2010 minnesota vikings - cloudinary · vikings schedule.....308 the minnesota vikings 2010 official...

In conjunction with the NFL’s Green Team, the Vikings unveiled an organization-wide initiative in 2009 dedicated to helping sustain our environment and using renewable energy resources.

The Minnesota Vikings are committed to developing sustainable business practices, utilizing renewable energy sources and imple-

menting environmentally-conscious programs in an effort to lessen our tax on the environment and improve the quality of life in Vikings

Country. It is our corporate responsibility as a global citizen to:

• Accept our responsibility to help preserve and replenish our environment

• Educate ourselves and others on the environmental issues we are facing

• Evaluate our consumption of natural resources and energy expenditures

• Develop reasonable alternatives and solutions to bring about a positive change to our impact on the environment

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Renewable/Sustainable Stadium ProposalOne goal behind the Vikings new stadium proposal is to create an environmentally-responsible venue by leveraging existing infra-

structure and land, implementing green initiatives and striving to become the first LEED-certified NFL stadium. By selecting the current Metrodome site, existing materials can be reused, as can current transportation systems and utility infrastructure. Two opportunities for the new stadium include:

• Re-using the crushed concrete from the Metrodome alone would save nearly 10,000 truckloads of new concrete. • The unique angle of the proposed retractable roof will be designed to accommodate future Photovoltaic technology (solar panels).

Modular Green Roof at Winter ParkPlastic trays with plants have been placed in front of the air conditioning intake on top of the Winter Park practice facility as an energy-

saving measure. The plants create a cooler environment on the roof so that the air conditioning intake temperature in the summer months is around 80 degrees instead of the normal 120 degrees it is without the plants. The result is less energy used during the months when the facility needs to be cooled, which in turn decreases costs and protects the environment.

Zero-Waste Playground BuildThe Vikings helped take some “green” ideas off site with the 4th Annual Minnesota Vikings Playground Build in June, 2009. With

the help of Toro Company and KaBOOM!, the Vikings participated in a zero-waste playground build at Crestview Elementary School in Brooklyn Park. All materials from the old playground were reused or recycled and all unused material during the build was also recycled.

Waste-Reduction Recycling ProgramA recycling program has been instituted at Winter Park that has reduced waste output by 67 percent.

New Lighting SystemT5 fluorescent lights have replaced the metal-halide lights used at the facility since 1991, resulting in a 30 percent decrease in energy

costs. The new lights also have increased brightness and longevity.

Use of Sustainable Earth Cleaning ProductsCorporate Express, the Vikings cleaning products provider, offers friendly commercial cleaning products that provide superior perfor-

mance. Many of the products are certified by the EPA and Green Seal.

Sustainable Construction Projects and Reduced-Flow Plumbing Fixtures at Winter Park There is a focus on using recycled materials for new construction projects, reduced-flow plumbing fixtures and energy-efficient lighting.

The players’ clubhouse area and athletic training area were renovated with reduced-flow plumbing fixtures in 2008.

VIKINGS STEP UP COMMITMENT TO ENVIRONMENT

2010 VIKINGS 1 TEAM GUIDE


Kickoff 2010 Vikings Stadium Vision ................................................ 4-5 Vikings Children’s Fund ....................................................6 Vikings Youth Football .....................................................7 Vikings Community Relations .................................... 8-11 Vikings Staff Directory ...................................................12Administration Zygi Wilf .........................................................................14 Mark Wilf, Leonard Wilf, Jeffrey Wilf ....................... 15-16 Ownership Partners ........................................................17 Vikings Vice Presidents ............................................ 18-21 Vikings Board of Advisors ..............................................23Coaching Staff Head Coach Brad Childress ...................................... 26-29 Assistant Coaches and Staff ..................................... 30-57Vikings Personnel/Scouting Staff George Paton .................................................................60 Scott Studwell ................................................................61 Vikings Scouting and Personnel Staff ...................... 62-74Support Staff ............................................................... 74-78Players Veterans ................................................................. 80-202 Rookies and Free Agents ...................................... 204-213 Vikings Alphabetical Roster ..........................................2142009 Season Regular Season Statistics ............................................216 Regular Season Defensive Statistics ............................217 Participation Chart........................................................220 Game-By-Game Starters ..............................................221 The Last Time ..............................................................222 2009 NFL Standings .....................................................223 NFL Teams of the Decades ..........................................224Records Attendance Records .....................................................226 All-Time Leaders .................................................. 227-232 Individual Records ............................................... 233-239 Vikings Big Days Rushing/ Passing/Receiving ............................................. 240-241

Records cont. All-Time Scoring .................................................. 242-245 All-Time Starting QB ....................................................245 All-Time Passing/Receiving/Rushing .................... 246-249 Touchdowns by Season ...............................................249 Team Records ...................................................... 250-253 Opening Day Results/Highs ..........................................253 Final NFL Offensive/Defensive Rankings ......................254Playoff Records All-Time Playoff Leaders ..............................................255 Big Days/Playoffs .........................................................255 Individual Playoff Records ...........................................256 Team Playoff Records .......................................... 257-258History Vikings Lore ......................................................... 260-263 Vikings Coaching History ..................................... 264-265 Results: Year-by-Year .......................................... 266-271 Vikings All-Time Records .............................................272 Overtime Games ...........................................................272 Primetime/Thanksgiving Games ...................................273 Series Standings .................................................. 273-275 Vikings Alumni ..................................................... 276-279 Vikings All-Time Games Played/Started .......................280 Vikings All-Time Drafts ........................................ 281-284 Pro Football Hall of Fame ..................................... 285-286 Vikings Ring of Honor .......................................... 287-290 Retired Jersey Numbers ...............................................290 Korey Stringer Good Guy Award ..................................290 All-Time Players/Week/Month ......................................291 Vikings All-Time Honors ...................................... 292-294 Pro Bowl Honorees ......................................................294 Year-by-Year ........................................................ 295-298 Homes of the Vikings ...................................................299 Super Bowl Results ......................................................300Extra Points 2010 Vikings Training Camp ........................................302 Vikings Preseason Television .......................................303 Vikings Radio Network .................................................304 Vikings Media Policy ....................................................305 2010 NFL Schedule .............................................. 306-307 Vikings Schedule ..........................................................308

The Minnesota Vikings 2010 Official Team Guide is a production of the Minnesota Vikings Public Relations Department. Cover and inside page design by Erin Swartz and Jess Lowenberg. Printing and layout by Bolger Vision Beyond Print, Minneapolis, MN. Design and Technical Support - Bill Doll, De Schara, Monica Smith and the Bolger staff. Inside photography by Amos Smith Photography, Rick Kolodziej, Brad Madson, Steve Lucas, Paul Spinelli & Spin Photos, Brad Madson and Paul Odegard. Editor - Tom West. Editorial Assistants - Evan Koch, Jeff Anderson, Bob Hagan, Jon Ekstrom, Dan Apple, Anna Schultz and Mike Wobschall.

2010 Minnesota vikings

official team guide

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ELEMENTS OF THE PROPOSED NEW STADIUM INCLUDE: • 65,000 seats, expandable to 72,000 for Super Bowl and other events • Up to 7,500 club seats and up to 150 private box suites • 20,000 parking spaces within one-quarter mile of the new stadium • Vikings Game Day Plaza comprising approximately 144,000 square feet of land area • Vikings Hall of Fame and Vikings Team Store

STADIUM CONSTRUCTION BENEFITS ECONOMY DURING TOUGH ECONOMIC TIMES

Presented to the House Local Government Committee on 2/23/09

In February 2009, the Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission released the findings of a jobs and economic impact analysis by Conventions, Sports & Leisure, International (CSL), which showed the construction and operation of a new stadium and the Min-nesota Vikings franchise provides significant economic benefits to the State of Minnesota.

Key findings of the CSL report included:

• The construction of a new stadium will support approximately 13,000 jobs, including 7,500 construction and trades workers that would be utilized during the building process.

• Upon completion of the stadium, 3,400 full and part-time jobs will be supported by the economic activity generated by a new stadium and the Vikings.

• The economic activity from a new stadium will generate over $21 million per year in tax revenue, which includes the $18 million annually generated by the Vikings. In 2009, the Vikings paid more than $18 million in taxes in Minnesota, through property, income and sales taxes.

vikings stadiuM vision


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As committed as the Vikings are to bringing a Super Bowl championship to the fans and to the State, the franchise is equally devoted to securing a long-term home for the team in Minnesota. The Vikings remain one of just a few NFL franchises without a stadium solution, a top priority for both the organization and the National Football League.

Due to the challenges of the Metrodome, the team currently ranks at the bottom of the NFL in stadium revenues, making it difficult for the Vikings to remain competitive. With just 10 games left in the Metrodome following the 2010 season and a lease set to expire after 2011, there is urgency for State leaders to act.

