Coach Tice went on to say, We think that Jim is one of the best. 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. Please enable javascript and refresh the page to continue reading local news. A long-time fan favorite in Minnesota, Kleinsasser had his opportunities to go elsewhere . Of course, even as a freshman, we'd put in special plays for him. Western North Dakota remains a special place to Jim Kleinsasser. the outer planets, Neptune and Pluto, were not yet discovered, since the telescope had not yet been invented. Wild star Kirill Kaprizov sounded the Gjallarhorn prior to the Vikings-Giants game on Dec. 24. 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. He played professionally for 13 years. 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.". He was longtime teammates with star wide receiver Randy Moss as a member of the Minnesota Vikings. He finished his career with the second-most starts by a tight end in Vikings history with 119. The 46-year-old football player was born in North Dakota, United States. 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. Most important, though, he leaves the game relatively healthy and with financial security to enjoy with his wife, Christa, and sons, Carter and Cayden. 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. "He always wanted to play with me and my friends," Sheri said. 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. Kleinsasser, who grew up on a farm in Carrington, N.D., said he's now a "full-time dad," and "probably the worst 5, 6, 7-year-old soccer coach in history, but I did it with enthusiasm." He said. Please enable javascript and refresh the page to continue reading local news. asked Marty Hochhalter, Kleinsasser's high school coach. Part of the emotions going to be just leaving the team atmosphere, Kleinsasser said. His position is almost as unsexy as offensive lineman, but he's such a key to not only your running game but your whole offense. "I don't think we ever finished a game," Jimmy said. While the Minnesota Vikings play their last game of the season on Sunday against the Chicago Bears, TE Jim Kleinsasser will be playing his last NFL game ever. Long-snapper Cullen Loeffler has played for the Vikings since 2004. Once again, Jimmy dived for cover. 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. "The secret was, I always made him two lunches," Kathe said. Carter folded his thick arms, leaned back and stared across the endless prairie. 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. The house is small, warm and modest. "You've got the farms and the bars and the churches and the characters. Jim Kleinsassers income source is mostly from being a successful . Jim Souhan is a sports columnist for the Star Tribune. While we work diligently to ensure that our numbers are as accurate as possible, unless otherwise indicated they are only estimates. He demonstrated remarkable durability throughout his career, playing in all 16 games up to 2010, except for missing 15 games because of an knee injury in 2004. "You see big, strong, tough guys who can't make it more than a couple of years in this league. Kleinsasser retired at the end of the 2011 NFL season after 13 seasons with the Vikings. "Jimmy always tagged along," Sheri said. ", The Vikings signed star guard Steve Hutchinson before the 2006 season, and he joined the clique. Kleinsasser was often known for his skill in pass and run blocking, and was a fixture on the offensive line as teammate Adrian Peterson shattered several team records and led the league in rushing during the 2008 season. Its about holding true to your morals. (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. Loyalty. [3][4][5] He demonstrated remarkable durability throughout his career, playing in all 16 games up to 2010, except for missing 15 games because of an knee injury in 2004. Homes - Celebrity - Sports - Football Links: en.wikipedia.org By: tlp333 Celebrity Homes Mailing List James 'Jimmy Jam' Harris' house (former) There weren't many distractions in Carrington, a town of about 2,200. He grew up rooting for the Vikings and remains grateful for the opportunity the club provided. Kleinsasser announced his retirement following the 2011 season. He signed with the University of North Dakota, and his parents suggest that he did so because his sister, Sheri, was a basketball star there. Kleinsasser retired after the 2011 season and said it has been different not suiting up on Sunday. 6835 Cardinal Cove Dr, Mound, MN 55364 (also listed as being in Minnetrista) Jim Carter Kleinsasser is an American Football player who currently plays fullback, H-back, and tight end for the Minnesota Vikings of the National Football League; he's played for the Vikings since 1999 after the team took him in the second round of the NFL Draft. I try to adapt to whatever it takes to get the job done, or as good as I can get it done.". "The best thing about Jim is that he hasn't changed," Kathe said. "We said, 'Cereal? As a senior, he was the MVP of the state basketball tournament when Carrington won the state title. Jim Kleinsasser is 6-3 (190 cm) tall. For him to make it 13 years, damn near 180 games, and still be standing at the end of it, that's something special. Also learn how He earned most of networth at the age of 46 years old? Even your seasons of the year go by your football schedule. 