Iowa Football: Chad Greenway Going One More Round

Former Iowa football linebacker and current Minnesota Viking, **Chad Greenway*, will be giving it one final go around in 2016-17.***

Chad Greenway is one of the most beloved linebackers and players in recent memory at the University of Iowa. According to sports-reference, he recorded 156 total tackles in 2005 and 92 solo tackles. He finished second in the Big Ten in solo tackles that year and 3rd overall in the entire NCAA.

He was a beast at Iowa and when you pair him with Abdul Hodge, Iowa had a pretty decent linebacking core. Greenway’s solid collegiate career led to being drafted by the Vikings in the first round of the 2006 NFL Draft, 17th overall to be exact. He’s been in Minnesota every singe year of his career and has totaled 50 or more solo tackles in each season, including 109 back in 2010.

The two time pro bowl linebacker has had the luxury of remaining healthy throughout his career as well. After he missed his rookie season, he’s played in all but two regulars season games since then. He’s been so consistent over the course of his career, he loves the Vikings, and the Vikings love him, so why not give it one more shot.

"“I love Chad, I hope things work out for him. He’s a great Viking. I think his leadership is immense in the locker room, especially with a young football team. I think he took active ownership in the role that he had this year, so I hope it works out. He’s always going to be one of my kind of guys.” – Mike Zimmer, startribune.com"

Not only does he love Minnesota and the Vikings, but he also will undoubtedly go out as one of the best linebackers to put on the uniform. He’s totaled 1,289 career tackles, which ranks fourth in team history. His average of 9.2 tackles per game ranks second in team history and he shares the record with Scott Sturdwell for most consecutive seasons leading the team in tackles at six straight seasons.

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I remember how much people loved Greenway when he was in Iowa City and I can’t imagine it is any different in Minneapolis. Chad took pay cuts back in 2014 and 2015 and was an unrestricted free agent heading into this off-season. He fielded offers from other teams, but ultimately decided he wanted to stay in the Twin Cities.

Greenway played a lot of weak-side linebacker this past season, but is getting older while the Vikings are fairly young at the linebacker spot. So, he could wind up having a lot of competition. I don’t think that is anything Greenway can’t handle. He’s been one of the players that’s done it right, he’s played his entire career with one team, and has never been in the news for anything that might tarnish his name.

Heck, he was named Vikings Community Man of the Year back in 2011, 2014, and 2015. He’s a player you want on your team and the Vikings will get him for one more year.

Next: Class of 2017 Getting Stronger

I don’t know the details of the agreed upon contract, but after he took pay cuts the last two seasons I can’t imagine this is a record breaking deal. He’ll get to play his final season in Minnesota’s first year inside U.S. Bank Stadium and will get one more shot at that elusive Super Bowl.

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Former Iowa football linebacker and current Minnesota Viking, Chad Greenway, will be giving it one final go around in 2016-17.

More from Dear Old Gold

Former Iowa football linebacker and current Minnesota Viking, **Chad Greenway*, will be giving it one final go around in 2016-17.***