Eden Prairie, MN (July 27, 2016) – The Vikings have signed veteran DTKevin Williams** to a one-day contract and the former All-Pro and member of the 50 Greatest Vikings squad will formally announce his retirement tomorrow.

The former 1st Round selection of the Vikings in 2003 (#9 overall) played in 203 career NFL games with 193 starts in 13 seasons with Minnesota (171/171 from 2003-13), Seattle (16/8 in 2014) and New Orleans (16/14 in 2015). A highly-decorated player with the Vikings, Williams was selected to 6 Pro Bowls and named All-Pro 5 times. His 6 Pro Bowl honors ranks 2nd in Vikings history by a DT behind only Pro Football Hall of Famer Alan Page (9) and matches Hall of Famer John Randle (6). Williams was a Pro Bowler in 2004, '06, '07, '08, '09, '10 and 1st-Team AP All-Pro in 2004, '06, '07, '08 and '09.

Williams is 8th in Vikings history with 60.0 sacks and amassed 63.0 in his NFL career. He started all 9 career playoff games he was in, 6 with the Vikings and 3 with Seattle as they advanced to Super Bowl XLIX. Williams' 171 starts is a Vikings record by a DT, ahead of Alan Page (157) and John Randle (150). He tied an NFL record with 5 INTs by a DT and is tied for tops Vikings history with 4 defensive return TDs (2 INT, 2 FR).

"Kevin was one of the most respected players in Vikings history by his teammates and by opponents," said Vikings GM Rick Spielman. "He set a high standard for himself and led by example instead of words. We thank him for everything he gave the Vikings and the legacy he leaves."

"Kevin Williams was an established team leader when we bought the Vikings and his presence was crucial to our success," said Owner/Chairman Zygi Wilf. "His consistency and durability makes him a Viking for the ages. We wish Kevin and his family all the best as they enjoy retirement."

"I had a great time with the Vikings and appreciate them giving me a chance," Williams said. "They drafted a small town kid from Arkansas and the organization, the city, the whole state really, helped raise me into a man. I appreciate them for that and look forward to coming back and doing some things with the team. My family loved it in Minnesota and will be back a lot. I really thank the Wilf Family and the McCombs Family for all they did for me. I had some great coaches, got to line up with some great players and we did a lot of good things. I look back on that line we had with Pat, Jared, Ray, B-Rob and Fred- I hope we set a standard for how you do things up front."

CAREER STARTS BY VIKINGS DEFENSIVE TACKLES

1)     Kevin Williams                      171

2)     Alan Page                               157

3)     John Randle                            150

CAREER SACKS BY VIKINGS

1)     Carl Eller                                 130.0

2)     Jim Marshall                            127.0

3)     John Randle                            114.0

4)     Alan Page                               108.5

5)     Chris Doleman                         96.5

6)     Jared Allen                              85.5

7)     Doug Martin                             60.5

Kevin Williams                                60.0