"You see that long run by Adrian Peterson last week?" "We said, 'Cereal? Weekend nights, teenagers would cruise the main drag. Carter and Kathe are sitting at their kitchen table. Yung Gravy, a native of Rochester, Minnesota, who released his album Marvelous in October, performed prior to Thursday's Vikings-Patriots game. How tall is Jim Kleinsasser? Before he became an iron man, Kleinsasser was a farm boy. Published April 25, 2022 at 3:14 PM CDT. I guess that was his early lesson in humility.". Is Jim Kleinsasser in the Hall of Fame? Of course, even as a freshman, we'd put in special plays for him. Wild star Kirill Kaprizov sounded the Gjallarhorn prior to the Vikings-Giants game on Dec. 24. Prairie Public Broadcasting provides quality radio, television, and public media services that educate, involve, and inspire the people of the prairie region. Flashback Friday: Jim Kleinsasser - purpleptsd.com Ruling Planet: Jim Kleinsasser has a ruling planet of Uranus and has a ruling planet of Uranus. This author advises parents to reclaim the word 'fat'. He's one of the hardest working guys in Minnesota and is never afraid to put his nose to the grindstone for his teammates. Kleinsasser shakes his head when asked to put his career in perspective. Kleinsasser played sports, went to school, worked on the farm, did a little fishing and otherwise followed Sheri around. "The best thing about Jim is that he hasn't changed,'' Kathe said. I think theres something to be said for keeping a little bit for the rest of your life. "He's still very considerate, still very much himself. He was born in 1977 in Carrington, and at 63? 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. 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. Kleinsasser has played for four head coaches. We see that you have javascript disabled. 2023 Celebrity Net Worth / All Rights Reserved. This page is updated often with latest details about Jim Kleinsasser. It would be downright wrong, in my opinion, if he didn't make it and make it someday soon. The school gym had six backboards, two of which were not breakaways, one of which Kleinsasser had demolished with a dunk. Fresh Air for April 25, 2023: How diet culture can hurt kids : NPR It would be downright wrong, in my opinion, if he didn't make it and make it someday soon. "Jimmy's teacher said, 'Why would I do that? "To have somebody like him talk like that, it feels good," Kleinsasser said. Carter remembers another. "The best thing about Jim is that he hasn't changed," Kathe said. ", Souhan is a sports columnist at the Minneapolis Star Tribune. During Saturday's game against the Colts, the Vikings honored members of the 2022 All-State Team. The Seventies saw many women's rights, gay rights, and environmental movements. Murphy is a Detroit native and Wayne State University graduate. "I drove down the main street just to embarrass him," Carter said. Vikings tight end Jim Kleinsasser confirmed today that he will retire at the end of the season. He's a tremendous example for any young player.". 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. He was always a good eater.". He came across as an everyman, the hometown boy made good that . Diet culture can hurts kids. More important, she was his transportation. Jim Kleinsasser - Pro-Football-Reference.com "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. Carter said it was 4:30. Carter said it was 4:30. Jim Kleinsasser: Top 10 Facts You Need to Know - FamousDetails 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. He finished his career with the second-most starts by a tight end in Vikings history with 119. He was part of three division championships, lost two NFC championship games, saw the Love Boat scandal engulf the organization in 2005, watched Brett Favre spin magic in 2009 and endured the misery of the past two seasons. 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. The former Minnesota Vikings tight end/fullback remembers traveling to his grandparents' house between the Belfield-Medora area. Born in 1977 in Carrington, North Dakota, Jim Kleinsasser played college football in his home state for the University of North Dakota Fighting Sioux. And it takes some luck just to stick around in this league. Jim Kleinsasser - Age, Bio, Personal Life, Family & Stats - CelebsAges 40. 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. "You see big, strong, tough guys who can't make it more than a couple of years in this league. Discover what happened on this day. He finished his pro playing career with 192 receptions for 1,688 receiving yards and six touchdowns. 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. Being a great teammate. Nothings ever been dull around here. Jimmy Kleinsasser attended Carrington High School in Carrington, North Dakota and was a letterman and a standout in football, basketball, and track & field. Saxophonist Trey Daniels, whose first single "86th St." was listed on the Smooth Jazz Billboard Chart in 2017, performed the National Anthem prior to the Vikings-Giants game on Dec. 24. Weekend nights, teenagers would cruise the main drag. "He's still very considerate, still very much himself. Jimmy, his son, plans to retire from the NFL after two more games, having broken the team record for most games played by a Vikings tight end, lasting much longer than his parents expected and five years longer than even he had hoped. "He has been lifting weights as long as I can remember.". asked Marty Hochhalter, Kleinsasser's high school coach. When it was time to take a sheep to the fair, he yanked the back seat out of a '66 Chevy and made Jimmy ride with the sheep in back, the sheep bleating the whole way. When provided, we also incorporate private tips and feedback received from the celebrities or their representatives. Once again, Jimmy dived for cover. Vikings head coach Mike Tice said, If people look at the true requirements of the position, then I think they would agree that Jimmy is the best all-around tight end in the league.. Then Vikings coach Denny Green traded three draft choices to the Steelers for the chance to take Jimmy with the 44th pick. Im content.. Kleinsasser retired at the end of the 2011 NFL season after 13 seasons with the Vikings.