9 (100.3-FM, 1130-AM) Redskins by 6 1/2. and 272 pounds, he became a tight end for the Minnesota Vikings. There weren't many distractions in Carrington, a town of about 2,200. I wouldn't hesitate to say that much of Peterson's success could be attributed to the player in front of him and out on the wings, setting up blocks so that he can break the big one. The following browsers are supported: Chrome, Edge (v80 and later), Firefox and Safari. He's proved tough enough to last, versatile enough to adapt, talented enough to engender loyalty, affordable enough to fit into every budget, and diligent and likeable enough to endear himself to a disparate mix of bosses. Kathe is about to be bracketed by retired workaholics, men who spent a lifetime of autumns reaping what they sowed. Vikings RT Brian O'Neill sounded the Gjallarhorn prior to Sunday's game against the Giants. Jim Kleinsasser's House in Mound, MN (Google Maps) Mound, Minnesota (MN), US Like Tweet Share Pin The professional football player lives here. 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. Murphy is a Detroit native and Wayne State University graduate. He's not what you'd call an impact player. Fact Check: We strive for accuracy and fairness. Carter said it was 4:30. He won the USA Today All-Joe Team award for under-appreciated players two consecutive years in 2007 and 2008. We will continue to update information on Jim Kleinsassers parents. Between 300 to 400 people showed up at Dickinsons Menards for grand opening week to get an autograph from Kleinsasser. U.S. Bank and Polaris surprised Army Sergeant Jonathon Laney and his family with a new truck and ATV during Sunday's game against the Cowboys. December 24, 2011 - 10:21 AM. At Carrington High School, Kleinsasser was a starter on the 1995 Class B State Championship basketball team. 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. The Minnesota Vikings drafted him with the. Bookmark this page and come back often for updates. Jimmy C. Kleinsasser is part of the Baby boomers generation. In high school, Kleinsasser often had to wear his basketball shoes during track season, and when the Vikings drafted him, they didn't have any cleats large enough for him to wear. In third grade, on career day, Kleinsasser wore his Joe Theismann Redskins jersey to class. The browser you are using is no longer supported on this site. 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. Generation X. Jim Kleinsasser was born in the middle of Generation X. 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. Carter and Kathe are sitting at their kitchen table. Jim Kleinsasser weighed 272 lbs (123 kg) when playing. The former Minnesota Vikings tight end/fullback remembers traveling to his grandparents' house between the Belfield-Medora area. He was 3. He's a truly great player. This Sunday will be Jim Kleinsassers birthday. "He's still very considerate, still very much himself. He plays this game only for one reason, and thats his teammates and the love of the game.. 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. I guess that was his early lesson in humility.". We recommend you to check the complete list of Famous People born on 31 January. Sheri was his idol. "The other teachers were telling Jimmy's teacher that playing football wasn't a job, that he needed to correct Jimmy," Sheri said. "Jimmy probably feels the same way. Sheri was four years older than Jimmy, who adored her and couldn't stand losing to her. "There aren't enough guys like that in the NFL these days.". We are very proud of him.". And it takes some luck just to stick around in this league. ", Noon at FedEx Field TV: Ch. "Kid," Theismann told him, "I cried, too. Hes the kind of guy you win with and the kind of kid you want on your football team., Said Vikings wide receiver Percy Harvin: Oh, man, I love Jimmy. It is a punishing job in the NFLs meat grinder, but fulfilling nonetheless. Carter, the Kleinsasser patriarch, has just retired from running the family farm outside Carrington. It would be downright wrong, in my opinion, if he didn't make it and make it someday soon. Even among NFL players, Kleinsasser's toughness astounds. 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. He was born in 1977 in Carrington, and at 6'3? Yes, I'm talking about running the ball. [1], Kleinsasser attended the University of North Dakota and played for the North Dakota Fighting Sioux football team from 1995 to 1998 before being drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in 1999. He was a basketball player at Carrington High School. People born under this sign are often seen as humorous and gifted in literature and art. "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. "Carrington has to be one of the greatest places you could grow up," Kleinsasser said. JIM KLEINSASSER - PREP ATHLETIC STANDOUT AT CARRINGTON HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION YEAR: 1995 HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETIC CAREER FOOTBALL Letter winner for the Cardinals in football. Wild ride, Kleinsasser 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. , Star Tribune 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. It's hard to know Jim Kleinsasser birth time, but we do know his mother gave birth to his on a Monday. In 1998, Kleinsasser had 45 receptions for 710 yards and 86 rushing yards. Im retiring, and Im going to stay retired, he said. Murphy was the Minnesota Wild/NHL beat writer from 2002 to 2008 and has covered the Vikings as a reporter and columnist since 2009. "If I had gone anywhere else, how many years would I have lasted? Here's to one of the last of the true Vikings. When is Jim Kleinsassers birthday? "Jimmie played in the league for a lot of years. He has also spent time fishing and being outdoors. 