Sanford says he's returning

Re-signing brings back reliable veteran who can start and lead on special teams.

March 12, 2013 at 11:25PM

Most of the time, we have no idea what Jamarca Sanford is yelling. We just know teammates love whatever it is and will no doubt be happy to know that familiar, uplifting and loud voice will isn't going anywhere.

Sanford, according to Sanford, has re-signed with the Vikings rather than test the open market.

Tweeted Sanford: "I want to thank the Minnesota Vikings organization! I'm coming back home to my #skilvikings #Godisgood."

Sanford, a seventh round pick in 2009, is everything the Vikings look for when it comes to intangibles. He's passionate, an outstanding teammate, a hard worker and a guy who never pouts.

He lost his starting job to Mistral Raymond in training camp last year. But he caused no problems. Then Raymond went down with a dislocated ankle early in the season. Sanford stepped in and had his best season while also continuing to be a leader on special teams. Raymond never was able to wrest the starting job back from Sanford.

Sanford had 61 tackles and forced four fumbles in 2012.

about the writer

about the writer

Mark Craig

Sports reporter

Mark Craig has covered the NFL nearly every year since Brett Favre was a rookie back in 1991. A sports writer since 1987, he is covering his 30th NFL season out of 37 years with the Canton (Ohio) Repository (1987-99) and the Star Tribune (1999-present).

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