The Greatest Centers in Vikings history

[Mothman]

Bleacher Report posted a list/slideshow ranking the Vikings 5 best centers (and they threw in an honorable mention for long snapper Mike Morris) and I thought it might lead to some good discussion of a position that doesn't get much focus. Certain teams seem to have a strong tradition of quality at particular positions and I've always thought center was one of those positions for the Vikes. Here's a link to the Bleacher Report article:

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1665 ... ory/page/2

They ranked the centers as follows;

Honorable mention: Mike Morris
5.) Jeff Christy
4. Kirk Lowdermilk
3.) John Sullivan
2.) Matt Birk
1.) Mick Tingelhoff

Agree? Disagree?

I certainly agreed with this sentiment:

The biggest travesty of Tingelhoff's career is that he's not in the NFL Hall of Fame. It is one of the biggest omissions in the history of the Hall.

Regarding the list, I disagreed with ranking Sullivan ahead of Christy and Lowdermilk, especially because writer Bob Garman's reason for doing so was "Sullivan edges out Jeff Christy and Kirk Lowdermilk for No. 3 on the list because of his high ceiling. Already as good as Christy, and becoming as physical a force as Lowdermilk was, Sullivan will most likely only get better over time. " That's basically ranking Sullivan #3 based on potential and when you're listing the greatest at a position, I think actual accomplishments have to trump potential every time. Heck, Garman said Birk "edged" Sullivan out for the #2 spot!

What am I missing here? Is Sullivan that good?

[S197]

What am I missing here? Is Sullivan that good?

I agree, I don't think Sullivan should be ranked #3 right now. If he can stay healthy he has the potential to realize that spot but only time will tell. Based on his current body of work, #3 is generous.

[Eli]

The Vikings have played 52 seasons. By my count those five account for 45 seasons at starting center between them. The Vikings haven't had many more than five starting centers. Who would be number six?

Mick Tingelhoff started at center for the Vikings for 17 seasons, from 1962 to 1978. Kirk Lowdermilk was the starter from 1983 through 1992. Jeff Christy started from 1994 through 1999. Matt Birk started 8 seasons between 2000 and 2008. John Sullivan has been the starter since 2009.

I think the reason Tingelhoff will most likely never make the HoF is because he got his butt kicked in four Super Bowls. The Kansas City game was especially memorable. Curly Culp is in the Hall of Fame, Mick Tingelhoff is not.

[Mothman]

The Vikings have played 52 seasons. By my count those five account for 45 seasons at starting center between them. The Vikings haven't had many more than five starting centers. Who would be number six?

Dennis Swilley, who started at center for the Vikings in the late '70s and early '80s.

[VikeMike]

Tinglehoff is definitely the Vikings No. 1 center. And he should be in the Hall.

I'd probably place Lowdermilk at three, but it's hard to argue the five centers you listed, Moth.

[NextQuestion]

I have the 1998 divisional round game on DVD and there is a couple of times someone on the OL (Stuess maybe) where he causes the line to false start a couple of times on a drive. They show a replay of Jeff Christy punching the OL in the head as a "wake up call". Kind of funny

[Tark10]

One or two Super Bowl wins and Tinglehoff and Marshall would be in the HOF.