Cowboys from 2006 to 2008, the Miami Dolphins in 2010 and 2011, and the Vikings in 2016 and 2017.
The Vikings are also wearing a decal on their helmets this season to honor Sparano’s memory.
Sparano passed away just days before the start of Training Camp as a result of suffering cardiac arrest. The team delayed the official start of camp for a day so that the organization could attend his memorial service.
Kickoff between the Jaguars and the Vikings is at noon Central time on Saturday at U.S. Bank Stadium. If you want to see the tribute to Coach Sparano, make sure you get there well ahead of time.