Vikings career:

Cory Withrow has been a developing project for the Vikings. They have continually called him back and allowed him to make the slow ascension up the ranks.

They signed him again during the 2004 offseason as an unrestricted free agent. He will be Pro Bowl center Matt Birk’s primary backup again and could fill in as an emergency long snapper.

2004: Made five starts in place of Matt Birk, who battled a sports hernia for much of the season. Played in another seven games, mostly on special teams, and was inactive for four games. Has started six games in his career, playing in a total of 64.

2003: Was inactive for one game and did not play in seven more. He saw action on offense in one game and returned a squid kick eight yards against Atlanta on Oct. 5.

2002: Saw action in all 16 games, mostly on special teams. Backed up at both guard positions and center. Was used sparingly as a blocking fullback.

2001: Became the primary backup for center Matt Birk. Played in all 16 games, starting one at right guard.

2000: Signed for a third time with the Vikings on March 14. With the parting of Jeff Christy and Randall McDaniel, Withrow was able to find a full-time spot on the Vikings’ 53-man roster. Played in 12 regular-season and two playoff games, mostly on special teams with limited action at center.

1999: Signed again with the Vikings on April 30. This time he made the Vikings’ practice squad after training camp – for a couple months at least. Promoted to the active roster on Oct. 26. However, that promotion put him in even more danger if the Vikings wanted to add others to their active roster. He was waived on Nov. 30, but re-signed to the practice squad a day later and that is where he ended his roller-coaster ride known as 1999.

1998: Began as a free agent offensive lineman out of Washington. First saw NFL practices with the Vikings, eventually being waived on Aug. 30 after attending minicamp and training camp. The Bengals picked him up and he spent time on their practice squad.

College: Withrow played his college ball protecting quarterback Ryan Leaf. The center started the last 34 games of his career and was honored as second-team All-Pac-10 in 1997.