He was a basketball player at Carrington High School. I feel at home here. Im pretty damn proud of it.. Thank you for giving it your all on every Sunday and every other day. Even coach Leslie Frazier, who's in his first year as a head coach, had this to say about Kleinsasser: "He's someone you can always count on. As a senior, he was the MVP of the state basketball tournament when Carrington won the state title. You can also find out who is Jim Kleinsasser dating now and celebrity dating histories at CelebsCouples. CARRINGTON, N.D. They've tilled fields all their adult lives, Carter atop his Wil-Rich Field Cultivator, Jimmy wearing size 17 Nike Superbad cleats. Carter planted sunflowers, soybeans and wheat. He ranked 2nd in team history for starts made by a TE with 119, and ranked 4th in catches by a TE in Vikings history. He was moved to the fullback position for a short time where he quickly gained a reputation as a ferocious blocker for the other running backs. He was always a good eater.". The principal asked Carter to put a claim in on his homeowners insurance, and the policy paid the school $500. Jim Kleinsasser's birthstone is Garnet. On a December morning, their homestead is an oasis of heat and color on a desolate and windblown landscape. The nurse looked at us and said, 'We thought he was six months old.'". Kleinsasser was drafted as a tight end in the second round of the 1999 NFL Draft. Former Vikings TE Jim Kleinsasser was Tatum Everett's 'TCO Legends Connection' during Sunday's game against the Giants. Prairie Public Broadcasting provides quality radio, television, and public media services that educate, involve, and inspire the people of the prairie region. It takes a little adjustment, not having that structure. Kids" game during halftime of Saturday's game against the Colts. "We said, 'Cereal? American singer, songwriter and musician Jordan Smith, who won Season 9 of The Voice, performed the National Anthem prior to the Vikings-Giants game on Sunday. For him to make it 13 years, damn near 180 games, and still be standing at the end of it, that's something special. "No farming, and no football.". "It's going to be quite an offseason," Carter said. Author Stephen Crane said, This is part 3 of the story of Cavalier County States Attorney Gudmundur Grimson, who in 1922 prosecuted a case involving a Munich, North Dakota boy who, Yesterday, we began a 3-part story on Gudmundur Grimson, the attorney for a farm family whose son died in a forced-labor camp in Florida.In 1921, young, Prairie Public Broadcasting | They'll make one more. Kleinsasser was selected by the Vikings in the second round of the 1999 draft. We have estimated I know, because I'm watching him.". In third grade, on career day, Kleinsasser wore his Joe Theismann Redskins jersey to class. In third grade, on career day, Kleinsasser wore his Joe Theismann Redskins jersey to class. Kleinsasser also rushed for close to 150 total yards and one touchdown, with a 3.4 average rushing yards per attempt career mark. He finished his career with the second-most starts by a tight end in Vikings history with 119. Bookmark this page and come back often for updates. He's six weeks old.' [1], Kleinsasser attended the University of North Dakota and played for the North Dakota Fighting Sioux football team from 1995 to 1998 before being drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in 1999. Its kind of nice too, because you can sit back and not get banged up.. Sheri was four years older than Jimmy, who adored her and couldn't stand losing to her. In 1999, Kleinsasser was drafted as a fullback, a position that he played for the early portion of his career. Carter said it was 4:30. "Once I had a license, Jimmy would want to come with us. He outlasted the likes of Torii Hunter, Kevin Garnett and Matt Birk, three celebrated local athletes whose substantial contracts prompted their departures. He will depart as the Vikings all-time leader in games played by a tight end (181), knowing he helped clear a path during seven of the teams eight top individual rushing seasons. The 120 or so fans coming by caravan from Carrington, N.D., to Minneapolis to salute their favorite son should be easy to spot in their yellow T-shirts emblazoned with the town name and Kleinsassers No. The Kleinsassers moved here in 1974, to acquire more farmland, and planted a long row of evergreens for beauty and protection from the high winds, and a couple of ash trees for shade. He is from United States. He lasted 13 seasons, almost 10 years longer than the span of the average NFL career. So are the hometown heros