Career

Blair was an All-American selected out of Iowa State University by the Vikings in the second round of the 1974 NFL Draft with the 51st overall selection. Blair quickly established himself as one of the top and speediest linebackers in the NFC, earning Pro Bowl honors for 6 consecutive seasons (1977-1982) and making the NFL All-Rookie Team. In addition, Blair was selected All-Pro in 1980, All-NFC in 1978 & 2nd Team All-NFC in 1977, 1979 & 1981. He was also an exceptional special teams player, particularly in blocking punts because of his great speed and timing abilities. Blair is 3rd in the NFL with 20 blocked kicks.

Blair appeared in two Super Bowls with the Vikings, Super Bowl IX (1974 season) and Super Bowl XI (1976 season), losses respectively to the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Oakland Raiders.

Blair started for the Vikings his rookie season for the injured Roy Winston. Blair participated in special teams play in Super Bowl IX, blocking Bobby Walden's punt, recovered by Terry Brown in the endzone, the Vikings' only points all day, as they missed the extra point. He was a vital part of the Vikings' 1976 season of 11 wins, 2 losses, and 1 tie, second in the NFL in least points allowed (176 points, 12.6 points per game). In particular, Blair recovered 5 fumbles and intercepted 2 passes from his linebacker position with Jeff Siemon in the middle and Wally Hilgenberg on the opposite side. The Vikings defeated the Rams again in the NFC championship game of the 1976-77 NFL playoffs, when Blair recovered 2 fumbles.

Minnesota Vikings 1974 NFL draft selections Fred McNeill Steve Riley John Holland Matt Blair Steve Craig Scott Anderson Mike Townsend Jim Ferguson Mark Kellar Fred Tabron Berl Simmons Sam McCullum Barry Reed Dave Boone Randy Polti Gary Keller Alan Dixon Kurt Wachtler John Gobel Earl Garrett

Minnesota Vikings Ring of Honor Founded in 1961 Based in Minneapolis, Minnesota 1998 inductees Fran Tarkenton Parl Krause Alan Page Jim Finks Bud Grant Fred Zamberletti 1999 inductees Jim Marshall 2001 inductees Mick Tingelhoff Ron Yary Korey Stringer 2002 inductees Carl Eller 2003 inductees Cris Carter 2004 inductees Bill Brown 2005 inductees Jerry Burns 2006 inductees Randall McDaniel 2007 inductees Chuck Foreman 2008 inductees John Randle 2009 inductees Scott Studwell 2011 inductees Chris Doleman 2012 inductees Matt Blair 2013 inductees Joey Browner

[ Source: Wikipedia ]