Minnesota Vikings Pay Tribute to George Steinbrenner

George Steinbrenner (deadspin.com)

The Minnesota Vikings paid tribute to the late George Steinbrenner, long-time owner of the New York Yankees, who died early Tuesday morning of a heart attack at his Florida home.

The team released the following statement:

The Minnesota Vikings ownership and organization wish to extend their condolences to the George Steinbrenner family and the New York Yankees on Mr. Steinbrenner’s passing earlier today. As an instrumental figure in Major League Baseball and all of professional sports, Mr. Steinbrenner helped the Yankees develop an uncompromising style in their quest for championships. Under Steinbrenner’s stewardship, Major League Baseball experienced significant growth while the Yankees became a recognizable sports icon throughout the world – the standard for both competitiveness and excellence. Most importantly, Mr. Steinbrenner’s commitment to charitable giving, amateur sports and the United States Olympic Committee became staples of his consistent community outreach. The Vikings thoughts and prayers are with Mr. Steinbrenner’s family and friends.

Steinbrenner’s reach extends far beyond Major League Baseball who will no doubt honor him at tonight’s All Star game.

Driving in to work this morning the local sports station was discussing the Yankee owner’s influence on the likes of Jerry Jones and Daniel Snyder.

They agreed that Al Davis was a beast of his own, George will reserve a seat for him in the owner’s box in the sky.

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