The Cardinal Crusader

June 2nd, marked the birthday of a true Minnesota Vikings legend, Jeff Siemon. Born on June 2, 1950, Siemon was a cornerstone of the Vikings' defense throughout the 1970s, an era of significant success for the franchise.

Drafted tenth overall in the 1972 NFL Draft after a stellar career at Stanford, where he earned Consensus All-American honors, Siemon stepped into the Vikings' linebacker corps and became an immediate impact player. For eleven seasons, he was a consistent and reliable presence, never missing a game. His intelligence, quickness, and tenacity made him a force in the middle of the defense, earning him four Pro Bowl selections (1973, 1975-1977).

Siemon was instrumental in the Vikings' dominant run, helping them reach four NFC Championship games in five years and representing the team in three Super Bowls (VIII, IX, and XI). While a Super Bowl victory eluded them, Siemon's contributions were undeniable. He was a leader on a defense that consistently ranked among the league's best. Beyond the accolades, Siemon was recognized by his teammates, earning the Vikings' Most Valuable Player award in 1978.

Following his retirement after the strike-shortened 1982 season, Siemon was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2006, further solidifying his legacy. His impact on the Minnesota Vikings and his distinguished career continue to be remembered by fans. Yesterday was a fitting day to celebrate the birthday of this remarkable player.