Keith Millard

Keith Millard was drafted 13th overall by the Minnesota Vikings in 1984 out of Washington State. He played his first season in the United States Football League (USFL) before playing for the Vikings.

He played nine seasons in the NFL, spending his first seven with the Vikings. He was among the best defensive lineman in the league. He was a two-time Pro Bowler and a two-time First-Team All-Pro selection(1988 & 1989). He was also named to the NFL’s 1980s All-Decade team and was the NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 1989. He recorded 18 sacks that season (very impressive stat, especially for a tackle).

He recorded 51 sacks in his first five seasons before knee injuries started to hurt his career.

Vikings writer Ali Siddiqui reached out to the former Vikings defensive tackle:

Siddiqui: Thank you very much for your time Keith. Looking back at your career, what still sticks out to you the most?

Millard: That loss to the Redskins (1987 NFC Championship Game) and my teammates, especially the defensive line.

Siddiqui: Which quarterbacks and running backs would you say were the toughest for you to tackle?

Millard: John Elway and Steve Young were both big and strong and very determined. For me it was Bo Jackson and Earl Campbell.

Siddiqui: Who were some of your favorite players growing up?

Millard: Dave Casper, Kenny Stabler, Fred Biletnikoff. I’m from Oakland area and was a true Raider fan.

Siddiqui: What have you been up to since you last coached in the NFL in 2012?

Millard: Since 2012 I’ve really settled down with my family. Coaching took me away from my family quite a bit and physically I’m just to beat up to fight thru the horrible mornings of the previous day.

Siddiqui: How much did it help to have fellow defensive lineman Chris Doleman and Henry Thomas as teammates not just on the field but off?

Millard: Chris and Hank were the best teammates I could ever wish for. I was very fortunate to have played with them for six years. Love them to death

Siddiqui: John Randle came to the Vikings in 1990. He was an undrafted free agent. Did you ever imagine he would become a future Hall of Famer, let alone even making the roster at the time?

Millard: John was hungry! You saw that from day one. It’s hard to predict anyone future, especially in pro football, but Johnny was a willing and very astute player that was on a mission.

Siddiqui: You spent part of the 1992 season with the Green Bay Packers. They are of course have always been huge rivals of the Vikings. What was it like playing for them briefly after spending seven seasons with the Vikings?

Millard: I hated it! I could not stand Mike Holmgren. He was a chicken (expletive), he was a fake with a lot of talent.

Siddiqui: During your rookie season, Bud Grant returned for one final season. What was your experience playing for him like?

Millard: He scared me! I had so much respect for him. I didn’t want to let him down. He was the reason I went back to Minnesota. It had nothing to do with money. When the USFL ended, he found me at my girlfriend’s house and said “Keith, you’re too heavy and you have one week to get here” I was there two days later. I just signed my contract and got on a plane.

Siddiqui: Many people have compare him to Mike Zimmer. Do you see any similarities?

Millard: No, Bud didn’t have to say much as far as getting on people. He allowed the veterans to carry the tone that coach Grant set. He was a legend, a great leader. Mike Zimmer is a great leader, but different. I definitely could have played for Mike, defensively for sure.