[7]. Ive always wanted to stay here. I know, because I'm watching him.". Its 8 oclock in the morning and you feel you should be at the stadium right now. Jim Kleinsasser's birthstone is Garnet. Wild ride, Kleinsasser 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). "Once I had a license, Jimmy would want to come with us. The day trippers certainly will be missed back home considering they represent 6 percent of the farming communitys population. When he was still in diapers, Kleinsasser had trouble breathing, so Carter and Kathe took him to the hospital. Jan 14, 2022. 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 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. CARRINGTON -- They've tilled fields all their adult lives, Carter atop his Woolrich Field Cultivator, Jimmy wearing size 17 Nike Superbad cleats. During his time in the NFL, Kleinsasser had 192 receptions for 1,688 yards and six touchdowns. He plays this game only for one reason, and thats his teammates and the love of the game.. He was one of the most physical tight ends to play the game and helped redefine the position. "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. 7. the outer planets, Neptune and Pluto, were not yet discovered, since the telescope had not yet been invented. Kleinsasser played sports, went to school, worked on the farm, did a little fishing and otherwise followed Sheri around. Jim Souhan One day Kleinsasser brought home a box holding large shards of plastic, then Carter got a call from the Carrington High principal. "Carrington has to be one of the greatest places you could grow up," Kleinsasser said. 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. He blocked for former Eagles quarterbacks of different generations, Randall Cunningham and Donovan McNabb. 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. 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. "I may not know what to do with myself," he said. Jimmy grew the most underappreciated career in Minnesota sports. If you see something that doesnt look right, contact us. We'd sit there and drink a cup of coffee and talk about football, ice fishing, our kids, whatever. Its pretty surreal how my life ended up here, he said. Acquired by Vikings: Round 2, 1999 NFL Draft. 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. He's not what you'd call an impact player. The browser you are using is no longer supported on this site. TCO Legends Connection: Jim Kleinsasser - vikings.com NDHSAA Member School Alumni: Jim Kleinsasser, former multi-sport The strengths of this sign are being independent, original, while the weaknesses can be running from emotional expression, temperamental and uncompromising. 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. NEW April issue of Prairie Business out now! 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 continued his 13-year career with the Vikings in the 2011 season. We stopped playing when I was in the seventh or eighth grade, because it just got too physical. I feel at home here. Sunday's Hometown Heroes were 10-year-old Jordan, a survivor of the Robb Elementary School shooting in May who helped pull a classmate to safety, and his mother Virginia, an EMT who was among first responders. Jimmy wanted to be included. 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. Loyalty. Jimmys been a beast his entire career. "He'd want one soon as he got into the truck, and then he'd get hungry later. ", When Sheri got her license, she'd drive into Carrington daily to shoot hoops or lift weights. Im pretty damn proud of it.. "It was Jimmy's block that sealed the hole. Western North Dakota remains a special place to Jim Kleinsasser. The celebrity, tv-personality & actor is dating Todd Spiewak, his starsign is Aries and he is now 49 years of age. Jimmy Kleinsasser attended Carrington High School in Carrington, North Dakota and was a letterman and a standout in football, basketball, and track & field. Im sure Ill get emotional on the field sometime, but I want to come into the game and play it like any other game. (Pioneer Press: Sherri LaRose-Chiglo). "We'd bounce the ball two or three times, and we'd be in a fight. asked Marty Hochhalter, Kleinsasser's high school coach. "Jimmy always tagged along," Sheri said. He defines what a Viking is supposed to be.". We knew how good he was.". 