Goodbye to Wally Hilgenberg

I hated the Vikings growing up because the pwned the Lions...
But this guy was great and a horrible way to go....

http://www.startribune.com/sports/vikings/29627104.html

Ex-Vikings linebacker Hilgenberg dies at 66

Star Tribune

Wally Hilgenberg

By Staff report, Star Tribune

Last update: September 23, 2008 - 5:21 PM

Former Vikings linebacker Wally Hilgenberg died this morning after a battle with ALS.

Hilgenberg turned 66 last Friday.

Hilgenberg, who played college football at Iowa, was a member of the Vikings from 1968 to 1979. He started his career with the Lions in 1964 and missed the '67 season because of injury. He was traded to Pittsburgh in 1968 before being claimed off waivers by the Vikings at the start of the season.

"Wally had a tremendously strong Christian strength and that really carried him toward the end," said Bob Lurtsema, Hilgenberg's former teammate with the Vikings. "At the end he was at peace with himself. When he was young and healthy he was one of the biggest pranksters I've ever met."

 

Fucking depressing.

Seems like yesterday I watched Hilgenberg and the Vikings frustrating the Rams year after year.

RIP

 

A class act in the days of Neanderthal football. Picked up on waivers by the Vikes, then played 12 years starting each of their four Super Bowls. He put the black and blue in the old Black and Blue Divisions.

http://www.startribune.com/sports/vikings/29651644.html?elr=KArksLckD8EQDUoaEyqyP4OW3ckUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aUUJ

RIP

 

Hilgenberg. Siemon. Winston. That takes me back.

 

:'( :'( :'( :'( :'(

One of my favorite Vikings from the team of my childhood.

And from what I understand, a class act.

Thanks for all the good football memories, Wally.

Prayers to his family and friends.