Viktor
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- Mar 19, 2019
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Only Scott Studwell and Roy Winston played more games at linebacker for Minnesota.
After becoming a starter in 1976, Blair went to six consecutive Pro Bowls (1977-82) and earned a First-Team All-Pro selection from The Associated Press in 1980.
Blair holds the team record with 20 blocked kicks (16 PAT, 3FGs, 1 punt) and also recorded more sacks (23) and interceptions (16) than any linebacker in team history.
A part of Vikings teams that reached Super Bowls IX and XI, Blair recovered two fumbles by the Rams in Minnesota's 24-13 victory in the 1976 NFC Championship.
Blair was named to the 50 Greatest Vikings in 2010 and inducted into the Vikings Ring of Honor on Oct. 25, 2012.
"Aside from being a tremendous athlete and player, Matt was a better man," Studwell said. "He was smart, worked at his craft and gave everything for the team. He was a great teammate and fun to be around. He took his work very seriously but had a great life away from football. I'm sad to see him go."
In addition to helping write Vikings history, Blair captured it along the way through his passion for photography. He's in the middle of the photo below, camera in hand, as Sid Hartman, who passed away on Sunday, is making the rounds.