5 Football Players who Played for Vikings and Panthers
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 Carolina Panthers.
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 Panthers.
Jared Allen
Jared Allen was a 5x Pro Bowl defensive end in the National Football League. Over the course of 12 seasons (2004-2015), he played for the Kansas City Chiefs, Minnesota Vikings, Chicago Bears, and Carolina Panthers.
Allen’s unique combination of size, speed, and agility made him one of the most dominant pass rushers of his era. He led the NFL in sacks in both 2007 and 2011. His 22 sacks in 2011, while playing for the Vikings, was just half a sack shy of the single-season record.
Allen earned five Pro Bowl selections and was named First-Team All-Pro four times during his career. He recorded a total of 136 career sacks, placing him in the top 10 all-time as of his retirement.
Allen Key Stats
- Pro Bowl (Chiefs, Vikings)
Teddy Bridgewater
Teddy Bridgewater was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft after a stellar collegiate career at the University of Louisville. In Minnesota, Bridgewater showed promise early, earning a Pro Bowl selection in his second season.
Unfortunately, a severe knee injury during the 2016 preseason sidelined him for nearly two full seasons. Upon his return, Bridgewater spent time with the Jets and the Saints, filling in admirably for an injured Drew Brees in 2019.
His performance led to a starting opportunity with the Carolina Panthers in 2020, where he provided steady quarterback play. In 2021, Bridgewater was traded to the Denver Broncos, where he competed for and won the starting quarterback job.
Bridgewater Key Stats
- Pro Bowl (Vikings)
- 3000+ Yard Passing Season (Vikings, Panthers, Broncos)
Leroy Hoard
Leroy Hoard was drafted in the 2nd round of the 1990 NFL Draft by the Cleveland Browns. Hoard played in the NFL for ten seasons with the Browns, Ravens, and Vikings. His career highlights include earning a Pro Bowl selection in 1994 while with the Browns, where he rushed for 890 yards and 5 touchdowns.
Known for his hard-nosed running style, Hoard became a valuable short-yardage specialist and a reliable blocker. He amassed a total of 3,964 rushing yards, 36 rushing touchdowns, and 2,430 receiving yards with 15 receiving touchdowns over his career.
One of his most famous quotes, “If you need one yard, I’ll get you three. If you need five yards, I’ll get you three,” perfectly sums up his playing style. His willingness to grind out tough yards made him a respected figure among teammates and opponents alike.
Steve Bono
Steve Bono is probably best remembered for his time with the San Francisco 49ers and Kansas City Chiefs. However, Bono spent 15 years in the NFL playing for seven different teams: the Vikings, Steelers, 49ers, Chiefs, Packers, Rams, and Panthers.
After being selected in the sixth round of the 1985 NFL Draft by the Minnesota Vikings, Bono had the opportunity to work with some of the best coaches and players in the league. For example, he joined the San Francisco 49ers in 1989, where he had the chance to learn from Hall of Fame QBs Joe Montana and Steve Young.
In 1995, Bono became the starting quarterback for the Kansas City Chiefs. That year, he led the Chiefs to a 13-3 record and a first-place finish in the AFC West. His performance earned him a spot in the Pro Bowl.
Bono Key Stats
- Pro Bowl (Chiefs)
- Super Bowl Champ (49ers)
- 3000+ Passing Yards Season (Chiefs)
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.
