"You see that long run by Adrian Peterson last week?" I remember talking to his agent that year and saying our No. Sheri was his idol. Loyalty. Somebody like Jim, who recently retired, you could tell a lot of people were excited to see him.. 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. 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. Kleinsasser spent his entire 13-year career with the Vikings. Teammates are using his swan song as a rallying cry to finish 4-12 and avoid matching the 1984 Vikings for the worst 16-game record in franchise history. "He'd want one soon as he got into the truck, and then he'd get hungry later. We see that you have javascript disabled. "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. 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. Coach Tice went on to say, We think that Jim is one of the best. It turned Kleinsasser into one of the NFLs most durable and efficient blocking tight ends. Former Vikings RB Adrian Peterson was Tatum Everett's 'TCO Legends Connection' during Sunday's game against the Giants. While we work diligently to ensure that our numbers are as accurate as possible, unless otherwise indicated they are only estimates. "He'd want one soon as he got into the truck, and then he'd get hungry later. The former Minnesota Vikings tight end/fullback remembers traveling to his grandparents' house between the Belfield-Medora area. He continued his 13-year career with the Vikings in the 2011 season. He's the kind of player that you wish you could build your franchise around, but sadly, players like him are hard to come by. "I was always 'Sheri's little brother' in Carrington," Kleinsasser said. The result was a massive, fast, skilled athlete. [1][6] He continued his 13-year career with the Vikings in the 2011 season. I kind said I wasnt going to jump into anything in my first couple years (of retiring), Kleinsasser said. My family comes to all the home games. "Once I had a license, Jimmy would want to come with us. 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. People born on a Monday tend to be a bit sensitive and emotional. If you feel you have received this message in error, please contact the customer support team at 1-833-248-7801. For him to make it 13 years, damn near 180 games, and still be standing at the end of it, that's something special. 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 is from United States. Thats been a big for me.. Jim Kleinsasser's life path number is 11. "I thought for sure the ball was overthrown. Discover today's celebrity birthdays and explore famous people who share your birthday. , money, salary, income, and assets. 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. He played professionally for 13 years. It would be downright wrong, in my opinion, if he didn't make it and make it someday soon. Local golf courses dealing with the inclement weather, Leonard Country Club opens as 76-year old walks and runs the course, Blue Jay scores: Baseball splits with Dickinson Tuesday, No excuse is good enough to abandon a pet, Funding for North Dakota tourism projects slashed after rebuke of buffalo theme park, Jamestown student graduating from college and high school, Staff will need to review 38,000 items at Jamestown libraries. "The secret was, I always made him two lunches," Kathe said. He won the USA Today All-Joe Team award for under-appreciated players two consecutive years in 2007 and 2008. The Seventies saw many women's rights, gay rights, and environmental movements. Acquired by Vikings: Round 2, 1999 NFL Draft. Being a great teammate. Marty Hochhalter hears Harvins uncomplicated statement and says that sounds about right. Kleinsasser has been a lead blocker for Peterson many times in his career. After a 13-year career, all of them spent in a Vikings uniform, Kleinsasser will retire. All net worths are calculated using data drawn from public sources. When he was little, he'd run into the yard and lay a hit on the family dog that would get him fined by the NFL today. The official source for NFL news, video highlights, fantasy football, game-day coverage, schedules, stats, scores and more. Jim Kleinsassers income source is mostly from being a successful . North Dakota was a Division II school at the time. Prairie Public Broadcasting provides quality radio, television, and public media services that educate, involve, and inspire the people of the prairie region. So here's to one of the greatest unsung heroes to ever wear a Vikings uniform. Jimmy grew the most underappreciated career in Minnesota sports. 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 was a basketball player at Carrington High School. 