Following the conclusion of the 2010 Legislative Session, the Vikings expressed their disappointment to State leaders for their lack of action on the stadium issue. While the team respects the challenges and priorities facing the State of Minnesota, the delay has now pushed the issue into the final year of the lease and has added significantly to the overall cost. Recently, however, a bi-partisan group of legisla-tors has stepped up to work on securing the future of the team in Minnesota, acknowledging that having an NFL team requires a stadium solution. The Vikings are working with that group, as well as with business, labor and community leaders on resolving the issue in 2011.

Building a new home for Vikings football will dramatically improve the fan experience at games, help the franchise meet basic NFL program requirements and generate the revenue needed to keep the team competitive over the long term. Addressing the issue now will also give the State a publicly-owned, multi-use facility to be used year round, keep the Vikings in Minnesota for the next generation and provide much-needed employment and economic activity.

HOW YOU CAN HELP:Much work remains between now and the 2010 Legislative Session, and the Vikings need your help. You can help by:• Joining Minnesota Momentum, the grassroots coalition of stadium supporters (www.minnesotamomentum.com). • Contacting your elected officials and encouraging them to support a stadium solution in 2010.

Aerial view of the proposed Winter Garden Light Rail Station, Vikings Game Day Plaza and multi-use stadium.

Images courtesy of ROMA Design Group and HOK Sport

vikings stadiuM vision


There have been many changes on and off the field for the Minnesota Vikings since the team’s inception, but the organi-zation’s steadfast commitment to children has always remained the same.

In light of the organization’s com-mitment to community, the Vikings Children’s Fund (VCF) was established in 1978 and has since raised over $8 million to give back to those in need. The VCF is a means for Vikings players, coaches, cheerleaders, staff and their families to focus their community support to help children. The VCF distributes grants to health, education and family services organizations benefiting children.

In 2009 the VCF provided more than 120 grants to nonprofit organizations, including $205,000 to the University of Minnesota Department of Pediatrics. In total, the VCF has donated more than $5 million to support the University of Minnesota Department of Pediatrics, which boasts highly-skilled pediatricians and excels in break-through research.

To learn more about the VCF - or to make a donation - please call Patrick Leopold at (952) 828-6500. If your charitable organization is interested in applying for a VCF grant, log on to Vikings.com to download a grant application form. Grant applications need to be mailed by the end of March each year for fall awards.

VIKING CHILDREN’S FUND FACTS AND FIGURES• The University of Minnesota Department of Pediatrics has been awarded over $4.5 million to l support research fighting childhood diseases.• The Vikings Children’s Fund supported over 50 organizations in 2009.• The Vikings Children’s Fund has supported over 300 child-related organizations across Vikings coun-l try since the inception in 1978.

The Vikings have a long-standing tradition of cooperation and progress in the areas of child and family health with the University of Minnesota. The Vikings donation to the Department of Pediatrics in 2008 was a signature moment for the Vikings Children’s Fund and the University.

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The Vikings Youth Football mission statement is to grow, support and promote youth football through fair play, health/wellness and academics.Innovative programs reach youngsters and encourage them to be their best on and off the field through the High School Player Development 7-on-7 Tournament, Youth Football Camps, USA Football Coaching School, equipment and field grants, the Vikings All-State Football Team and Minnesota Mr. Football, the High School Coach of the Week Program and the High School Coach of the Year.

CLOCKWISE: The Vikings welcome youth football teams from across the state to play before Vikings games as part of the Vikings of the Future program...The Vikings honor an All-State team annu-ally and recognize the squad at halftime of a home game...Giving youth coaches first-rate coaching tips keeps the future of the game bright and is the goal of the Vikings youth coaching and player development programs.

MINNESOTA VIKINGS YOUTH ADVISORY BOARD:Rufus Bess- Head Coach Park Center High and Vikings alumni;

Mike Grant- Head Coach Eden Prairie High; E.J. Henderson- Vikings LB; Mimi Kalb- Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board; Dwight Lundeen- Head Coach Becker High; Brad Madson- Vikings Community Relations; Dave Nelson- Head Coach Minnetonka High; Jeff Robinson- Vikings Pro Scout; Bob Smith- St. Paul Municipal Athletics; Ron Stolski- Head Coach Brainerd High; Ray Tri- Head Coach Eden Valley-Watkins.

vikings youth football


THE MINNESOTA VIKINGS “ON THE FIELD AND IN THE COMMUNITY – YOUR SPECIAL TEAM” The Minnesota Vikings are more than a football team. The coaches, players and staff are your neighbors. Their wives or husbands may be your co-workers. Their children attend school with your children. The Vikings are a part of our community. Many schools, hospital chari-ties and civic groups have been impacted by player involvement, staff participation and family volunteerism.

The Vikings organization is your neighbor too, as a corporate citizen actively involved in policy and service to Minnesota. The Vikings community relations department and Vikings Children’s Fund handle a broad range of requests including player appearances, in-kind donations, partnering with non-profit groups on fundraisers, the production of public service announcements and team philanthropy. Since its inception in 1978, the VCF has donated more than $4.5 million to the University of Minnesota Department of Pediatrics. The VCF has maintained a commitment to youth and families by distributing funds toward youth development, family services and education support- a total of over $8 million given back to our community.

CLOCKWISE: Sidney Rice reached out to a local family whose daughter was battling cancer and invited them to the Vikings-Cowboys game in the Divisional Playoffs. Rice had the family attend the closed Saturday practice at Winter Park the day before the game where they met Rice’s teammates and shared encour-agement. Rice went on to tie an NFL record the next day against Dallas with 3 TD catches in a playoff game...Phil Loadholt and Bryant McKinnie visited Owatonna elementary school students to deliver a message about living an active lifestyle and stay-ing physically fit as part of the Vikings “You Made the Team” Community Tour, a program that has visited 12 communities in the past 3 years...Adrian Peterson and Brett Favre welcomed special visitors to a Vikings practice at Winter Park. During his storied career, Favre has granted over 200 Make-A-Wish experi-ences and continued to work with the organization during the 2009 season with the Vikings.

VIKINGS IN THE COMMUNITY

vikings in the coMMunity


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CLOCKWISE: The Vikings came out in force to promote environ-mental awareness at Jenny Lind School in Minneapolis, joining students in a tree-planting activity at Bohanon Park. The event highlighted the Vikings Planet Purple initiative aimed at focus on the environement. The Vikings have been on the leading edge of environmental awareness in the work place. Organization-wide the team has reduced waste, increased re-using of resources and making a strong effort to be energy-conscious...Chris Clark and teammates joined the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources’ MinnAqua program to get kids from the FAIR School involved in fishing at Fort Snelling State Park. The players helped young people learn proper casting techniques, fishing safety and conservation princples...Visanthe Shiancoe and Sidney Rice travelled with Vikings owner Zygi Wilf to Austin, MN as part of the ongoing “You Made The Team” Community Tour. The Vikings taught lessons about living a healthy and active lifestyle to children at a gathering at the YMCA.



CLOCKWISE: Fred Evans, Ryan Cook and Heath Farwell showed they’re cool with tools at the Vikings annual Playground Build. The entire organization came together to build a new playground for students at Nellie Stone Johnson school in Minneapolis...Cullen Loeffler and teammates partnered with Cheerful Givers to pack 300 birthday gift bags with toys, books and treats for less fortunate families in the Twin Cities. Cheerful Givers was founded with the goal of giving every child a happy birthday...Vikings alumni are active in the community and serve as ambassadors for the team. Pro Football Hall of Famer John Randle visited the Blue Earth County Fair in Amboy, MN during the summer of 2009...Rookie CB Chris Cook got an early start working with the Twin Cities community, helping at the annual Vikings Punt, Pass and Kick event with Special Olympics Minnesota. Cook and teammates showed competitors the finer points of each skill at Winter Park in June 2010.



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CLOCKWISE: Vikings present and past, Chad Greenway and Ring of Honor inductee Chuck Foreman, assisted with the annual Memorial Blood Centers drive...The Vikings routinely welcome troops at practice and were visited by Air Force Technical Sergeant Chuck Smisek during the 2009 season. Smisek returned the favor by presenting the team with a United States flag that had flown over Kirkuk, Irag in honor of the Vikings to defensive backs Asher Allen and Antoine Winfield... E.J. Henderson was recognized for his commitment to com-munity by being named the Minnesota Vikings 2009 Community Man of the Year. Henderson has long been active with several outreach programs, but stepped his volunteerism up to a new level as he expanded programs through his E.J. Henderson Youth Foundation to benefit underserved Twin Cities urban youth, an effort that was aided by a $100,000 personal donation. Henderson joined teammates in June 2010 visiting National Guard troops at Camp Ripley in northern Minnesota, getting an up-close look at Guard life.



