5 Best North Dakota NFL Players
Grand Forks has sent tough, durable football players to the NFL for six decades, including a couple who became Minnesota Vikings staples. These five North Dakota players are ranked on their college careers, not their pro resumes.
1. Jim Kleinsasser
Tight End · 1995 to 1998
Kleinsasser was a nightmare for Division II defenses, lining up at tight end, fullback, and wherever else North Dakota needed a mismatch. He was an All American who could catch it in traffic and bury a linebacker on the next snap. Minnesota drafted him in the second round in 1999 and kept him for thirteen years.
2. Dave Osborn
Running Back · 1962 to 1964
Osborn is the only player in program history with a retired jersey number. He was a punishing runner in an era of frozen fields and few gadget plays, and he did it without much help around him. He became a Pro Bowl back for the Vikings and played in Super Bowl IV.
3. Jim LeClair
Linebacker · 1969 to 1971
LeClair was a run stuffing middle linebacker who dominated the North Central Conference and drew NFL scouts to Grand Forks. He read plays fast and tackled with real force. Cincinnati drafted him in 1972 and he took over for Bill Bergey, making a Pro Bowl along the way.
4. Chris Kuper
Offensive Guard · 2002 to 2005
Kuper was a technician on the interior line and a multi year All Conference pick as North Dakota rolled through Division II opponents. He played with leverage and never looked overmatched. Denver took him in the fifth round in 2006 and he started for most of a decade.
5. Errol Mann
Kicker · 1965 to 1967
Mann handled kicking duties for the Fighting Sioux at a time when straight ahead kickers had almost no margin for error. He was accurate and had range that stood out for the era. He later led the NFL in scoring and won Super Bowl XI with the Raiders.
Who Just Missed
Weston Dressler, Kenny Golladay, Brady Oliveira, and Stan Mikawos all deserve a mention. Golladay spent two seasons in Grand Forks before transferring, and Dressler became a CFL legend. The list above stuck to players who did their full college damage at North Dakota.
The Grand Forks Blueprint
North Dakota has always won with size up front and physical play, which is exactly the profile that survives the jump to the NFL. Tight ends, linemen, and linebackers from this program tend to stick because they can block and tackle on day one. The move to FCS and the Missouri Valley has only raised the level of tape scouts see.
Test Yourself on North Dakota Players
Reading about them is one thing. Naming them on sight is another. CollegeGuessr shows you an NFL player and asks which college he came from. Build a streak, post your score on the Big Board, and see how your football knowledge holds up.