Jim Kleinsasser

Jimmy Carter Kleinsasser was born on January 31, 1977, in Carrington, North Dakota. He attended Carrington High School, where he excelled in football, basketball, and track & field. In football, he was a two-time All-Region and All-State honoree and a two-time Gatorade Circle of Champions North Dakota Player of the Year. He also set state records in shot put and discus throw. Kleinsasser continued his athletic career at the University of North Dakota, playing for the North Dakota Fighting Sioux from 1995 to 1998. During his college tenure, he was a three-time first-team All-North Central Conference (NCC) selection and a two-time Division II All-American in 1997 and 1998. In 1998, he was also the only Division II football player selected as a Gannett News Service All-American. He helped the UND achieve a 32-10 record over four seasons, accumulating 88 catches for 1,309 yards and 10 receiving touchdowns, alongside 91 rushing yards and one score.

Kleinsasser was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the second round (44th overall pick) of the 1999 NFL Draft, marking him as the highest NFL Draft pick in UND history. He played his entire 13-year professional career with the Vikings, predominantly as a tight end and fullback. He was known for his durability, participating in all 16 games each season until 2010, except for a 15-game absence due to a knee injury in 2004. Kleinsasser ranked second in Vikings history for starts made by a tight end with 119 and fourth in tight end receptions. His blocking prowess was instrumental, contributing to seven of the top eight single-season rushing marks in Vikings history, including Adrian Peterson’s 1,760 yards in 2008.

After retiring at the end of the 2011 NFL season, Kleinsasser remained involved in sports by volunteering as a coach for youth sports, focusing on his two sons, Carter and Cayden. His collegiate achievements were further recognized with his induction into the University of North Dakota Hall of Fame in 2012, and he has been elected to the 2025 NFF College Football Hall of Fame. His career totals include 181 games played, 192 receptions for 1,688 yards, and 6 receiving touchdowns. He also scored one rushing touchdown in 2001.