OWNER/CHAIRMAN.................................................Zygi Wilf OWNER/PRESIDENT .............................................. Mark WilfOWNER/VICE CHAIRMAN ................................. Leonard WilfOWNERSHIP PARTNERS ....................................Jeffrey Wilf, Reggie Fowler, Alan Landis, David MandelbaumEXECUTIVE STAFFVP of Public Affairs & Stadium Development...................Lester BagleyVP of Football Operations ........................................Rob BrzezinskiVP of Sales & Marketing & Chief Marketing Officer .......Steve LaCroixVP of Finance & Chief Financial Officer............Steve PoppenVP of Player Personnel ...................................Rick SpielmanVP of Legal Affairs & Chief Administrative Officer ....... Kevin WarrenCONSULTANTSConsultant ..............................................................Bud GrantConsultant-Team Historian .......................................Fred ZamberlettiConsultant-Stadium & Real Estate Development ...........Don BeckerADMINISTRATIONExecutive Assistant to Owners ........................Trish HuizingaExecutive Assistant ......................................Tracy McDonaldReceptionist .......................................................Mary NeversOffice Assistant ......................................................Lois HydeCOACHING STAFFHead Coach .....................................................Brad ChildressDefensive Coordinator/Assistant Head Coach ............ Leslie FrazierOffensive Coordinator ........................................ Darrell BevellSpecial Teams Coordinator .............................. Brian MurphyRunning Backs ................................................. Eric BieniemyDefensive Line ....................................................Karl DunbarAssistant Offensive Line ...................................... Jim HueberTight Ends ................................................... Jimmie JohnsonOffensive Line .......................................................Pat MorrisLinebackers .......................................................... Fred PagacAssistant Defensive Line ............................... Diron ReynoldsQuarterbacks .....................................................Kevin RogersAssistant Defensive Backs ................................Matt SheldonWide Receivers ............................................. George StewartAssistant Special Teams ..................................... Chris WhiteDefensive Backs ...................................................Joe WoodsHead Strength and Conditioning ........................ Tom KanavyAssistant Strength and Conditioning ...............Juney BarnettAssistant Strength and Conditioning .............Martin StreightOffensive Assistant/WRs .....................................Ryan FickenDefensive Assistant/LBs ....................................Jeff ImamuraDefensive Assistant/DL .................................Ryan SilverfieldQuality Control/Offense-QBs ......................... Kevin StefanskiAssistant to Head Coach ..................................Dennis PolianCoaching Assistant ...........................................Todd NielsonExecutive Assistant to Head Coach ............... Mary RedmondPLAYER PERSONNEL/FOOTBALL ADMINISTRATIONDirector of Player Personnel ............................ George PatonDirector of College Scouting ...........................Scott StudwellAssistant Director of College Scouting ........Jamaal StephensonPro Scout ............................................................. Scott KuhnPro Scout .......................................................Ryan MonnensPro Scout .........................................................Jeff RobinsonRegional Scout ............................................. Conrad CardanoRegional Scout .......................................................Paul RoellArea Scout ......................................................Frank AcevedoArea Scout ...................................................... Terrance GrayArea Scout ...................................................... Kevin McCabeArea Scout .......................................................Mike SholitonBlesto Scout ...................................................Curtis CrossleyManager-Football Information Systems .................Paul NelsonManager of Football Administration ................ Anne DoepnerFootball Information Systems Analyst ...............Luke BursonExecutive Asst.-Player Personnel ........................Kelly WilskePersonnel Consultant ............................................ Jerry ReichowPersonnel Consultant ................................................Paul WigginEQUIPMENTEquipment Manager ...........................................Dennis RyanAssistant Equipment Manager ..................... Aaron NeumannAssistant Equipment Manager ......................... Adam GroeneMEDICALHead Athletic Trainer ..................................... Eric SugarmanAssistant Athletic Trainer ..................................Tom HunkeleAssistant Athletic Trainer ..................................... Rob RocheTeam Physician ............................................ Joel Boyd, M.D.Team Physician .....................................Sheldon Burns, M.D.Team Physician ........................................Chris Larson, M.D.Team Physician .........................................David Olson, M.D.

OPERATIONS/FACILITY Director of Operations-Team Travel .................. Luther HippeDirector of Operations & Facilities ......................Chad LundeenTeam Operations Coordinator/Training Camp .......... Paul MartinTurf Manager ................................................ Grant DavissonFacilities Assistant ............................................Eric CharlsonDININGDirector of Food Service Operations ............... Geji McKinneyDietician Consultant ...................................... Carrie PetersonPLAYER DEVELOPMENT/LEGALExec. Director of Player Development/Legal ............ Les PicoVIDEODirector of Video .................................................Bob MarcusAssistant Video Director ................................... Steven HicksVideo Assistant ...................................................Ryan LoganSECURITYDirector of Security ............................................Kim KlawiterSALES AND MARKETINGDirector of Marketing & Business Development ........... Dannon HulskotterEvents & Hospitality Manager .......................... Amy AnthonyMarketing Manager- Special Events ......................Debra JonesEvents & Hospitality Coordinator ....................... Scott ErdahlMarketing Manager- Branding and Promotions ........Erin SwartzGraphic Design Specialist .................................Jess LowenbergExecutive Producer- Vikings Entertainment Network............. Bryan HarperEditor & Videographer ......................................... Jordan StruckEditor & Videographer .............................................Mike HuirasMultimedia Specialist ................................................ Jay NelsonInteractive Marketing Coordinator ........................Ryan CardinalMarketing Coordinator .............................................. Brett TaberEntertainment Marketing Coordinator .................Nikki MyersVikings.com Writer/Editor .............................Mike WobschallMVC Head Coach & Coordinator .......................Tami KrauseSales & Marketing Coordinator .............................. C.J. RughCORPORATE SALES & SERVICEDirector of Corporate Sales & Service ................ Mike SlatesMarketing Partnerships Manager ..........................Nathan FixMarketing Partnerships Coordinator ..................... Matt GubaMarketing Partnerships Coordinator ................ Courtney WalterSales & Partnerships Assistant ........................... Ren RutkusSenior Corporate Sales Manager ..................... Marc MorganCorporate Sales Manager ................................. Peter DugganCorporate Sales Manager ............................... Tanya DreesenCorporate Sales Manager ..................................Doug MelnykCorporate Sales Manager .............................Natalie KolanderVIKINGS CHILDREN’S FUNDVikings Children’s Fund Coordinator ......................... Pat LeopoldTICKETS/SUITES Director of Ticketing & Hospitality .........................Phil HuebnerDirector of Private Suite Sales & Service ......................J.P. PaulManager of Ticket Operations .................................. Joe MeeManager of Private Suite Sales .................. Nicole SantelmanTicket Sales Manager ...........................................John NepplManager of Suite Operations ..........................Mike ManahanTicket Sales Representative ..........................Sharon LohmarTicket Sales Representative .........................Chuck PamperinTicket Account Executive .....................................Steve ReedTicket Account Executive ................................Kent BergsrudTicket Acct. Exec.-Group Ticket Sales ...............Travis HamreTicket Account Executive .................... Charlie BoeckenheuerTicket Account Executive ............................Laura CulbertsonTicket Account Executive ..............................Logan PinckneyACCOUNTING/FINANCEController ............................................................. Carl MiklasAccounting Manager ...................................Ann SchumacherPayroll Supervisor/Accountant ............................ Carla SmithFinance Assistant ........................................... Bobbe DaggettAccounting Clerk ............................................Kimi TonnesonPurchasing Agent ............................................... Alan SavageCOMMUNITY RELATIONSExec. Director of Community Relations/Youth Football .........Brad MadsonDirector of Civic and Business Affairs ................ Kimberly FieldsHUMAN RESOURCESDirector of Human Resources............................. Lisa LarsonINFORMATION TECHNOLOGYInformation Technology Manager ................. Cheryl NygaardInformation Technology Specialist ......................Todd HauckPUBLIC RELATIONSDirector of Public Relations ................................. Bob HaganAssistant Director of Public Relations................... Tom WestAssistant Director of Public Affairs ..................Jeff AndersonPublic Relations Assistant .................................Jon Ekstrom

2010 VIKINGS STAFF DIRECTORY

EXTRA POINTSHISTORYexecutives


Zygi Wilf and his partners have relied on consistency and investment in building a winner in every aspect of their six-year ownership of the Minnesota Vikings. The Wilf family and the ownership group has worked diligently at making the Vikings an important part of the fabric of the Upper Midwest.

