Nov 23, 2025; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; General view of an Minnesota Vikings helmet during the game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images

Former Minnesota Vikings Linebacker Passes Away at 75

Originally posted on Gridiron Heroics
By Olamilekan Ajayi | Last updated Mar 28, 2026 6:14 PM ET

Jeff Siemon, the former Minnesota Vikings middle linebacker who helped define the team’s defensive identity through the 1970s, died Saturday at age 75.

The Vikings announced his passing without disclosing a cause of death. Siemon was the 10th overall pick in the 1972 NFL Draft out of Stanford University and spent all 11 of his NFL seasons in Minnesota.

He earned four Pro Bowl selections and started three Super Bowls with the franchise. Born in Rochester, Minnesota, and raised in Bakersfield, California, he built his entire football life in the state where he was born.

Siemon Anchored the Vikings Defense Through the Franchise’s Most Storied Era

Before the NFL, Siemon had already made his name at Stanford. He won two Rose Bowls, was named the nation’s top linebacker as a senior, and was eventually inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2006.

As a rookie in 1972, Siemon made an immediate impact, starting eight of the 13 games he played and finishing with 87 tackles. He quickly became the team’s central defensive presence.

Former Vikings LB Jeff Siemon, a four-time Pro Bowler and a member of three Super Bowl teams, has died at the age of 75. https://t.co/h4kD7WXOna

— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) March 28, 2026

According to the Vikings, Siemon ranks third all-time in franchise history in career tackles with 1,375, behind only Scott Studwell (1,928) and Matt Blair (1,404). He led the team in tackles in four separate seasons.

Bobby Bryant, the former Vikings defensive back who spent nine seasons alongside Siemon, shared his reaction after learning the news, telling the Vikings organization:

“Jeff was a great teammate, a leader for us on the field and a really good linebacker. He was key to our teams. As good of a player that Jeff was, he was a better person, truly one of the best guys we had. You never heard anyone speak cross of Jeff. His faith was his guide, and he was not afraid to share it with people. He touched so many.”

Former Vikings wide receiver Ahmad Rashad, who played seven seasons alongside Siemon, offered his own tribute: