Former Vikings Linebacker, Matt Blair, Passes Away at 70

Matt Blair, a Ring of Honor member for the Vikings, passed away on Thursday, per an announcement on vikings.com. The cause of death was not immediately announced, but he had been battling dementia over the past few years. 

Blair was drafted by the Vikings in 1974 out of Iowa State, and his career was a legendary one. He played 12 seasons, all with the Vikings. After earning a starting role in 1976, he went on to make six consecutive Pro Bowls from 1977-82, including a first team All-Pro selection from The Associated Press in 1980. 

Blair played in two Super Bowls in his career, Super Bowls IX and XI. He played in 160 games with the Vikings, and he recorded 1452 tackles, second most in franchise history behind Scott Studwell. He also retired with the most sacks (23) and interceptions (16) among linebackers in Vikings history. 

Matt Blair will always be remembered as a Vikings legend that helped put the team on the map. He was forever enshrined with the Viking when he was voted into the team’s Ring of Honor back in 2012. 

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