speeches during the coachs annual summer football camp. And it takes some luck just to stick around in this league. Jim Kleinsasser kisses his son Carter, 4 1/2, after photos with family and friends on the field before the start of the Minnesota Vikings game against the Chicago Bears at the Metrodome in Minneapolis. Adrian Peterson is, without question, the best running back in the NFL when healthy. We'd sit there and drink a cup of coffee and talk about football, ice fishing, our kids, whatever. He can block at the point, he can pass protect, he can catch, he can run after the catch., Kleinsasser credited growing up in North Dakota for the skills and values needed to be successful in life saying, Dont ever take for granted growing up in this great state, because the opportunities are available to you if you want to succeed. "It was Jimmy's block that sealed the hole .You watch Vikings games, and you can see the effect he has on so many plays. Kleinsasser played for four head coaches (Dennis Green, Mike Tice, Brad Childress and Frazier) and two owners (Red McCombs, Zygi Wilf). Kleinsasser, a six-foot-three, 272-pound tight end, was twice selected to the All-Joe team put together by the "USA Today" in 2007 and again in 2008. "He'd want one soon as he got into the truck, and then he'd get hungry later. Discover Jim Kleinsasser's Biography, Age, Height, Physical Stats, Dating/Affairs, Family and career updates. Our big vacation of the year was coming out, driving through Dickinson and going to the Belfield-Medora area to my grandma and grandpas, and spending a couple weeks there. "I have to lift weights.". Jan 14, 2022. North Dakota has a strong educational system, good work ethics, and positive core values., PublishedJanuary 28, 2021 at 1:08 AM CST. I'll leave it at that. Im walking away with my legs and head intact. "But I would guess he's still available in most fantasy leagues. Once they took him to the shoe store, and the salesman asked why Jimmy wasn't in school. "He always wanted to play with me and my friends," Sheri said. "We joke that he's the 'Missing Link,' because he'll get hurt and a couple of days later he's 100 percent again," Hutchinson said. One day Kleinsasser brought home a box holding large shards of plastic, then Carter got a call from the Carrington High principal. The Kleinsassers moved here in 1974, to acquire more farmland, and planted a long row of evergreens for beauty and protection from the high winds, and a couple of ash trees for shade. Jimmy Carter Kleinsasser (/klanssr/; born January 31, 1977) is a former American Football player who played fullback, H-back, and tight end for the Minnesota Vikings of the National Football League. Next Sunday, Jimmy Kleinsasser will line up against the Bears and throw a few more blocks before ending a career that has unfolded like every little league parent's daydream. I dont have any regrets. If you see something that doesnt look right, contact us. My family comes to all the home games. I wouldn't hesitate to say that much of Peterson's success could be attributed to the player in front of him and out on the wings, setting up blocks so that he can break the big one. Jim Kleinsasser expects a raucous cheering section in the Metrodome's north end zone Sunday for the final game of his unlikely 13-year career with the Vikings. CARRINGTON -- They've tilled fields all their adult lives, Carter atop his Woolrich Field Cultivator, Jimmy wearing size 17 Nike Superbad cleats. Hes a great role model. Drafted by the only NFL team within a 10-hour drive of his home, he became the longest-tenured professional athlete in the Twin Cities despite choosing a sport defined by short careers and catastrophic injuries. Its about holding true to your morals. Then Vikings coach Denny Green traded three draft choices to the Steelers for the chance to take. By, Why? "Jimmy's teacher said, 'Why would I do that? However, the snake can be overly suspicious, which makes them a bit paranoid. The Kleinsassers moved here in 1974, to acquire more farmland, and planted a long row of evergreens for beauty and protection from the high winds, and a couple of ash trees for shade. "He's still very considerate, still very much himself. Sheri was his idol. He is popular for being a Football Player. "What I personally remember about Jimmy, and miss, is that we were always two of the earlier guys to show up in the locker room. He was 3. He was born in 1977 in Carrington, and at 6'3" and 272 pounds, he's now playing tight end for the Minnesota Vikings. All net worths are calculated using data drawn from public sources. Jim