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. As a senior, he was the MVP of the state basketball tournament when Carrington won the state title. Kids" game during halftime of Saturday's game against the Colts. asked Marty Hochhalter, Kleinsasser's high school coach. Jim Kleinsasser, or "The Sauce," is one of those former players that define what it means to be a Viking. Once again, Jimmy dived for cover. 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). "The best thing about Jim is that he hasn't changed,'' Kathe said. You have to know exactly what it is you are comfortable with doing. He's broken many a rushing record and could eventually go down as one of the greatest of all time. Carter remembers another. In fact, he's only got one catch this season. Once more details are available on who he is dating, we will update this section. Jimmy Kleinsasser attended Carrington High School in Carrington, North Dakota and was a letterman and a standout in football, basketball, and track & field. Vikings coach Leslie Frazier vowed to send off Kleinsasser with a touchdown, which the blocking specialist has not scored in four years. "I've been so lucky," Kleinsasser said, as he ate cheese cubes at his wife's recent event in support of the Make-A-Wish Foundation. He started his career with Minnesota as a fullback before becoming one of the league's top blocking tight ends. North Dakota has a strong educational system, good work ethics, and positive core values., PublishedJanuary 28, 2021 at 1:08 AM CST. "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. He just kicked into another gear and put up that big hand and made one heckuva catch, scored, and we won, 6-0. 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. In high school, Kleinsasser often had to wear his basketball shoes during track season, and when the Vikings drafted him, they didn't have any cleats large enough for him to wear. He signed with North Dakota, and his parents suggest that he did so because his sister, Sheri, was a basketball star there. Minnesota quarterback Daunte Culpepper agreed. I kind said I wasnt going to jump into anything in my first couple years (of retiring), Kleinsasser said. Next Sunday, Jimmy Kleinsasser -- the former UND standout -- 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 . He blocked for former Eagles quarterbacks of different generations, Randall Cunningham and Donovan McNabb. Its pretty surreal how my life ended up here, he said. After a standout career at the University of North Dakota, Kleinsasser was drafted by the Vikings in the second round of the 1999 draft. 9. He's an anomaly among anomalies.". Seasons in Minnesota: 13 (1999-2011) Position: Tight end. The strengths of this sign are being independent, original, while the weaknesses can be running from emotional expression, temperamental and uncompromising. Learn How rich is He in this year and how He spends money? NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell surprised young Vikings fan Charlie Huizinga with a pair of tickets to the Super Bowl during Sunday's game against the Giants. Sheri was four years older than Jimmy, who adored her and couldn't stand losing to her. 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. "My attitude has always been, 'Whatever they ask you to do, do it.' and 272 pounds, he became a tight end for the Minnesota Vikings. A Vikings team picture stands on an easel near the front door, and the walls are filled with likenesses of roosters. Thats kind of how your clock works. "He's one of the last of a dying breed. I think its just time for me to move on, my family to move on into our next stage. Ive had such a great time with the kids and the family at home. 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. Hochhalter said Kleinsassers accountability is rooted in small-town values. The school gym had six backboards, two of which were not breakaways, one of which Kleinsasser had demolished with a dunk. I know, because I'm watching him.". How many games did Jim Kleinsasser play? During Saturday's game against the Colts, the Vikings honored members of the 2022 All-State Team. He ranked 2nd in team history for starts made by a TE with 119, and ranked 4th in catches by a TE in Vikings history. It takes a little adjustment, not having that structure. Jim Kleinsasser Net Worth Stats I let him, as long as he would lay down in the backseat. The 34-year-old veteran has given his body and 13 years of his life to the great fans of the Minnesota Vikings. "He's still very considerate, still very much himself. Only four active NFL players have been with one team longer than Kleinsasser in Minnesota. Jimmy wanted to be included. Jimmy grew the most underappreciated career in Minnesota sports. Jim Kleinsasser was born on 31 January, 1977 in Carrington, North Dakota, United States. "He has been lifting weights as long as I can remember.". 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. Listen to Full Show. Yung Gravy, a native of Rochester, Minnesota, who released his album Marvelous in October, performed prior to Thursday's Vikings-Patriots game. Im content.. "We said, 'Cereal? The Kleinsassers expected Jimmy to be drafted in the second or third round by the New York Giants. "He's one of the last of a dying breed. Kleinsasser has played for four head coaches. Both autograph signings are from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Its been a neat experience, said Mark Kerr, general manager of Menards. 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. Carter planted sunflowers, soybeans and wheat. Theyve been my everything.. Kleinsasser was selected by the Vikings in the second round of the 1999 draft. Kleinsasser spent his entire 13-year career with the Vikings. Kleinsasser, in his 13th season with the Vikings, was a second round draft pick from North Dakota in 1999. 