6 Football Players who Played for Vikings and Lions
There is a good chance that if you’ve found this page then you’re playing the Immaculate Grid.
That also means that today’s grid has asked for players that have played for both the Minnesota Vikings and Detroit Lions.
And, it also means that you’re probably stuck on this particular box and you’re looking for a little help. Sound about right so far?
Well, good news, you’re in the right place.
I’ve done some research and have found players who played on both the Vikings and Lions.
Daunte Culpepper
Daunte Culpepper was selected 11th overall in the 1999 NFL Draft by the Vikings, Culpepper was recognized for his arm strength and mobility.
Culpepper’s 2004 season with the Vikings was one of the most productive ever by a QB, as he set a single-season record for total yardage produced by a quarterback (5123 yards) and led the NFL in passing yards (4717). His performance earned him a Pro Bowl selection, one of three he would achieve in his career (2000, 2003, 2004).
His career took a downturn following a serious knee injury in 2005, and he then bounced around with several teams including the Dolphins, Raiders, and Lions. Despite these later challenges, Culpepper left a significant mark in the NFL, ending his career with 24,153 passing yards and 149 touchdowns.
Culpepper Key Stats
- Pro Bowl (Vikings)
- 3000+ Yard Passing Season (Vikings)
Adrian Peterson
Adrian Peterson is widely regarded as one of the greatest running backs in NFL history. From his debut in 2007 through 2020, Peterson amassed over 14,900 rushing yards and 120 rushing touchdowns.
Selected 7th overall in the 2007 NFL Draft by the Minnesota Vikings, Peterson quickly established himself as a force in the league, setting the NFL single-game rushing record with 296 yards in his rookie season. His 2012 season was particularly noteworthy, as he fell just nine yards short of breaking the single-season rushing record after returning from a severe knee injury.
Peterson has earned numerous accolades over his career, including the NFL MVP award in 2012, and has been selected to the Pro Bowl seven times. He also played for the New Orleans Saints, Arizona Cardinals, Washington Redskins, and Detroit Lions.
Peterson Key Stats
- MVP (Vikings)
- 1st Team All-Pro (Vikings)
- Pro Bowl (Vikings)
- 1000+ Yard Rushing Season (Vikings, Commanders)
Matt Cassel
Quarterback Matt Cassel had a significant 14-year NFL career from 2005 to 2018, the pinnacle of which came as he filled in for an injured Tom Brady in 2008 and led the New England Patriots to an 11-5 season.
Cassel, a seventh-round draft pick, went on to have a Pro Bowl season with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2010, throwing for 3116 yards and 27 touchdowns.
Throughout his career, he played for various teams (7 in total) and was often brought in as a solid backup option. Cassel accumulated over 17,500 passing yards and 104 touchdowns in his career, showing durability and readiness when called upon.
Cassel Key Stats
- Pro Bowl (Chiefs)
- 3000+ Yard Passing Season (Patriots, Chiefs)
Gus Frerotte
Gus Frerotte is known for his journeyman career in the NFL as a quarterback from 1994 to 2008. He played for seven different teams, including the Washington Football Team, Detroit Lions, and Minnesota Vikings.
Perhaps his best season came in 1996 when he was named to the Pro Bowl while with Washington. In that season, he threw for 3453 yards and 12 touchdowns. Frerotte’s most memorable moment might be his infamous headbutt celebration which resulted in a sprained neck.
Over his career, he accumulated 21,291 passing yards and 114 touchdowns, serving mostly as a solid backup or spot starter.
Shaun Hill
Shaun Hill, a quarterback known for his persistence and resilience, carved out a 15-year career in the NFL despite going undrafted. Hill began his NFL journey with the Minnesota Vikings in 2002, followed by spells with the 49ers and Lions, before returning to the Vikings to end his career in 2016.
Throughout his career, Hill was frequently in the backup role but was often called upon to start due to injuries.
When he did play, Hill proved to be reliable and consistent, throwing for a total of 8295 yards, 49 touchdowns, and 30 interceptions, while maintaining a passer rating of 84.9 in 35 starts.
Ameer Abdullah
Ameer Abdullah, a running back with an exceptional college career at Nebraska, was drafted by the Lions in the second round of the 2015 NFL Draft. Abdullah made his presence felt with his quick acceleration and shiftiness. However, he has dealt with several injuries throughout his career, affecting his production.
Abdullah also played for the Vikings and Panthers, providing depth in the backfield and contributing on special teams, particularly in kickoff returns. Even though he hasn’t consistently been a starting running back, his versatility has allowed him to maintain a role on teams.
