Listen to Full Show. He lasted 13 seasons, almost 10 years longer than the span of the average NFL career. Sheri was four years older than Jimmy, who adored her and couldn't stand losing to her. Kleinsasser was selected as a tight end by the Minnesota Vikings in the 2nd round of the 1999 National Football League draft. We recommend you to check the complete list of Famous People born on 31 January. He was a two-time Gatorade Circle of Champions North Dakota player of the year in football. The 34-year-old veteran has given his body and 13 years of his life to the great fans of the Minnesota Vikings. Marty Hochhalter hears Harvins uncomplicated statement and says that sounds about right. CARRINGTON -- They've tilled fields all their adult lives, Carter atop his Woolrich Field Cultivator, Jimmy wearing size 17 Nike Superbad cleats. I've got college friends who are here, who provided an instant support system. , money, salary, income, and assets. The 46-year-old football player was born in North Dakota, United States. He's one of the hardest working guys in Minnesota and is never afraid to put his nose to the grindstone for his teammates. Minnesota quarterback Daunte Culpepper agreed. Their lucky numbers are 2, 8, 9, and lucky colors are red, light yellow, black. In 2007 and 2008 Kleinsasser was named to USA Today's All Joe Team honoring hard workers and under-recognized players. There weren't many distractions in Carrington, a town of about 2,200. Prairie Public Broadcasting provides quality radio, television, and public media services that educate, involve, and inspire the people of the prairie region. Jimmy Kleinsasser attended Carrington High School in Carrington, North Dakota and was a letterman and a standout in football, basketball, and track & field. "Once I had a license, Jimmy would want to come with us. Thank you for giving it your all on every Sunday and every other day. One day Kleinsasser brought home a box holding large shards of plastic, then Carter got a call from the Carrington High principal. Menards is bringing in former UND hockey player Dave Christian on Wednesday and former Minnesota Twins third baseman Gary Gaetti on Thursday. Published April 25, 2022 at 3:14 PM CDT. Weekend nights, teenagers would cruise the main drag. The celebrity, tv-personality & actor is dating Todd Spiewak, his starsign is Aries and he is now 49 years of age. And it takes some luck just to stick around in this league. "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. Im content.. Thats been a big for me.. Its great to hear that.. "First game of the year, his senior season, we're playing one of the toughest teams in our state, and we send Jimmy down the seam," Hochhalter said. Here's to one of the last of the true Vikings. '", 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. He was longtime teammates with star wide receiver Randy Moss as a member of the Minnesota Vikings. Whos the richest Football Player in the world? He was born in 1977 in Carrington, and at 63? Accolades piled up like would-be tacklers this week after the bulldozing tight end announced he would retire following Minnesotas season finale against the Chicago Bears, placing the unassuming Kleinsasser on the unfamiliar center stage. "That poor animal," Kathe said. Zodiac Sign: Jim Kleinsasser is a Aquarius. Jimmy Carter Kleinsasser (/klanssr/; born January 31, 1977) is a former American Football player who played fullback, H-back, and tight end for the Minnesota Vikings of the National Football League. Here's to you Mr. Kleinsasser, from one of your longtime adoring fans. Vikings coach Leslie Frazier vowed to send off Kleinsasser with a touchdown, which the blocking specialist has not scored in four years. 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. "Jimmy's teacher said, 'Why would I do that? 1 priority in free agency was re-signing Jimmy Kleinsasser, Tice said. "He couldn't stand to lose.". "He's still very considerate, still very much himself. On a December morning, their homestead is an oasis of heat and color on a desolate and windblown landscape. He has worked at the paper since 1990, previously covering the Twins and Vikings. North Dakota lawmakers adjourn after approving record $19.6B budget, U of M graduate student workers win vote to unionize, Red Flag Warning issued for northwest and west-central Minnesota, With return in motion, UND's Ihenacho says 'I shouldn't have left in the first place'. He played in his first NFL game, and started his second. I'll leave it at that. Jim Kleinsasser was born on 31 January, 1977 in Carrington, North Dakota, United States. Carter, the Kleinsasser patriarch, has just retired from running the family farm outside Carrington. View popular celebrities life details, birth signs and real ages. We stopped playing when I was in the seventh or eighth grade, because it just got too physical. Then Vikings coach Denny Green traded three draft choices to the Steelers for the chance to take Jimmy with the 44th pick. Jim Kleinsassers age is 46. Once again, Jimmy dived for cover. "I was always 'Sheri's little brother' in Carrington," Kleinsasser said. When he was still in diapers, Kleinsasser had trouble breathing, so Carter and Kathe took him to the hospital. Only four active NFL players have been with one team longer than Kleinsasser in Minnesota. asked Marty Hochhalter, Kleinsasser's high school coach. Jim Kleinsasser's age is 46. Hochhalter and Kleinsasser have become close friends, and Kleinsasser returns to Carrington in the summer to help with Hochhalter's football camps. 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. 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Western North Dakota remains a special place to Jim Kleinsasser. He was always a good eater.". Carter folded his thick arms, leaned back and stared across the endless prairie. 