Kleinsasser's first love was basketball, but football came naturally because he liked hitting people. Kleinsasser attended the University of North Dakota and played for the North Dakota Fighting Sioux football team from 1995 to 1998 before being drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in 1999. When it was time to take a sheep to the fair, he yanked the back seat out of a '66 Chevy, and made Jimmy ride with the sheep in back, the sheep bleating the whole way. Fact Check: We strive for accuracy and fairness. Here's to a guy who's always been an accountable teammate. Jimmy wanted to be included. Thacker is a licensed, clinical social worker with extensive experience in helping solve homelessness, as well as helping people dealing with mental health and substance abuse issues. She would turn her back, post me up and hit this sweet little fadeaway baseline jumper, and I'd try to lean on her and fall on my butt. You can also find out who is Jim Kleinsasser dating now and celebrity dating histories at CelebsCouples. Im content.. We have estimated [fetch instagram= display=posts show=2 ]. WanMor, the sons of R&B legend Wanya Morris of Boyz II Men, sang the National Anthem prior to the Vikings-Jets game on Dec. 4. He was moved back to his natural position of tight end in 2001. Chinese Zodiac: Jim Kleinsasser was born in the Year of the Rabbit. Kleinsasser retired after the 2011 season and said it has been different not suiting up on Sunday. , money, salary, income, and assets. He continued his 13-year career with the Vikings in the 2011 season. Ive been blessed with the opportunity to spend some big amount of time with them, which has been a huge help in the transition. In football, he was a two time All-Region honoree and All-State honoree, and was twice named the Gatorade Circle of Champions North Dakota Player of the Year. Its been a blast. The celebrity, tv-personality & actor is dating Todd Spiewak, his starsign is Aries and he is now 49 years of age. "I gotta get to town," Jimmy said. Astrologers and astronomers could only work with planets visible to the eye. 1995 Class B State Championship basketball team, North Dakota Fighting Sioux football team, "Offensive Player Profile of the Week: Jim Kleinsasser: Minnesota Vikings", "Recent news on Jim Kleinsasser - Minnesota Vikings - Rotoworld.com", "Jim Kleinsasser will retire at the end of the year", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Jim_Kleinsasser&oldid=1147135113, North Dakota Fighting Hawks football players, North Dakota Fighting Hawks men's basketball players, Players of American football from North Dakota, Short description is different from Wikidata, NFL player missing current team parameter, Infobox NFL biography articles missing alt text and caption, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 29 March 2023, at 01:56. When he was little, he'd run into the yard and lay a hit on the family dog that would get him fined by the NFL today. He was always a good eater.". "He's one of the special few who has the genetic makeup to endure the brutality of this game and come back, week after week, and play through injuries, and at a high level. JUMP TO: Jim Kleinsassers biography, facts, family, personal life, zodiac, videos, net worth, and popularity. Whos the richest Football Player in the world. "What I personally remember about Jimmy, and miss, is that we were always two of the earlier guys to show up in the locker room. We stopped playing when I was in the seventh or eighth grade, because it just got too physical. Vikings RT Brian O'Neill sounded the Gjallarhorn prior to Sunday's game against the Giants. Vikings head coach Mike Tice said, If people look at the true requirements of the position, then I think they would agree that Jimmy is the best all-around tight end in the league.. Some may argue that the Vikings should have cut ties with him long ago, because of his age and because of how the league has become so pass-happy. Saxophonist Trey Daniels, whose first single "86th St." was listed on the Smooth Jazz Billboard Chart in 2017, performed the National Anthem prior to the Vikings-Giants game on Dec. 24. He outlasted the likes of Torii Hunter, Kevin Garnett and Matt Birk, three celebrated local athletes whose substantial contracts prompted their departures. Kleinsasser spent his entire 13-year career with the Vikings. Kleinsasser was selected by the Vikings in the second round of the 1999 draft. The 46-year-old football player was born in North Dakota, United States. People born under this sign are often seen as humorous and gifted in literature and art. He doesn't eat cereal. I guess that was his early lesson in humility.". Leaving that locker room for the last time is probably going to be tough, though.. Kleinsasser has played for four head coaches. Looking back, UND running back Phillip Moore, the school's all-time leading rusher with 5,467 yards, remembers his 1998 team mostly using tight end Jim Kleinsasser in the screen game. For him to make it 13 years, damn near 180 games, and still be standing at the end of it, that's something special. ", Jimmy would get angry at his father, too, during