Kirk Lowdermilk is a former NFL player who played as an offensive lineman during the 1980s and 1990s. He was best known for his time with the Minnesota Vikings, where he played primarily as a center and was part of a solid offensive line that helped protect the Vikings’ quarterbacks and block for their running game. Lowdermilk’s consistency and strength made him an important contributor to the Vikings’ offensive success during his career.

Early Life and College Career

Kirk Douglas Lowdermilk was born on December 28, 1962, in Indianapolis, Indiana. He attended Carmel High School in Carmel, Indiana, where he was an outstanding athlete in football. Lowdermilk played both offensive and defensive positions in high school, excelling as a player.

He went on to play college football at the University of Iowa, where he became a standout offensive lineman for the Iowa Hawkeyes. During his time at Iowa, Lowdermilk earned recognition as one of the top centers in college football and developed a reputation for his intelligence and technical skills on the field.

NFL Career

Minnesota Vikings (1984–1992)

Kirk Lowdermilk was selected by the Minnesota Vikings in the 2nd round of the 1984 NFL Draft (40th overall). He spent the majority of his NFL career with the Vikings, playing for them from 1984 to 1992.

• Starting Role: Lowdermilk quickly earned a starting role as the team’s center, taking over the position in his rookie season. His ability to read defenses, block effectively in both the running and passing games, and provide leadership on the offensive line made him an indispensable part of the team.
• Durability and Leadership: Over the course of his career with the Vikings, Lowdermilk became known for his durability and consistency. He was a reliable player who could be counted on to anchor the offensive line, and his leadership helped shape the line’s success. He played in 143 games for the Vikings, starting in 125 of them.
• Pro Bowl Selections: During his time with the Vikings, Lowdermilk earned two Pro Bowl selections (in 1990 and 1991), which recognized his excellence as one of the top centers in the league. He was also named All-Pro during multiple seasons for his superior play.
• Offensive Line Success: As a part of the Vikings’ offensive line, Lowdermilk helped pave the way for some of the team’s most productive seasons in the 1980s and early 1990s. The team had notable offensive talent, including quarterback Wade Wilson and running back Terry Allen.
• Key Seasons: The Vikings made the playoffs in multiple seasons during Lowdermilk’s tenure, and in the early 1990s, the team reached the NFC Championship Game in 1987, although they fell short of the Super Bowl.

Post-Vikings Career

Lowdermilk played his final NFL season with the Indianapolis Colts in 1993, marking the end of his 10-year career in the NFL. After retiring, he moved on to other ventures, including some time spent in the financial industry and other business-related activities. While his time with the Colts was brief, his legacy as a stalwart offensive lineman with the Vikings remained a significant part of his career.

Playing Style and Legacy

• Durability and Consistency: Lowdermilk’s greatest strength was his ability to play at a high level for nearly a decade in the NFL. As a center, he was responsible for both blocking and making calls on the offensive line, and his smart, quick decision-making made him one of the best at his position.
• Leadership: Throughout his career, Lowdermilk was a leader on the offensive line, helping young players develop and contributing to a solid line unit that was crucial to the Vikings’ success.
• Reputation: While Lowdermilk wasn’t as widely recognized as some of the more high-profile offensive linemen of his era, he was highly respected within the league and by his teammates for his tough, no-nonsense style of play.

Career Highlights and Achievements

• Pro Bowls: 2-time Pro Bowl selection (1990, 1991)
• All-Pro Selections: Multiple All-Pro honors
• Games Played: 143 games played in his career
• Vikings Career: Served as a key part of the Vikings’ offensive line from 1984 to 1992

Summary

• Position: Center
• NFL Teams: Minnesota Vikings (1984–1992), Indianapolis Colts (1993)
• Pro Bowls: 2-time selection
• Career: 143 games, 125 starts
• Legacy: Lowdermilk was a durable and reliable center who played an integral role in the Vikings’ offensive line during the 1980s and early 1990s. His leadership, consistency, and technical ability made him a key contributor to the team’s success during his career. Though not always in the spotlight, his excellence as a center earned him Pro Bowl honors and the respect of his peers.

Kirk Lowdermilk’s legacy is cemented as one of the best centers to play for the Minnesota Vikings, and he remains a respected figure for his contributions to the franchise during the 1980s and 1990s.