Kleinsasser, the longest-tenured Viking on the team's roster, is entering his 13th year in the NFL -- all in Minnesota -- and has been one of the most physical tight ends in the team's. But he does have one thing that many of his current teammates do not: accountability. Ive got nothing but great memories to look back on.. My agent probably wanted to strangle me for it at times, but theres something to be said for sticking with one organization, he said. North Dakota was a Division II school at the time. I let him, as long as he would lay down in the backseat. "You see that long run by Adrian Peterson last week?" CelebsMoney has recently updated Jim Kleinsassers net worth. Kleinsasser's first love was basketball, but football came naturally because he liked hitting people. Jim Kleinsasser is a Aquarius and his 47th birthday is in, The 46-year-old American was born in the Generation X and the Year of the Serpent. In football, he was a two time All-Region honoree and All-State honoree, and was twice named the Gatorade Circle of Champions North Dakota Player of the Year. The greatest overall compatibility with Aquarius is Leo and Sagittarius. Also learn how He earned most of networth at the age of 46 years old? His net worth has been growing significantly in 2022-2023. He defines what a Viking is supposed to be.". "He's one of the last of a dying breed. His position is almost as unsexy as offensive lineman, but he's such a key to not only your running game but your whole offense. It brings up a lot of memories driving back. He played college football at North Dakota and played for the Vikings his entire career since being drafted in 1999. The following browsers are supported: Chrome, Edge (v80 and later), Firefox and Safari. Born in 1977 in Carrington, North Dakota, Jim Kleinsasser played college football in his home state for the University of North Dakota Fighting Sioux. Jim Kleinsasser, or "The Sauce," is one of those former players that define what it means to be a Viking. "For him, Advil is a cure-all. The 34-year-old veteran has given his body and 13 years of his life to the great fans of the Minnesota Vikings. He just kicked into another gear and put up that big hand and made one heck of a catch, scored, and we won 6-0. The Vikings held their annual "Mascots vs. Jim Kleinsasser's life path number is 11. "You've got the farms and the bars and the churches and the characters. Kleinsasser was often known for his skill in pass and run blocking, and was a fixture on the offensive line as teammate Adrian Peterson shattered several team records and led the league in rushing during the 2008 season. Randall Cunningham was the starting quarterback when he debuted in 1999, the year current starter Christian Ponder turned 11. He was one of the most physical tight ends to play the game and helped redefine the position. More important, she was his transportation. Watching the game for the first time, it was weird. I guess that was his early lesson in humility.". She would turn her back, post me up and hit this sweet little fadeaway baseline jumper, and I'd try to lean on her and fall on my butt. Learn How rich is He in this year and how He spends money? "The secret was, I always made him two lunches," Kathe said. He won the state shot put title as a junior and senior. Whos the richest Football Player in the world? People of this zodiac sign like to have fun with friends, help others, fight for causes, are a good listener and dislike broken promises, being bored, and people who disagree with them. "Jimmy always tagged along," Sheri said. Once again, Jimmy dived for cover. "The other teachers were telling Jimmy's teacher that playing football wasn't a job, that he needed to correct Jimmy," Sheri said. In track, he has the N.D. Class B State T&F Meet records for shot put (62ft, 2 in) and discus throw (183ft, 11 in). NEW April issue of Prairie Business out now! 1995 Class B State Championship basketball team, North Dakota Fighting Sioux football team, "Offensive Player Profile of the Week: Jim Kleinsasser: Minnesota Vikings", "Recent news on Jim Kleinsasser - Minnesota Vikings - Rotoworld.com", "Jim Kleinsasser will retire at the end of the year", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Jim_Kleinsasser&oldid=1147135113, North Dakota Fighting Hawks football players, North Dakota Fighting Hawks men's basketball players, Players of American football from North Dakota, Short description is different from Wikidata, NFL player missing current team parameter, Infobox NFL biography articles missing alt text and caption, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 