The Vikings are fresh off a 2009 season that took them to the steps of the NFL’s biggest stage for the first time in a decade and captured back-to-back division titles for the first time in 32 years. The club won the NFC North Division for a second straight year and advanced to the NFC Champion-ship in one of the most exciting and successful seasons in team history. The team featured 10 players who earned Pro Bowl berths.

As the franchise enters the 2010 season, a strong foun-dation has been established for success on the field and with civic and corporate leadership in the community. Over the last five years, the team has enhanced its already strong reputation as an NFL leader in community relations activities and has raised its level of involvement in the re-gion. Under the stewardship of the Wilfs, the franchise has taken strides forward on the initiative for a state-of-the-art, multi-use stadium as the centerpiece of an economic de-velopment package for the state and region. The Vikings ownership is committed to investing in the state’s economy and is dedicated to a world-class showcase for Minnesota’s sporting future.

Wilf leads an ownership group that closely mirrors the

structure that has led the Wilf family to national prominence in their business ventures with Garden Homes Develop-ment, a nationwide leader in retail, commercial and private residential development. Joining Wilf in the Vikings venture are his brother, Mark, cousin, Leonard, and nephew, Jef-frey, along with several associates from outside the family.

The journey for Wilf from avid New York Giants fan sitting in the bleachers of Yankee Stadium in the 1960s to taking over the leadership of one of the NFL’s proudest franchises has been marked by bold and well-founded business deci-sions, commitment to family and employees, and dedica-tion to community.

Throughout the Wilf family’s rise to prominence in real estate development, the consistent focus on philanthropy and never losing touch with family roots has been a founda-tion and philosophy.

Building a championship team with character has been at the core of the Wilf ownership group’s growth as NFL own-ers. The Wilf family has stayed close to their roots, donating generously to heart-felt causes at home and throughout the world.

Wilf, the son of Joseph and Elizabeth Wilf, emigrated with his parents from Europe to the United States in the early 1950s and settled in New Jersey.

Zygi attended nearby Fairleigh Dickinson University, earning a bachelor’s degree in economics and later gradu-ated from New York Law School in Manhattan. Wilf, 60, and wife, Audrey, have four children.

Vikings owner Zygi Wilf presented 2009 Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee Randall McDaniel to the home crowd at halftime of the Vikings-Packers game on Monday Night Football on 10/5/09. As the Wilf Family enters their 6th season as stewards of the Vikings franchise, the connection between the team and the fans has never been stronger.

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As the Vikings approach the 2010 season, team Presi-dent Mark Wilf has played a key role in the development of the business aspects of the club and organizing the leader-ship of the franchise to mirror the proven family model that the Wilf family has implemented in other successful ven-tures. As President, Mark manages day-to-day operations and directs all business departments of the Vikings.

The Vikings will play their 50th season on the field in the fall of 2010 and the Wilf family ownership group enters its 6th in supervision of the franchise. Following a 2009 sea-son that saw the team reach its 7th NFC Championship Game and first since 2000, as well as winning back-to-back division titles for the first time in 32 years, Wilf continues to strive for the franchise’s first Super Bowl title. The connec-tion between the fans and the team continues to deepen as the “You Made the Team” Community Tour grows more popular and purposeful.

Along with dramatic facility upgrades at Winter Park since taking over the team, the ownership group has prided itself on improving the identity and atmosphere associated with the franchise. The Vikings have been a valuable part of the fabric of life in the region since beginning play in 1961. The Wilf family takes pride in building on the strong tradition of community involvement the franchise has been known for.

The Wilfs lead an ownership group that closely mirrors the structure that has led the Wilf family to national promi-nence in their business ventures with Garden Homes De-velopment, a nationwide leader in retail, commercial and private residential development.

An NFL franchise is a valuable commodity to a communi-ty and the Wilf ownership group recognizes and embraces the role as a civic leader. Under Mark Wilf’s direction, the Vikings have taken a more prominent role as a business and community leader and have embraced their fans and partners locally and worldwide.

Another lifelong fan of the NFL, Mark brings the same passion and desire to succeed in professional football as his elder sibling, Zygi. Throughout their professional lives, the brothers have worked tirelessly to involve everyone as-sociated in their businesses as members of the family. The Minnesota Vikings are especially close to the family’s heart with the opportunity to be actively engaged in the game they grew up passionately following. Mark Wilf has been actively involved with the Wilf family’s Garden Homes De-velopment enterprises and has served as a principal in the family business.

A long-time fan of college and professional football, Wilf is no stranger to the game or the thrill of competition. Dur-ing his collegiate years, Mark served as the radio voice of Princeton Tigers football and basketball. Wilf earned his bachelor’s degree from Princeton University and later grad-uated from the New York University School of Law. The Wilf family tradition of generous philanthropy and advanc-ing causes with special meaning has been passed through the generations.

Wilf, 48, and wife, Jane, have four children. The couple is actively involved in several causes close to the heart of the Wilf family.

The Wilf Family has provided the foundation for the Vikings to climb among the leaders in the NFL. The Vikings have won back-to-back NFC North titles in 2008 and 2009 and the club has 22 victories in those seasons, the most in the NFC over that span and the 2nd-most in the NFL.

mark wilfowner/president


Leonard Wilf joins cousins Zygi and Mark Wilf with the Vikings ownership group as Vice Chairman of the team for the sixth sea-son in 2010. Away from the Vikings, Wilf also serves as President of family-owned Garden Homes Development, a nationwide leader in retail, commercial and private residential development based in New Jersey.

Wilf earned his bachelor’s degree, Cum Laude, from Boston University. Following his undergraduate work, Wilf graduated with a law degree from Georgetown University.

During his tenure at Georgetown, Wilf was editor of the Georgetown Law Review. Wilf went on to receive a Master of Law in Taxation from New York University.

Active with several professional and civic groups, Wilf is Vice Chairman on the Board of Trustees of NYU and the NYU

Law School. He is a member of the New Jersey, New York and American Bar Associations. Wilf serves as Chairman of the American Society of Yad Vashem, a Board Member of New York Presbyterian Hospital and Allen-Stevenson School. He is an involved member of the International Council of Shopping Centers, New York Athletic Club and Friars Club.

Wilf and his wife, Beth, have four children and are active mem-bers of the community through the First Tee Program, Central Park Conservancy and Metropolitan Opera. Wilf was appointed by President Clinton to the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Council in January 1997 and spearheaded the construction of the Metrowest Campus of UJA-Federation in East Hanover, NJ. He and his family reside in New York City.

Jeffrey Wilf, nephew of Zygi and Mark Wilf, continues the family involvement with all aspects of the Wilf businesses. He is involved with the Wilfs’ Garden Homes operations and with the Minnesota Vikings.

Wilf graduated from Harvard University with a bachelor of arts in government.

Lenny Wilf, Mark Wilf and Zygi Wilf presented the ALS Association of Minnesota with a $10,000 check during the 2009 season. The disease has affected alumni players Orlando Thomas and Wally Hilgenberg, whose families were on hand for the ceremony.

leonard wilfowner/vice chairman

jeffrey wilfowner/ownership partner


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David Mandelbaum has served as General Partner of Interstate Properties since 1968, a trustee of Vornado Realty since 1979 and Director of Alexander’s, Inc. since 1995. Mandelbaum has been a member of the law firm Mandelbaum & Mandelbaum, P.A. since 1967 and holds a law degree from Harvard. He earned his undergraduate degree at Princeton University. Mandelbaum and wife, Karen, have been married for more than 40 years. The couple has four sons, Richard, Michael, Jeffrey and Jonathan and resides in Livingston, NJ.

Alan Landis has achieved acclaim in the business world and the philanthropic community through his visionary thinking in each area. As founder and chairman of The Landis Group, he has put his stamp on the land development industry with a pair of landmarks, the Princeton Landmark Carnegie Center and Tower Center Office and Hotel Complex. A graduate of New York University, Landis holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting. He is active in causes ranging from the National Prevent Child Abuse organization to the Foundation for Fighting Blindness. Alan and wife, Linda, have a son, Scott, and daughter, Dana. The couple resides in New York City.

Reggie Fowler is the owner of Spiral, Inc. Fowler’s background includes management positions in manufacturing, finance, aerospace, real estate development and distribution. He holds a Masters of Business Administration from the University of Arizona.

reggie fowlerownership partner

alan landisownership partner

david mandelbaumownership partner


As Rob Brzezinski enters his 18th season in the NFL and 12th with the Minnesota Vikings in 2010, the team’s strategic salary cap management has significantly contributed to the retention of core players, the addition of key free agents and the overall talent and depth of the team. Brzezinski joined the Vikings in 1999 as Director of Football Administration and was promoted to Vice President of Football Administration in 2001. He was elevated to his current position as Vice President of Football Operations in 2002.

