The Minnesota Vikings are entering their own version of the Final Countdown.
The 2024 season is upon us and the excitement is palpable. As we get through the offseason, everyone wants to see quarterback J.J. McCarthy in a Vikings uniform. It will signal a new era in Vikings football for many reasons.
General manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and head coach Kevin O'Connell are entering their third seasons in control of the Vikings and it's crunch time. They now have the team shaped in their image and it's going to be pivotal for their future to be successful in the next two seasons.
With 83 days until kickoff, here’s a look at every player to wear No. 83 with the Vikings (via Pro Football Reference):
Every Minnesota Vikings player to wear No. 83
WR Jalen Nailor 2022-2024
Nailor was a sixth round pick by the Vikings in 2022 and he's struggled to stay healthy. He has a chance to win the WR3 job this year if he can stay on the field.
TE Tyler Conklin 2018-2021
Conklin was a fifth-round pick out of Central Michigan who developed into a quality tight end. He caught 93 passes for 922 yards and four touchdowns during his time in Minnesota.
TE MyCole Pruitt 2015-2016
The Vikings took Pruitt in the fifth round of the 2015 NFL Draft and he played just 20 games for the Vikings. He was let go during the 2016 season and has bounced around the NFL since.
WR Rodney Smith 2013-2014
Smith spent two seasons with the Vikings as an undrafted free agent out of Florida State. He played in just five games for the purple and gold.
TE Allen Reisner 2012
Reisner also played for the Vikings in 2011 but wore the number 89. He played in 10 games for the Vikings.
TE Jeff Dugan 2004-2010
The Vikings took Dugan in the seventh round of the 2004 NFL Draft and he went on to have a successful seven year career, all of which were in Minnesota. He played in 79 games with 22 starts mostly as a blocking tight end.
TE Hunter Goodwin 2002-2003
Goodwin spent five total years in Minnesota but did so in two stints. The second stint had Goodwin wear 83.
WR Nate Jacquet 2000-2001
Jacquet was picked up during the 2000 season and played in 11 games for the Vikings, strictly as a returner.
WR/CB Robert Tate 1997-1998
The Vikings selected Tate in the sixth round of the 1997 NFL Draft as a wide receiver but the Vikings shifted him to cornerback pretty quickly. He wore 83 in his first two years before going to 28 for his final three years in Minnesota.
TE David Frisch 1996
Frisch played in five NFL seasons with his fourth in Minnesota. He played in 10 games for the Vikings in 1996
TE Mike Tice 1995
Tice was in the NFL for 15 years as a tight end, including spending his last four years with the Vikings. He wore 83 in 1995 and had 14 catches for 126 yards and two touchdowns in his career. He became a coach on the Vikings staff and was the head coach from 2002-2005.
TE Andrew Jordan 1994
Jordan was a sixth-round pick of the Vikings in 1994 and wore 84 for his rookie season. He played a total of seven seasons for the Vikings, catching 97 passes for 763 yards and four touchdowns.
TE Steve Jordan 1982-1994
Jordan was one of the best tight ends in team his tory. He played 13 seasons for the Vikings and registered 498 receptions for 6,307 yards and 28 touchdowns. Jordan was also a six time Pro Bowler.
TE Stu Voigt 1970-1980
Speaking of great tight ends, Voigt was another one. He was less prolific than Jordan, but still caught 177 yards for 1,919 yards and 17 touchdowns.
