Former G Steve Hutchinson Looks to Return to Minnesota as a Scout

According to a June 18 article by the Pioneer Press‘ Chris Tommasson, former Minnesota Vikings guard Steve Hutchinson hopes to return to his old stomping grounds. This time, as a scout.

The 36-year-old currently lives in Wayzata with his family, but he says they will move to Nashville next week to be near relatives. Hutchinson would like to serve as another pair of eyes for promising athletes in the southern region of the States.

Hutchinson said the following:

“I’ve been talking a little bit with the Vikings about potentially scouting a little bit […] I’ve got to get settled in down there first and see what the lay of the land is. If they need a presence down South or something, depending on what they might need my skill set for [we might make a deal]. But it’s nothing that’s set in stone right now; it’s kind of just talk right now.”

The guard told Tommasson that he has spoken with Vikings general manager Rick Spielman and assistant general manager George Paton, and the possibility is there.

Hutchinson played in Minnesota from 2006-2011, the Vikings acquiring him as a free agent from the Seahawks. During his time with the Vikings, Hutchinson joined four Pro Bowl squads—he is a seven-time Pro Bowler overall.  2009 proved one of the guard’s strongest seasons in Minny.  He started every game, blocked for a 1,000-yard rusher for the ninth time in his career and was part of a 475-yard offensive output against Dallas that was the second-highest total in Vikings playoff history.

In 2010, Hutchinson suffered a broken thumb. The injury sidelined him, snapping his 123-game starting record. Hutchinson played only 11 games that season before moving on to Tennessee for one year before retiring.

According to Tommasson, Hutchinson visited the Vikings minicamp Wednesday to say goodbye to some in the organization. He said “it’d be cool” if he rejoined the team in some capacity.