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. He won the state shot put title as a junior and senior. A Vikings team picture stands on an easel near the front door, and the walls are filled with likenesses of roosters. "Jimmie played in the league for a lot of years. So, how much is Jim Kleinsasser worth at the age of 46 years old? Kleinsasser was selected as a tight end by the Minnesota Vikings in the 2nd round of the 1999 National Football League draft. He lasted 13 seasons, almost 10 years longer than the span of the average NFL career. Week%2016%20-%20NYG%20-%20Legends%20Connection%20-%20Ben%20Leber.mp4. "Once I had a license, Jimmy would want to come with us. Astrologers and astronomers could only work with planets visible to the eye. 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. Hochhalter and Kleinsasser have become close friends, and Kleinsasser returns to Carrington in the summer to help with Hochhalter's football camps. He was born in 1977 in Carrington, and at 6'3? He was selected out of the, then-Division II University of North Dakota. Looking back, UND running back Phillip Moore, the school's all-time leading rusher with 5,467 yards, remembers his 1998 team mostly using tight end Jim Kleinsasser in the screen game. He's an anomaly among anomalies.". Since retiring, Kleinsasser has spent time with his wife and two sons, who are 6 and 4 years old. "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. 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. Carrington's Kleinsasser retiring after 13-year NFL career Even having not made any Pro Bowls or All-Pro teams, he should be in the Ring of Honor. 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. 9 (100.3-FM, 1130-AM) Redskins by 6 1/2. He signed with North Dakota, and his parents suggest that he did so because his sister, Sheri, was a basketball star there. The 46-year-old football player was born in North Dakota, United States. Vikings RT Brian O'Neill sounded the Gjallarhorn prior to Sunday's game against the Giants. Once they took him to the shoe store, and the salesman asked why Jimmy wasn't in school. Kleinsasser's staying power is the result of rare circumstances. Kleinsasser looks back on 13 years in NFL - buccaneers.com Thursday's Hometown Hero was Trish Thacker, the Executive Director of The Salvation Army Harbor Light Center in Minneapolis. Adrian Peterson is, without question, the best running back in the NFL when healthy. From the Herald vault: Kleinsasser catch against - Grand Forks Herald I kind said I wasnt going to jump into anything in my first couple years (of retiring), Kleinsasser said. We recommend you to check the complete list of Famous People born on 31 January. 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. Links: en.wikipedia.org 7,522 views 10.0 ( 1 votes) Categories Like many famous people and celebrities, Jim Kleinsasser keeps his personal life private. Ive had such a great time with the kids and the family at home. Baby Boomer is the result of the end of World War II, when birth rates across the world spiked. Kleinsasser's number doesn't get called very often. Former NFL fullback and tight end who played for the Minnesota Vikings from 1999 to 2011. It brings up a lot of memories driving back. Jim Kleinsasser's House in Mound, MN (Google Maps) Mound, Minnesota (MN), US Like Tweet Share Pin The professional football player lives here. Chinese Zodiac: Jim Kleinsasser was born in the Year of the Rabbit. How many games did Jim Kleinsasser play? Coach Tice went on to say, We think that Jim is one of the best. More important, she was his transportation. He was a two-time Gatorade Circle of Champions North Dakota player of the year in football. I dont have any regrets. 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. He lasted 13 seasons, almost 10 years longer than the span of the average NFL career. If you feel you have received this message in error, please contact the customer support team at 1-833-248-7801. Theyve been my everything.. He is a member of famous with the age 46 years old group. Carter, the Kleinsasser patriarch, has just retired from running the family farm outside Carrington, N.D. Jimmy, his son, plans to retire from the NFL after two more games, having broken the team record for most games played by a Vikings tight end, lasting much longer than his parents expected and five years longer than even he had hoped. [1][6] He continued his 13-year career with the Vikings in the 2011 season. 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. Ive been blessed with the opportunity to spend some big amount of time with them, which has been a huge help in the transition. 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.". On a December morning, their homestead is an oasis of heat and color on a desolate and wind-blown landscape. "He's one of the last of a dying breed. 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. Kleinsasser spent his entire 13-year career with the Vikings. Somebody like Jim, who recently retired, you could tell a lot of people were excited to see him.. JUMP TO: Jim Kleinsassers biography, facts, family, personal life, zodiac, videos, net worth, and popularity. Hochhalter said Kleinsassers accountability is rooted in small-town values. After high school, Kleinsasser played for UND, where he won a long list of awards, including All-American and unanimous All-NCC first team pick. Former NFL fullback and tight end who played for the Minnesota Vikings from 1999 to 2011. Jimmy Kleinsasser Stats, News, Bio | ESPN "We said, 'Cereal? Kleinsasser, in his 13th season with the Vikings, was a second round draft pick from North Dakota in 1999. "I thought for sure the ball was overthrown. The following browsers are supported: Chrome, Edge (v80 and later), Firefox and Safari. His position is almost as un-sexy as offensive lineman, but he's such a key to not only your running game but your whole offense. Jim Kleinsasser's net worth He just kicked into another gear and put up that big hand and made one heckuva catch, scored, and we won, 6-0. The result was a massive, fast, skilled athlete. While playing for Carrington High, Kleinsasser was twice named All-Region, All-State and Gatorade Circle of Champions North Dakota Player of the Year. He doesn't eat cereal. Jimmy Kleinsasser attended Carrington High School in Carrington, North Dakota and was a letterman and a standout in football, basketball, and track & field. Kleinsasser has been a lead blocker for Peterson many times in his career. 