He was a two-time Gatorade Circle of Champions North Dakota player of the year in football. "He's still very considerate, still very much himself. "There aren't enough guys like that in the NFL these days.". "The best thing about Jim is that he hasn't changed,'' Kathe said. CelebsMoney has recently updated Jim Kleinsassers net worth. "He's one of the last of a dying breed. Jim Kleinsasser: Top 10 Facts You Need to Know - FamousDetails North Dakota was a Division II school at the time. "We said, 'Cereal? December 24, 2011 - 10:21 AM. He was longtime teammates with star wide receiver Randy Moss as a member of the Minnesota Vikings. Kleinsasser was as tough on basketball backboards as he was on linebackers. We have estimated He's a tremendous example for any young player.". Jim Kleinsasser, or "The Sauce," is one of those former players that define what it means to be a Viking. This page is updated often with latest details about Jim Kleinsasser. Also learn how He earned most of networth at the age of 46 years old? Jim Kleinsasser was born on the 31st of January, 1977. "It's going to be sad to see Jim go, but I know that it's the right thing for him, and I'm happy for him," he said. My agent probably wanted to strangle me for it at times, but theres something to be said for sticking with one organization, he said. Part of the emotions going to be just leaving the team atmosphere, Kleinsasser said. We welcome all corrections and feedback using the button below. Once they took him to the shoe store, and the salesman asked why Jimmy wasn't in school. 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I dont have any regrets. The 120 or so fans coming by caravan from Carrington, N.D., to Minneapolis to salute their favorite son should be easy to spot in their yellow T-shirts emblazoned with the town name and Kleinsassers No. He defines what a Viking is supposed to be.". For right now, he plans to continue spending quality time with his family. 9 (100.3-FM, 1130-AM) Redskins by 6 1/2. You know that he's going to come to work prepared, ready to do his job. "If I had gone anywhere else, how many years would I have lasted? However, the snake can be overly suspicious, which makes them a bit paranoid. "Kid," Theismann told him, "I cried, too. Hochhalter and Kleinsasser have become close friends, and Kleinsasser returns to Carrington in the summer to help with Hochhalter's football camps. 1 priority in free agency was re-signing Jimmy Kleinsasser, Tice said. [1][6] He continued his 13-year career with the Vikings in the 2011 season. I know, because I'm watching him.". He lasted 13 seasons, almost 10 years longer than the span of the average NFL career. Weekend nights, teenagers would cruise the main drag. Carter remembers another. The former Minnesota Vikings tight end/fullback remembers traveling to his grandparents' house between the Belfield-Medora area. Former NFL fullback and tight end who played for the Minnesota Vikings from 1999 to 2011. Carter said it was 4:30. [1][2] In 1998, Kleinsasser had 45 receptions for 710 yards and 86 rushing yards.[2]. Nothings ever been dull around here. and 272 pounds, he became a tight end for the Minnesota Vikings. 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 . Leaving that locker room for the last time is probably going to be tough, though.. 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. It brings up a lot of memories driving back. Hochhalter said Kleinsassers accountability is rooted in small-town values. I guess that was his early lesson in humility.". While playing for Carrington High, Kleinsasser was two times named All-Region, All-State and Gatorade Circle of . "We'd bounce the ball two or three times, and we'd be in a fight. "No farming, and no football.". "My attitude has always been, 'Whatever they ask you to do, do it.' 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. He's six weeks old.' Jimmys been a beast his entire career. So, how much is Jim Kleinsasser worth at the age of 46 years old? "I gotta get to town," Jimmy said. Ive got nothing but great memories to look back on.. Its great to hear that.. Tice, whose job as Bears offensive line coach allows him to join in Sundays sendoff, converted Kleinsasser from fullback to tight end in 2002. Wild ride, Kleinsasser said. He was always a good eater.". It turned Kleinsasser into one of the NFLs most durable and efficient blocking tight ends. Jim Kleinsasser's life path number is 11. Kleinsasser has played for four head coaches. He's an anomaly among anomalies.". During Saturday's game against the Colts, the Vikings honored members of the 2022 All-State Team. We will continue to update information on Jim Kleinsassers parents. where does jim kleinsasser live now He's six weeks old.' "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. Jim Kleinsassers income source is mostly from being a successful . They'll make one more. 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. Kleinsasser adapted to a new vocation as a blocking tight end, fending off the linebackers on the edge and colliding with defensive ends in pass protection. He was part of three division championships, lost two NFC championship games, saw the Love Boat scandal engulf the organization in 2005, watched Brett Favre spin magic in 2009 and endured the misery of the past two seasons. 