For the Minnesota Vikings, the long offseason will be soon over and players will finally arrive at training camp. There are now just 53 days until the Vikings begin their quest back to the playoffs on September 8 against the Atlanta Falcons.
However, number 53 holds a lot of significance to the team. In fact, one of the greatest players in Vikings history wore that number for many years and the no. 53 is one of six numbers retired by the franchise.
It was worn by Hall of Fame center Mick Tingelhoff.
Tingelhoff signed with the Vikings as an undrafted free agent out of Nebraska in 1962.