Which offensive tackle this century will get the chance to be OT1 for the Vikings All Quarter Century Team?
We’re moving on to some of the less-glamourous positions on the team if you’re a casual fan, but the real ones know and appreciate the hog mollies that play in the trenches. We’re kicking off finding the offensive line starters for the Vikings All Quarter Century Team by voting on OT1.
We’ve got some really good picks here and I’m excited to see how this one shakes out. Let’s get to the poll!
Brian O’Neill (2018-present)
O’Neill transitioned from playing tight end into an offensive tackle at the University of Pittsburgh before being selected by the Vikings in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft. Like most tackles on this list, O’Neill is a monolithic 6’7 and 310 pounds which he carries very well on his frame. A steady presence for the Vikings over the last seven seasons, he’s started 106 games of 110 that he’s played in, making two Pro Bowls (2021 and 2024).
Phil Loadholt (2009-2015)
Loadholt played collegiately at the University of Oklahoma before being selected by the Vikings in the second round of the 2009 NFL Draft. As a rookie, he started 15 games and was named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team.
In all, Loadholt started all 89 games he played in for the franchise, missing only two regular season games through his first five seasons. In year six, Loadholt was limited to 11 starts due to a pectoral injury he sustained in November of that year.
Loadholt’s seventh season was ended before it began when he tore his Achilles tendon during a preseason game against the Bucs. In July of 2016, he announced his retirement from the NFL.
When healthy, Loadholt was one of the league’s best right tackles during his time in the NFL.
Bryant McKinnie (2002-2010)
The 6’8, 352-pound McKinnie was a nine-year starter for the Vikings after being drafted with the seventh-overall pick in 2002. He started seven games as a rookie following a contract holdout but would go on to start every game over the next five seasons and record 16 starts in seven total campaigns.
The former Miami Hurricane was named a Pro Bowler in 2009 and ended his Vikings career having started 131 of 132 games played in Minnesota.
Christian Darrisaw (2021-present)
Darrisaw was drafted by the Vikings with the 23rd pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. He would go on to start immediately in Minnesota but was limited to just 12 games (10 starts) as a rookie due to injuries.
When he’s healthy, he’s truly one of the best offensive tackles in the NFL. Unfortunately, the injuries came back with a vengeance in 2024. Darrisaw started just seven games after putting together 14 starts and 15 starts in the previous two seasons, respectively.
If he can shake this injury bug, I would not be surprised if he ends up being one of the best tackles in franchise history.