Bob Lee, a former Minnesota Vikings quarterback and punter, has passed away at age 81. The Vikings organization released a statement honoring Lee following his death on August 17, though confirmation of his passing came several days later. The specific circumstances surrounding his death have not been disclosed.
Lee’s professional football career spanned 11 seasons from 1969 through 1980, during which he played for the Vikings, Atlanta Falcons, and Los Angeles Rams across 77 regular season games. The University of the Pacific graduate was selected in the 17th round of the 1968 NFL Draft and made his professional debut as a punter in the Vikings’ 1969 season opener. His tenure with Minnesota as a starting quarterback produced a record of 19 wins and 11 losses.
Throughout his time with the Vikings, Lee served in multiple roles, transitioning between punter and quarterback until Fran Tarkenton’s return to the team in 1972. Lee was subsequently traded to Atlanta, where he compiled an impressive 8-2 record as a starter before rejoining Minnesota in 1975 as a backup. He notably stepped into action during the 1977 season when Tarkenton suffered a leg injury, leading the Vikings to victory in the NFC divisional playoff game against the Rams while playing with a fractured hand.
Lee holds a distinctive place in Vikings history, having punted during the franchise’s first Super Bowl appearance in Super Bowl IV and later throwing the final touchdown pass in Super Bowl XI, which was caught by Stu Voigt against the Oakland Raiders.
Originally reported by Sports.yahoo →
About the Author
