Be like Mick
The Vikings' rich history of strength and durability at the center position began in their second year of existence when Hall of Famer Mick Tingelhoff opened the season with the first of his 240 consecutive starts over the next 17 seasons. Tingelhoff was the only Vikings rookie to start a season opener at center until Pat Elflein started in Monday night's win against New Orleans. In 57 seasons of Vikings football, only 10 players have started more than 10 games at center. Here they are:
StartsPlayerYears as a Viking
240Mick Tingelhoff1962-78
123Matt Birk1998-2008
101Dennis Swilley1977-83, '85-87
93John Sullivan2008-15
92Jeff Christy1993-99
86Kirk Lowdermilk1985-92
48Joe Berger2011-17
17Adam Schreiber1990-93
14Bill Lapham1961
12Cory Withrow1999-2005