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Loss of Denny Green is felt hard by Minnesota Vikings

Former Minnesota Vikings, wide receiver Randy Moss and head coach Dennis Green, after the 1998 NFL Draft. Photo courtesy of the sportingnews.com
Former Minnesota Vikings, wide receiver Randy Moss and head coach Dennis Green, after the 1998 NFL Draft. Photo courtesy of the sportingnews.com

On Thursday night, former Minnesota Vikings head coach, Dennis Green, passed away from complications due to cardiac arrest. Thoughts and prayers go out to his family, friends, and the entire NFL community as they mourn the loss.

Green coached the Vikings during a 10 year span from 1992 to 2001. Of those 10 seasons, Green led the Vikings to the playoffs eight times. He is the second winningest coach in franchise history and is only behind legendary head coach, Bud Grant.

The Vikings issued a statement Friday morning on Green’s passing:

“We are incredibly saddened by the sudden passing of former Vikings head coach Dennis Green. He mentored countless men and served as a father figure for the players he coached. Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Green family.”


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Former wide receiver, Randy Moss also payed tribute to Green on Instagram:

“When nobody else wanted me to play the sport I fell in love with, this man gave me a chance to pursue my dreams. My family and I are forever grateful, appreciative, and truly blessed to have crossed paths.”

Green was the primary motivating force behind Minnesota’s selection of Moss in the 1998 draft. If not for Green, Vikings’ fans would never have been introduced to the Hall of Fame wide receiver.

While his tenure in Minnesota ended in 2001, Green went on to coach the Arizona Cardinals for three years, beginning in 2004. He also spent time as an analyst and commentator and later took some less prestigious coaching opportunities, including one in the now defunct UFL – United Football League – where he was reunited with quarterback Daunte Culpepper.

Not only did Green connect with his players but he was a fan favorite as well. Nowhere was he loved more than in Minnesota. After a lackluster decade of football in the 1980’s, one of Green’s more notable accomplishments was turning the Vikings’ franchise into a contender again. The transformation won over the hearts of fans everywhere. Green was so loved in Minnesota he even had a weekly television program, The Dennis Green Show, in which he was the host and would play drums with his band.

His achievements are still felt by fans today. Green was the catalyst of change that brought the Vikings into the modern era. The team would not be where it is without him. He changed people’s impressions and expectations of the club. No longer seen as the league’s doormat, the Vikings became a legitimate contender year in and year out. Green brought out a renewed sense of pride while breathing life back into the club.

Even greater than his impact in Minnesota, was the weight of Green’s influence on the NFL. Being only the second african american head coach of the modern era, he helped pave the way for future african american head coaches.

Without his contribution and success, the growth of diversity among coaches might not be where it is today. He helped to change the attitudes and opinions of many. Currently there are five active african american head coaches in the NFL, with a long list that have held the title since Green became the second.

It’s easy to see the amazing impact Green had on his players, the fans, and even the game of football itself. However, he cared about more than just football and took an interest in players’ lives as well. Green will always be admired for his success on the sideline, but the people closest to him will remember him for the great man that he was.

Austin Erwin writes for cover32 and covers the Minnesota Vikings. He can be followed on Twitter @austin_erwin. Like and follow vikings32 on Facebook and Twitter.

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