Steve Hutchinson: A Difference Maker

Hutchinson was a significant factor in the Vikings improving from 6-10 in his first season to 8-8 in 2007 and 10-6 with a playoff appearance in 2008. The progression led to a 12-4 showing in 2009 when Minnesota advanced to the NFC Championship.

“I just believe it all starts up front. He was a tempo-setter, much like when we got Jon Runyan in Philadelphia,” said Brad Childress, Minnesota’s head coach during that climb. “It changed our whole line. I can say the same thing about Steve being here. It enhances everybody. His toughness is legendary and is legitimate.”

Childress said Hutchinson demonstrated an authentic professionalism that others emulated.

Vikings General Manager Rick Spielman was in his second year as Minnesota’s Vice President of Player Personnel when Hutchinson signed.

“He was a true pro’s pro, and we had a lot of young guys at the time coming into the league,” Spielman said. “Him taking that leadership and them watching him and how he approached the game, how he prepared every week, how he took care of his body and how he played on Sundays. I don’t think there was anyone out there who played as hard as Steve Hutchinson did. When you have a running back like Adrian Peterson at the time, a lot of Adrian’s success, even though he’s a phenomenal athlete and a great running back, you’ve got to give credit to Steve Hutchinson.”

Peterson joined Minnesota in 2007 as a first-round pick and quickly backed it up with help from Hutchinson’s blocks, including Nov. 4 of that year when Peterson rushed for a single-game record of 296 yards against the Chargers. The running back sent a congratulatory video.

“You were durable, you were accountable, you were physical, you were technique sound. You were one of those guys that did it the right way every time you stepped on that field. Your presence was felt,” Peterson said. “When I lined up behind you, I knew when I ran to the left side, I had no worries. That’s just a testament to why you’re in the position you’re in now. I’m so pumped up for you. You deserve it.”