Jim Lindsey, a decorated running back who achieved championships at both the collegiate and professional levels, died Sunday at the age of 81. Whole Hog Sports reported that Lindsey had been battling a lengthy illness.
Lindsey played three seasons for the University of Arkansas from 1963 to 1965, where he was an integral part of the Razorbacks team that secured a national championship in 1964. His performance in college earned him a Second Team All-Southwest Conference selection.
Following his college career, Lindsey was drafted in the second round of both the 1966 NFL Draft by the Minnesota Vikings and the 1966 AFL Draft by the Buffalo Bills. He opted to join the Vikings, spending his entire eight-year professional career with the team. During his time with Minnesota, Lindsey won an NFL championship in 1969.
He served as the special teams captain from 1968 until his retirement. In 84 games with the Vikings, Lindsey accumulated 566 rushing yards and six touchdowns on 178 carries. He also recorded 632 receiving yards and four touchdowns on 56 receptions, and returned 11 kickoffs for 200 yards.
After retiring from professional football, Lindsey transitioned to careers in real estate and philanthropy. His business ventures grew to encompass thousands of apartments and over three dozen golf courses across multiple states. In recognition of his business acumen, he was inducted into the Arkansas Business Hall of Fame in 2010.
Lindsey also ventured into politics, running for governor of Arkansas in 1976, though he lost in the primary election to incumbent David Pryor. He was honored with a place in the Arkansas Sports Hall of Honor in 1987. He also collaborated with former Razorback teammate Jerry Jones, owner of the Dallas Cowboys, on the Jerry Jones/Jim Lindsey Hall of Champions, located within Arkansas’ Broyles Athletic Complex.