Jim Kleinsasser

Team Number:	40
Birth Date:	01/31/1977
Height:	6'3''
Weight:	274lbs.
Position:	Tight End

More Info
Jim Kleinsasser was born on January 31, 1977. His hometown is Carrington, North Dakota. He played college football at North Dakota for four years and was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the 2nd round.

NFL

2007: Jim Kleinsasser has emerged as a humble yet talented tight end who was recognized by USA Today’s All-Joe Team for under-appreciated NFL players. Jim Kleinsasser was an integral cobtributer to the Minnesota Vikings' top ranked rushing offense and helped to set a Minnesota Vikings record with 2,634 rushing yards.

Jim Kleinsasser is fourth in Vikings history in career catches for a tight end with 125. Set career-highs in 2003 with 46 catches, 401 yards and four touchdowns. Solid blocker that helped Viking running backs Robert Smith and Michael Bennett set franchise rushing records in 2000 and 2002 respectively. 2006: Started 12 games and did not miss a game. Helped Chester Taylor run for 1,214 yards, fourth in Vikings history. 2005: Started all 16 games after coming back from knee surgery in 2004. Blocked a punt versus Chicago. 2004: Knee injury ended his season in opener against Dallas on September 12. 2003: Had career bests in catches, yards and touchdowns. Started all 16 games for first time in career. Made 10 catches against St. Louis, the second highest in Viking tight end history. 2002: Had 393 receiving yards, good for third on the team. Tied for third on the team with 37 catches. Helped Vikings lead the NFL in rushing for the first time in team history. Made 12 starts in 14 games played. 2001: Started all 11 games played. Scored his first career touchdown against Green Bay on October 21. 2000: Played full back while Robert Smith was setting the team record for single-season rushing with 1,521 yards. Played in 14 games, starting eight of them. 1999: Played in season opener versus Atlanta. Blocked for Robert Smith’s team-playoff-record 140 yards on January 9, 2000 versus Dallas.

College

Jim Kleinsasser finished his career at North Dakota with 1,314 yards receiving and 10 touchdowns. Was a consensus All-American his senior year. Was North Dakota team captain. Had 45 catches for 710 yards and five touchdowns as a senior. Was Team Rookie of the Year as a freshman. Started as true freshman.

Personal

Went to Carrington High in North Dakota. Was Gatorade Circle of Champions North Dakota Player of the Year. Also All-Region and two-time All-District in basketball. Won AAU national shot put title. Won state discus championship sophomore and senior year.