The foundation of the Vikings team that has won the most games in the NFC (22) since 2008 and has won back-to-back NFC North titles remains strong in 2010 due to careful and calculated planning and being prepared for the unexpected in the modern NFL.

The Vikings have been aggressive and have had success in recent free agency and via trade, adding future Pro Bowlers in nearly every offseason since 2004 with CB Antoine Winfield (2004), DT Pat Williams (2005), G Steve Hutchinson (2006), DE Jared Allen (trade, 2008) and QB Brett Favre (2009). The Vikings also acquired key players on the 2008 and 2009 NFC North title

teams through free agency with LB Ben Leber, RB Chester Taylor and K Ryan Longwell all joining Hutchinson in the 2006 free agent class, TE Visanthe Shiancoe joined the club in 2007 and WR Bernard Berrian in 2008 and in 2009 retained free agent special teams standout Heath Farwell, who went on to earn Pro Bowl honors that season.

Prior to joining the Vikings, Brzezinski spent the previous six seasons (1993-98) with the Miami Dolphins where he advanced to the position of Staff Counsel/Salary Cap. Brzezinski has been involved with teams that have finished .500 or better in 14 of his 17 seasons in the NFL, have made the playoffs 9 times and have won a Division title 4 times. During the salary cap era of the NFL (1994-2009), both the Dolphins and Vikings are among the NFL’s best in winning percentage and playoff appearances.

In his current role, Brzezinski works closely with Head Coach Brad Childress and Vice President of Player Personnel Rick Spielman on football-related strategic planning. Brzezinski is also responsible for salary cap management, negotiation of player contracts, football operations and administration, team opera-tions, medical and training staff, equipment, video, and player

Lester Bagley brings more than two decades of public affairs experience in his role as the Vikings Vice President of Public Affairs and Stadium Development. Currently in his 6th year as a vice president, Bagley oversees the team’s public relations, public affairs, community relations and charitable giving initiatives. Along with a prominent role in external relations, he also directs internal communications for the team and has spearheaded the efforts to restructure the Vikings Children’s Fund and enhance community outreach and youth football programs.

Bagley also leads the Vikings quest to finance and build a new stadium, an effort that is a top priority for the team and the National Football League. With the Metrodome lease set to expire after the 2011 season, Bagley and the Vikings are working with elected officials, business, labor and community leaders in an effort to construct a new publicly-owned facility as part of a broader economic development proposal. Building a new home for Vikings football will enhance the game day experience for fans and generate the necessary revenue to keep the team competitive over the long term. Bagley is charged with overseeing the public affairs and stadium development team that is working diligently to bring Minnesota this world-class, multi-purpose venue.

Over the last several years, Bagley has been instrumental in the Wilf ownership group’s efforts to enhance the Vikings pres-ence in the Twin Cities community and throughout the state. He leads the Vikings “You Made The Team” Community Tour, which connects the team with Vikings fans and charitable causes throughout Greater Minnesota. This ownership initiative has taken

Vikings players and personnel into 12 different communities across the state over the past three years. Bagley also helped develop the Vikings Board of Advisors, a club initiative aimed at increasing the organization’s interaction with Minnesota’s CEO-level civic and business leaders.

Before joining the Vikings, Bagley operated Bagley Public Affairs from 1999-2005. The Minneapolis firm specialized in issues management, public relations and public affairs. From 1993-99, Bagley served as associate director and helped lead the Minnesota Business Partnership, the public policy organization comprised of the chief executive officers of 100 of Minnesota’s largest companies. He also spent five years working in public affairs and public relations in Washington D.C.

A native of Barron, WI, Bagley began college at the University of Minnesota before graduating from the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) with a bachelor’s degree in political sci-ence. He served as a White House intern and studied at Oxford University during his undergraduate days.

Bagley currently sits on the boards of the Public Affairs Council, Athletes Committed to Educating Students (ACES), the Minneapolis Regional Chamber of Commerce, Meet Minneapolis and the Vikings Children’s Fund.

Bagley’s wife, Wendy, who has a bachelor’s degree from the College of St. Catherine, has served on the staffs of three succes-sive Minnesota governors. The couple resides in Minneapolis with their sons, Michael and Charles.

lester bagleyvice president of public affairs & stadium development

rob brzezinskivice president of football operations


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development. He has also represented the Vikings at the League meetings.

Brzezinski has NFL management experience in nearly every area critical to operating a successful NFL franchise. He has worked as the top football executive, has experience running a player personnel department, and has researched, developed and implemented processes and technology for the efficient management of pro and college scouting, including the college draft. Brzezinski also has experience in managing the business operations of an NFL franchise and, while in Minnesota, has trans-formed a substantial salary cap deficit into a long-term competitive advantage. Brzezinski has had the privilege of working for some of the most successful and decorated head coaches in NFL history, including Don Shula, Jimmy Johnson and Dennis Green. In 2006, Brzezinski played a significant role in the head coaching search and interview process that resulted in the hiring of Brad Childress, the first of 10 head coach hirings in the NFL that season.

Brzezinski is a member of the NFL Management Council’s Club Services Committee, which has developed new technology and

systems for player contract reporting, salary cap management and information management. In 2004 Brzezinski was invited to par-ticipate in the NFL-Stanford Program for Managers at the Stanford Graduate School of Business, a program developed by the NFL to promote development of leaders within the League.

In Miami, Brzezinski assisted in managing business affairs, which included salary cap administration, player contract nego-tiations, operations and legal affairs. In his tenure, the Dolphins compiled a 55-41 regular-season record and made the playoffs four times.

Brzezinski earned degrees from Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, a Juris Doctorate in 1995 and a Bachelor of Science in education in 1992. In addition, Brzezinski is a member of the Florida Bar. Brzezinski and his wife, Leah, who has earned a doctoral degree in education, have 4 children: Ki, Jae, Grace and Anna. The Brzezinski family resides in Edina is very active in the community raising money and awareness for adoption-related causes.

Steve LaCroix enters his 10th season with the Vikings in 2010 as the team’s Vice President of Sales and Marketing & Chief Marketing Officer. LaCroix oversees all aspects of Vikings generated revenues, including corporate sales, sponsorships, media sales, ticket sales, suite sales and hospitality. LaCroix also leads the team’s marketing, radio and television programming, websites, new media initiatives, merchandise and e-commerce operations, community and special events, marketing partner-ships, advertising, branding, promotions, fan relations and game day activities.

The Vikings business efforts kept pace with the success of the team on the field in 2009. The team reached a precedent-setting naming rights partnership for the home field of the Vikings, renaming the facility Mall of America Field at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome. As the only remaining tenant, the Vikings also launched a rebranding of Mall of America Field by securing entry gate signage naming rights patnerships with Caribou Coffee (Gate F) and Minnesota Army National Guard (Gate H). LaCroix has led the team to record-setting sales revenues each year in his tenure with the Vikings and cultivated new partnerships with the busi-ness community throughout Minnesota and the Upper Midwest. In 2009, the Vikings continued their home game sellout streak to now reach 126 straight games.

The Vikings were poised to make the most of legendary free agent Brett Favre signing with the team in mid-August. The team sold over 4,000 season tickets and 15,000 single-game tickets in the 72 hours after Favre’s signing. The Vikings already large TV and radio audiences received a boost as well. The Vikings-Packers game on Monday Night Football in at Mall of America Field was the most-watched event in the history of cable TV and the game at Lambeau Field four weeks later was the 2nd-most-watched regular season game in NFL history.

In LaCroix’s tenure, he has led a variety of additional new initiatives. The team has introduced a new, more modern design of the Vikings traditional uniforms and the addition of throwback uniforms. The club has brought radio and television broadcast rights in-house, created the Vikings Entertainment Network (VEN) and started year-round weekly television and radio programming. The team has had multiple full re-designs of Vikings.com, opened three Vikings Locker Room official retail stores and contstructed two club seating offerings (TicketExchange Touchdown Club and Samsung Legends Club) that created the first premium seat offering at Mall of America Field. Fans have been treated to the

introduction of Viktor the Vikings, the team’s official mascot, and the Skol Line drum line. Several new fan events, including Inside the Vikings, State of the Vikings and Vikings Fan Forums connect the club with the fans. The team will engage in the 50th Season Celebration in 2010, honoring the Vikings history.

LaCroix has served on the NFL Club Business Working Group comprised of eight club executives to help shape strategies for implementing league and club initiatives. LaCroix has served for several years on the Steering Committee of the National Sports Forum, the sports industry’s leading annual conference. In 2005, LaCroix was invited to participate in the NFL-Stanford Program for Managers at the Stanford Graduate School of Business, a program developed by the NFL to promote development of leaders within the League.