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. Between 300 to 400 people showed up at Dickinsons Menards for grand opening week to get an autograph from Kleinsasser. In 1999, Kleinsasser was drafted as a fullback, a position that he played for the early portion of his career. She would turn her back, post me up and hit this sweet little fadeaway baseline jumper, and I'd try to lean on her and fall on my butt. 2023 Celebrity Net Worth / All Rights Reserved. There weren't many distractions in Carrington, a town of about 2,200. He was one of the most physical tight ends to play the game and helped redefine the position. Some may argue that the Vikings should have cut ties with him long ago, because of his age and because of how the league has become so pass-happy. During his time in the NFL, Kleinsasser had 192 receptions for 1,688 yards and six touchdowns. is 1.91m . Jimmy, his son, plans to retire from the NFL after two more games, having broken the team record for most games played by a Vikings tight end, lasting much longer than his parents expected and five years longer than even he had hoped. "I was always 'Sheri's little brother' in Carrington," Kleinsasser said. How many games did Jim Kleinsasser play? WanMor, the sons of R&B legend Wanya Morris of Boyz II Men, sang the National Anthem prior to the Vikings-Jets game on Dec. 4. He was fine with that. The Seventies saw many women's rights, gay rights, and environmental movements. "It's going to be quite an offseason," Carter said. "Jimmy probably feels the same way. Vikings coach Leslie Frazier vowed to send off Kleinsasser with a touchdown, which the blocking specialist has not scored in four years. We are very proud of him.". Jimmy Kleinsasser attended Carrington High School in Carrington, North Dakota and was a letterman and a standout in football, basketball, and track & field. "You've got the farms and the bars and the churches and the characters. He was selected out of the, then-Division II University of North Dakota. Its 8 oclock in the morning and you feel you should be at the stadium right now. [fetch instagram= display=posts show=2 ]. We'd sit there and drink a cup of coffee and talk about football, ice fishing, our kids, whatever. "He's one of the special few who has the genetic makeup to endure the brutality of this game and come back, week after week, and play through injuries, and at a high level. "You see that long run by Adrian Peterson last week?" Or pets. The following browsers are supported: Chrome, Edge (v80 and later), Firefox and Safari. "One of the nurses came to us and said she was having trouble getting him to eat his cereal," Carter said. Loyalty. 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. Kleinsasser, in his 13th season with the Vikings, was a second round draft pick from North Dakota in 1999. He can block at the point, he can pass protect, he can catch, he can run after the catch., Kleinsasser credited growing up in North Dakota for the skills and values needed to be successful in life saying, Dont ever take for granted growing up in this great state, because the opportunities are available to you if you want to succeed. [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. Menards is bringing in former UND hockey player Dave Christian on Wednesday and former Minnesota Twins third baseman Gary Gaetti on Thursday. He doesn't eat cereal. Jimmy C. Kleinsasser attended North Dakota. He's a product of nature and nurture, combining genetics that created a 6-foot-3, 275-pound man who ran sprints and played basketball in high school, and a work ethic inherited from parents who ran a farm without any outside help. Please enable javascript and refresh the page to continue reading local news. Both autograph signings are from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Its been a neat experience, said Mark Kerr, general manager of Menards. 40. Its about holding true to your morals. "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 has worked at the paper since 1990, previously covering the Twins and Vikings. 8. The principal asked Carter to put a claim in on his homeowners insurance, and the policy paid the school $500. "What I personally remember about Jimmy, and miss, is that we were always two of the earlier guys to show up in the locker room. Then Vikings coach Denny Green traded three draft choices to the Steelers for the chance to take Jimmy with the 44th pick. Kleinsasser has been a lead blocker for Peterson many times in his career. They'll make one more. Kleinsasser has played for four head coaches. I guess that was his early lesson in humility.". 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. Jim Kleinsasser's House in Mound, MN (Google Maps) Mound, Minnesota (MN), US Like Tweet Share Pin The professional football player lives here. Acquired by Vikings: Round 2, 1999 NFL Draft. He was 3. He was a versatile TE and is remembered for his gritty toughness. Sheri was his idol. Send this article to anyone, no subscription is necessary to view it, Anyone can read, no subscription required, See Western North Dakota remains a special place to Jim Kleinsasser. This Sunday will be Jim Kleinsassers birthday. Jim Kleinsassers birth sign is Aquarius and he has a ruling planet of Uranus. The nurse looked at us and said, 'We thought he was six months old.'". 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. One day Kleinsasser brought home a box holding large shards of plastic, then Carter got a call from the Carrington High principal. Prairie Public Broadcasting provides quality radio, television, and public media services that educate, involve, and inspire the people of the prairie region. Kleinsasser's staying power is the result of rare circumstances. By Carter planted sunflowers, soybeans and wheat. We see that you have javascript disabled. He is a member of famous with the age 46 years old group. Week%2016%20-%20NYG%20-%20Legends%20Connection%20-%20Ben%20Leber.mp4. and 272 pounds, he became a tight end for the Minnesota Vikings. 