EAGAN, Minn. — The Vikings are mourning the loss of former running back and five-time special teams captain Jim Lindsey.
Lindsey, 81, passed away Sunday in his home state of Arkansas, and the team is sending condolences to his family.
After a college career highlighted by helping the 1964 Razorbacks win the national championship (Football Writers Association of America), Lindsey was drafted in the second round of the 1966 NFL Draft by Minnesota (27th overall) and second round of the 1966 AFL Draft by the Buffalo Bills (17th overall).
Ultimately, he opted for Minnesota and started six games as a rookie, contributing career highs of 57 rushes, 20 receptions, 250 receiving yards and two touchdowns through the air in inaugural Head Coach Norm Van Brocklin's final season with the team.
Lindsey shifted to a reserve role once Bud Grant was hired, but he became one of the Hall of Famer's close friends. Lindsey became special teams captain in 1968 (Grant's second season) and held the role until his retirement.
Lindsey totaled 84 games with Minnesota, rushing 178 times for 566 yards and six touchdowns (four in 1968) and catching 56 passes for 632 yards with four touchdowns through the air. He also fielded 11 kickoffs for 200 yards during his time with the Vikings.
"He was a good guy, good teammate and somebody, when I came onto the team, that was a steady veteran voice," said former tight end Stu Voigt, whose 11 seasons with Minnesota began in 1970. "He was a good mentor type of guy, very smart player and total team guy. He was a great special teams player for us, and guys knew he was reliable and a real pro."
Hall of Fame quarterback Fran Tarkenton teamed with Lindsey in 1966 before heading to the Giants via trade and again in 1972 upon returning from New York. Tarkenton was impressed by Lindsey in multiple ways.
"Jim Lindsey was one of the smartest human beings I've ever known," Tarkenton said. "Great football player, reliable, really good person and great business guy. There hasn't been a better human being than Jim Lindsey. I love Jim Lindsey."
After retiring from football, Lindsey directed his efforts toward a successful real estate career, which he launched in Northwest Arkansas with his NFL signing bonus, and philanthropy.
He also ran for governor of Arkansas in 1976 but lost in the primary to incumbent David Pryor.
Lindsey's company grew to own thousands of apartments and more than three dozen golf courses across multiple states — some complexes had courses, increasing access to playing golf. He garnered induction to the Arkansas Business Hall of Fame in 2010.
Lindsey also remained connected to Arkansas and Razorbacks athletics and was inducted to the Arkansas Sports Hall of Honor in 1987. He worked with former Razorbacks teammate and Cowboys Owner Jerry Jones on the Jerry Jones/Jim Lindsey Hall of Champions in the Broyles Athletic Complex at Arkansas.
"Jim Lindsey was an incredible man. His name is one of the first names mentioned as a cornerstone of Arkansas football," current Razorbacks Head Coach Ryan Silverfield said in a social media post. "The influence he had as a player and later in life with his support in several ways is undeniable. His legacy lives on through his incredible family. We will keep them in our thoughts as they handle the loss of an Arkansas legend."
Minnesota Gophers sophomore QB Drake Lindsey is one of Jim's grandsons.