LaCroix’s charitable involvement includes serving as Treasurer of the Viking Children’s Fund, which has raised over $9 million since 1978 benefiting children’s health, education and family services throughout the Upper Midwest, including the University of Minnesota Department of Pediatrics. LaCroix also serves on the Local Advisory Board of Clear Channel, as well as the Board of Directors, Executive Committees and Marketing Committee Chairs of Hunger Related Events/Taste of the NFL- a national hunger relief organization and Summitt Academy OIC- a Twin Cities non-profit vocational and educational training center.

Prior to joining the Vikings, LaCroix worked as the Director of Sponsorship Sales for Pacers Sports and Entertainment in Indianapolis, IN from 1999-00. His main responsibilities included overseeing the corporate sales efforts for the National Basketball Association’s Indiana Pacers, the WNBA’s Indiana Fever and other sports and entertainment events held at Conseco Fieldhouse, for which he negotiated the naming rights deal.

During LaCroix’s tenure with Pacers Sports and Entertainment, which began in 1991 as a sales representative, the organization saw dramatic increases in sponsorship, ticket sales and other major corporate partnerships.

LaCroix earned his bachelor’s degree at the University of Iowa and his master’s at Western Illinois University. Steve and wife Sue, who holds her bachelor’s degree in nursing from the University of Iowa, have two children, Katie and Alex. The LaCroix family resides in Minnetonka.

steve lacroixvice president of sales & marketing & chief marketing officer


Steve Poppen begins his 12th season with the Vikings in 2010, currently serving as Vice President of Finance & Chief Financial Officer. Poppen joined the Vikings in 1999 and is responsible for all financial aspects of the team including business planning, budget-ing, day-to-day financial and administrative operations, human resources, information technology, facilities, new stadium project financing and is the team liaison with the Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission.

A native of Watertown, SD, Poppen spent eight years before joining the Vikings as a Certified Public Accountant in the business assurance group of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP in Kansas City. In 2006 Poppen participated in the NFL-Stanford Program for Managers at the Stanford Graduate School of Business, a program developed by the NFL to promote growth of leaders within the League. Poppen helped engineer the dramatic renovations to Winter Park during the 2006 off-season that featured a total remake of the locker room and equipment facilities and upgrade of the athletic training areas. In 2009, he joined the NFL’s Green Committee to enhance environmental awareness among clubs. Poppen has been key in the Vikings Planet Purple internal initiatives to operate the franchise in a more Earth-friendly way.

Poppen received his bachelor’s degree in accounting from Evangel University in Springfield, MO in 1991. An active member of his community, Poppen serves on the board of Minnesota Teen Challenge, a faith-based drug and alcohol rehabilitation program for Minnesota adults and teens. Poppen serves on the board of the Minneapolis Downtown Council, an organization promoting busi-ness development in downtown Minneapolis, and holds a position with the Minnesota State Fair Foundation board of directors and serves as the chair of the Audit Committee. The State Fair Foundation was created to preserve and improve the historic Minnesota State Fair buildings and grounds and support State Fair educational, scientific and agricultural programs.

Poppen and his wife Christy, who holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Evangel, have four children, Natalie, Andrew, Nathan and Avery. The Poppen family resides in Chanhassen.

With two decades of NFL personnel experience, Rick Spielman begins the 2010 season with the Vikings on the heels of some of the most successful player acquisition periods in team history.

The Vikings have won consecutive NFC North titles the past 2 seasons, a feat not accomplished by the Vikings since 1977-78. The Vikings have won the most games (22) in the NFC over the past 2 seasons and have made a series of strong moves in free agency, drafting and trades. Spielman begins his 20th season as an NFL executive with his 4th franchise in 2010. Spielman’s teams have won 5 divisional titles and advanced to the playoffs 8 times. Spielman assumed the Vikings’ Vice President of Player Personnel role on May 30, 2006 and is responsible for overseeing the Vikings’ pro and college scouting departments.

The Vikings boasted an NFL-best 10 players who earned Pro Bowl honors in 2009 and the team featured the NFL’s Rookie of the Year for the 2nd time in the past 3 seasons when Percy Harvin followed in the footsteps of Adrian Peterson from 2007. Harvin was part of a 5-member 2009 Vikings draft class that also featured fellow All-Rookie team honoree RT Phil Loadholt and had all 5 members start at least 1 game during the season.

The 2009 Vikings benefitted from talent and depth built over recent seasons. Of the Vikings 10 Pro Bowlers in 2009, 9 of the players were drafted, acquired by trade or free agency or received

contract extensions under Spielman’s watch. Spielman has climbed the ranks of NFL personnel depart-

ments with Detroit, Chicago and Miami, ascending to General Manager of the Dolphins for the 2004 season. Spielman’s tenure with all 3 franchises has been highlighted by drafting impact play-ers throughout the seven rounds and making key trades and free agency acquisitions.

He began his NFL career as a scout with Detroit in 1990 and worked with the club in college scouting for 5 seasons before adding pro scouting duties in 1995 and ’96. He moved to Director of Pro Personnel for the Bears from 1997-99 before joining the Dolphins in 2000 as Vice President of Player Personnel. He was promoted in 2002 to Senior Vice President-Football Operations/Player Personnel and eventually General Manager in 2004. Spielman left the Dolphins during the 2005 off-season and worked with ESPN as an NFL analyst before joining the Vikings. While with Miami for 5 seasons, the team had a winning record 4 times, won the AFC East in 2000 and went to the playoffs in 2000 and 2001 but missed the playoffs in 2002 and 2003 despite 9-7 and 10-6 records respectively. The team drafted its top WR, Chris Chambers, in 2001 and traded for RB Ricky Williams in 2002. Williams posted the top two single-season rushing marks in Miami history with 1,853 yards in 2002 and 1,372 in 2003.

steve poppenvice president of finance &chief financial officer

rick spielmanvice president of player personnel


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The Dolphins’ 2005 draft class included 1st-round RB Ronnie Brown, who led the team in rushing with 907 yards and ranked 2nd among all NFL rookies. Joining the impressive rookie group was LB Channing Crowder (3rd round) and CB Travis Daniels (4th round), who both went on to start 14 games in 2005 and finished the season ranked 2nd and 5th on the team in tackles respectively. During his 3 seasons with Chicago the team amassed some of the talent that has propelled the team to the top of the NFC North and found gems late in the draft. The 2000 draft class featured the core of the Bears defense in future years with 6-time Pro Bowler and NFL Defensive Player of the Year LB Brian Urlacher selected in the 1st round and Pro Bowl S Mike Brown, the Bears all-time leader in defensive TDs, drafted in the 2nd round. The team selected perennial Pro Bowl C Olin Kreutz in the 3rd round of the 1998 draft and followed with a 3rd-round find in 1999 by taking WR Marty Booker. The team uncovered 4th-rounders LB Rosevelt Colvin (1999) and LB Warrick Holdman (1999) along with CB Jerry Azumah in the 5th round (1999). The team traded a 7th-round pick in 1999 to arch-rival Green Bay for KR Glyn Milburn, who went on to the Pro Bowl that season. Spielman got his first taste of NFL personnel analysis as a college scout with Detroit from 1990-94 and added pro scouting responsibilities for his final 2 seasons (1995-96) in the Motor City. The Lions enjoyed one of the finest stretches in franchise history in the early 1990s, winning a pair of NFC Central titles in 1991 and 1993 and the team advanced to the playoffs in 1991, ’93, ’94 and ’95. The trio of consecutive post-season berths was a first for the team. The 1991 team set a franchise record with a 12-4 regular season mark, hosted and won a playoff game for the first time since 1957 and advanced to the NFC Championship Game against Washington, losing out on the chance to play in Super Bowl XXVI at the Metrodome. The Lions drafted well during Spielman’s tenure, selecting the core talent for the team and several players who earned regular Pro Bowl acco-lades. The club drafted WR Herman Moore in the 1st round of the 1991 draft and he went on to four Pro Bowl berths while defensive linemen Robert Porcher and Luther Elliss were 1st-round picks in 1992 and 1995 respectively and each earned multiple trips to

Hawaii. The 1995 draft class was especially deep, featuring Elliss, TE David Sloan (2nd round), LB Stephen Boyd (3rd round) and FB Cory Schlesinger (6th round). Elliss, Sloan and Boyd have been Pro Bowlers while Schlesinger was a 3-time Pro Bowl alternate. The team drafted Lions career scoring leader K Jason Hanson in 1992 (2nd round), who has earned a reputation as one of the top kickers of his era.

Following Spielman’s playing career at Southern Illinois from 1983-86 he was invited to training camp with the San Diego Chargers (1987) and Lions (1988). As a collegiate player, Spielman was a 1st-Team All-Gateway Conference honoree as a junior and part of the 1983 NCAA Division I-AA national champi-onship team as a redshirt freshman. His younger brother, Chris, was a Pro Bowl LB and a 2nd-round pick of the Lions in 1988. He played 11 NFL seasons with Detroit (1988-95) and Buffalo (1996-98).