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.' [fetch instagram= display=posts show=2 ]. Carter remembers another. During Saturday's game against the Colts, the Vikings honored members of the 2022 All-State Team. They have imagination and don't like planning things in advance. Kleinsasser hasnt decided yet on what will be his career after football. He was 3. 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. His net worth has been growing significantly in 2022-2023. It would be downright wrong, in my opinion, if he didn't make it and make it someday soon. Hochhalter and Kleinsasser have become close friends, and Kleinsasser returns to Carrington in the summer to help with Hochhalter's football camps. He came across as an everyman, the hometown boy made good that . I try to adapt to whatever it takes to get the job done, or as good as I can get it done.". Discover Jim Kleinsasser's Biography, Age, Height, Physical Stats, Dating/Affairs, Family and career updates. "We'd bounce the ball two or three times, and we'd be in a fight. Caitlyn Smith, a native of Cannon Falls, Minnesota, sang the National Anthem prior to the Vikings-Patriots game on Nov. 24. Jimmy Kleinsasser attended Carrington High School in Carrington, North Dakota and was a letterman and a standout in football, basketball, and track & field. "My attitude has always been, 'Whatever they ask you to do, do it.' Ive got nothing but great memories to look back on.. 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. So, how much is Jim Kleinsasser worth at the age of 46 years old? Bookmark this page and come back often for updates. Astrologers and astronomers could only work with planets visible to the eye. Former NFL fullback and tight end who played for the Minnesota Vikings from 1999 to 2011. 2023 Celebrity Net Worth / All Rights Reserved. Sheri was his idol. '", Years later, Jimmy ran into Theismann at a golf tournament and told him he cried the day Theismann's leg was broken in one of the more grotesque moments in NFL history. Diet culture can hurts kids. Saturday's Hometown Heroe was Ta Leia Thomas. Jim Kleinsassers age is 46. Ive had such a great time with the kids and the family at home. He was 3. "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. A Vikings team picture stands on an easel near the front door, and the walls are filled with likenesses of roosters. Majority of Jims money comes from being a football player. We'd sit there and drink a cup of coffee and talk about football, ice fishing, our kids, whatever. He signed with the University of North Dakota, and his parents suggest that he did so because his sister, Sheri, was a basketball star there. In 1998, Kleinsasser had 45 receptions for 710 yards and 86 rushing yards. "The other teachers were telling Jimmy's teacher that playing football wasn't a job, that he needed to correct Jimmy," Sheri said. Hes a great role model. He remained with the team for more than a decade, playing from 1999 until 2011. Former Vikings LB Ed McDaniel was Tatum Everett's 'TCO Legends Connection' during the Nov. 24 game against the Patriots at U.S. Bank Stadium. 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. In fact, he's only got one catch this season. The result was a massive, fast, skilled athlete. Its pretty surreal how my life ended up here, he said. You have to know exactly what it is you are comfortable with doing. "We said, 'Cereal? 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. "He couldn't stand to lose.". Kleinsasser's staying power is the result of rare circumstances. Kleinsasser played sports, went to school, worked on the farm, did a little fishing and otherwise followed Sheri around. Kleinsasser retired after the 2011 season and said it has been different not suiting up on Sunday. You know that he's going to come to work prepared, ready to do his job. 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. There weren't many distractions in Carrington, a town of about 2,200. "I don't think we ever finished a game," Jimmy said. "I've been so lucky," Kleinsasser said, as he ate cheese cubes at his wife's recent event in support of the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Baby Boomer is the result of the end of World War II, when birth rates across the world spiked. Kathe is about to be bracketed by retired workaholics, men who spent a lifetime of autumns reaping what they sowed. But he does have one thing that many of his current teammates do not: accountability. Born in 1977 in Carrington, North Dakota, Jim Kleinsasser played college football in his home state for the University of North Dakota Fighting Sioux. He's a tremendous example for any young player.". Retiring on his terms, in the stadium