He was one of the greatest players in Vikings history.
Hall of Famer Mick Tinglehoff passed away Saturday at the age of 81.
He grew up in Nebraska and played college football for the Cornhuskers but was by-passed in the 1962 NFL Draft, which consisted of twenty rounds.
The Vikings then signed Tinglehoff as a free agent, and over the next 17 seasons, he never missed a game, starting 240 straight, the most of any NFL center.
The Wilf family ownership group of the Vikings described Tingelhoff as the "anchor" of the team through some of the best seasons in NFL history.
"Mick Tingelhoff was the anchor of the great Vikings teams during an amazing era that included four Super Bowls," the Wilf family said in a statement. "A humble but strong leader, he defined toughness. Mick's legacy will live on as a Hall of Famer, on the field and off the field. Our thoughts are with his family and friends."
Tinglehoff is one of Vikings 11 players to take part in all four of the teams' Super Bowl appearances.