University of North Dakota Athletics

Jim Kleinsasser (Football, 1995-99): A two-time NCAA Division II All-America tight end (1997, 1998) … A three-time All-NCC First Team selection … Helped UND to a four-year record of 32-10 and two appearances in the NCAA DII playoffs during his collegiate career … Member of UND’s 1995 NCC championship team … 1999 Senior Bowl starter … Also played basketball during his freshman season of 1995-96 … Drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the second round (44th overall) of the 1999 draft … Remains the highest NFL draft pick in UND history … Went on to enjoy a 13-year NFL career, all with the Vikings, as a tight end/fullback … Blocked for seven of the top eight single-season rushing marks in Vikings history, including Adrian Peterson’s franchise-record and NFL-leading 1,760 yards in 2008 … Retired following the 2011 NFL season having played in 181 career games  … A 2008 inductee into the North Dakota Sports Hall of Fame … Originally from Carrington, N.D.