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. The official source for NFL news, video highlights, fantasy football, game-day coverage, schedules, stats, scores and more. Teammates are using his swan song as a rallying cry to finish 4-12 and avoid matching the 1984 Vikings for the worst 16-game record in franchise history. Its 8 oclock in the morning and you feel you should be at the stadium right now. "Jimmy probably feels the same way. North Dakota was a Division II school at the time. One day Kleinsasser brought home a box holding large shards of plastic, then Carter got a call from the Carrington High principal. "I have to lift weights.". This Sunday will be Jim Kleinsassers birthday. He played college football at North Dakota and played for the Vikings his entire career since being drafted in 1999. "No farming, and no football.". I think a lot of guys get caught up in themselves and don't really realize it. He started his career with Minnesota as a fullback before becoming one of the league's top blocking tight ends. He was 3. On a December morning, their homestead is an oasis of heat and color on a desolate and wind-blown landscape. He was a basketball player at Carrington High School. "You see big, strong, tough guys who can't make it more than a couple of years in this league. The greatest overall compatibility with Aquarius is Leo and Sagittarius. "Jimmie played in the league for a lot of years. "He's one of the last of a dying breed. 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. If you feel you have received this message in error, please contact the customer support team at 1-833-248-7801. Kleinsasser retired at the end of the 2011 NFL season after 13 seasons with the Vikings.[7]. "I've been so lucky," Kleinsasser said, as he ate cheese cubes at his wife's recent event in support of the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Kleinsasser's staying power is the result of rare circumstances. is 1.91m . Kleinsasser's number doesn't get called very often. Before he became an iron man, Kleinsasser was a farm boy. 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. "The Vikings are smart enough to realize that a guy that like, who is so dependable and is still a dominating blocker on the outside, is someone you've got to hold on to," Birk said. "You've got the farms and the bars and the churches and the characters. Long-snapper Cullen Loeffler has played for the Vikings since 2004. He's unselfish and I don't think it's too much of a stretch to say that he's one of the last few of his kind, the last of the true Vikings. Saturday's Hometown Heroe was Ta Leia Thomas. Carter planted sunflowers, soybeans and wheat. Of course, even as a freshman, we'd put in special plays for him. "Jimmy always tagged along," Sheri said. In high school, Kleinsasser often had to wear his basketball shoes during track season, and when the Vikings drafted him, they didn't have any cleats large enough for him to wear. He was always a good eater.". He's an anomaly among anomalies.". Caitlyn Smith, a native of Cannon Falls, Minnesota, sang the National Anthem prior to the Vikings-Patriots game on Nov. 24. He was moved back to his natural position of tight end in 2001. 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. 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. Coach Tice went on to say, We think that Jim is one of the best. 7. He's broken many a rushing record and could eventually go down as one of the greatest of all time. The former Minnesota Vikings tight end/fullback remembers traveling to his grandparents house between the Belfield-Medora area when he was younger.My moms side of family is from out here, said Kleinsasser, who grew up in Carrington. Even among NFL players, Kleinsasser's toughness astounds. "The secret was, I always made him two lunches," Kathe said. We will continue to update information on Jim Kleinsassers parents. The strengths of this sign are being independent, original, while the weaknesses can be running from emotional expression, temperamental and uncompromising. [fetch instagram= display=posts show=2 ]. "It's going to be quite an offseason," Carter said. He's a tremendous example for any young player.". North Dakota has a strong educational system, good work ethics, and positive core values., PublishedJanuary 28, 2021 at 1:08 AM CST. Kleinsasser, in his 13th season with the Vikings, was a second round draft pick from North Dakota in 1999. He was moved to the fullback position for a short time where he quickly gained a reputation as a ferocious blocker for the other running backs. The school gym had six backboards, two of which were not breakaways, one of which Kleinsasser had demolished with a dunk. The Minnesota Vikings drafted him with the 44th overall pick during the second round of the 1999 NFL Draft. Kleinsasser, 34, could hardly imagine the life the NFL afforded him after growing up on a wheat farm and playing football for then-Division II North Dakota. "Carrington has to be one of the greatest places you could grow up," Kleinsasser said. Sheri was his idol. In third grade, on career day, Kleinsasser wore his Joe Theismann Redskins jersey to class. [3][4][5] He demonstrated remarkable durability throughout his career, playing in all 16 games up to 2010, except for missing 15 games because of an knee injury in 2004. Both autograph signings are from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Its been a neat experience, said Mark Kerr, general manager of Menards. Jimmy C. Kleinsasser is part of the Baby boomers generation. Jimmy grew the most underappreciated career in Minnesota sports. 2023 Minnesota Vikings Football, LLC , All Rights Reserved. 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. Jim Kleinsasser has not been elected into the Hall of Fame. They are associated with a rejection of traditional values. You can also find out who is Jim Kleinsasser dating now and celebrity dating histories at CelebsCouples. After a standout career at the University of North Dakota, Kleinsasser was drafted by the Vikings in the second round of the 1999 draft. We knew how good he was.". A long-time fan favorite in Minnesota, Kleinsasser had his opportunities to go elsewhere . Vikings RT Brian O'Neill sounded the Gjallarhorn prior to Sunday's game against the Giants. Jimmy C. Kleinsasser attended North Dakota. 