Former GM Rick Spielman responds after being fired by the Vikings

Rick Spielman is coming to grips with the fact that he is no longer the acting general manager of the Minnesota Vikings.

News of his firing had to hit like a ton of bricks for the man that sat at the head of the table in the front office for the last 10 years. He released a prepared statement on Monday thanking fans and the organization, including owners Zygi and Mark Wilf, for supporting him during his time there.

“I am honored to have been a part of the Minnesota Vikings organization and this incredible community for the past 16 years. The people of this state welcomed me and my family and treated us with the utmost respect throughout our tenure. Michelle and I created many special memories with our children here, and we will always consider Minnesota our home.”

During Spielman’s tenure as acting general manager, the team clinched four playoff berths and even one Conference Championship appearance in the 2017 season.

Things certainly sputtered down the stretch with the Vikings failing to make the playoffs in consecutive seasons. However, not many people in Spielman’s position are allowed to stick around as long as he did.

That’s definitely something to take pride in after such a graceful exit.

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