where it all began, in front of friends and family, Kleinsasser would not have it any other way. He's an anomaly among anomalies.". One day Kleinsasser brought home a box holding large shards of plastic, then Carter got a call from the Carrington High principal. How many games did Jim Kleinsasser play? A Vikings team picture stands on an easel near the front door, and the walls are filled with likenesses of roosters. He would ride in the family trucks when his parents were working, and his mother figured out how to keep him happy. Kleinsasser's staying power is the result of rare circumstances. ", When Sheri got her license, she'd drive into Carrington daily to shoot hoops or lift weights. At 46 years old, Jim Kleinsasser height There weren't many distractions in Carrington, a town of about 2,200. The 46-year-old football player was born in North Dakota, United States. They'd leave their parents' cute, modest home to play one-on-one on the basket near the Quonset hut out back, and return shortly, red-faced. 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. 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. Ive put it out there. ", Noon at FedEx Field TV: Ch. Back the early 2,000 B.C. asked Marty Hochhalter, Kleinsasser's high school coach. "That poor animal," Kathe said. He was a versatile TE and is remembered for his gritty toughness. He grew up with his family in White River Junction, Vermont. NEW April issue of Prairie Business out now! Even having not made any Pro Bowls or All-Pro teams, he should be in the Ring of Honor. Carter said it was 4:30. On a December morning, their homestead is an oasis of heat and color on a desolate and wind-blown landscape. 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. Follow Brian Murphy on twitter.com/bmurphPiPress. Jim Kleinsasser is 6-3 (190 cm) tall. 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. "We said, 'Cereal? Kids" game during halftime of Saturday's game against the Colts. I've got college friends who are here, who provided an instant support system. Published April 25, 2022 at 3:14 PM CDT. 40. When Jimmy was in middle school, Carter fired up the obsolete machine that produced square bales, just to show the kids how farm work was done before modern machines did the hoisting. On a December morning, their homestead is an oasis of heat and color on a desolate and wind-blown landscape. He has worked at the paper since 1990, previously covering the Twins and Vikings. How tall is Jim Kleinsasser? Please enable javascript and refresh the page to continue reading local news. Im pretty damn proud of it.. ", The Vikings signed star guard Steve Hutchinson before the 2006 season, and he joined the clique. We would advise you to tell your son that if he's going to continue to dunk the basketball, he should do so very carefully.". Yung Gravy, a native of Rochester, Minnesota, who released his album Marvelous in October, performed prior to Thursday's Vikings-Patriots game. 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. Long-snapper Cullen Loeffler has played for the Vikings since 2004. CARRINGTON -- They've tilled fields all their adult lives, Carter atop his Woolrich Field Cultivator, Jimmy wearing size 17 Nike Superbad cleats. The nurse looked at us and said, 'We thought he was six months old.'". Ive been blessed with the opportunity to spend some big amount of time with them, which has been a huge help in the transition. 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. In the movie 50 First Dates, Kleinsasser is mentioned by Sean Astin's character briefly before Kleinsasser scores a touchdown on the TV. 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. 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. This Sunday will be Jim Kleinsassers birthday. For him to make it 13 years, damn near 180 games, and still be standing at the end of it, that's something special. Once more details are available on who he is dating, we will update this section. Jim Kleinsasser, or "The Sauce," is one of those former players that define what it means to be a Viking. Many people would simply overlook the fact that Peterson hasn't done all of this by himself. In third grade, on career day, Kleinsasser wore his Joe Theismann Redskins jersey to class. "I gotta get to town," Jimmy said. They'll make one more. He was a reliable receiver early in his career, hauling in 46 passes and four touchdowns in 2003 before tearing his anterior cruciate ligament the following year. Thacker is a licensed, clinical social worker with extensive experience in helping solve homelessness, as well as helping people dealing with mental health and substance abuse issues. Vikings RT Brian O'Neill sounded the Gjallarhorn prior to Sunday's game against the Giants. When is Jim Kleinsassers birthday? Like I already said, Kleinsasser has always put his team above all else. By "It's going to be sad to see Jim go, but I know that it's the right thing for him, and I'm happy for him," he said. Weekend nights, teenagers would cruise the main drag. Jimmy Kleinsasser attended Carrington High School in Carrington, North Dakota and was a letterman and a standout in football, basketball, and track & field. My family comes to all the home games. 