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. Former NFL fullback and tight end who played for the Minnesota Vikings from 1999 to 2011. 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. 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. Kleinsasser spent all 13 of his NFL seasons with the Vikings after being a second-round draft pick out of UND in 1999. 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. Jim Kleinsasser, Minnesota Vikings | Prairie Public Broadcasting 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. 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.". His position is almost as un-sexy as offensive lineman, but he's such a key to not only your running game but your whole offense. Long-snapper Cullen Loeffler has played for the Vikings since 2004. Theyve been my everything.. The Kleinsassers expected Jimmy to be drafted in the second or third round by the New York Giants. Jim Kleinsasser was born in 1970s. You can also find out who is Jim Kleinsasser dating now and celebrity dating histories at CelebsCouples. Jim Kleinsasser's net worth Kleinsasser announced his retirement following the 2011 season. Born in 1977 in Carrington, North Dakota, Jim Kleinsasser played college football in his home state for the University of North Dakota Fighting Sioux. Ive had such a great time with the kids and the family at home. I just take pride in the fact that I work hard, and I figure that if you're willing to do anything, there's value in that. They are associated with a rejection of traditional values. Jimmy wanted to be included. It would be downright wrong, in my opinion, if he didn't make it and make it someday soon. Im retiring, and Im going to stay retired, he said. Things that are important. Jim Kleinsasser Net Worth | Celebrity Net Worth Its been a step back and just focusing on family, Kleinsasser said. The school gym had six backboards, two of which were not breakaways, one of which Kleinsasser had demolished with a dunk. People born on a Monday tend to be a bit sensitive and emotional. Wild star Kirill Kaprizov sounded the Gjallarhorn prior to the Vikings-Giants game on Dec. 24. He has also spent time fishing and being outdoors. Im walking away with my legs and head intact. 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. He didn't just choose UND on a whim either; he was born and raised there, which is probably the exact reason why he's been inducted into the North Dakota Sports Hall of Fame. Kleinsasser's first love was basketball, but football came naturally because he liked hitting people. 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. "It's going to be quite an offseason," Carter said. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. 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. Discover Jim Kleinsasser's Biography, Age, Height, Physical Stats, Dating/Affairs, Family and career updates. The 46-year-old football player was born in North Dakota, United States. asked Marty Hochhalter, Kleinsasser's high school coach. I just take pride in the fact that I work hard and I figure that if you're willing to do anything, there's value in that. Like many famous people and celebrities, Jim Kleinsasser keeps his personal life private. Jimmy grew the most underappreciated career in Minnesota sports. He was moved to the fullback position for a short time where he quickly gained a reputation as a ferocious blocker for the other running backs. In football, he played all over the field in high school and excelled as a tight end in college, leading to a pro career in which he has played fullback, tight end and H-back, proving remarkably adept at drive-blocking on running plays and protecting on pass plays. Marty Hochhalter hears Harvins uncomplicated statement and says that sounds about right. Kleinsasser spent his entire 13-year career with the Vikings. "I was always 'Sheri's little brother' in Carrington," Kleinsasser said. Before he became an iron man, Kleinsasser was a farm boy. "Jimmy's teacher said, 'Why would I do that? And it takes some luck just to stick around in this league. "For him, Advil is a cure-all. In 1998, Kleinsasser had 45 receptions for 710 yards and 86 rushing yards. "It's going to be sad to see Jim go, but I know that it's the right thing for him, and I'm happy for him," he said. Jim Souhan "That poor animal," Kathe said. They have imagination and don't like planning things in advance. Jim Kleinsasser Net Worth Stats Most important, though, he leaves the game relatively healthy and with financial security to enjoy with his wife, Christa, and sons, Carter and Cayden. Coach Tice went on to say, We think that Jim is one of the best. Im sure Ill get emotional on the field sometime, but I want to come into the game and play it like any other game. Jimmy grew the most underappreciated career in Minnesota sports. Jimmy wanted to be included. 