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. On a December morning, their homestead is an oasis of heat and color on a desolate and windblown landscape. While playing for Carrington High, Kleinsasser was twice named All-Region, All-State and Gatorade Circle of Champions North Dakota Player of the Year. He also had 43 carries for 147 years and a touchdown. Kleinsasser, 34, could hardly imagine the life the NFL afforded him after growing up on a wheat farm and playing football for then-Division II North Dakota. The 120 or so fans coming by ca Children's Health. Former Vikings Ahmad Rashad and Tommy Kramer sounded the Gjallarhorn prior to the Vikings-Colts game on Dec. 17. I've got college friends who are here, who provided an instant support system. He defines what a Viking is supposed to be.". Its kind of nice too, because you can sit back and not get banged up.. Jimmy C. Kleinsasser is part of the Baby boomers generation. A husband's dread during an abortion ordeal in Oklahoma, JPMorgan Chase buys troubled First Republic Bank after U.S. government takeover. I think its just time for me to move on, my family to move on into our next stage. "No farming, and no football.". 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 principal asked Carter to put a claim in on his homeowners insurance, and the policy paid the school $500. Kleinsasser spent all 13 of his NFL seasons with the Vikings after being a second-round draft pick out of UND in 1999. ", Jimmy would get angry at his father, too, during games of H-O-R-S-E. "He'd cheat," Carter said. Even your seasons of the year go by your football schedule. Also learn how He earned most of networth at the age of 46 years old? Jim Kleinsasser's House in Mound, MN (Google Maps) - Virtual Globetrotting and 272 pounds, he became a tight end for the Minnesota Vikings. Sunday's U.S. Bank Hometown Hero was World War II veteran Robert Holmstrom, a recipient of the Congressional Gold Medal. He outlasted the likes of Torii Hunter, Kevin Garnett and Matt Birk, three celebrated local athletes whose substantial contracts prompted their departures. (Pioneer Press: Sherri LaRose-Chiglo), Fans of Jim Kleinsasser cheer for him in the end zone during the pregame prior to the start of the Minnesota Vikings game against the Chicago Bears at the Metrodome in Minneapolis. He was fine with that. The 46-year-old American football player has done well thus far. CelebsMoney has recently updated Jim Kleinsassers net worth. Jim Kleinsasser, or "The Sauce," is one of those former players that define what it means to be a Viking. He was a versatile TE and is remembered for his gritty toughness. and 272 pounds, he became a tight end for the Minnesota Vikings. Jim Kleinsassers income source is mostly from being a successful . Kleinsasser's first love was basketball, but football came naturally because he liked hitting people. Then Vikings coach Denny Green traded three draft choices to the Steelers for the chance to take. For right now, he plans to continue spending quality time with his family. Jim Kleinsasser has not been elected into the Hall of Fame. Kleinsasser went on to play every snap of his pro career with the Vikings. Its always nice to come back here and see some of the same, old faces.. 1 priority in free agency was re-signing Jimmy Kleinsasser, Tice said. '", 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. The official source for NFL news, video highlights, fantasy football, game-day coverage, schedules, stats, scores and more. When Jimmy broke the other non-breakaway backboard, Carter repeated the process, and later received a letter that read something like this: "Note that Mutual Insurance has paid Carrington High School $1,000 in the last three months for two backboards that your son broke while dunking the basketball. Its great to hear that.. [1][2] In 1998, Kleinsasser had 45 receptions for 710 yards and 86 rushing yards.[2]. Submit a correction suggestion and help us fix it. Yes, I'm talking about running the ball. 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. 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. Kleinsasser retired after the 2011 season and said it has been different not suiting up on Sunday. 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. Jimmy Kleinsasser Career Stats | NFL.com "I don't think we ever finished a game," Jimmy said. 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. "One of the nurses came to us and said she was having trouble getting him to eat his cereal," Carter said. 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. '", 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.