Jim Kleinsasser

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**Jim Kleinsasser**
National Football League debut

Minnesota Vikings — No. 40
Tight end
Date of birth: January 31, 1977 (1977-01-31) (age 31)
Place of birth: Carrington, North Dakota
Height: 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)	Weight: 272 lb (123 kg)
1999 for the Minnesota Vikings
Career history
College: North Dakota
NFL Draft: 1999 / Round: 2 / Pick: 44
Teams: Minnesota Vikings (1999-present)
Career highlights and awards
No notable achievements
Stats at NFL.com

Jim Carter Kleinsasser (pronounced /KLINE-saw-sir/) (born January 31, 1977 in Carrington, North Dakota) is an American Football player who currently plays fullback and tight end for the Minnesota Vikings of the National Football League. He attended the University of North Dakota and played for the Fighting Sioux football team. He is commonly known by his nickname, "Jim Clank Clank." He was born Jimmy Carter Kleinsasser. His middle name is in honor of his father, Carter Kleinsasser.

[edit] High school career

Jim Kleinsasser attended Carrington High School in Carrington, North Dakota and was a letterman and a standout in football, basketball, and track & field. In football, he was a two time All-Region honoree and All-State honoree, and was twice named the Gatorade Circle of Champions North Dakota Player of the Year. At Carrington High School, Kleinsasser was a key player on the 1995 Class B State Championship basketball team.

[edit] NFL career

Jim Kleinsasser is one of the league's top blocking tight ends, and a key component of the Vikings' running game over the last years. He has been described as a powerful blocker that opens up the whole field. He sat out much of the 2004 season after knee surgery.