Tributes Pour In After Minnesota Vikings Legend Dies Saturday

Originally posted on The Spun | By Chris Rosvoglou | Last updated Mar 28, 2026 4:04 PM ET

Former Minnesota Vikings linebacker Jeff Siemon has sadly died at the age of 75.

The Vikings confirmed on Saturday that Siemon passed away. The former first-round pick from Stanford played on two Rose Bowl-winning teams and was considered the nation's top linebacker in 1971.

Siemon spent his entire NFL career (1972-1980) with the Vikings. In 2010, the four-time Pro Bowler was named one of the 50 Greatest Vikings. To this day, he ranks third all-time in team history with career tackles (1,375).

The cause of death for Siemon hasn't been announced at this time.

Dec 30, 1973; Dallas, TX, USA; FILE PHOTO; Dallas Cowboys running back Walt Garrison (32) carries the ball as he is tackled by Minnesota Vikings defensive tackle Alan Page (88), Jeff Siemon (50) and Paul Krause (22) during the 1973 NFC Championship Game at Texas Stadium. The Vikings defeated the Cowboys 27-10. Mandatory Credit: Darryl Norenberg-USA TODAY Sports© Darryl Norenberg-Imagn Images.

NFL community reacts to Siemon's death.

One of Siemon's former teammates, Bobby Bryant, had a heartfelt response to Saturday's unfortunate news.

"Jeff was a great teammate — a leader for us on the field and a really good linebacker. He was key to our teams," Bryant said after learning the news. "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."

Bryant wasn't the only person who had kind words to share about Siemon's legacy.

"His work ethic was absolutely tremendous," former Vikings receiver Ahmad Rashad added. "And above it all, he is one of the nicest guys you would ever want to meet."

"Sad news to relay about Vikings Legend Jeff Siemon, who started 3 of Minnesota's 4 Super Bowl appearances," Craig Peters of Vikings.com said. "He was revered by other Vikings for his level of play, qualities as a teammate and his faith walk."

Our thoughts are with Siemon's family members and friends.

May he rest in peace.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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