games of H-O-R-S-E. "He'd cheat," Carter said. For him to make it 13 years, damn near 180 games, and still be standing at the end of it, that's something special. Like many famous people and celebrities, Jim Kleinsasser keeps his personal life private. North Dakota was a Division II school at the time. Long snapper Cullen Loeffler has played for the Vikings since 2004. In track, he has the N.D. Class B State T&F Meet records for shot put (62ft, 2 in) and discus throw (183ft, 11 in). He would ride in the family trucks when his parents were working, and his mother figured out how to keep him happy. Kleinsasser played for four head coaches (Dennis Green, Mike Tice, Brad Childress and Frazier) and two owners (Red McCombs, Zygi Wilf). He's six weeks old.' Eventually, after switching to tight end, Kleinsasser became one of the most versatile blockers on the team. He has also spent time fishing and being outdoors. The Vikings traded three draft picks to Pittsburgh to move up and select him in the second round of the 1999 NFL draft, 44th overall. Vikings coach Leslie Frazier vowed to send off Kleinsasser with a touchdown, which the blocking specialist has not scored in four years. The Kleinsassers expected Jimmy to be drafted in the second or third round by the New York Giants. He outlasted the likes of Torii Hunter, Kevin Garnett and Matt Birk, three celebrated local athletes whose substantial contracts prompted their departures. He's broken many a rushing record and could eventually go down as one of the greatest of all time. The school gym had six backboards, two of which were not breakaways, one of which Kleinsasser had demolished with a dunk. He was born in 1977 in Carrington, and at 6'3" and 272 pounds, he's now playing tight end for the Minnesota Vikings. Ive got nothing but great memories to look back on.. Like I already said, Kleinsasser has always put his team above all else. So, how much is Jim Kleinsasser worth at the age of 46 years old? Then Vikings coach Denny Green traded three draft choices to the Steelers for the chance to take Jimmy with the 44th pick. ), 'Smiley-face killer' theorist accused of St. Paul sex assault at time of Zamlen search, Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information. Weekend nights, teenagers would cruise the main drag. Of the players who were on the Vikings' roster for that game, only he and Birk, his friend who left the Vikings to sign with the Baltimore Ravens, are still in the NFL. "We'd hang out by our lockers in the morning and in the equipment room during lunch, the non-nonsense, no-glamour guys," Birk said. ", When Sheri got her license, she'd drive into Carrington daily to shoot hoops or lift weights. He's proved tough enough to last, versatile enough to adapt, talented enough to engender loyalty, affordable enough to fit into every budget, and diligent and likeable enough to endear himself to a disparate mix of bosses. If you feel you have received this message in error, please contact the customer support team at 1-833-248-7801. But parting ways with Kleinsasser prematurely wouldn't have allowed the Vikings to accomplish the seemingly few feats that the fans cling on to. "Once I had a license, Jimmy would want to come with us. BMTN Staff Updated: Mar 8, 2018 Kleinsasser retired at the end of the 2011 NFL season after 13 seasons with the Vikings.[7]. Jim Kleinsassers income source is mostly from being a successful . Jim Kleinsasser (Football, 1995-99): A two-time NCAA Division II All-America tight end (1997, 1998) A three-time All-NCC First Team selection Helped UND to a four-year record of 32-10 and two appearances in the NCAA DII playoffs during his collegiate career Member of UND's 1995 NCC championship team 1999 Senior Bowl starter He was 3. The Minnesota Vikings drafted him with the. Jim Kleinsasser, the longest-tenured Viking on the team's roster, is entering his 13th year in the NFL -- all in Minnesota -- and has been one of the most physical tight ends in the team's. He signed with North Dakota, and his parents suggest that he did so because his sister, Sheri, was a basketball star there. "I drove down the main street just to embarrass him," Carter said. Please enable javascript and refresh the page to continue reading local news. "My attitude has always been, 'Whatever they ask you to do, do it.' Nothings ever been dull around here. His blocking skills also paved the way for 7 of the top 8 single-season rushing marks in Vikings history, including Adrian Peterson's then team record and NFL leading 1,760 yds in 2008. Children's Health. He finished his career with the second-most starts by a tight end in Vikings history with 119. Menards is bringing in former UND hockey player Dave Christian on Wednesday and former Minnesota Twins third baseman Gary Gaetti on Thursday. Sheri was four years older than Jimmy, who adored her and couldn't stand losing to her. When he was still in diapers, Kleinsasser had trouble breathing, so Carter and Kathe took him to the hospital. Brian Murphy has been on the Pioneer Press sports staff since 2000, migrating from the Detroit Free Press, where he covered police, courts and sports for