Members of the Vikings ownership group were certainly familiar with Yankees owner George Steinbrenner, who passed away Tuesday at the age of 80.
Leonard Wilf, a member of Vikings ownership and the team's vice chairman, lives in New York City and is a limited partner in the Yankees. Leonard is a cousin of Vikings owners Zygi and Mark Wilf, who live in in New Jersey.
The Vikings issued the following statement on Steinbrenner's passing.
"The Minnesota Vikings ownership and organization wish to extend their condolences to the George Steinbrenner family and the New York Yankees on Mr. Steinbrenner's passing earlier today. As an instrumental figure in Major League Baseball and all of professional sports, Mr. Steinbrenner helped the Yankees develop an uncompromising style in their quest for championships. Under Steinbrenner's stewardship, Major League Baseball experienced significant growth while the Yankees became a recognizable sports icon throughout the world -- the standard for both competitiveness and excellence. Most importantly, Mr. Steinbrenner's commitment to charitable giving, amateur sports and the United States Olympic Committee became staples of his consistent community outreach. The Vikings thoughts and prayers are with Mr. Steinbrenner's family and friends."
