Building a 20-0 all-time Vikings team

While there’s little doubt that Jerry Rice ranks as the No. 1 receiver in NFL history, it’s hard to find a pass catcher who was more explosive. His 3-TD game as a rookie on Thanksgiving Day in 1998 against the Dallas Cowboys remains one of the signature games of any wideout in the history of pro football.

Wide receiver Justin Jefferson

He may be the best receiver in the league in 2026, although he did not have great quarterback play to help him in 2025. He has had more than 1,000 receiving yards in all of his six seasons. Jefferson combines speed, moves, great hands and a desire to be the best in the game.

Tight end Steve Jordan

One of the best at his position from 1982 through 1994 as he combined his size and strength with significant know-how. He was able to use his knowledge of his opponents to set them up and then make the key catches that allowed him to change games in the Vikings’ favor.

Left tackle Ron Yary

Yary was the first overall pick of the 1968 NFL Draft and he went on to a brilliant 15-year career with all but one season for the Vikings. He was elected to the Hall of Fame, was a 7-time Pro Bowler and a 6-time All-Pro. He played with speed, agility and aggressiveness and was one of the best tackles to play the game.

Left guard Steve Hutchinson

There have been few guards who played in the NFL that was able to dominate a game like Hutchinson. After playing the first five years of his career with the Seahawks, Hutchinson moved on to the Vikings in 2006 and was brilliant through the 2011 season. The Hall of Famer’s technical skill and his overall snarl made him one of the best of his era to play in the NFL.

Center Mick Tinglehoff

One of the greatest centers to play the game. Tinglehoff (6-2 and 237 pounds) made the Hall of Fame even though he he was tiny compared to the giants who man the middle of the offensive line in today’s game. Tinglehoff’s quickness, athleticism and intelligence were all factors that allowed him to be one of the best centers in NFL history from 1962 through his retirement in 1978.

Right guard Ed White

White had a 17-year NFL career that included his first nine seasons with the Vikings from 1969 through 1977 before he moved on to the San Diego Chargers. He played both left and right guard and demonstrated the athleticism and know-how to dominate at his position.

Right tackle Gary Zimmerman

Zimmerman was a 12-year NFL veteran who started his Hall of Fame career in 1986. He played seven seasons with the Vikings before he played the final five years of his career with the Broncos. Zimmerman was known for his dominant physical play and brilliant technique. He had the toughness and mauling style to dominate in the running game and the skill to win the battle as a pass blocker.

Defensive end Carl Eller

One of the key members of Minnesota’s Purple People Eaters on the defensive line. He was a relentless pass rusher who earned his spot in the Hall of Fame with his consistency and his on-field mean streak. He had a brilliant 1969 season that saw him register a career-best 15.0 sacks.

Defensive tackle Alan Page

Page was one of the best defensive tackles in the history of the NFL after the was drafted out of Notre Dame in 1967. The Hall of Famer and 9-time All-Pro was also the MVP of the league in the 1971 season. After his brilliant NFL career Page went on to an even more brilliant career as a jurist who made it all the way to the Minnesota Supreme Court.

Defensive tackle Kevin Williams

The 6-time Pro Bowler was drafted in 2003 out of Oklahoma State and he became an immediate impact player with double-digit sacks in his first two seasons. He played with tremendous quickness and the ability to knife through the offensive line and make plays in the offensive backfield.

Defensive end John Randle

The undrafted Randle went on to a Hall of Fame career because of his relentless play on the defensive line. He had explosive speed and quickness, a tremendous hand punch and the ability to win the battle even though he did not have elite size at 6-1 and 290 pounds. He had a league-leading 15.5 sacks in the 1997 season and had double-digit sacks from 1992 through 1999.

Outside linebacker Scott Studwell

A powerful hitter and solid all-around linebacker who was known for his sensational tackling skill and ferocious all-around play. He was highly skilled at diagnosing what opponents were planning and putting himself in the right position to shut down the play.

Middle linebacker Jeff Siemon

Siemon was the No. 10 selection in the 1972 NFL Draft and he played all 11 seasons of his career with the Vikings. He was a brilliant middle linebacker who was always in the right position to make the tackle. He was brilliant at stopping the run and had enough range to make key plays against the pass.

Outside linebacker Matt Blair

Blair was one of the most dependable outside linebackers throughout his 12-year NFL career with the Vikings between 1974 and ’85. He was a 6-time Pro Bowl performer and was a huge hitter who forced a career-best four fumbles in 1983.

Cornerback Antoine Winfield

Winfield played 14 seasons in the NFL and after earning his keep with the Buffalo Bills for his first five seasons, he spent the last nine years with the Vikings. He made three consecutive Pro Bowls from 2008 through 2010 and the 5-9, 180-pound cover man made up for his lack of size with tremendous quickness and competitiveness.

Cornerback Xavier Rhodes

Rhodes was a big-play specialist during his seven seasons with the Vikings from 2013 through the 2019 seasons. He had five interceptions that included a 100-yard return for a touchdown in the 2016 season. A solid tackler at 6-1 and 218 pounds who made three Pro Bowls during his run with Minnesota.

Safety Harrison Smith

Smith has had a brilliant career with the Vikings as one of the best and smartest safeties in team history. Smith is a six-time Pro Bowl performer who has always excelled at diagnosing plays and then moving into the right position to make the stop or bat away the pass.

Safety Joey Browner

Browner played nine of his 10 seasons with the Vikings and he was one of the best strong safeties of his era. He was a six-time Pro Bowler, earning his spot in that game from 1985 through 1990. Browner had a career best 7 interceptions that included one TD return in 1990. He was known for his fearless play in all situations.

Placekicker Will Reichard

Full respect for long-time Vikings PK Fred Cox, but Reichard has demonstrated his talent and brilliance in the last two seasons. He made a shocking 33 of 35 FG attempts last season, including 11 of 13 from 50 yards and beyond. Reichard was also perfect on all 31 of extra point attempts. He does not have longevity on his side, but he is the most highly skilled placekicker in Minnesota history

Punter Greg Coleman

Coleman played 10 of his 12 seasons with the Vikings and he got tremendous height on his punts and that allowed his coverage teams to get down the field and prevent big returns. He averaged 40.6 yards per punt and had a career best average of 42.8 yards per punt in 1985.

Return specialist Percy Harvin

He was an explosive receiver and return man for the Vikings from 2009 through 2012. Harvin returned five kickoffs for TDs with his brilliant speed and make-you-miss ability in the open field. He had a career-best 105-yard return in 2012.