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). Former Vikings LB Ed McDaniel was Tatum Everett's 'TCO Legends Connection' during the Nov. 24 game against the Patriots at U.S. Bank Stadium. "If I had gone anywhere else, how many years would I have lasted? From the Herald vault: Kleinsasser catch against - Grand Forks Herald Homes - Celebrity - Sports - Football Links: en.wikipedia.org By: tlp333 Celebrity Homes Mailing List James 'Jimmy Jam' Harris' house (former) He played in his first NFL game, and started his second. Saturday's Hometown Heroe was Emily Hunt Turner. And it takes some luck just to stick around in this league. Kleinsasser played sports, went to school, worked on the farm, did a little fishing and otherwise followed Sheri around. How much did Jim Kleinsasser weigh when playing? Being a great teammate. ), 'Smiley-face killer' theorist accused of St. Paul sex assault at time of Zamlen search, Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information. I try to adapt to whatever it takes to get the job done, or as good as I can get it done.". Then Vikings coach Denny Green traded three draft choices to the Steelers for the chance to take Jimmy with the 44th pick. Kleinsasser, a six-foot-three, 272-pound tight end, was twice selected to the All-Joe team put together by the "USA Today" in 2007 and again in 2008. He lasted 13 seasons, almost 10 years longer than the span of the average NFL career. A long-time fan favorite in Minnesota, Kleinsasser had his opportunities to go elsewhere . , money, salary, income, and assets. He was a basketball player at Carrington High School. If you feel you have received this message in error, please contact the customer support team at 1-833-248-7801. If you see something that doesnt look right, contact us. The Kleinsassers expected Jimmy to be drafted in the second or third round by the New York Giants. Kleinsasser played sports, went to school, worked on the farm, did a little fishing and otherwise followed Sheri around. "Jimmy always tagged along," Sheri said. Thursday's Hometown Hero was Trish Thacker, the Executive Director of The Salvation Army Harbor Light Center in Minneapolis. the outer planets, Neptune and Pluto, were not yet discovered, since the telescope had not yet been invented. 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. "My attitude has always been, 'Whatever they ask you to do, do it.' Jim Kleinsasser played 181 games . Jimmy Kleinsasser Career Stats | NFL.com The greatest overall compatibility with Aquarius is Leo and Sagittarius. Minnesota Vikings: An Ode to Retiring TE Jimmy Kleinsasser Ive had a lot of good times here, great teammates, great coaches. He's broken many a rushing record and could eventually go down as one of the greatest of all time. I've got college friends who are here, who provided an instant support system. A Vikings team picture stands on an easel near the front door, and the walls are filled with likenesses of roosters. Listen to Full Show. 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. Our big vacation of the year was coming out, driving through Dickinson and going to the Belfield-Medora area to my grandma and grandpas, and spending a couple weeks there. He was moved back to his natural position of tight end in 2001. 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 Kleinsassers expected Jimmy to be drafted in the second or third round by the New York Giants. Kleinsasser, who has no immediate plans, is a living time capsule in a Vikings locker room that has been turned over as much as the field crops on his family farm. Once more details are available on who he is dating, we will update this section. Of course, even as a freshman, we'd put in special plays for him. Even coach Leslie Frazier, who's in his first year as a head coach, had this to say about Kleinsasser: "He's someone you can always count on. He played college football at North Dakota and played for the Vikings his entire career since being drafted in 1999. I try to adapt to whatever it takes to get the job done, or as good as I can get it done.". Thats been a big for me.. He's an anomaly among anomalies.". 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. Hochhalter and Kleinsasser have become close friends, and Kleinsasser returns to Carrington in the summer to help with Hochhalter's football camps. "He'd want one soon as he got into the truck, and then he'd get hungry later. Jan 14, 2022. Jim Kleinsasser Biography, Age, Height, Wife, Net Worth, Family 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. On a December morning, their homestead is an oasis of heat and color on a desolate and wind-blown landscape. We knew how good he was.". He also played in the North Dakota Shrine game and the Montana-North Dakota All-Star game. He blocked for former Eagles quarterbacks of different generations, Randall Cunningham and Donovan McNabb. "Jimmy probably feels the same way. "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. Once they took him to the shoe store, and the salesman asked why Jimmy wasn't in school. Kids" game during halftime of Saturday's game against the Colts. Kleinsassers high school football, track and basketball coach plans to be among the Carrington contingent at the Metrodome. Saxophonist Trey Daniels, whose first single "86th St." was listed on the Smooth Jazz Billboard Chart in 2017, performed the National Anthem prior to the Vikings-Giants game on Dec. 24. At Carrington High School, Kleinsasser was a starter on the 1995 Class B State Championship basketball team. Even having not made any Pro Bowls or All-Pro teams, he should be in the Ring of Honor. He was 3. We are very proud of him.". "Once I had a license, Jimmy would want to come with us. The celebrity, tv-personality & actor is dating Todd Spiewak, his starsign is Aries and he is now 49 years of age. Thats kind of how your clock works. Discover what happened on this day. "The secret was, I always made him two lunches," Kathe said. He was a basketball player at Carrington High School. He was born in 1977 in Carrington, and at 6'3? Jim Kleinsasser - Age, Bio, Personal Life, Family & Stats - CelebsAges