Matt Blair played 12 years for the Minnesota Vikings (1974-1985), the first two years behind longtime Vikings left-side linebacker Roy Winston (1962-1976). Between Winston and Blair, the two men filled that positional role as starters for 21 years (1963-1984). While Winston started for the 1969, 1973, and 1974 Super Bowl teams, Blair started for the 1976 Super Bowl team.
Blair was selected to the Pro Bowl six times and was a one-time all-pro selection. During his career, he tallied 16 interceptions. He recovered 20 fumbles including one for a fat-man touchdown in 1978. Unofficially (because sacks are unofficial prior to 1982) Blair tallied 23 sacks during his career.
After the 1976 Super Bowl defeat, the Vikings lost their dominance on defense. During their Super Bowl span of years (1969-1976), the Vikings defense ranked 1st in fewest points allowed three different seasons, 2nd in fewest points allowed in two different seasons, 3rd in fewest points allowed in two different seasons, but during Blair's time as a starter (1976-1984), the Vikings ranked 11th or less each year, except for 1976 when they ranked 2nd.
Matt Blair
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RyanChristiansen
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Matt Blair
"Five seconds to go... A field goal could win it. Up in the air! Going deep! Tipped! Caught! Touchdown! The Vikings! They win it! Time has run out!" - Vikings 28, Browns 23, December 14, 1980, Metropolitan Stadium
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ChrisBabcock
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Re: Matt Blair
Definitely HOVG worthy and I've nominated him in years past.
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sluggermatt15
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Re: Matt Blair
I think he was a finalist again last year? Maybe this will be his turn! 