29 March 2023, at 01:56. Hochhalter and Kleinsasser have become close friends, and Kleinsasser returns to Carrington in the summer to help with Hochhalter's football camps. Generation X. Jim Kleinsasser was born in the middle of Generation X. Here's to you Mr. Kleinsasser, from one of your longtime adoring fans. "My attitude has always been, 'Whatever they ask you to do, do it.' Kleinsasser's staying power is the result of rare circumstances. Kleinsasser was drafted as a tight end in the second round of the 1999 NFL Draft. Kleinsasser adapted to a new vocation as a blocking tight end, fending off the linebackers on the edge and colliding with defensive ends in pass protection. While playing for Carrington High, Kleinsasser was two times named All-Region, All-State and Gatorade Circle of . "First game of the year, his senior season, we're playing one of the toughest teams in our state, and we send Jimmy down the seam," Hochhalter said. Accolades piled up like would-be tacklers this week after the bulldozing tight end announced he would retire following Minnesotas season finale against the Chicago Bears, placing the unassuming Kleinsasser on the unfamiliar center stage. Ruling Planet: Jim Kleinsasser has a ruling planet of Uranus and has a ruling planet of Uranus. He won the USA Today All-Joe Team award for under-appreciated players two consecutive years in 2007 and 2008. We see that you have javascript disabled. 9 (100.3-FM, 1130-AM) Redskins by 6 1/2. In high school, Kleinsasser often had to wear his basketball shoes during track season, and when the Vikings drafted him, they didn't have any cleats large enough for him to wear. He's an anomaly among anomalies.". Menards is bringing in former UND hockey player Dave Christian on Wednesday and former Minnesota Twins third baseman Gary Gaetti on Thursday. I try to adapt to whatever it takes to get the job done, or as good as I can get it done.". Im retiring, and Im going to stay retired, he said. He's one of the hardest working guys in Minnesota and is never afraid to put his nose to the grindstone for his teammates. The past 13 years, Carter and Kathe Kleinsasser have made the six-hour drive to the Metrodome for Vikings games that didn't coincide with blizzards or harvests. Jim Kleinsasser Net Worth Stats Even having not made any Pro Bowls or All-Pro teams, he should be in the Ring of Honor. He has worked at the paper since 1990, previously covering the Twins and Vikings. Coach Tice went on to say, We think that Jim is one of the best. 7. He was selected out of the, then-Division II University of North Dakota. I just take pride in the fact that I work hard and I figure that if you're willing to do anything, there's value in that. "We'd hang out by our lockers in the morning and in the equipment room during lunch, the non-nonsense, no-glamour guys," Birk said. Jim Kleinsasser weighed 272 lbs (123 kg) when playing. We see that you have javascript disabled. When is Jim Kleinsassers birthday? On Sunday, Kleinsasser will suit up one last time in purple. His blocking skills also paved the way for 7 of the top 8 single-season rushing marks in Vikings history, including Adrian Peterson's then team record and NFL leading 1,760 yds in 2008. He blocked for former Eagles quarterbacks of different generations, Randall Cunningham and Donovan McNabb. Im content.. Here's to a guy who's always been an accountable teammate. and 272 pounds, he became a tight end for the Minnesota Vikings. He's proved tough enough to last, versatile enough to adapt, talented enough to engender loyalty, affordable enough to fit into every budget, and diligent and likeable enough to endear himself to a disparate mix of bosses. He's unselfish and I don't think it's too much of a stretch to say that he's one of the last few of his kind, the last of the true Vikings. Ive had such a great time with the kids and the family at home. ", Noon at FedEx Field TV: Ch. Jim Kleinsasser expects a raucous cheering section in the Metrodomes north end zone Sunday for the final game of his unlikely 13-year career with the Vikings. During the Spanish-American War, the first battle involving Theodore Roosevelt and his Rough Riders took place on June 24, 1898. We are very proud of him.". He played professionally for 13 years. I think its just time for me to move on, my family to move on into our next stage. [1][6] He continued his 13-year career with the Vikings in the 2011 season. Most important, though, he leaves the game relatively healthy and with financial security to enjoy with his wife, Christa, and sons, Carter and Cayden. He grew up with his family in White River Junction, Vermont. Carter folded his thick arms, leaned back and stared across the endless prairie. Or pets. "I gotta get to town," Jimmy said. ", The Vikings signed star guard Steve Hutchinson before the 2006 season, and he joined the clique. The Kleinsassers expected Jimmy to be drafted in the second or third round by the New York Giants. Jimmy Kleinsasser attended Carrington High School in Carrington, North Dakota and was a letterman and a standout in football, basketball, and track & field. There weren't many distractions in Carrington, a town of about 2,200. Kleinsasser was as tough on basketball backboards as he was on linebackers. 