Born on May 22, 1940, in Lexington, Nebraska, Henry "Mick" Tingelhoff forged a legendary football career built on durability and unwavering consistency. He attended the University of Nebraska, where he played center and linebacker from 1958 to 1961. Although he earned three letters and was a co-captain his senior year, Tingelhoff was surprisingly not selected in the 1962 NFL Draft.
The Hall of Famer also went undrafted and signed with the Vikings as a free agent in 1962 and became the starter as a rookie! His hard work earned him the right to play in six consecutive Pro Bowls in the late 1960s. After the 1969 season, Mr. Tingelhoff was voted as the NFL's Top Offensive Lineman of the Year.
Undeterred, Tingelhoff signed as a free agent with the Minnesota Vikings in 1962. This seemingly overlooked talent quickly proved his worth, earning the starting center position in his rookie season – a role he would hold for an astounding 17 consecutive years until his retirement in 1978. Tingelhoff's durability was legendary; he never missed a single game, starting all 240 regular-season contests, a testament to his toughness and dedication. He also started in 19 playoff games, including four Super Bowls (IV, VIII, IX, and XI) with the Vikings.
Tingelhoff's impact on the Minnesota Vikings was immeasurable. He anchored an offensive line that paved the way for a dominant era, helping the team win 10 division titles in an 11-season span from 1968 to 1978. He provided crucial pass protection for Hall of Fame quarterback Fran Tarkenton and was a key run blocker for star running back Chuck Foreman. Widely considered the premier center of his era, Tingelhoff earned numerous accolades, including six consecutive Pro Bowl selections (1964-1969) and multiple All-Pro honors. His consistent excellence and leadership were instrumental in the Vikings' sustained success. After waiting for decades, Tingelhoff was finally inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2015, solidifying his place among the game's all-time greats. His number 53 is retired by the Minnesota Vikings, and he is also a member of the team's Ring of Honor.
Accolades, Awards, and Career Stats:
✦ NFL Champion (1969)
✦ 5-time First-team All-Pro (1964-1966, 1968, 1969)
✦ Second-team All-Pro (1967)
✦ 6-time Pro Bowl selection (1964-1969)
✦ Minnesota Vikings Ring of Honor
✦ Minnesota Vikings No. 53 retired
✦ Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee (2015)
✦ NFL Record: Most consecutive starts by an offensive lineman (240)
✦ Played in 240 consecutive regular-season games
✦ Played in 19 postseason games
✦ Member of the Minnesota Vikings 25th and 40th
• Anniversary Teams
✦ Named one of the 50 Greatest Vikings
He was selected in the Hall of Fame in the 2015 class. Mick played his college football at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and did not become the starter there until his senior season.
