Former Vikings TE Joe Senser Has Passed Away

TL;DR

Former Minnesota Vikings tight end Joe Senser has passed away at the age of 69. He was known for his remarkable career, including being the only tight end in team history with over 1,000 receiving yards in a season.

Key points

Joe Senser passed away at the age of 69.
He ranks eighth all-time in receptions for Vikings tight ends.
Senser was the only Vikings tight end with over 1,000 receiving yards in a season.

Joe SenserMinnesota VikingsCleveland Browns

Vikings tight end Joe Senser attracted the attention of the Saints' Derland Moore (74), Jim Kovach (52), and Rob Nairne (55) after catching a pass in the third quarter. (Nov 16, 1981). (Photo by BRUCE BISPING/Star Tribune via Getty Images) | Star Tribune via Getty Images The Minnesota Vikings have lost another piece of their history, as one of the best tight ends in team history has left us. The Vikings have announced the passing of tight end Joe Senser at the age of 69. Senser was a sixth-round pick of the Vikings in the 1979 NFL Draft from West Chester University in Pennsylvania. He ranks eighth all-time in receptions for a Vikings tight end with 165, and is still the only tight end in team history to have more than 1,000 receiving yards in a season, putting up 1,004 yards in 1981. He made the Pro Bowl that season, as he caught 79 passes and hauled in eight touchdowns. Senser also caught the pass that set up the “Miracle at the Met” against the Cleveland Browns in 1980. With just 20 seconds remaining, he caught a short pass from Tommy Kramer that he then lateraled to Ted Brown, who ran for an additional chunk of yardage and got out of bounds to stop the clock. On the next play, Kramer hit Ahmad Rashad for a 46-yard touchdown as time expired to give the Vikings a 28-23 victory over the Browns and the 1980 NFC Central Division title. After his playing career ended, Senser also had two stints as a color commentator for the Vikings Radio Network, serving in that capacity from 1993-1994 and again from 2001-2006. We here at The Daily Norseman wish to extend our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Joe Senser on their loss.

Q&A

What were Joe Senser's career highlights with the Minnesota Vikings?

Joe Senser was a sixth-round pick in the 1979 NFL Draft and made the Pro Bowl in 1981, recording 1,004 receiving yards in a season.

How did Joe Senser contribute to the 'Miracle at the Met' play?

Senser caught a crucial pass that set up the 'Miracle at the Met' against the Cleveland Browns in 1980, leading to a last-second victory.

What was Joe Senser's role after his NFL career?

After retiring, Joe Senser served as a color commentator for the Vikings Radio Network during two separate stints from 1993-1994 and 2001-2006.