Spielman has a bachelor’s degree from Southern Illinois and a master’s from Ohio State. He and his wife, Michele, have been active with children’s charities. The couple has adopted six chil-dren, Juan, Luis, Ronnie, J.D., Omie and Whitney.

kevin warrenvice president of legal affairs &chief administrative officer

Kevin Warren’s extensive background in athletics and unique perspective in both law and business have been instrumental to the Wilf family ownership group for the entire 6 seasons of their stewardship of the Minnesota Vikings.

Warren enters his 12th season in the NFL and his 6th with the Vikings in 2010. Warren is the Vikings’ Vice President of Legal Affairs & Chief Administrative Officer with responsibility for vari-ous day-to-day business operational and administrative issues, special projects, legal affairs and strategic planning, while also serving as the Vikings’ primary liaison with the NFL.

The 2009 Vikings won a 2nd-straight NFC North title and advanced to the NFC Championship game for the 1st time in a decade. Off the field, the popularity of the team reached new heights. The club entered into a new naming rights partnership for Mall of America Field at HHH Metrodome during the season and launched naming rights deals for individual gates at the stadium.

Prior to joining the Vikings, during 2003-05, Warren worked with the international law firm of Greenberg Traurig, including working with the Wilf ownership group during their acquisition of the Vikings. Warren spent 2001-03 with the Detroit Lions as Senior Vice President of Business Operations & General Counsel. While working with the Lions, he was recognized by Crain’s Detroit Business on their “40 Under 40” list, recognizing the top 40 Detroit business leaders under the age of 40. Prior to joining

the Vikings’ NFC North rivals in Detroit, Warren worked from 1997-2001 with the St. Louis Rams, including the Rams’ Super Bowl XXXIV championship over the Tennessee Titans. During his tenure with St. Louis, Warren served as Vice President of Football Administration in 2001 after working as Vice President of Player Programs & Football Legal Counsel from 1997-2000.

Following his graduation from law school, Warren’s first exposure to sports law came when he worked with an Overland Park, KS law firm that specialized in representing universities charged with NCAA violations. Warren also worked as a sports and entertainment attorney/agent, representing various profes-sional athletes and entertainers.

Warren’s involvement in athletics helped pave the way for his future career. A native of Tempe, AZ, Warren attended Grand Canyon University in Phoenix where he earned his undergraduate degree. While at Grand Canyon, he excelled both in the classroom and on the basketball court. Warren scored over 1,100 points dur-ing his career at Grand Canyon and earned GTE/CoSida Academic All-America as a senior along with NAIA Academic All-America honors as both a junior and senior.

Warren earned his bachelor’s degree in business administra-tion from Grand Canyon University in 1986, his master’s degree in business administration from Arizona State University in 1988, and his Juris Doctorate degree from the University of Notre Dame


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School of Law in 1990. Warren is a member of the Kansas and Michigan Bar Associations.

Several members of Warren’s family have helped fuel his lifelong passion for sports, including his father, the late Dr. Morrison Warren, Sr., who played professional football for the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1948 during the era of the All-American Football Conference, before the league was merged with the NFL. The senior Warren would go on to be the first African-American President of a major college bowl game when he was named President of the 1982 Fiesta Bowl. Warren’s oldest brother, Morrison, Jr., was one of the first African-American scholar-ship athletes at Stanford, playing football for the Cardinal in the early 1960s, before a severe knee injury cut short his promising athletic career.

An active member of the Twin Cities community, Warren served on the United Way Board of Directors from 2007-10, has served on the Page Education Foundation Board of Directors since 2006 and was recognized by Twin Cities Business Journal in 2006 as a Minority Business Leader. Warren has also served as a mem-ber of the Fiesta Bowl Board of Directors since 2004.

Warren and his wife, Greta, who holds a bachelor’s degree from Kansas State University, have a daughter, Peri, and a son, Powers. The Warren family resides in Chanhassen, MN.


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Dick Anfang, Past President; MN State Building & Construction Trades Council

Mick Anselmo, Sr. Vice President, Market Manager; CBS Radio Minneapolis

Senator Rudy Boschwitz, Founder; Home Valu

Bill Dunlap, Chairman and CEO (retired); Campbell Mithun

Brian Dunn, President and COO; Best Buy Co., Inc.

Jay Fishman, President and CEO; The Travelers Companies, Inc.

Bud Grant, Former Head Coach; Minnesota Vikings

Sue Haigh, President; Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity

Michael Hoffman, Chairman and CEO; Toro Company

Meg Katzman, Executive Director; Ronald McDonald House Charities Upper Midwest

Wayne Kostroski, Founder and Owner; Taste of the NFL/Cuisine Concepts

Bob Lurtsema, Principal; Viking Update

Harvey Mackay, Chairman; MackayMitchell Envelope Company

G. Mike Mikan, Executive Vice President and CFO; UnitedHealth Group

Ted Mondale, Chairman and CEO; Nazca Solutions, Inc.

David Olson, President; Minnesota Chamber of Commerce

Ray Owens, Executive Vice President - Capital Markets; Piedmont Office Realty Trust, Inc.

Alan Page, Justice; Minnesota Supreme Court

Tom Rosen, President and CEO; Rosen’s Diversified

Steve Sanger, Former Chairman and CEO; General Mills, Inc.

Joe Schmit, Sports Director; KSTP TV

John Stanoch, President Minnesota; Qwest Communications

Jim Stapleton, President and CEO; B&R Consultants

Doug Steenland, Former CEO; Northwest Airlines

Charlie Weaver, Executive Director; Minnesota Business Partnership

In 2007, Vikings ownership reached out to a broad cross-section of Minnesota business and community leaders and recruited them to serve on the Vikings Board of Advisors.

The Minnesota Vikings Board of Advisors meets to discuss and provide feedback on Vikings core issues, including the team’s sales and branding initiatives, stadium development project and community relations programs. The Board of Advisors helps keep the Vikings organization connected and focused on the key issues and dynamics facing Minnesota and our community.

2010 MINNESOTA VIKINGS BOARD OF ADVISORS

2010 minnesota vikingsboard of advisors

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coaches


Vikings head coach Brad Childress enters his 5th season at the helm of the franchise and continues to build on a foundation that has produced an NFC-best 22 wins in the past 2 seasons and guided the team to the NFC Championship game for the 1st time in nearly a decade in 2009. The Vikings have won consecutive NFC North titles for the 1st time since 1977-78 and are among only 3 NFL teams entering 2010 with back-to-back Division championships.

Childress enters his 33rd season in coaching and 13th on an NFL sideline in 2010. The 2009 NFC North title was Childress’ 6th division crown in the past 9 seasons dating back to 2001 with Philadelphia and the 7th playoff appear-ance in his past 10 seasons. In his past 10 NFL seasons between Minnesota and Philadelphia, Childress has been part of teams that have only suffered 2 losing seasons

The 2010 Vikings enter the season with a core of tal-ented players that included 10 players who were Pro Bowl honorees in 2009, matching the most in Vikings history and leading the NFL last season. The team benefitted from a strong draft class that featured Offensive Rookie of the Year WR

Percy Harvin and All-Rookie OT Phil Loadholt. All 5 members of the 2009 draft class started at least 1 game during the season and blended well with the veterans already in place.

The 2009 Vikings posted one of the most balanced seasons in recent memory. The squad’s 12 wins tied for 2nd-best in team history and featured some record-setting individual perfor-mances. The team signed free agent QB Brett Favre on August 18 and the veteran QB’s presence helped elevate the play of the entire offense. Favre enjoyed career-highs in passer rating (107.2), completion percentage (68.4%) and threw 33 TD passes against 7 INTs. He built a passing rapport with WR Sidney Rice, who led the team in receiving and earned his 1st Pro Bowl berth along with TE Visanthe Shiancoe, who set a team record by a TE with 11 TD catches. The Vikings passing offense made a 17-position jump to #8 in the NFL in 2009 from #25 in 2008. The Vikings ground game continued to excel as RB Adrian Peterson set a team record and led the NFL with 18 rushing TDs and posted the 3rd-best rushing total in team history with 1,383 yards.

Defensively the Vikings led the NFL with 48 sacks and ranked #6 in total defense for the 2nd straight season, the 1st time since 1993-94 the team had consecutive top-10 defensive units. The squad ranked #2 in the NFL in rush-ing defense after ranking #1 for the previous 3 seasons. The special teams units featured a pair of Pro Bowlers in cover man LB Heath Farwell and kickoff returner WR Percy Harvin, who set a new team record with a pair of kickoff return TDs.

