Mick Tingelhoff’s chances of getting a plaque in Canton, Ohio increased today when the Pro Football Hall of Fame announced his name as a Senior nominee for the Class of 2015.
Congratulations to @Vikings longtime center Mick Tingelhoff who has just been selected as #PFHOF15 Senior Nominee!
— Pro Football Hall of Fame (@ProFootballHOF) August 20, 2014
The longtime Minnesota Vikings center was the lone nominee from a list of players that have been retired a minimum of 25 years. The Hall’s Senior Committee is “charged with the responsibility of nominating candidate(s) from that list to be among the 18 finalists for Hall of Fame election,” according to the Hall’s website.
According to Pro Football Talk, Tingelhoff isn’t a lock to get in, but his chances aren’t bad.
“He won’t be competing for a spot in Canton with modern players, as he will be subject to a yes/no vote, and needs 80 percent to earn his spot. While not a rubber stamp, the recent record is good for those presented by the seniors committee.”
Tingelhoff will learn his Hall of Fame fate the day before the Super Bowl, Saturday, Jan. 31 in Glendale, Arizona, according to the Pioneer Press.
Mick was my center, my roommate and my best friend. No one more deserving. @Vikings #HOF #LetMickIn #SKOL
— Francis Tarkenton (@Fran_Tarkenton) August 20, 2014
Chuck Foreman on Tinglehoff HOF: "It’s long overdue. Why it’s taken him so long I really don’t know.''
— Chris Tomasson (@christomasson) August 20, 2014
Mark Craig of the Star Tribune referred to Tingelhoff as the “overlooked and undrafted center who went on to play 17 seasons without missing a game.”
In 17 seasons with the Vikings, Tingelhoff played 240 games. He was a five-time All Pro and six-time Pro Bowler.
Tingelhoff has been retired for 36 years. After going undrafted out of the University of Nebraska, he played for the Vikings from 1962-1978.