four years. We are very proud of him.". If you see something that doesnt look right, contact us. (Pioneer Press: Sherri LaRose-Chiglo). I try to adapt to whatever it takes to get the job done, or as good as I can get it done.". Minnesota quarterback Daunte Culpepper agreed. "I thought for sure the ball was overthrown. He has worked at the paper since 1990, previously covering the Twins and Vikings. How many games did Jim Kleinsasser play? Im retiring, and Im going to stay retired, he said. In 2007 and 2008 Kleinsasser was named to USA Today's All Joe Team honoring hard workers and under-recognized players. Born in 1977 in Carrington, North Dakota, Jim Kleinsasser played college football in his home state for the University of North Dakota Fighting Sioux. He was one of the most physical tight ends to play the game and helped redefine the position. "You see that long run by Adrian Peterson last week?" "That poor animal," Kathe said. He's the kind of player that you wish you could build your franchise around, but sadly, players like him are hard to come by. When he was little, he'd run into the yard and lay a hit on the family dog that would get him fined by the NFL today. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell surprised young Vikings fan Charlie Huizinga with a pair of tickets to the Super Bowl during Sunday's game against the Giants. I know, because I'm watching him.". Even having not made any Pro Bowls or All-Pro teams, he should be in the Ring of Honor. Discover Jim Kleinsasser's Biography, Age, Height, Physical Stats, Dating/Affairs, Family and career updates. "It's going to be sad to see Jim go, but I know that it's the right thing for him, and I'm happy for him," he said. The 46-year-old football player was born in North Dakota, United States. There weren't many distractions in Carrington, a town of about 2,200. "What I personally remember about Jimmy, and miss, is that we were always two of the earlier guys to show up in the locker room. Murphy was the Minnesota Wild/NHL beat writer from 2002 to 2008 and has covered the Vikings as a reporter and columnist since 2009. "You see big, strong, tough guys who can't make it more than a couple of years in this league. The Kleinsassers moved here in 1974, to acquire more farmland, and planted a long row of evergreens for beauty and protection from the high winds, and a couple of ash trees for shade. It's hard to know Jim Kleinsasser birth time, but we do know his mother gave birth to his on a Monday. Before he became an iron man, Kleinsasser was a farm boy. They'll make one more. He's six weeks old.' He won the state shot put title as a junior and senior. Kathe is about to be bracketed by retired workaholics, men who spent a lifetime of autumns reaping what they sowed. In football, he played all over the field in high school and excelled as a tight end in college, leading to a pro career in which he has played fullback, tight end and H-back, proving remarkably adept at drive-blocking on running plays and protecting on pass plays. How tall is Jim Kleinsasser? Of course, even as a freshman, we'd put in special plays for him. "The other teachers were telling Jimmy's teacher that playing football wasn't a job, that he needed to correct Jimmy," Sheri said. He was fine with that. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. "For him, Advil is a cure-all. Jim Kleinsasser Net Worth Stats He lasted 13 seasons, almost 10 years longer than the span of the average NFL career. He also played in the North Dakota Shrine game and the Montana-North Dakota All-Star game. Jim Kleinsasser weighed 272 lbs (123 kg) when playing. He played professionally for 13 years. He's proved tough enough to last, versatile enough to adapt, talented enough to engender loyalty, affordable enough to fit into every budget, and diligent and likeable enough to endear himself to a disparate mix of bosses. December 24, 2011 - 10:21 AM. "We said, 'Cereal? Kleinsasser was selected as a tight end by the Minnesota Vikings in the 2nd round of the 1999 National Football League draft. He's a truly great player. In 1998, Kleinsasser had 45 receptions for 710 yards and 86 rushing yards. Jim Kleinsasser was born on 31 January, 1977 in Carrington, North Dakota, United States. He was a basketball player at Carrington High School. As a senior, he was the MVP of the state basketball tournament when Carrington won the state title. In 2007 and 2008 Kleinsasser was named to USA Today's All Joe Team honoring hard workers and under-recognized players. Seasons in Minnesota: 13 (1999-2011) Position: Tight end. "Jimmy always tagged along," Sheri said. "I have to lift weights.". When it was time to take a sheep to the fair, he yanked the back seat out of a '66 Chevy and made Jimmy ride with the sheep in back, the sheep bleating the whole way. Jim Souhan is a sports columnist for the Star Tribune. "It's going to be quite an offseason," Carter said. "He couldn't stand to lose.". I just take pride in the fact that I work hard, and I figure that if you're willing to do anything, there's value in that. I think its just time for me to move on, my family to move on into our next