ADDING TALENT AND KEEPING CHEMISTRYDuring Childress’ 4 seasons leading the Vikings the team

has had 12 players earn 17 NFC Player of the Week honors, including 6 in 2009- 4 on offense, 1 on defense and 1 on special teams. Of those 12 players, 11 joined the Vikings via free agency, trade or the draft since Childress came to the team. Since 2006 the Vikings have had 14 players earn 26 Pro Bowl honors, including an NFL-best 10 Pro Bowlers in 2009. In the past 3 seasons the Vikings have twice drafted the NFL’s Rookie of the Year- Harvin in 2009 and Peterson in 2007.

The Vikings ability to add key elements through free agency, trades and the draft while keeping solid team chemistry has been a fundamental principle under Childress’ leadership. Finding players whose talents fit the team-first philosophy and whose work ethic matches that of their teammates has helped build a roster that is single-minded and accountable to one another.

STAYING THE COURSE THROUGH ADVERSITYSince taking over the Vikings in 2006, Childress’ teams

have one of the most productive rushing attacks in the NFL. The Vikings have the 3rd-best rushing yards per carry (4.5 ypc) and the 4th-most rushing yards (136.1 ypg) in the NFL.

The Vikings have been able to overcome adversity and play their best football in the critical times of the season. The Vikings are 19-8 in the months of November and December during the 2007-2009 seasons combined. The 2008 squad bounced back from a 1-3 start to go 10-6, the only team in the playoff field that started the season 1-3. The 2008 squad also had to overcome the loss of 2 of the 3 team-voted MVPs from the previous season to injury early in the season. Emerging NFL star LB E.J. Henderson went on injured reserve with a season-ending injury in the 4th game of the year after being named 2007 Vikings Defensive MVP by his teammates and selected as the 2008 defensive captain. Fellow LB Heath Farwell was lost for the year in the preseason opener to a knee injury after being tabbed as the Vikings Special Teams MVP in 2006 and 2007. The Vikings coaching staff was able to move on by developing depth behind each player and adjusting to the enormous loss of both players.

The Vikings ranked #1 in NFL rushing defense in 2006, 2007 and 2008 and ranked #2 in rush defense in 2009. The Vikings ranked #6 in total defense in 2008 and 2009, the 1st time since 1993-94 the team ranked in the NFL’s top 10 in consecutive seasons.

VIKINGS SINGLE-SEASON RUSHING YARDS ALLOWED2006 ..................................................... 985 yards1969* ...................................................................1,089 yards1994 .....................................................................1,090 yards2007 ...................................................1,185 yards2008 ...................................................1,230 yards*14 game season

VIKINGS TOP DEFENSIVE RANKINGS1969 ....................................................................................#11970 ....................................................................................#11975 ....................................................................................#11988 ....................................................................................#11989 ....................................................................................#11993 ....................................................................................#11971 ....................................................................................#21968 ....................................................................................#51972 ....................................................................................#51994 ....................................................................................#52008 .............................................................. #62009 .............................................................. #61966 ....................................................................................#61967 ....................................................................................#61976 ....................................................................................#6

2009 NFL SACKS Minnesota ....................................................... 48Pittsburgh ...........................................................................47Miami ..................................................................................44Philadelphia .........................................................................44San Francisco ......................................................................44

GETTING DEFENSIVE

brad childresshead coach

coaching experience: 33rd SeasonNFL experience: 13th Season Vikings experience: 5th Season


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PROVEN SUCCESS WITH PHILADELPHIA Childress joined the Vikings following a 7-year stint with

the Philadelphia Eagles, including the final 4 seasons as offen-sive coordinator. During his tenure in Philadelphia, the Eagles represented the NFC in Super Bowl XXXIX, amassed a 70-42 (.625) record in the regular season, won 4 straight NFC East titles from 2001-04 and advanced to the playoffs from 2000-04. During Childress’ time as offensive coordinator (2002-05), the Eagles were 43-21 in the regular season, the most wins in the NFC over that span. Since joining the Eagles in 1999, Childress’ teams had a 13-1 mark against NFC North teams including playoff wins over Chicago, Green Bay and Minnesota.

The Eagles offense under Childress was able to excel while adjusting to personnel transition and injuries. The team ranked in the NFL’s top 10 in total offense twice in those 4 seasons and assembled numerous individual achievements. In the 4 seasons Childress guided the offense, the team amassed 5,000+ yards each season, averaging 333.8 yards per game in that span. The Eagles offense from 2000-05 featured 7 players who earned 14 berths in the Pro Bowl, highlighted by signal caller Donovan McNabb. Joining McNabb in Hawaii over the span were TE Chad Lewis (3 times), T Tra Thomas (2), G Jermane Mayberry (1), T Jon Runyan (1), WR Terrell Owens (1) and RB Brian Westbrook (1).

The Eagles improvement during Childress’ tenure was remark-able as the team went 5-11 in Andy Reid’s staff’s first season in 1999. A year later the 2000 Eagles won the 1st playoff game in 8 seasons for the franchise. The 2001 team that won the NFC East was the 1st division title for the Eagles since 1988 and the 2004 team that won 13 regular season games

en route to the NFC title set the franchise record for wins. COLLEGIATE PROGRAM BUILDINGBefore joining Reid’s staff with the Eagles, Childress spent

8 seasons, 1991-98, on the University of Wisconsin campus coaching quarterbacks, running backs and ascending to offen-sive coordinator. During his tenure in Madison the Badgers played in 5 bowl games, highlighted by Rose Bowl victories to cap the 1993 and 1998 seasons. Led by head coach Barry Alvarez, the coaches inherited a team that was 1-10 in 1990, but turned the program around quickly by finishing as Big Ten co-champions in 1993 and topped UCLA in the Rose Bowl. The Big Ten title and Rose Bowl berth were the 1st for UW since 1963 and the team featured Vikings offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell at QB. The Badgers repeated the accomplishment dur-ing the 1998 season, sharing the conference title and beating UCLA in the Rose Bowl in Childress’ last season at the school.

His coaching career began at Illinois from 1978-84 where he began as a graduate assistant before coaching the Illini RBs and WRs. Childress’ first taste of NFL coaching came as quarterbacks/quality control coach of the 1985 Indianapolis Colts. He went on to coaching stops at Northern Arizona from 1986-89 and Utah in 1990. It was at NAU where he first met Reid and worked on Lumberjack staffs that featured future NFL head coaches Marty Mornhinweg, Bill Callahan and Reid.

Childress and wife, Dru-Ann, have 4 children- Cara, Kyle, Andrew and Christopher. Born and raised in Aurora, IL, Childress attended Marmion Academy. Childress briefly played QB and WR at Illinois before graduating from Eastern Illinois with a bachelor’s degree in psychology. In 2008 Childress was recognized by his alma mater with the Marmion Centurion Award, the highest honor bestowed on Marmion alumni for exceptional achievement in their chosen field.

Childress took part in the NFL-USO Coaches Tour in the summer of 2010, visiting troops in the Persian Gulf. Childress has expanded the Vikings community outreach efforts by players, welcoming special guests to watch normally closed Saturday practices during the regular season and taking the entire squad on an annual playground build to a local school. In 2008 and 2009 every Vikings player participated in a community relations event.

The 2009 Vikings tied a team record and led the NFL with 10 players being named to the Pro Bowl, the Vikings have built a foundation of talent through drafting, free agency and trades, represented by 5 of the Pro Bowlers being acquired in the draft, 4 via free agency and 1 by trade. The Vikings have won 22 games in the past 2 seasons, the most wins in the NFC in that span and 2nd in the NFL.

The Vikings running game has evolved into one of the best in the NFL over the past 4 seasons, highlighted by Adrian Peterson leading the NFL in rushing in 2008 with a team-record 1,760 yards and in 2009 he led the NFL and set a new team record with 18 rushing TDs. Peterson has already set 3 of the top 4 yardage marks in team history.

VIKINGS SINGLE-SEASON RUSHINGRB, SEASON YARDSAdrian Peterson, 2008....................................1,760Robert Smith, 2000 ..................................................... 1,521Adrian Peterson, 2009....................................1,383Adrian Peterson, 2007....................................1,341Michael Bennett, 2002 ................................................ 1,296Robert Smith, 1997 ..................................................... 1,266Chester Taylor, 2006 .....................................1,216

VIKINGS SINGLE-SEASON RUSHING TDsRB, SEASON TDsAdrian Peterson, 2009........................................18Chuck Foreman, 1975 ...................................................... 13Chuck Foreman, 1976 ...................................................... 13Terry Allen, 1992 .............................................................. 13

RUSHING IDENTITY

Childress’ BackgroundCoach:1978-84 ..................................................... University of Illinois1985.............................................................. Indianapolis Colts1986-89 .......................................

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