Former Vikings Pro Bowl LB Jeff Siemon dies

The 10th overall pick of the 1972 NFL Draft was a four-time Pro Bowler.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 6:40pm

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Former Minnesota Vikings four-time Pro Bowl linebacker Jeff Siemon died on Saturday at the age of 75. Siemon spent all 11 of his NFL seasons with the Vikings after being selected by the club with the 10th overall pick of the 1972 NFL Draft out of Stanford. He was named one of the 50 Greatest Vikings as part of Minnesota's 50th season celebration in 2010.

Why it matters

Siemon was a key part of the Vikings' defense during his career, making four Pro Bowls and helping the team reach the Super Bowl in 1973 and 1976. His passing marks the loss of an important figure in Vikings history and a beloved teammate.

The details

Siemon was named to the Pro Bowl in 1973, 1975, 1976 and 1977. He played in 156 career games, making 124 starts. Siemon had 11 interceptions and 11 fumble recoveries with seven career sacks.

  • Jeff Siemon died on Saturday, March 28, 2026.
  • Siemon was selected by the Vikings in the 1972 NFL Draft.

The players

Jeff Siemon

A four-time Pro Bowl linebacker who spent his entire 11-year NFL career with the Minnesota Vikings after being selected 10th overall in the 1972 draft.

Bobby Bryant

A former teammate of Siemon's on the Vikings, who praised Siemon as a great player and person.

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What they’re saying

“Jeff was a great teammate -- a leader for us on the field and a really good linebacker. He was key to our teams.”

— Bobby Bryant, Former Vikings teammate

“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.”

— Bobby Bryant, Former Vikings teammate

The takeaway

Siemon's passing marks the loss of an iconic Vikings player who was beloved by his teammates and the Minnesota community. His four-time Pro Bowl career and leadership on the field cemented his legacy as one of the franchise's all-time greats.