Vikings Mourn Passing of 4-Time Pro Bowl Linebacker Jeff Siemon

Siemon, a member of the Vikings' 50 Greatest Players, was a key part of the Purple People Eaters defense in the 1970s.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 10:30pm

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The Minnesota Vikings are mourning the loss of four-time Pro Bowl middle linebacker and 1972 No. 10 overall pick Jeff Siemon, who passed away at the age of 75. Siemon played 11 seasons for the Vikings, ranking third in team history in career tackles with 1,375. He was a key part of the Vikings' dominant 'Purple People Eaters' defense in the 1970s, starting three Super Bowls and helping the team reach the playoffs multiple times.

Why it matters

Siemon was a beloved figure in Vikings history, making four Pro Bowls and being named one of the 50 Greatest Vikings as part of the team's 50th season celebration. His passing marks the end of an era for the Vikings' legendary defense of the 1970s.

The details

Siemon was selected 10th overall by the Vikings in the 1972 NFL Draft after an All-America career at Stanford. He made an immediate impact as a rookie, starting 8 of 13 games and recording 87 tackles, 2 interceptions, and a sack. Siemon went on to lead the Vikings in tackles three times (1974, 1976, 1978) and helped the team finish 12-2 in 1975, ranking 3rd in the NFL in points allowed. He played in 156 regular-season games for the Vikings, starting 124 of them, and opened 4 NFC Championship games in a 5-season span from 1973-1977.

  • Siemon passed away on Saturday, March 28, 2026.
  • Siemon was drafted by the Vikings in 1972 and played for the team for 11 seasons, from 1972 to 1982.

The players

Jeff Siemon

A four-time Pro Bowl middle linebacker who played 11 seasons for the Minnesota Vikings, ranking third in team history in career tackles with 1,375. Siemon was a key part of the Vikings' dominant 'Purple People Eaters' defense in the 1970s, starting three Super Bowls and helping the team reach the playoffs multiple times. He was named one of the 50 Greatest Vikings as part of the team's 50th season celebration in 2010.

Scott Studwell

A Vikings linebacker who ranks first in team history in career tackles with 1,928.

Matt Blair

A Vikings linebacker who ranks second in team history in career tackles with 1,404.

Roy Winston

A Vikings linebacker who was named one of the 50 Greatest Vikings.

Wally Hilgenberg

A Vikings linebacker who was named one of the 50 Greatest Vikings.

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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. 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

“His work ethic was absolutely tremendous. And above it all, he is one of the nicest guys you would ever want to meet.”

— Ahmad Rashad, Former Vikings Teammate

The takeaway

Jeff Siemon's passing marks the end of an era for the Vikings' legendary 'Purple People Eaters' defense of the 1970s. As a four-time Pro Bowler and member of the 50 Greatest Vikings, Siemon was a beloved figure who left a lasting impact on the franchise through his play on the field and his faith-driven leadership off it.