1/28/2004: This Saturday will be Jim Kleinsasser's 27th birthday. The 46-year-old football player was born in North Dakota, United States. Some may argue that the Vikings should have cut ties with him long ago, because of his age and because of how the league has become so pass-happy. He was 3. Jim Kleinsassers income source is mostly from being a successful . In 1998, Kleinsasser had 45 receptions for 710 yards and 86 rushing yards. "He's still very considerate, still very much himself. Jim Kleinsasser (Football, 1995-99): A two-time NCAA Division II All-America tight end (1997, 1998) A three-time All-NCC First Team selection Helped UND to a four-year record of 32-10 and two appearances in the NCAA DII playoffs during his collegiate career Member of UND's 1995 NCC championship team 1999 Senior Bowl starter For his part, Kleinsasser sounds like he would rather soak up one last game-day experience, exchange some bro-hugs and sneak out the back door than revel in the spotlight. "He's one of the special few who has the genetic makeup to endure the brutality of this game and come back, week after week, and play through injuries, and at a high level. He started his career with Minnesota as a fullback before becoming one of the league's top blocking tight ends. Former Vikings Ahmad Rashad and Tommy Kramer sounded the Gjallarhorn prior to the Vikings-Colts game on Dec. 17. Whos the richest Football Player in the world. Homes - Celebrity - Sports - Football Links: en.wikipedia.org By: tlp333 Celebrity Homes Mailing List James 'Jimmy Jam' Harris' house (former) He defines what a Viking is supposed to be.". "You see big, strong, tough guys who can't make it more than a couple of years in this league. Jim Kleinsasser was born in 1970s. Former NFL fullback and tight end who played for the Minnesota Vikings from 1999 to 2011. "One of the nurses came to us and said she was having trouble getting him to eat his cereal," Carter said. I try to adapt to whatever it takes to get the job done, or as good as I can get it done.". He remained with the team for more than a decade, playing from 1999 until 2011. "The best thing about Jim is that he hasn't changed," Kathe said. "He couldn't stand to lose.". Marty Hochhalter hears Harvins uncomplicated statement and says that sounds about right. We'd sit there and drink a cup of coffee and talk about football, ice fishing, our kids, whatever. Jim Souhan "That poor animal," Kathe said. He played in his first NFL game, and started his second. The browser you are using is no longer supported on this site. Saturday's Hometown Heroe was Ta Leia Thomas. Here's to one of the last of the true Vikings. Once they took him to the shoe store, and the salesman asked why Jimmy wasn't in school. Saturday's Hometown Heroe was Emily Hunt Turner. We knew how good he was.". "Kid," Theismann told him, "I cried, too. When he was still in diapers, Kleinsasser had trouble breathing, so Carter and Kathe took him to the hospital. Thats kind of how your clock works. Philosophical Discussions About Everyday Life, North Dakota Legislative Review 2023 | Sen. Jerry Klein (R-Fessenden), Musician Kinky Friedman talks songwriting, heartbreak, and more, Arkansas woman pleads not guilty to selling over 20 boxes of stolen human body parts, 'A tragedy that makes you laugh': HBO's 'White House Plumbers' revisits Watergate, Tracking the impact of U.S.-China tensions on global financial institutions, 'I'll lose my family.' Hochhalter said Kleinsassers accountability is rooted in small-town values. December 24, 2011 - 10:21 AM. We are very proud of him.". I think a lot of guys get caught up in themselves and don't really realize it. At North Dakota, Kleinsasser was a four-time first-team All-North Central Conference (NCC) pick and in 1998 was the only Division II football player selected as a Gannett News Service All-American.
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