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. It is highly recommended that you use the latest versions of a supported browser in order to receive an optimal viewing experience. "The Vikings are smart enough to realize that a guy that like, who is so dependable and is still a dominating blocker on the outside, is someone you've got to hold on to," Birk said. "One of the nurses came to us and said she was having trouble getting him to eat his cereal," Carter said. Jim Kleinsasser was born on 31 January, 1977 in Carrington, North Dakota, United States. North Dakota was a Division II school at the time. Jimmy grew the most underappreciated career in Minnesota sports. Jim Kleinsasser's age is 46. , Star Tribune He was born in 1977 in Carrington, and at 63? Kleinsasser shakes his head when asked to put his career in perspective. Carter and Kathe are sitting at their kitchen table. JUMP TO: Jim Kleinsassers biography, facts, family, personal life, zodiac, videos, net worth, and popularity. BMTN Staff Updated: Mar 8, 2018 The house is small, warm and modest. He is a member of famous with the age 46 years old group. He blocked for former Eagles quarterbacks of different generations, Randall Cunningham and Donovan McNabb. Im walking away with my legs and head intact. Eventually, after switching to tight end, Kleinsasser became one of the most versatile blockers on the team. "There aren't enough guys like that in the NFL these days.". During the Spanish-American War, the first battle involving Theodore Roosevelt and his Rough Riders took place on June 24, 1898. I know, because I'm watching him.". Former Vikings TE Jim Kleinsasser was Tatum Everett's 'TCO Legends Connection' during Sunday's game against the Giants. ", The Vikings signed star guard Steve Hutchinson before the 2006 season, and he joined the clique. 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. He doesn't eat cereal. A lot of the guys that have retired say to take your time before you jump into anything. We stopped playing when I was in the seventh or eighth grade, because it just got too physical. Born in 1977 in Carrington, North Dakota, Jim Kleinsasser played college football in his home state for the University of North Dakota Fighting Sioux. Minnesota Vikings great Jim Kleinsasser's Last run through the tunnel 1-1-2012 [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. Even among NFL players, Kleinsasser's toughness astounds. Of course, even as a freshman, we'd put in special plays for him. 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. While playing for Carrington High, Kleinsasser was twice named All-Region, All-State and Gatorade Circle of Champions North Dakota Player of the Year. Menards is bringing in former UND hockey player Dave Christian on Wednesday and former Minnesota Twins third baseman Gary Gaetti on Thursday. WanMor, the sons of R&B legend Wanya Morris of Boyz II Men, sang the National Anthem prior to the Vikings-Jets game on Dec. 4. The greatest overall compatibility with Aquarius is Leo and Sagittarius. Part of the emotions going to be just leaving the team atmosphere, Kleinsasser said. Its about holding true to your morals. Once they took him to the shoe store, and the salesman asked why Jimmy wasn't in school. Kleinsasser's first love was basketball, but football came naturally because he liked hitting people. "He couldn't stand to lose.". "The Vikings are smart enough to realize that a guy that like, who is so dependable and is still a dominating blocker on the outside, is someone you've got to hold on to," Birk said. and 272 pounds, he became a tight end for the Minnesota Vikings. Kleinsasser was selected by the Vikings in the second round of the 1999 draft. Carter and Kathe are sitting at their kitchen table. Jimmy C. Kleinsasser is part of the Baby boomers generation. Here's to you Mr. Kleinsasser, from one of your longtime adoring fans. The day trippers certainly will be missed back home considering they represent 6 percent of the farming communitys population. 