It’s the final countdown…
Well, sort of.
The Minnesota Vikings will kick off their 2023 regular season in 51 days at home against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sept. 10.
From now until then, we will take a trip down memory lane and count each day by revisiting the players that have worn that specific jersey number.
Benton Whitley currently wears the number for the Vikings, but it’s changed hands a few times in team history. Jim Hough was among those to wear it for an extended period, wearing it for nine seasons.
With 51 days until kickoff, here’s a look at every player to wear No. 51 with the Vikings (via Pro Football Reference):
LB Benton Whitley (2022-Present)
OG Wyatt Davis (2021-2022)
DE Hercules Mata'afa (2019-2020)
OLB Edmond Robinson (2015-2016)
LB Josh Kaddu (2014)
LB Larry Dean (2011-2013)
LB Ben Leber (2006-2010)
DE Lance Johnstone (2001-2005)
LB Mitch Palmer (2000)
LB Rom Holmberg (1999)
LB Ben Hanks (1996)
LB Broderick Thomas (1995)
LB Carlos Jenkins (1991-1994)
LB David Howard (1987-1989)
LB Peter Najarian (1987)
OG Jim Hough (1978-1986)
OC Godfrey Zaunbrecher (1971-1973)
LB Dave Tobey (1966-1967)
DE Jim Leo (1962)
