In an illustrious nod to his sporting legacy, former Minnesota Vikings tight end Jim Kleinsasser is set to be enshrined in the National Football Foundation & College Football Hall of Fame this December. Kleinsasser, standing tall among the 22 distinguished inductees this year, joins linebacker Jim LeClair as only the second player from the University of North Dakota to earn this prestigious honor.

During his collegiate years at North Dakota from 1995 to 1998, Kleinsasser not only showcased his talent but left an indelible mark. Recognized as a First Team All-American by multiple publications in consecutive years, he accumulated an impressive 88 catches for 1,309 yards and 10 touchdown receptions. His efforts steered the Fighting Sioux to a remarkable 32-10 record, with the team making notable NCAA Division II Playoffs appearances in 1995 and 1998.

While his college days painted him as a force to be reckoned with, it’s his steadfast presence with the Minnesota Vikings that many fans cherish. Selected 44th overall in the 1999 NFL Draft, Kleinsasser graced the NFL stage for 13 solid seasons, concluding his career in 2011.

Though his NFL stats read 192 catches for 1,688 yards and six touchdowns, it’s his thunderous run-blocking that truly set him apart. He played a pivotal role in forging paths for some of the franchise’s top rushing seasons, including Adrian Peterson’s stellar 1,760-yard surge in 2008.

Kleinsasser also graced two NFC Championship matchups, in 2000 and 2009, underscoring his influence on the field. Already immortalized in the North Dakota Hall of Fame since 2012, his induction in December will see him join an illustrious cohort, featuring the likes of Michael Strahan, Michael Vick, Urban Meyer, and Nick Saban, during the 67th NFF Annual Awards Dinner in Las Vegas on December 9. With the addition of this class, the Hall of Fame will boast 1,111 players and 237 coaches, further cementing its role as the vault of gridiron greats.