Joe Senser, the former tight end of the Minnesota Vikings, radio broadcaster, and restaurateur, passed away at the age of 69 on Thursday. The franchise took to social media to announce and mourn the loss of their former player.

“The Vikings family is saddened by the loss of Joe Senser. Joe was a Pro Bowler on the field, but his impact on the organization and in the community was felt long after his playing days,” said Vikings’ owners Mark and Zygi Wilf in a joint statement on X.

As per Minnesota-based sportswriter Jonathan Harrison, Joe Senser entered the NFL in the sixth round and the 152nd overall pick of the Minnesota Vikings in 1979. He was with the Vikings for four seasons and had 165 catches for 1,822 yards and 16 TDs. 

Senser’s career highlight came in 1981 when he became the first and only Vikings tight end with 79 receptions for 1,004 yards and eight TDs. His performance that year earned him a Pro Bowl selection and cemented his place among the Vikings' most productive tight ends.

Later in 1981, during a week 13 game against the Packers, Senser suffered a knee injury, which put a question mark on his career. He underwent multiple surgeries later, but was limited during the 1982 season and missed the entire 1983 season due to rehabilitation.

In 1984, Senser returned to play a few games but eventually retired in the same season.

Joe Senser suffered strokes in 2016 and 2018. He spent the past four years at the Haven Homes Senior Health and Living in Maple Plain, as reported by CBS Minnesota.

Fans Pay Tribute to Former Vikings Tight End Joe Senser

The fans paid their tribute to Joe Senser on the Minnesota Vikings’ Instagram post.

“RIP to a living legend. He was a great person and father,” wrote one fan. 

“This has been a very bad time for all of the Vikings fans. We are losing more of our former players than I would like. RIP Joe, you will be missed more than words can say. SKOL,” wrote one fan representing Skol Nation, i.e., the Vikings chant.

“Loved listening to him back in the day. RIP! SKOL," commented a fan remembering Senser's radio broadcasting days.

“RIP Joe! I miss your restaurant in Bloomington,” added another fan, remembering the restaurateur Joe, who opened a chain of sports bars by the name “Joe Senser’s Restaurant & Sports Theater”.

“The kindest, sweetest soul,” commented a fan, remembering Senser.

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Written by

Naomi Grace

Edited by

Rudra Dubey