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. Children's Health. The 34-year-old veteran has given his body and 13 years of his life to the great fans of the Minnesota Vikings. "If I had gone anywhere else, how many years would I have lasted? North Dakota was a Division II school at the time. Published April 25, 2022 at 3:14 PM CDT. Local golf courses dealing with the inclement weather, Leonard Country Club opens as 76-year old walks and runs the course, Blue Jay scores: Baseball splits with Dickinson Tuesday, No excuse is good enough to abandon a pet, Funding for North Dakota tourism projects slashed after rebuke of buffalo theme park, Jamestown student graduating from college and high school, Staff will need to review 38,000 items at Jamestown libraries. He was selected out of the, then-Division II University of North Dakota. "We'd bounce the ball two or three times, and we'd be in a fight. The Vikings held their annual "Mascots vs. Menards is bringing in former UND hockey player Dave Christian on Wednesday and former Minnesota Twins third baseman Gary Gaetti on Thursday. 2023 Celebrity Net Worth / All Rights Reserved. Jim Kleinsasser kisses his son Carter, 4 1/2, after photos with family and friends on the field before the start of the Minnesota Vikings game against the Chicago Bears at the Metrodome in Minneapolis. Its kind of nice too, because you can sit back and not get banged up.. We have estimated "The Vikings are smart enough to realize that a guy that like, who is so dependable and is still a dominating blocker on the outside, is someone you've got to hold on to," Birk said. 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. North Dakota was a Division II school at the time. How tall is Jim Kleinsasser? I've got college friends who are here, who provided an instant support system. Kleinsasser was as tough on basketball backboards as he was on linebackers. Im at peace with my career and what Ive done here. Here's to you Mr. Kleinsasser, from one of your longtime adoring fans. 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. 8. In the movie 50 First Dates, Kleinsasser is mentioned by Sean Astin's character briefly before Kleinsasser scores a touchdown on the TV. "Jimmy's teacher said, 'Why would I do that? "You've got the farms and the bars and the churches and the characters. He outlasted the likes of Torii Hunter, Kevin Garnett and Matt Birk, three celebrated local athletes whose substantial contracts prompted their departures. Jimmy C. Kleinsasser attended North Dakota. Adrian Peterson is, without question, the best running back in the NFL when healthy. Carter planted sunflowers, soybeans and wheat. Western North Dakota remains a special place to Jim Kleinsasser. The result was a massive, fast, skilled athlete. Kathe is about to be bracketed by retired workaholics, men who spent a lifetime of autumns reaping what they sowed. The Vikings traded three draft picks to Pittsburgh to move up and select him in the second round of the 1999 NFL draft, 44th overall. If you see something that doesnt look right, contact us. In 2007 and 2008 Kleinsasser was named to USA Today's All Joe Team honoring hard workers and under-recognized players. You watch Vikings games, and you can see the effect he has on so many plays. Kleinsasser's staying power is the result of rare circumstances. Zodiac Sign: Jim Kleinsasser is a Aquarius. Jimmy Carter Kleinsasser (/klanssr/; born January 31, 1977) is a former American Football player who played fullback, H-back, and tight end for the Minnesota Vikings of the National Football League. He was a two-time Gatorade Circle of Champions North Dakota player of the year in football. Even among NFL players, Kleinsasser's toughness astounds. Back the early 2,000 B.C. On Sunday, Kleinsasser will suit up one last time in purple. "The other teachers were telling Jimmy's teacher that playing football wasn't a job, that he needed to correct Jimmy," Sheri said. Kleinsasser was drafted as a tight end in the second round of the 1999 NFL Draft. 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 continued his 13-year career with the Vikings in the 2011 season. 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. When he was little, he'd run into the yard and lay a hit on the family dog that would get him fined by the NFL today. "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. Of course, even as a freshman, we'd put in special plays for him. Sunday's U.S. Bank Hometown Hero was World War II veteran Robert Holmstrom, a recipient of the Congressional Gold Medal. He's a truly great player. "You see that long run by Adrian Peterson last week?" Whos the richest Football Player in the world. 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. If you feel you have received this message in error, please contact the customer support team at 1-833-248-7801. Jim Kleinsasser, the longest-tenured Viking on the team's roster, is entering his 13th year in the NFL -- all in Minnesota -- and has been one of the most physical tight ends in the team's. "No farming, and no football.". The celebrity, tv-personality & actor is dating Todd Spiewak, his starsign is Aries and he is now 49 years of age. In my mind, hes probably one of the top three players on this team. Culpepper likely had himself and Randy Moss in mind for the other two. Kleinsasser shakes his head when asked to put his career in perspective.
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