Biekert Retires

Greg Biekert came to the Vikings under the wrong circumstances. He officially leaves the Vikings less than two years later with a legacy that is fitting of the man -- productive and emblematic of what an NFL player should be.

On Wednesday, a sad day in Vikings history came and went. Linebacker Greg Biekert announced his retirement from the game after 11 seasons -- nine with the Raiders and the last two with the Vikings.

The handwriting was on the wall a year ago when the Vikings had E.J. Henderson land in their laps in the second round. But, Biekert -- ever the professional -- accepted his role as mentor.

From ESPN to the Twin Cities media, Biekert's retirement has been viewed as an inevitable -- something not met with the reverence it should be. Biekert was a professional -- from start to finish.

In a league lacking for honest quotes when things are going bad, Biekert was a breath of fresh air -- and will be missed.

THURSDAY NOTES
* Wednesday's final developmental practice before Friday's official start of minicamp was cut short by rain.
* The foot injury to Randy Moss may be more serious than the team is letting on. Moss has indicated he may not be 100 percent all season -- but Moss at 80 percent is better than most go-to guys at 100 percent.