Ed Sharockman, an original Viking, passed away on Saturday at age 77, the team announced Monday.

Sharockman, a cornerback, was voted one of the 50 Greatest Vikings in 2010. He was a fifth-round pick in 1961 out of Pittsburgh and played 11 seasons in Minnesota, making the Pro Bowl twice.

He led the team in interceptions four times and finished his career with 40, third in team history to Paul Krause (53) and Bobby Bryant (51). Sharockman played in 141 games and scored touchdowns on three of his interceptions.

His nickname was "Bozo," said former Vikings great, Jim Marshall. "He was always clowning around."

Vikings historian Fred Zamberletti told the team's website: "He was a great teammate. You knew Ed was going to give everything he had and was always going to show up. He was not a complainer. He was the kind of guy that players liked."

Marshall added: He was absolutely a great teammate. He was a guy you could depend on. I have thousands of great memories of Ed."

Sharockman, who lived in Woodbury and had been active in Vikings alumni events, died from congestive heart failure.