Photo Credit: Joe Lemke (used with permission)
Since being drafted No. 17 in the 2006 NFL Draft, Chad Greenway has been a Minnesota Viking.
In a Nov. 2012 interview, Greenway expressed that he hoped to play the entirety of his career in purple and gold:
“I certainly want to retire a Viking […] I’d love to just play it out here and be able to have an entire tenure in Minnesota.”
Two years later, Greenway’s leadership, comradery and positive attitude in the locker room continue to be an asset to the team; his contribution on the field upheld its reputation, as well. Greenway missed four games due to injuries this season; in the 12 that he started, however, the linebacker tallied 93 tackles. According to league stats, he leads the NFL since 2007, with 984 tackles.
Greenway’s loyalty to Minnesota and athleticism have not changed; but there is no denying that other things have—namely, younger, talented players making an impact on the roster. As the Vikings packed up their gear and prepared to head into the offseason, Greenway demonstrated no sense of urgency to clear out his locker.
For No. 52, there is some uncertainty if he will return to this locker room next season.
“You don’t know,” Greenway said. “You don’t know the situation, how it’s going to happen and what’s going to happen. You’ve got to just take it one day at a time. Obviously I’ll be in here rehabbing and trying to get healthy first. So, yeah, it’s a little weird I guess. But it’s a forever-changing league and business and guys have to roll with it.”
Minnesota selected LB Anthony Barr No. 9 overall in the 2014 NFL Draft, and the rookie made an immediate impact. Barr started 12 games, and in his debut season he totaled 70 tackles and two forced fumbles. There is no doubt the 22-year-old will play a major role in the Vikings’ defense for seasons to come.
In addition to Barr proving his abilities, second- and third-year guys Gerald Hodges and Audie Cole took advantage of opportunities to step up and fight for starting positions as well.
Hodges vowed at training camp to be a bigger asset to the team, and he certainly delivered. After grabbing only five tackles over 11 games last season, Hodges wrapped up the year with 66 tackles and an interception.
Cole also impressed both the fans and coaching staff, especially in the season finale game against Chicago. The 25-year-old has held onto a roster spot, biding his time and waiting for a chance to make an impression. When Greenway missed Game 16 due to a knee injury, Cole started in his place. Four quarters and 14 tackles later, the LB had created plenty of buzz.
On a team that has seemingly shifted its focus to grooming younger players, it’s hard to predict if—and how—Greenway will fit into the roster next season. Understandably, Greenway has expressed that he wants to play somewhere that he will have a starting position. He also continues to emphasize his desire to stay in Minnesota.
“I’d like to be able to be a decade in a Vikings uniform. That’s always been a goal to finish here as a Viking.”
Head coach Mike Zimmer has not ruled out Greenway’s return as a starter.
“I love Chad; Chad’s a good guy,” Zimmer said. “You’d have to ask him, but I think even at his stage in his career he probably learned some things this year […] He’s the kind of guy that we like to have […] I would be the first one, if it wasn’t going to work out or Chad didn’t want to be here, I’d expect that him and I would have the first conversation of anyone. I have total amount of respect for him and I will treat him with the same kind of respect.”
Greeway will be 32 years old before the 2015 season kicks off. In his tenth NFL year, he would count $8.8 million against Minnesota’s salary cap; if released, he would count a much smaller number ($1.7 million) against the cap. Last season Greenway willingly took a pay cut, restructuring his contract to stay in Minny. According to the Star Tribune, the Vikings will consider two options during the offseason: restructure Greenway’s contract again or waive him.
“It’s hard to be in a situation where you’re watching,” Greenway said. “I’ve just never done that and I don’t really plan on it.”
Whatever ends up happening, fans can be assured of the veteran LB’s first choice:
“I do know there’ll be opportunities if there’s none here—but I’m a loyal guy, and I want to finish with the Vikings.”
View Comments
Audie! Audie! Audie!. Hodges and Barr
Just spoke to someone today about how brilliant it was to not have Allen/Williams back, despite the sentimental attachment. Greenway is that guy in 2015. I wish him the best, and would gladly take him back at 3M per.
Thanks for reading and for your comments. I can definitely understand what you're saying, and I agree that the Vikings cannot keep Greenway for a high salary -- I do hope that they are able to restructure his contract to stay, but either way I wish the best for him!
Its time to move on.
Why? It's not like he's holding the team back he's far from our weakest link, he's still better than hodges and a veteran in a group of kids. He's our defensive leader and playcaller. While I wouldn't sign him to a new contract why not let him play next year if we don't need the extra cap space.
I would be surprised if it ended up being that we did not need the cap space...
While it'd be a more appropriate salary, I don't think we're too close to the salary cap, we don't need the space. Would you be okay with him staying at his current salary if we don't need the space? Sure, less room to sign free agents but there's only a couple that stick out this year.
After watching this game and many more osu games this year is love to draft joey bosa next year to replace Robison. Bosa looks like a stud (Altho not JJ Watt level like some are saying)
Welp, maybe yesterday's bowl results will put paid to the notion of total SEC dominance in football,
Im a little surprised he isn't considering retirement after the injuries mounted up again this year. These last two years he's dealt with more injuries than I recall him having in his prime.
Tired of everyone saying
"Panthers last five games ... panthers last five games...." Ummm no homey, try again -- last FOUR against weakass teams. Game 5 ago they lost to the Vikings 31 13.
I hope he stays.
Hey, if Carolina wins this game, that would mean we beat a team with a 500 or better record.
Go Panthers!
this is the game of the misfit toys
Anyone else getting tired of looking at those nasty parasites in that damned fishes mouth? Fuggin gross.
No matter what the fans say or what they like or hate ~ The great thing is the Vikings have good people running this team and we dont have to worry about all the crazies that get mad when they dont get what they want ~
If Zimmer is telling the truth and not talking Coach Speak and he wants Greenway back and wants him starting then Greenway will be back and starting ~ Or at worse he will rotate with the starters to keep them fresh and that means a lot these days with how pass happy offenses today ~
I love Cole and living here in NC I got to see him a lot and believe he should have been starting in place of Brinkley in 2014 at Mike ~ The thing Cole never recovered from was his 19 reps of 225lbs at the combines But thats just me ~ On a side note last time I checked Zimmer knows just a little more than I do about pro football ~ LOL
Don't care for the picture of Rodgers as a Viking...we have Teddy.
Speaking of that, Arif was right! Best QB in last years draft.
I hope Dallas loses today, the last thing I want is a Cowboy/Packer playoff game...it's a no win thing for me.
Where'd the Rodgers as a viking come from?
Although I agree, I didn't like Favre because he was a Packer and only because of that. I loathe Rodgers because of who he is, if he were a bronco, dolphin, colt, charger ect... I'd still hate the guy.
http://twitter.com/VikeFans/status/551761842327289858/photo/1
agree skol...don't like the guy