For 12 seasons, Fred McNeill played linebacker for the Minnesota Vikings. Today the Vikings are mourning the loss of McNeill at the age of 63, after a battle with ALS.
The Vikings announced the death of McNeill, who was their first-round draft pick in 1974 and played in Minnesota through 1985, including appearing in two Super Bowls for the team.
“Fred was one of the kindest, most gregarious guys I’ve ever known,” former teammate Greg Coleman said. “He just lit up a room when he walked in. There wasn’t anyone he met who wasn’t a friend. Despite his mild manner, he was a hell of a football player when he took the field.”
McNeill went to law school while he was an active NFL player and worked as a lawyer after his playing career ended. He is survived by family members including his brother, former NFL player Rod McNeill.
Photo via Minnesota Vikings.