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. Former Vikings WR Jarius Wright sounded the Gjallarhorn prior to the Vikings-Jets game on Dec. 4. "He's still very considerate, still very much himself. He played college football at North Dakota and played for the Vikings his entire career since being drafted in 1999. The former Minnesota Vikings tight end/fullback remembers traveling to his grandparents house between the Belfield-Medora area when he was younger.My moms side of family is from out here, said Kleinsasser, who grew up in Carrington. And it takes some luck just to stick around in this league. 1 priority in free agency was re-signing Jimmy Kleinsasser, Tice said. The Kleinsassers expected Jimmy to be drafted in the second or third round by the New York Giants. Kleinsasser's number doesn't get called very often. Sunday's U.S. Bank Hometown Hero was World War II veteran Robert Holmstrom, a recipient of the Congressional Gold Medal. "Jimmy probably feels the same way. ", Jimmy would get angry at his father, too, during games of H-O-R-S-E. "He'd cheat," Carter said. As a senior, he was the MVP of the state basketball tournament when Carrington won the state title. However, the snake can be overly suspicious, which makes them a bit paranoid. 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. He grew up rooting for the Vikings and remains grateful for the opportunity the club provided. Im retiring, and Im going to stay retired, he said. This author advises parents to reclaim the word 'fat'. 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 We knew how good he was.". Children's Health. I guess that was his early lesson in humility.". "No farming, and no football.". "I have to lift weights.". Kleinsasser retired at the end of the 2011 NFL season after 13 seasons with the Vikings.[7]. Western North Dakota remains a special place to Jim Kleinsasser. Get the latest news, stats, videos, highlights and more about tight end Jimmy Kleinsasser on ESPN. In 1999, Kleinsasser was drafted as a fullback, a position that he played for the early portion of his career. Hochhalter said Kleinsassers accountability is rooted in small-town values. Whos the richest Football Player in the world. Jim Souhan He was a basketball player at Carrington High School. In third grade, on career day, Kleinsasser wore his Joe Theismann Redskins jersey to class. Ive always wanted to stay here. In football, he played all over the field in high school and excelled as a tight end in college, leading to a pro career in which he has played fullback, tight end and H-back, proving remarkably adept at drive-blocking on running plays and protecting on pass plays. "I thought for sure the ball was overthrown. When he was still in diapers, Kleinsasser had trouble breathing, so Carter and Kathe took him to the hospital. Carter folded his thick arms, leaned back and stared across the endless prairie. "I don't think we ever finished a game," Jimmy said. He's a product of nature and nurture, combining genetics that created 6-3, 275-pound man who ran sprints and played basketball in high school and a work ethic inherited from parents who ran a farm without any outside help. We would advise you to tell your son that if he's going to continue to dunk the basketball, he should do so very carefully.". Of the players who were on the Vikings roster for that game, only he and Birk, his friend who left the Vikings to sign with the Baltimore Ravens, are still in the NFL. He was selected out of the, then-Division II University of North Dakota. Kleinsasser has played for four head coaches. If you see something that doesnt look right, contact us. One day Kleinsasser brought home a box holding large shards of plastic, then Carter got a call from the Carrington High principal. Kleinsasser has been under the radar from the start, growing up as a boy in the small town of Carrington, N.D., going to college at North Dakota and getting overshadowed by quarterback Daunte . Kleinsassers high school football, track and basketball coach plans to be among the Carrington contingent at the Metrodome. It's hard to know Jim Kleinsasser birth time, but we do know his mother gave birth to his on a Monday. Thursday's Hometown Hero was Trish Thacker, the Executive Director of The Salvation Army Harbor Light Center in Minneapolis. These hippie kids protested against the Vietnam War and participated in the civil rights movement. Here's to a guy who's always been an accountable teammate. "For him, Advil is a cure-all. It takes a little adjustment, not having that structure. View popular celebrities life details, birth signs and real ages. Both autograph signings are from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Its been a neat experience, said Mark Kerr, general manager of Menards.
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