Vikings bring some proven talent into the backfield

By Krupka  |   Wednesday, March 22, 2006  |  Comments( 0 )

Minnesota Vikings
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On Tuesday, the Minnesota Vikings agreed to terms with Pro Bowl fullback Tony Richardson on a two-year contract that will pay him $2.5 million.

The signing marks the first time in about four years that the Vikings will have the fullback position in their offense. Under Mike Tice, the Vikings used Jimmy Kleinsasser and Jermaine Wiggins, respectively, at the H-back and tight end position - eliminating the need for a fullback.

Richardson, 34, visited the Vikings on Monday and was instantly offered a contract. He took the night to mull it over, and decided Minnesota was the place for him. The 11-year veteran broke into the league in 1994 as an undrafted free agent with the Dallas Cowboys. He spent part of the season on the practice squad before being released. The Kansas City Chiefs then signed Richardson, and he has been a Chief ever since. He will be sorely missed by the Chiefs fans, players, and organization.

Chiefs president/general manager Carl Peterson released a statement that read: "I am personally disappointed that we were not able to work out a new contract for Tony Richardson. Obviously, his contributions both on and off the field in his ten years here have been outstanding. We sincerely thank Tony for all his efforts and accomplishments while in Kansas City. We wish him the very best in his new career as a member of the Minnesota Vikings. I made it clear to Tony - as I have on numerous occasions - that when he is finished with his playing career, I would like him to be a part of the Kansas City Chiefs organization. That offer and promise still holds and we look forward to seeing Tony in the future."

Richardson is one of the best fullbacks in the NFL. He is a prototypical fullback - a great blocker with above average hands. In his 11 seasons, he has 395 carries racking up 1,576 yards and 15 touchdowns. He also has 177 receptions for 1,298 yards and nine touchdowns. His best season was in 2000 when he led the Chiefs in carries with 147 for his career season-best 697 yards and three touchdowns. He also caught 58 passes for 468 yards and three touchdowns in 2000.

He also is a great team leader and presence in the locker room. In the new era of Minnesota Vikings football - led by owner Zygi Wilf and new head coach Brad Childress - discipline, leadership, and a team-first attitude is valued.

The biggest beneficiary of the addition of Richardson will be Chester Taylor, the Vikings' likely starting running back. Richardson has blocked for Marcus Allen, Bam Morris, Donnell Bennett, Kimble Anders, Priest Holmes, and Larry Johnson in his years with the Chiefs. All the running backs on the list had success that can be partly attributed to Richardson's tremendous blocking ability.

The signing of Richardson adds to arguably one of the best offseasons any team has had. In about a 12 hour span, the Vikings added the best guard in the NFL in Steve Hutchinson and arguably the best fullback with Richardson.
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