stage. Diet culture can hurts kids. North Dakota has a strong educational system, good work ethics, and positive core values., PublishedJanuary 28, 2021 at 1:08 AM CST. He was fine with that. In football, he was a two time All-Region honoree and All-State honoree, and was twice named the Gatorade Circle of Champions North Dakota Player of the Year. He just kicked into another gear and put up that big hand and made one heck of a catch, scored, and we won 6-0. "You see big, strong, tough guys who can't make it more than a couple of years in this league. We stopped playing when I was in the seventh or eighth grade, because it just got too physical. He ranked 2nd in team history for starts made by a TE with 119, and ranked 4th in catches by a TE in Vikings history. He finished his career with the second-most starts by a tight end in Vikings history with 119. CARRINGTON -- They've tilled fields all their adult lives, Carter atop his Woolrich Field Cultivator, Jimmy wearing size 17 Nike Superbad cleats. It is a punishing job in the NFLs meat grinder, but fulfilling nonetheless. Kleinsasser has played for four head coaches. Published April 25, 2022 at 3:14 PM CDT. Jimmy Kleinsasser attended Carrington High School in Carrington, North Dakota and was a letterman and a standout in football, basketball, and track & field. I kind said I wasnt going to jump into anything in my first couple years (of retiring), Kleinsasser said. Carter remembers another. Even among NFL players, Kleinsasser's toughness astounds. "One of the nurses came to us and said she was having trouble getting him to eat his cereal," Carter said. "He always wanted to play with me and my friends," Sheri said. Vikings tight end Jim Kleinsasser confirmed today that he will retire at the end of the season. Is Jim Kleinsasser in the Hall of Fame? "One of the nurses came to us and said she was having trouble getting him to eat his cereal," Carter said. So here's to one of the greatest unsung heroes to ever wear a Vikings uniform. Jim Kleinsasser was born in 1970s. He finished his pro playing career with 192 receptions for 1,688 receiving yards and six touchdowns. There is nothing, outside of your own misdeeds, you have to worry about.". CARRINGTON, N.D. They've tilled fields all their adult lives, Carter atop his Wil-Rich Field Cultivator, Jimmy wearing size 17 Nike Superbad cleats. He played in his first NFL game, and started his second. When Jimmy was in middle school, Carter fired up the obsolete machine that produced square bales, just to show the kids how farm work was done before modern machines did the hoisting. He was longtime teammates with star wide receiver Randy Moss as a member of the Minnesota Vikings. Jim Kleinsasser's birthstone is Garnet. For his part, Kleinsasser sounds like he would rather soak up one last game-day experience, exchange some bro-hugs and sneak out the back door than revel in the spotlight. Kathe is about to be bracketed by retired workaholics, men who spent a lifetime of autumns reaping what they sowed. asked Marty Hochhalter, Kleinsasser's high school coach. Hochhalter and Kleinsasser have become close friends, and Kleinsasser returns to Carrington in the summer to help with Hochhalter's football camps. Since retiring, Kleinsasser has spent time with his wife and two sons, who are 6 and 4 years old. "We joke that he's the 'Missing Link,' because he'll get hurt and a couple of days later he's 100 percent again," Hutchinson said. Once they took him to the shoe store, and the salesman asked why Jimmy wasn't in school. More important, she was his transportation. More important, she was his transportation. Jim Kleinsasser, or "The Sauce," is one of those former players that define what it means to be a Viking. "I may not know what to do with myself," he said. In third grade, on career day, Kleinsasser wore his Joe Theismann Redskins jersey to class. Once more details are available on who he is dating, we will update this section. "If I had gone anywhere else, how many years would I have lasted? Sheri was four years older than Jimmy, who adored her and couldn't stand losing to her. During his time in the NFL, Kleinsasser had 192 receptions for 1,688 yards and six touchdowns. We will continue to update information on Jim Kleinsassers parents. "We said, 'Cereal? Jimmy grew the most underappreciated career in Minnesota sports. Born in 1977 in Carrington, North Dakota, Jim Kleinsasser played college football in his home state for the University of North Dakota Fighting Sioux. This Sunday will be Jim Kleinsassers birthday. When he was still in diapers, Kleinsasser had trouble breathing, so Carter and Kathe took him to the hospital. 2023 Celebrity Net Worth / All Rights Reserved. He played college football at North Dakota and played for the Vikings his entire career since being drafted in 1999. ", When Sheri got her license, she'd drive into Carrington daily to shoot hoops or lift weights. '", Years later, Jimmy ran into Theismann at a golf tournament and told him he cried the day Theismann's leg was broken in one of the more grotesque moments in NFL history.

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