EAGAN, Minn. — Lonnie Warwick was "tough as they come" on the gridiron and one-of-one as a charismatic character off the field.

Teammates loved the heart he played with while manning the middle of Minnesota's defense in his No. 59 jersey from 1965-72, as well as his sense of humor delivered with his "country" accent.

The Vikings are mourning the loss of the Vikings Legend who passed away Monday at age 82.

Warwick appeared in 92 regular-season games (84 starts) and six postseason contests, including Super Bowl IV. The West Virginia native finished his NFL career by playing two seasons for the Atlanta Falcons where he reconnected with original Vikings Head Coach Norm Van Brocklin.

Flanked by good friends and hunting buddies — No. 60 Roy Winston on his left and No. 58 Wally Hilgenberg on his right — Warwick recorded 12 interceptions, including four in 1969 when the Vikings went 12-2 and led the NFL in points against and yards allowed.

That squad then topped the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns in the playoffs on its way to the franchise's first appearance in a Super Bowl.

Warwick returned to Minnesota in 2019 when the Vikings celebrated the 1969 team, and in September 2022, he sounded the Gjallarhorn as part of Legends Weekend, which included a comeback win against Detroit.

Cornerback Bobby Bryant teamed with Warwick from 1967-72 as part of the Purple People Eaters defense.

"Lonnie was a character and really one of a kind. There was nobody tougher than Lonnie Warwick," said Bryant, who was inducted to the Vikings Ring of Honor earlier this year. "He was a great middle linebacker for us and really sealed up the middle. He was as tough as they come, but he had a fun side too him, too, where he would joke around and tease guys in a good-natured way. He was a team guy all the way, and I know he'll be missed by his family and friends."

Running back Dave Osborn, a member of the 50 Greatest Vikings, was in the same rookie class as Warwick.

"Lonnie was quite a guy. They only made one of him. He was as tough a guy as I've ever met or played with," Osborn said. "He was a country boy if there ever was one. He had the perfect disposition for a middle linebacker, there was no quit in him. He was a great friend, and we'll miss him."

Vikings Send Condolences to John Campbell

The Vikings also are sending condolences to the family of former linebacker John Campbell, a native of Wadena, Minnesota, who passed away in Burnsville on Oct. 21, two weeks after he turned 86.

Campbell was drafted by the Vikings (11^th round of NFL Draft ) and Chiefs (fifth round of AFL Draft) in 1963 out of the University of Minnesota. He was part of the 1960 National Champion Gophers.

In the NFL, Campbell played in 28 games (two starts) for Minnesota from 1963-64 before joining Pittsburgh (1965-69) and starting 46 of 52 games for the Steelers. Campbell finished that season and his career with the Baltimore Colts.

After football, Campbell became a business owner and pastor, leading to a role as a chaplain with the Burnsville Police and Fire corps.