FILE - In this Aug. 8, 2015, file photo, former NFL player Mick Tingelhoff poses with his bust during the induction ceremony at the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio. Tingelhoff, the ultimate ironman who started 240 consecutive games at a bruising position for the Minnesota Vikings and played in four Super Bowls, died, the Vikings and the Pro Football Hall of Fame announced, Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021. He was 81. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar, File)
The Associated Press
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - Hall of Fame center Mick Tingelhoff, the ultimate ironman who started 240 consecutive games at a bruising position for the Minnesota Vikings and played in four Super Bowls, has died. He was 81.
The Vikings and the Pro Football Hall of Fame announced his death on Saturday. No cause was given.
Tingelhoff had to wait 31 years for induction into the Hall of Fame, finally having his enshrinement in 2015 through election by a senior committee.
Undrafted in 1962 out of Nebraska, Tingelhoff played 17 years for the Vikings. He switched from linebacker during the preseason of his rookie year to take over the anchor spot on an imposing offensive line that helped them win 10 division titles in an 11-season span from 1968-78. He was a five-time All-Pro selection.
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FILE - In this this 1970 file photo, Minnesota Vikings center Mick Tingelhoff (53) poses. Tingelhoff, the ultimate ironman who started 240 consecutive games at a bruising position for the Minnesota Vikings and played in four Super Bowls, died, the Vikings and the Pro Football Hall of Fame announced, Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021. He was 81. (AP Photo/File)
The Associated Press
FILE - In this Jan. 12, 1975, file photo, Pittsburgh Steelers tackle Joe Greene (75) defends a pass as Minnesota Viking players Andy Maurer (66), Ed White (62), Mick Tingelhoff (53) and Ron Yary (73) protect quarterback Fran Tarkenton (10) during NFL football's Super Bowl IX at Tulane Stadium New Orleans, La. Tingelhoff, the ultimate ironman who started 240 consecutive games at a bruising position for the Minnesota Vikings and played in four Super Bowls, died, the Vikings and the Pro Football Hall of Fame announced, Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021. He was 81. (AP Photo/Harry Hall, File)
The Associated Press
FILE - In this Sept. 24, 1975, file photo, Minnesota Vikings center Mick Tingelhoff eyes a punt down field during practice as he prepares for his 174th consecutive regular season NFL football game in St. Paul, Minn. Tingelhoff, the ultimate ironman who started 240 consecutive games at a bruising position for the Minnesota Vikings and played in four Super Bowls, died, the Vikings and the Pro Football Hall of Fame announced, Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021. He was 81. (AP Photo/Jim Mone, File)
The Associated Press