Former NFL champion and Arkansas football standout Jim Lindsey has died at the age of 81 following a lengthy illness.
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Lindsey passed away on Sunday in his home state of Arkansas, leaving behind a legacy that extended far beyond the football field.
Before reaching the NFL, Lindsey starred at the University of Arkansas from 1963 to 1965, helping the Razorbacks win the 1964 national championship.
NFL Champion Dies at 81 Following Lengthy Illness
The University of Arkansas paid tribute to Lindsey in a statement shared on social media.
"We are saddened by the loss of Arkansas legend Jim Lindsey," the school wrote.
"He made Arkansas a better place in many ways. His friends and family are in our thoughts."
Lindsey was selected in the second round of both the 1966 NFL Draft by the Minnesota Vikings and the 1966 AFL Draft by the Buffalo Bills.
He chose to join the Vikings and started six games during his rookie season, posting career highs with 57 rushing attempts, 20 receptions, 250 receiving yards, and two touchdowns.
Lindsey later transitioned into a reserve role and served as Minnesota's special teams captain from 1968 until his retirement.
Over seven seasons with the Vikings from 1966 to 1972, he appeared in 84 games. He rushed for 566 yards and six touchdowns while adding 56 receptions for 632 yards and four receiving touchdowns. He also returned 11 kickoffs for 200 yards.
Tributes Honor Vikings and Arkansas Great
Lindsey was part of the Minnesota team that won the 1969 NFL Championship. That year, the Vikings fell to the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl IV.
"He was a good guy, good teammate and somebody, when I came onto the team, that was a steady veteran voice," said former Minnesota tight end Stu Voigt.
"He was a good mentor type of guy, very smart player and total team guy. He was a great special teams player for us, and guys knew he was reliable and a real pro."
Arkansas basketball coach John Calipari also paid tribute.
"A legend that has helped shape northwest Arkansas into what it is today!," he wrote on X. I've loved all the stories I've heard about him from his family and friends."
"What an amazing person who took his NFL money and built a business from nothing and turned it into something special that his family continues to build on."
After retiring from football, Lindsey built a successful real estate business in northwest Arkansas using his NFL signing bonus. He also became involved in philanthropy and made an unsuccessful bid for governor of Arkansas in 1976.
