Former Arkansas running back and Minnesota Vikings player Jim Lindsey, who won championships in both college football and the NFL, has died at the age of 81. The Razorbacks announced his passing Sunday after what Whole Hog Sports reported was a lengthy illness.

Arkansas Football confirmed the news in a post on X, honoring one of the program's most accomplished former players. Lindsey helped the Razorbacks capture the 1964 national championship before going on to an eight-year NFL career. 

"We are saddened by the loss of Arkansas legend Jim Lindsey,” Arkansas Football’s X post read on July 20. “He made Arkansas a better place in many ways."

The program's message continued with a note of comfort for those closest to him.

"His friends and family are in our thoughts," Arkansas Football's X post added.

Lindsey played at Arkansas from 1963 to 1965 and earned Second Team All-Southwest Conference honors. He was selected in the second round of both the 1966 NFL Draft by the Minnesota Vikings and the AFL Draft by the Buffalo Bills before choosing Minnesota.

He spent his entire professional career with the Vikings, where he played 84 games. Lindsey helped the franchise win the 1969 NFL championship.

He later became a five-time special teams captain and finished his career with 566 rushing yards, 632 receiving yards, and 10 total touchdowns.

Football was only part of Lindsey's legacy. After retiring, he built a successful real estate business and remained a major supporter of Razorbacks athletics through philanthropy.

His impact also left a lasting impression on former teammates.

Former teammates remember Lindsey's leadership

Several former Vikings players paid tribute to Lindsey, remembering both his leadership and his character.

Hall of Fame quarterback Fran Tarkenton praised Lindsey's influence on and off the field, as reported by Craig Peters of Vikings.com. 

"Jim Lindsey was one of the smartest human beings I've ever known," Tarkenton said. "Great football player, reliable, really good person and great business guy. There hasn't been a better human being than Jim Lindsey. I love Jim Lindsey."

Former Vikings tight end Stu Voigt also reflected on Lindsey's role inside the locker room during their time together.

"He was a good guy, good teammate and somebody, when I came onto the team, that was a steady veteran voice," Voigt said. "He was a good mentor type of guy, very smart player and total team guy."

Lindsey remained closely connected to Arkansas throughout his life. He was inducted into the Arkansas Sports Hall of Honor in 1987.

Lindsey later teamed up with former Razorbacks teammate and Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones. Together, they established the Jerry Jones/Jim Lindsey Hall of Champions at the Broyles Athletic Complex.

He is also survived by several family members with ties to college football. That includes his grandson, Drake Lindsey, a sophomore quarterback at Minnesota.

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Written by

Evince Das

Edited by

Rudra Dubey