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. "For him, Advil is a cure-all. Kleinsasser went on to play every snap of his pro career with the Vikings. Former Vikings WR Sammy White was Tatum Everett's 'TCO Legends Connection' during the Dec. 17 game against the Colts at U.S. Bank Stadium. Seasons in Minnesota: 13 (1999-2011) Position: Tight end. Kleinsasser retired after the 2011 season and said it has been different not suiting up on Sunday. For right now, he plans to continue spending quality time with his family. I guess that was his early lesson in humility.". On Sunday, Kleinsasser will suit up one last time in purple. "He'd want one soon as he got into the truck, and then he'd get hungry later. "No farming, and no football.". "We said, 'Cereal? Former NFL fullback and tight end who played for the Minnesota Vikings from 1999 to 2011. Tice, whose job as Bears offensive line coach allows him to join in Sundays sendoff, converted Kleinsasser from fullback to tight end in 2002. Former Vikings Ahmad Rashad and Tommy Kramer sounded the Gjallarhorn prior to the Vikings-Colts game on Dec. 17. 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. ), 'Smiley-face killer' theorist accused of St. Paul sex assault at time of Zamlen search, Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information. The 1970s were a "pivot of change", it was an era of economic struggle, cultural change, and technological innovation. The 120 or so fans coming by ca He doesn't eat cereal. 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. He was a basketball player at Carrington High School. 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). After tossing 80-pound bales around all day, Jimmy asked the time. When Jimmy broke the other non-breakaway backboard, Carter repeated the process, and later received a letter that read something like this: "Note that Mutual Insurance has paid Carrington High School $1,000 in the last three months for two backboards that your son broke while dunking the basketball. He also had 43 carries for 147 years and a touchdown. Carter remembers another. Jim Kleinsasser kisses his son Carter, 4 1/2, after photos with family and friends on the field before the start of the Minnesota Vikings game against the Chicago Bears at the Metrodome in Minneapolis. He's six weeks old.' He won the USA Today All-Joe Team award for under-appreciated players two consecutive years in 2007 and 2008. 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. He doesn't eat cereal. Kleinsasser retired at the end of the 2011 NFL season after 13 seasons with the Vikings. We are very proud of him.". Jimmy wanted to be included. Yung Gravy, a native of Rochester, Minnesota, who released his album Marvelous in October, performed prior to Thursday's Vikings-Patriots game. Before he became an iron man, Kleinsasser was a farm boy. Please enable javascript and refresh the page to continue reading local news. Carter said it was 4:30. Kleinsasser spent all 13 of his NFL seasons with the Vikings after being a second-round draft pick out of UND in 1999. For him to make it 13 years, damn near 180 games, and still be standing at the end of it, that's something special. He continued his 13-year career with the Vikings in the 2011 season. How much did Jim Kleinsasser weigh when playing? Watching the game for the first time, it was weird. Kleinsasser, a six-foot-three, 272-pound tight end, was twice selected to the All-Joe team put together by the "USA Today" in 2007 and again in 2008. He's a product of nature and nurture, combining genetics that created 6-3, 275-pound man who ran sprints and played basketball in high school and a work ethic inherited from parents who ran a farm without any outside help. Generation X. Jim Kleinsasser was born in the middle of Generation X. I know, because I'm watching him.". Jim Kleinsassers income source is mostly from being a successful . It feels good coming from him." He didn't just choose UND on a whim either; he was born and raised there, which is probably the exact reason why he's been inducted into the North Dakota Sports Hall of Fame. "The secret was, I always made him two lunches," Kathe said. Carter folded his thick arms, leaned back and stared across the endless prairie. "If I had gone anywhere else, how many years would I have lasted? Jim Kleinsasser's net worth He blocked for former Eagles quarterbacks of different generations, Randall Cunningham and Donovan McNabb. "He always wanted to play with me and my friends," Sheri said. He may be called "Purple Jesus," but he sure still needs blockers to help him part defenders. Our big vacation of the year was coming out, driving through Dickinson and going to the Belfield-Medora area to my grandma and grandpas, and spending a couple weeks there. "I may not know what to do with myself," he said. Send this article to anyone, no subscription is necessary to view it, Anyone can read, no subscription required, See They're flexible and good at improvising. By His net worth has been growing significantly in 2022-2023. 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. 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. He grew up rooting for the Vikings and remains grateful for the opportunity the club provided. We welcome all corrections and feedback using the button below. Bookmark this page and come back often for updates. We see that you have javascript disabled. Jim Kleinsasser expects a raucous cheering section in the Metrodome's north end zone Sunday for the final game of his unlikely 13-year career with the Vikings. Yes, I'm talking about running the ball. (Pioneer Press: Sherri LaRose-Chiglo), Fans of Jim Kleinsasser cheer for him in the end zone during the pregame prior to the start of the Minnesota Vikings game against the Chicago Bears at the Metrodome in Minneapolis. He was 3. Somebody like Jim, who recently retired, you could tell a lot of people were excited to see him.. [1], 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.
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