.png&width=42&height=42&type=webp)
University of Minnesota Athletics
Triplett Selected By Vikings In Fifth Round
4/24/2010 12:00:00 AM | Football
Former University of Minnesota linebacker Nate Triplett (Delano, Minn.) was selected by the Minnesota Vikings in the fifth round of the National Football League Draft Saturday afternoon.
Triplett finished last season as the Gophers' No. 2 tackler. He racked up 105 tackles, including 5.0 tackles-for-loss, two interceptions, five pass break-ups and two fumble recoveries. Triplett made one of the biggest plays of the 2009 season when he returned a fumble 52 yards for the eventual game-winning touchdown against Air Force in the first game ever at TCF Bank Stadium. Triplett started all 13 games in 2009. He played in 39 total games with 14 starts.
"Staying in Minnesota here has been a dream of mine since I was a little guy," Triplett said. "You live in Minnesota your whole life, and I wanted to be a Gopher since I could walk and I've wanted to be a Viking ever since I knew what football was. It's been a long trip through there, and I'm sure it means a lot to my family as well. They're going to be able to go to a lot more games now that I'm in Minnesota. For me and my family, it means a lot and we're looking forward to a bunch of good years here in Minnesota."
Triplett was the only linebacker selected by the Vikings through the fifth round of the Draft.
Triplett's selection, along with wide receiver Eric Decker going to the Denver Broncos in Friday night's third round, marks the first time since 2006 that multiple Gophers have been drafted by NFL squads.
-UM-
