PurplePTSD: Flashback Friday – Tim Irwin, A True Vikings Legend

Press release from the PurplePTSD:

LeeAnn Lowman

2022-03-05

Tim Irwin is a true unsung Vikings hero. Despite playing 13 seasons for the Minnesota Vikings he never made the Pro Bowl. He was one of the most consistent, reliable linemen to play the game, yet he never got All-Pro honors. Irwin was not nominated to the NFL Hall of Fame even though he was a solid anchor for an offensive line that made the playoffs year after year.

Irwin grew up in Tennessee as a University of Tennessee Volunteers fan. When the university offered him one of 30 scholarships in 1976 he leapt at the chance. Irwin loved playing football but he had a bigger passion: helping people, particularly the children of his home state. Initially, as he went off to college the prospect of playing in the NFL seemed distant and he attended with plans to study law. However, during his time in Tennessee, he excelled at football as an offensive lineman and with academics in the classroom. He made All-SEC and Academic All-American and was the SEC Athlete of the Year Nominee for Tennessee.

The NFL did want Irwin and he was drafted in the 3rd round of the 1981 draft by the Minnesota Vikings. Irwin did not start his rookie season in the NFL; instead, he learned behind the legendary Hall of Famer, Ron Yary. Irwin felt the impact of playing in the shadow of such a giant. During his second season, he took over for Yary after he left for the Rams. Irwin stepped into that role as a tackle for the Vikings and stayed there for 12 more seasons.

Irwin was solid in every way possible. He stood 6’7” tall and weighed 300 lbs. He was not as flashy and loud as other players. Irwin felt it was best if people are not saying your name. He quipped that as an o-lineman if you hear your name too much you are either drawing flags or allowing sacks. What he did do was provide steady, solid reassurance to some of the great offensive players of the ’80s and early ‘90s including Herschel Walker, Tommy Kramer, Rich Gannon, Anthony Carter, and Sammy White – to name just a few. The QBs that played with Irwin knew they could depend on him, not only to block but to be physically present. 

During his time with the Vikings, Irwin had 181 consecutive starts. He had a career total of 187 starts, including the 6 he made for Tampa Bay after leaving the Vikings. He was a solid fixture upfront season after season in Minnesota. He only missed 4 games during his time as a Viking, and 3 of them were during the player strikes in 1987. At the time Tim Irwin left, he was 3rd on the all-time consecutive starts list for the Vikings. 

Irwin was dependable and solid but he was also an incredibly valuable asset on the line, especially on running plays. With his height and arm length he was a master at blocking extra points and field goals. During his career, he blocked 9 kick attempts. This includes two (1 field goal, 1 extra point) during a 1993 game against the Broncos. Irwin was a quiet, steady presence on a team of greats who made it to the playoffs 7 times during his tenure. Despite being such an integral part of a great team, he was never given the accolades he probably deserved – no Pro Bowl or All-Pro nods and no Hall of Fame. 

Irwin did not need the public or league recognition; he was satisfied with making a difference for his team. Irwin is still making a difference. He retired from football and picked up the law career he started in college. He is now a legal warrior, as a judge, for children in need. However, he will always be a Viking at heart.

This press release was produced by the PurplePTSD. The views expressed here are the author’s own.