Joe Senser, a former Vikings tight end who later served as a radio analyst for Vikings games, has died. He was 69.
A sixth-round pick in 1979, Senser’s promising playing career was cut short by a knee injury. In 1981, he had 79 catches for 1,004 yards and eight touchdowns.
He worked on the Vikings radio broadcasts in 1993 and 1994, and from 2001 through 2006.
“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,” team owners Zygi and Mark Wilf said. “Joe was a generous soul with countless charitable endeavors. He brought his positive personality to every interaction he had, whether it be with former teammates, Vikings staff or our family when we became stewards of this franchise. Joe’s warmth and welcoming spirit will last in the memories of those who knew him.”
Former Vikings quarterback Tommy Kramer said this, on Twitter: “It wasn’t about the money, it wasn’t about fame, it was about playing the game we loved and winning. Most of all, it was about the fans. Joe was one of the best. Rest easy my friend, until we meet again.”
We extend our condolences to Senser’s family, friends, teammates, and colleagues.
There are now two more known candidates for the Vikings’ General Manager vacancy.
According to multiple reports, Minnesota has put in requests to interview Rams assistant G.M. John McKay and Seahawks assistant G.M. Nolan Teasley.
That brings the club’s number of known requests up to seven: McKay, Teasley, Vikings interim G.M. Rob Brzezinski, Bills assistant G.M. Terrance Gray, Titans assistant G.M. Dave Ziegler, 49ers assistant G.M. RJ Gillen, and Chargers assistant G.M. Chad Alexander.
McKay, in particular, could be one to watch for the position, as he worked alongside Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell with the Rams. McKay was Los Angeles’ director of pro personnel and O’Connell was the team’s offensive coordinator when the club won Super Bowl LVI to cap the 2021 season.
The Vikings are not officially announcing their interviews for General Manager, but three more candidates for the role have now been reported.
According to multiple reports, Minnesota has put in an interview request for Titans assistant G.M. Dave Ziegler and 49ers assistant G.M. RJ Gillen. Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports notes the Vikings have also put in a request for Chargers assistant G.M. Chad Alexander.
Of this group, Ziegler has previous G.M. experience, having served in that role for the Raiders in 2022 and 2023. He was fired midway through his second season, along with former head coach Josh McDaniels.
Gillen has spent the last 11 seasons with the 49ers. He was promoted to assistant G.M. last year after serving as director of player personnel for two years.
Alexander has been the Chargers’ assistant G.M. since 2024. He was previously with the Ravens’ personnel department from 1999-2018 before serving as Jets director of player personnel from 2019-2023.
Quarterback Kyler Murray will be in a new uniform for the 2026 season, but he’ll be wearing a familiar number.
The Vikings announced that Murray will be wearing No. 1 after signing with the team as a free agent in March. Murray wore that number with the Cardinals as well.
There wasn’t much reason to think Murray would be changing numbers and the bigger question in Minnesota remains whether he will be No. 1 on the quarterback depth chart as well. J.J. McCarthy is the other choice for the job.
The Vikings also announced that first-round defensive tackle Caleb Banks will wear No. 95 and many other uniform assignments for the 2026 season.
The Vikings have started the search process for their next General Manager and the first outside candidate for the job has been identified.
Tom Pelissero of NFL Media reports that they have requested an interview with Bills assistant GM Terrance Gray. The Vikings fired Kwesi Adofo-Mensah in January and executive V.P. of football operations Rob Brzezinski assumed the duties with a plan in place to conduct a full search after the draft.
Gray has been with the Bills since 2017, but he spent the previous 11 years as a scout for the Vikings so there he has familiarity with the organization ahead of any interview. He has also worked for the Chiefs during his time in the NFL.
Brzezinski could also be a candidate to take the job on a permanent basis and more candidates will likely surface in the coming days.
