Vikings mourn Lonnie Warwick and John Campbell

EAGAN, Minn. – Lonnie Warwick was “tough as nails” on the field and a uniquely charismatic character off the field.

His teammates loved the heart with which he played when he played center of Minnesota's defense from 1965 to 1972 in his No. 59 jersey, as well as his sense of humor, which he expressed with his “country” accent.

The Vikings mourn the Vikings legend, who passed away on Monday at the age of 82.

Warwick appeared in 92 regular season games (84 starts) and six postseason contests, including Super Bowl IV. The West Virginia native concluded his NFL career by playing two seasons for the Atlanta Falcons, where he again Contacted the Vikings' original head coach, Norm Van Brocklin.

Flanked by good friends and hunting buddies – No. 60 Roy Winston to his left and No. 58 Wally Hilgenberg to his right – Warwick recorded 12 interceptions, including four in 1969, when the Vikings were 12-2 and led the NFL in points against and leading yards allowed.

This team then prevailed in the playoffs against the Los Angeles Rams and the Cleveland Browns and thus achieved the franchise's first appearance in a Super Bowl.

Warwick returned to Minnesota in 2019 when the Vikings celebrated the 1969 team, and in September 2022 he sounded the Gjallarhorn as part of Legends Weekend, which included a comeback win against Detroit.

Cornerback Bobby Bryant worked with Warwick as part of the Purple People Eaters' defense from 1967 to 1972.

“Lonnie was a character and truly unique. There was nobody tougher than Lonnie Warwick,” said Bryant, who was inducted into the Vikings Ring of Honor earlier this year. “He was a great midfielder for us and really closed down the middle. He was tough, but he also had a funny side where he would crack jokes and tease the boys in a good-natured way. “He was a team player from the start and I know he will be missed by his family and friends.

Running back Dave Osborn, a member of the 50 Greatest Vikings, was in the same rookie class as Warwick.

“Lonnie was quite a guy. They just made him one. “He was the toughest guy I’ve ever met or played with,” Osborn said. “He was a countryman if ever there was one. He had the perfect disposition for a midfielder, there was no looking back in him. He was a great friend and we will miss him.”